[October 19, 2020] [No. 078] In This Issue : Boeing Forecasts Challenging Near-Term Aerospace Market with Resilience in Long Term : ProSafeT - SMS, Quality & Audit Management Software : SAS takes delivery of Airbus aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel : Neste, Recycling Technologies and Unilever combine expertise to test and validate systems to recycle waste plastics chemically : Applications open for second year of Captain Judy Cameron scholarship : Reps begin review of aviation laws Tuesday : 5 ways the aviation sector is using AR/VR : Astronics Enhanced Vision Systems receives U.S. and Canadian approval for AS350s : Hamilton International Airport operating at Christmas-peak levels of cargo throughout pandemic : Former RAF fighter pilots using drones to fly Covid-19Test and Trace samples to hospitals : SpaceX snub: Russia's new Amur rocket sparks claims of 'stolen' Falcon 9 design Boeing Forecasts Challenging Near-Term Aerospace Market with Resilience in Long Term - Near-term industry challenges impact demand for commercial airplanes and services - Over 10 years, Boeing Market Outlook shows resilient $8.5 trillion total market CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today released its annual forecast for the commercial and defense aerospace market, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Boeing's view of near-, medium- and long-term market dynamics. The 2020 Boeing Market Outlook (BMO) projects that the commercial aviation and services markets will continue to face significant challenges due to the pandemic, while global defense and government services markets remain more stable. "While this year has been unprecedented in terms of its disruption to our industry, we believe that aerospace and defense will overcome these near-term challenges, return to stability and emerge with strength," said Boeing Chief Strategy Officer Marc Allen. The BMO forecasts a total market value of $8.5 trillion over the next decade including demand for aerospace products and services. The forecast is down from $8.7 trillion a year ago due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines globally have begun to recover from a greater than 90% decline in passenger traffic and revenue early this year, but a full recovery will take years, according to the outlook. The 2020 Boeing Market Outlook includes projected demand for 18,350 commercial airplanes in the next decade – 11% lower than the comparable 2019 forecast – valued at about $2.9 trillion. In the longer term, with key industry drivers expected to remain stable, the commercial fleet is forecasted to return to its growth trend, generating demand for more than 43,000 new airplanes in the 20-year forecast time period. The BMO also projects a $2.6 trillion market opportunity for defense and space during the next decade. This spending projection reflects the ongoing importance of military aircraft, autonomous systems, satellites, spacecraft and other products to national and international defense. This demand continues to be global in nature with 40 percent of expenditures expected to originate outside of the United States. While near-term commercial services demand is lower, the BMO forecasts a $3 trillion market opportunity for commercial and government services through 2029, with digital solutions emerging as a critical enabler as customers focus on leaner operations to adjust to future market demand. Life cycle services and support will help customers scale their operations to meet efficiency and cost objectives aligned to market recovery trends. As the impact of the pandemic continues, Boeing is taking action to reshape its business operations to adapt to the new market reality and become more resilient for the long term. This business transformation includes every element of Boeing's enterprise, including infrastructure, overhead and organization, portfolio and investments, supply chain health and operational excellence. Also released today, the 2020 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), an annual 20-year forecast addressing the market for commercial airplanes and services, projects an increase in the share of deliveries replacing older passenger aircraft that are being retired in an accelerated replacement cycle, especially in the first decade. "Commercial aviation is facing historic challenges this year, significantly affecting near- and medium-term demand for airplanes and services," said Darren Hulst, vice president, Commercial Marketing. "Yet history has also proven air travel to be resilient time and again. The current disruption will inform airline fleet strategies long into the future, as airlines focus on building versatile fleets, networks and business model innovations that deliver the most capability and greatest efficiency at the lowest risk for sustainable growth." The commercial forecast includes: • Over the next 20 years, passenger traffic growth is projected to increase by an average of 4% per year. • The global commercial fleet is expected to reach 48,400 by 2039, up from 25,900 airplanes today. During this period, Asia will continue to expand its share of the world's fleet, accounting for nearly 40% of the fleet compared to about 30% today. • Single-aisle airplanes such as