Brussels, 17/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 16 July 2012, the European Commission cleared the planned acquisition of joint control over a newly established joint venture by Airbus SAS of France, part of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. (EADS) of the Netherlands, and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI). The joint venture will produce a pilot-controlled semi-robotic tugging tractor for aircraft, called Taxibot. Taxibot is an innovative product that can be connected to large commercial aircraft so as to allow a plane' pilot to taxi to and from the runway using the plane' controls while relying on Taxibot' engine and fuel. An aircraft using Taxibot would be able to start its engines just before take-off and cut them just after landing. This is expected to reduce jet fuel consumption, providing environmental benefits and operational efficiencies. Target customers are airports, ground handling service providers, leasing companies and airlines. The Commission examined whether competition concerns could arise from the proposed transaction as a result of the strong position of Airbus in the closely related market for the supply of aircraft. However, the Commission found that the proposed transaction would not give rise to the shutting out of rivals in the supply of new alternative taxiing solutions or the supply of aircraft. (FG/transl.fl)