Count on a new fuel-saving technology developed by a European company to become standard equipment on new airlines.
The technology, developed by Gibralter-based WheelTug Inc., allows aircraft to back away from gates and move along taxiways without firing up the aircraft's engines.
WheelTug's technology saves airlines the four-gallons-per-minute fuel costs of idling jet engines, reduces pollution and greenhouse gases emitted by those engines as well as eliminating the need for expensive aircraft tugs.
Boeing's Phantom Works division has been involved with WheelTug for several years perfecting the technology. Two years ago, WheelTug tested a prototype of its system on an Air Canada Boeing 767 at a hot Arizona airport.