the 737 MAX will continue to be the largest market segment, with operators projected to need 32,270 new airplanes in the next 20 years. Single-aisle demand will recover sooner due to its key role in short-haul routes and domestic markets as well as passenger preference for point-to-point service. • In the widebody market, Boeing forecasts demand for 7,480 new passenger airplanes by 2039. Widebody demand will be affected by a slower recovery in long-haul markets – typical after air-travel shocks – as well as uncertainties from COVID-19's impact on international travel. • Air cargo demand, a relative bright spot in 2020, is expected to grow 4% annually and generate further demand for 930 new widebody production freighters and 1,500 converted freighters over the forecast period. Airplane demand, 2020-2039 The global airplane fleet will continue to generate demand for aviation services, including parts and supply chain; engineering, modifications and maintenance; training and professional services; and digital solutions and analytics. The served market for commercial services is valued at $1.6 trillion, and $1.4 trillion for government services. "Boeing is focused on making sure that the right services solutions are available to help our customers and industry navigate the downturn and scale their operations accordingly as near-term demand trends upward. For example, low-cost digital solutions can help manage some of the most critical and dynamic aspects of operations, such as crew scheduling," said Eric Strafel, vice president, Boeing Global Services Strategy. Around the world, the long-term need for commercial pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew remains robust. Boeing's 2020 Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that the civil aviation industry will need nearly 2.4 million new aviation personnel between now and 2039. The Commercial Market Outlook is the longest-running jet forecast and is regarded as the most comprehensive analysis of the commercial aviation industry. The CMO and other Boeing market forecasts can be found at https://www.boeing.com/market. Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty Certain statements in this release may be "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "forecasts," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future plans, business prospects, financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions about future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual events to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including economic conditions in the United States and globally, general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any such statement, except as required by law. Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth. Contact media@boeing.com SOURCE Boeing https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-forecasts-challenging-near-term-aerospace-market-with-resilience-in-long-term-301146753.html SAS takes delivery of Airbus aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel Scandinavian carrier SAS took delivery of three Airbus aircraft that used 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The three A321LR are on lease from Air Lease Corporation and SAS becomes the newest operator of the most efficient long-haul single aisle aircraft. The A321LR is powered by CFM Leap-1A engines. The delivery flight from Airbus Hamburg to its home base in Copenhagen used a proportion of SAF. The initiative is part of SAS’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and Airbus’ objective to contributing to the aviation sector’s ambitious decarbonisation targets. Airbus is the first aircraft manufacturer offering customers the option of receiving new jetliners with sustainable fuel. Such delivery flights have been available since 2016. SAS’s A321 features a modern and highly comfortable three-class cabin layout with 157 seats. The airline plans to deploy the aircraft from the Nordic countries on transatlantic routes. The A321LR, a member of the A320neo Family, delivers 30% fuel savings and nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. With a range of up to 4,000nm (7,400km) the A321LR is the unrivalled long-range route opener. The airline operates an Airbus fleet of 76 aircraft comprising 63 A320 Family, 9 A330 Family aircraft, and four new generation aircraft A350 XWB. At the end of September 2020, the A320neo Family had received 7,450 firm orders from over 110 customers worldwide. https://biofuels-news.com/news/sas-takes-delivery-of-airbus-aircraft-using-sustainable-aviation-fuel/ Neste, Recycling Technologies and Unilever combine expertise to test and validate systems to recycle waste plastics chemically Recycling Technologies, a specialist plastic recycling technology provider; Neste, the leading provider of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and a forerunner in drop-in renewable and circular chemical solutions; and Unilever, the consumer goods manufacturer, will collaborate to develop further and to harness chemical recycling to recover and to reuse plastic packaging that is currently either incinerated, buried in landfill or exported from the UK. A joint project involving these three companies has been awarded a £3.1-million grant (US$4 million) from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop chemical recycling by combining the expertise of these global leaders in their respective business areas to make hard-to-recycle plastic packaging recyclable. In this three-year project, Recycling Technologies will take waste plastic packaging and process it using its RT7000 proprietary technology to turn it into a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock called Plaxx. The machine uses thermal cracking, which breaks down the long chains of polymers into shorter chains through the use of heat in the absence of oxygen. Plaxx is not intended for use as fuel. It is a building block in the circular economy and the plastics value chain, providing post-consumer recycled content for new plastic products in line with governmental targets. This material will then be delivered to Neste to analyze and test its quality and suitability for further upgrading it into high-quality drop-in feedstock for the production of new, virgin-quality plastics, such as plastic packaging. Unilever, joining an already well-established collaboration between Recycling Technologies and Neste, will bring insight on design for recycling for packaging. The grant will help assist, support and refine the testing and any improvement of Recycling Technologies’ chemical recycling plant being built currently at Binn Farm in Perthshire, Scotland. This collaboration will allow the company to improve its systems to process waste plastic optimally to upgrade the Plaxx so it can be easily further refined at Neste’s facilities into high-quality feedstock for the manufacture of new plastics. The alliance will demonstrate new added-value applications for hard-to-recycle waste plastic materials, such as films, sachets and pouches, using them to create output that can be used to make new packaging. Neste has extensive experience of handling low-quality waste and residue raw materials, such as renewable waste and residue oils and fats, and processing them into high-quality products. Neste is committed to developing scalable solutions to accelerate plastics recycling with several partners and aims to introduce liquefied plastic waste as a refinery raw material to replace fossil oil use in the production of feedstock for new plastics. Its collaboration with Recycling Technologies enables Neste to accelerate the development of one of the very promising chemical recycling technologies. https://www.greencarcongress.com/2020/10/20201018-neste.html Applications open for second year of Captain Judy Cameron scholarship Air Canada is pleased to announce that the application process for the second annual Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship, established in honour of the airline’s first female pilot with the goal of helping the next generation of women follow in her trailblazing footsteps, is now open. The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. “The aviation industry has undergone drastic changes over the last few months. Encouraging the next generation of girls and young women to pursue their aviation dreams is as important as ever. Air Canada remains committed to championing equal opportunities for all qualified people. Last year, four pilots-in-training benefitted from this scholarship and we look forward to selecting the next honourees,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, executive VP, chief human resources and communications officer at Air Canada. “Many capable and qualified women work at Air Canada as pilots flying the most sophisticated aircraft globally, as engineers maintaining technologically advanced airplanes and systems, and in specialized, multidisciplinary airline operations. At Air Canada, there is no glass ceiling. Women hold C-suite, executive and senior management roles across our airline.” “The scholarship is probably the biggest honour in my entire life. Air Canada decided that they would do a $20,000 a year scholarship, to be divided amongst selected applicants who are pursuing a career either as pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers,” said Captain Judy Cameron. “And I think it’s just wonderful that they want to support diversity in this business. It is geared towards women who might not otherwise be able to pursue the career. I think it’s gratifying, it’s heartwarming. It makes me very proud.” Earlier this year, the first recipients of the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship were named, four young women who are in the process of completing their flight training to become pilots: Olivia White, Rebecca Beylerian, Urooj Ali and Yasna Taieb. “This scholarship has provided me with immense financial support. Just recently, I completed my night rating and I’m currently working on finishing my Commercial Pilot’s License,” said Urooj Ali, who is in her second year of Geography and Aviation at the University of Waterloo, and currently flies out of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre. “Both of these are being supported by the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship. This scholarship allows me to put aside my financial worries and instead just focus on flying and my aviation career.” “The scholarship has helped, not only financially, but just through the support of having organizations and people and pilots that are there to support you as a woman in aviation, working towards their career,” said Olivia White, who is working toward her Commercial Pilot License at the University of Windsor and Journey Air Flight Centre. “I also met some really fantastic pilots, be that captains from Air Canada, as well as other recipients of the award. We’re still in touch. It was an honour to meet them all.” You can learn more about last year’s winners in this video. Judy Cameron became the first female pilot hired by Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, in April 1978 at the age of 23. She was the first woman to graduate from Selkirk College’s Aviation Technology Program in 1975. Throughout her flying career of 40 years and over 23,000 hours, she has flown the DC-3, Twin Otter, Hawker Siddeley 748, DC-9, Lockheed 1011, Airbus 320, Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 to the far corners of the world. She became a captain in 1997 and in 2010, she became the first female captain in Canada of a Boeing 777, the largest aircraft in Air Canada’s fleet. She retired in 2015, received the Elsie MacGill Northern Lights award in the Flight Operations category that year, and in 2016 she was chosen by the 99s (International Organization of Women Pilots) to be on its Canadian postage stamp. This is the second year of Air Canada’s three-year commitment to awarding $20,000 per year for the scholarship. The Captain Judy Cameron scholarship targets young women in pursuit of non-traditional aviation careers as commercial pilots or aircraft maintenance engineers who may not have the financial means to do so. Applications for the scholarship are open and will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2020. It will be open to all women who are Canadian citizens who have been accepted or are enrolled in a post-secondary aviation flight program or aircraft repair and maintenance program. Those selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by Jan. 18, 2021. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/applications-open-for-second-year-of-captain-judy-cameron-scholarship/ Reps begin review of aviation laws Tuesday The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation will on Tuesday, October 20, commence amendments to six Civil Aviation Acts. A three-day public hearing has been declared for the six executive bills brought to the National Assembly. The Bills, seek to amend the laws establishing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT) Zaria, Air Accident Investigation Bureau, (AIB) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET). The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, said “aviation as a dynamic industry requires constant review of enabling status to ensure that the country keeps to standard. “I understand that the last review was done about fourteen years ago (2006) and l can tell you that within this period a lot of changes have happened, globally and this must have necessitated the proposed review from the Executive arm,”. Nnaji, therefore appealed to the “critical stakeholders and the members of the public especially the frequent air travellers/ aviation community to make time to either attend or send well-articulated memoranda that will guide the legislators in amending the Acts”. According to him, the amendment “would engender robust debate and discussions that will at the end of the day prepare grounds for qualitative amendment Bills that will reposition the country’s air transport sector for a greater future”. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/reps-begin-review-of-aviation-laws-tuesday/ 5 ways the aviation sector is using AR/VR With virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technology advancing by the day, different sectors are looking at new and interesting ways to incorporate the tech into their operations. We've already looked at some of these implementations in the workplace, as well as in the healthcare sector. With the augmented and virtual reality market in aviation projected to grow from $78 million in 2019 to $1.372 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 61.2% during the forecast period, we realized this would be the perfect sector to be exploring next for our article series. So, here are 5 ways AR and VR are being used in the aviation field. 1. Pilot training Perhaps the most well-known use of the technology in the sector, VR-use for training has been prevalent for quite a while now. Taking a page out of the simulator book, VR takes the simulation to the next level with 360-degree pseudo-realistic perspective, complete with peripheral vision and the perspective experience of being in a cockpit. From a cost and time-perspective as well, VR training for both commercial and military pilots easily comes out on top. "In April 2019, the U.S. Air Force launched a new VR training program called Pilot Training Next. A class of 30 students used VR headsets and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) biometrics equipment instead of exorbitantly-expensive flight simulators," AR/VR Learning & Training Platform Circuit Stream writes. "Typically, a legacy simulator for traditional pilot training costs around $4.5 million. The VR flight training program was just $1,000 per unit. "Standard pilot training takes about one year to complete. In the VR-complimented Air Force class, 13 pilots graduated from the class within four months, achieving certification to fly in less than half the normal time, at a fraction of the cost." 2. Ground operations training Ground operations in the field of aviation refer to the maintenance and handling of aircraft before they even make it out to the runway. During 2017, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of RampVR, the industry’s first virtual reality (VR) training platform for ground operations. “Improving ramp safety and reducing damage to aircraft and ground equipment through better education and training is an industry priority, but training in this extremely active environment can be a challenge. RampVR allows users to safely immerse themselves in ramp operations and experience a variety of scenarios in different operating conditions. RampVR also provides users with built-in metrics to track their performance, and real-time access to key reference material,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Director for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security Products. 3. Engineering VR and AR also have implementations in the realm of aerospace engineering. Perhaps not too far off from a similar application in other mechanical fields like in the automotive industry, for example, VR can allow engineers to previsualize a project, be it an plane, engine, or other feature, before plans are even sent out to the factory. This not only cuts on costs and saves time that would be wasted on trial and error attempts, it also gives engineers the opportunity to experiment in ways that a strictly physical world would not. 4. Cabin entertainment Not all VR/AR implementations in the aviation field need apply to the technical and logistical side of things. Just like in our everyday life, VR/AR headsets offer great entertainment opportunities for passengers stuck on a crowded flight. From giving passengers access to a 360-degree live feed camera attached to the outside of a plane, to transporting them to entirely virtual worlds, the sky is truly the limit with this one. 5. Helping solve flying phobias Flying phobia, or aviophobia, continues to plague many people around the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 2.5% to 6.5% of the population of the US have a flight phobia, as cited by TIME magazine. VR headsets pose the perfect opportunity to help cure aviophobia, as we've seen their successful use in treating other fears such as that of spiders, heights, and animals like dogs. VR therefore act as an extra tool medical professionals have in their arsenal in the implementation of exposure therapy, which naturally extends to fears of flying. One app addressing this is called 'Flight," which wants to help aviophobes get over their fear by simulating the experience of being at an airport, boarding a plane, and sitting through a flight. https://www.ameinfo.com/industry/tech-and-mobility/5-ways-the-aviation-sector-is-using-ar-vr Astronics Enhanced Vision Systems receives U.S. and Canadian approval for AS350s Astronics Corporation a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, has announced that the United States and Canada have approved its Max-Viz 1400 and 1200 Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 Écureuil. In cooperation with AVIO dg in Calgary, Alberta, Astronics obtained the supplemental type certificates for its Max-Viz 1400 and 1200 EVS from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for approved models which are the Airbus Astar AS350 B, AS350 B1, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS350 BA, and AS350 BD. Our EVS is perfectly suited for aerial firefighting, heli-skiing, search and rescue, and utility operations. The Astronics Max-Viz technology provides pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and safety,” stated Tom Geiger, Max-Viz business unit director for Astronics. “We worked closely with AVIO dg to get this terrific technology approved for daily missions on AS350s,” he added. Astronics’ Max-Viz 1200 and 1400 systems are lightweight, solid-state, low power, and feature an uncooled thermal camera. The sensor image displays on any cockpit equipment that accepts NTSC or PAL/Analog RS-170 video signals, including MFDs (multi-function displays), PFDs (primary flight displays) or on standalone displays depending on aircraft configurations. Astronics’ Max-Viz EVS provides improved safety through enhanced vision, enabling pilots to see more precisely in adverse weather conditions, such as haze, smoke, smog, and light fog, even on the darkest night. In addition, pilots can detect and avoid clouds for a smoother ride. While landing, pilots using the Max-Viz EVS can identify the runway and view the terrain clearly to avoid wildlife and unlit obstructions. The FAA permits properly equipped aircraft to fly certain Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) approaches to landing, in lieu of natural vision. Of the over 3,500 installed Astronics Max-Vis EVS systems, approximately 60 percent are on fixed-wing general aviation aircraft and 40 percent are operating on rotor wing aircraft. With supplemental and type certificates in both aircraft types, Astronics offers products built on more than 15 years of success in enhanced vision systems https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/astronics-enhanced-vision-systems-receives-u-s-and-canadian-approval-for-as350s/ Hamilton International Airport operating at Christmas-peak levels of cargo throughout pandemic Hamilton's international airport has been running at levels normally only seen at Christmas time for cargo traffic throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport measures cargo through a maximum takeoff weight, which includes the airplane and the goods it carries. That weight is up 20 per cent, said director of business development Dina Carlucci, as compared to this same time last year. "These cargo carriers have been told that, anecdotally, they're operating at Christmas-peak levels since the pandemic started," she said. The increase is partly due to the rise in people shopping online, Carlucci explained. It's also been bolstered by the movement of medical supplies needed to fight COVID-19 throughout the region. She added that some of the airport's tenants, like Cargojet, DHL, UPS, and Purolator, were all thriving because of the growth of e-commerce, even before the pandemic. The result is 10 per cent more landings year-to-date in Hamilton. Passenger traffic down 60 per cent as of September The figures don't include the year's end, which is an already busy time for cargo carriers, with events like Amazon Prime Day (which recently passed), Costco Black Friday, and Christmas itself. "They're preparing for record numbers as it relates to [the end of the year]," Carlucci said. As of June 30, there was a 6.5 per cent increase in cargo related-revenue. The airport is Canada's fourth-largest cargo airport and largest overnight express cargo airport. It hit 80 years old on Oct. 14. But to no real surprise, passenger levels have decreased. Carlucci said the drop is around 60 per cent as of September. January and February numbers were stellar starts, she said, which seemed to put the airport on track to hit one million passenger trips this year. But when March came, flight and quarantine restrictions changed the reality. She anticipates that passengers will tally around 65 or 70 per cent down by the end of the year. Compared to other airports, Carlucci says Hamilton is a bit more optimistic, partially due to the success of Swoop this past summer. Despite a reduced schedule, she said, their flights have gone out relatively full. She expects low-cost, leisure travel — and not business travel — to bounce back first. "Customers are obviously gravitating toward that option if they're choosing to fly," she said. While the company is maintaining service in Hamilton, Swoop announced that it is moving flights to Toronto Pearson Airport. Carlucci said the move is "leaving a gap" with the airport looking at ways to "minimize layoffs" and re-structure. She said the airport hasn't embarked on anything yet, but "restructuring might be something we have to exercise." The airport confirmed there has been no layoffs up to this point. Instead, it placed a hiring freeze and stopped back-filling some vacancies. The airport doesn't have any concerns about increased demand when the holidays arrive. One effect of the reduced number of passengers, Carlucci said, is that there's more room for cargo (though if passengers were to return, she said it still wouldn't be an issue.) Airport construction The four-year, $39-million runway and taxiway construction project, partially funded by the federal government, completed year two earlier in October after being given the green-light to continue throughout the pandemic. It restores the two main runways, taxiways and the airport's lightning system. Also in construction on site: DHL is building a $110-million, 200,000-square foot facility for cargo traffic, which is expected to be finished in 2021. KF Aerospace is also opening a $65-million, 240,000-square foot wide body hangar to service mechanical needs of aircraft. They've partnered with Mohawk College to use the space as a centre for aviation technology, opening in time for next semester. Amazon is also building a fulfilment centre in Mount Hope on adjacent lands that neighbour the airport. It's scheduled to open in 2021 and sits just outside the airport's boundaries. Another will be built in Stoney Creek. Carlucci says she believes the company's priority is to first and foremost get the warehouse built, but anticipates their location isn't a coincidence. "One could only deduce that that move suggests that they want airfield access," she said. "But we have not been officially asked about that." https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/john-c-munro-hamilton-international-airport-cargo-passengers-1.5764863 Former RAF fighter pilots using drones to fly Covid-19Test and Trace samples to hospitals Some of the best pilots in the UK are flying Covid-19 Test and Trace samples by drones in a pioneering move to ease pressure on the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic crisis. It can now be revealed that the drones are being piloted by former RAF, Royal Navy and combat helicopter pilots who are recognised as the top drone trainers in the UK and all work for leading unmanned aircraft training company Flyby Technology (www.flybydronetraining.co.uk) which is based in York. Flyby founder Jon Parker, himself a former RAF fighter pilot, said: “We are talking about the kind of aerial innovation here that has been missing since the days of the Apollo space missions and it has moved forward exceptionally quickly over the last few months. We are learning some great lessons from our successes so far.” Flyby Technology is part of the British Drone Consortium which is flying live Covid samples to laboratories from hospitals and tests sites in support of NHS Test and Trace. Jon said: “It’s a privilege for the British Drone Consortium to be called upon in the NHS’ hour of need. The drones are supplementing current logistics, keeping the testing machines operating to capacity. This makes the whole system more efficient, bringing to bear the full capacity of the testing infrastructure.” The drones will also carry test kits and personal protection equipment between hospitals and will mean delivery can be quick, reducing pressure on NHS staff, avoidingunnecessary physical contact and minimising the risk of secondary transmission of the virus. The first project is based at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and is being run by a company called Apian Ltd founded by clinical entrepreneurs and doctors Hammad Jeilani and Christopher Law. Apian is installing ‘dronepad’ infrastructure so remote-controlled aircraft can take-off and land onto hospitals, laboratories and warehouses. Christopher Law from Apian said:“Covid-19 has highlighted challenges in NHS supply chain logistics. There has never been a better time to create a faster, more dependable and environmentally friendly method of transporting medical supplies. We are confident that by setting up a medical drone delivery service we’ll be able to fly samples to labs more regularly, reliably and quickly, improving patient health outcomes.” Apian is working with the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK Space Agency and the emergency services to provide a network of secure air corridors designed to safely, rapidly and effectively allow drone delivery across the NHS. A government spokesman said: “While Apian’s current task to rapidly deliver Covid-19 samples and PPE is in line with both Government and NHS priorities, NHS England anticipates that the recovery phase of this pandemic can significantly benefit from drones delivering other medical payloads including equipment, medications, blood packs and more. “Therefore, investing in their solution will continue to provide the NHS with an enhanced logistics system even after the pandemic is behind us.” https://www.suasnews.com/2020/10/former-raf-fighter-pilots-using-drones-to-fly-covid-19test-and-trace-samples-to-hospitals/ SpaceX snub: Russia's new Amur rocket sparks claims of 'stolen' Falcon 9 design The Falcon 9 has cemented SpaceX's place in the spaceflight industry when in 2015 it became the first rocket to launch into space and safely land back on Earth. Since then, SpaceX has remained the only company to maintain a fleet of reusable rockets, although Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin is slowly catching up with its New Shepard boosters. Russia's state space agency Roscosmos has now joined the fray, unveiling plans to develop a reusable, methane-powered rocket that strongly resembles the Falcon 9. The Amur is a two-stage, medium-class carrier launch vehicle touted as Russia's "first reusable liquid natural gas-powered" rocket. Roscosmos aims to launch each rocket up to 100 times, bringing them back for vertical landings along the Sea of Okhotsk in eastern Russia. According to Alexander Bloshenko, Roscosmos executive director for long-term programs and science, the Amur will "reliable, like a Kalashnikov assault rifle." And at first glance, the Amur appears to be eerily similar to the Falcon 9. Both rockets feature latticed control fins mounted towards the top of the rocket's first stage. The Amur also features folding landing legs similar to those found on the Falcon 9. The design similarities have led to claims the Amur is a carbon-copy of the Falcon 9. One person said on Instagram: "Bro, don't be copying Falcon-9s like that." A second commented on Roscosmos's page: "Stop stealing SpaceX's rockets." Other people suggested the design was "oddly familiar" or "inspired by Elon". However, there are some key differences between the two rockets that make the Amur stand out. The Russian rocket will be considerably smaller and less powerful than the Falcon 9. Once complete, Amur will stand at about 180ft (55m) in height, compared to Falcon 9's 208ft (63m). Amur will also carry up to 11.6 tons worth of payload into low-Earth orbit (LEO), compared to Falcon 9's lofty 25.1 tons. Amur's booster stage will also feature five RD-0169A methane-oxygen engines, compared to SpaceX's nine liquid oxygen and kerosene Merlin engines. And the rocket is still in its design phase, with the first launch expected no earlier than in 2026. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, 49, welcomed the news and urged Roscosmos to go fully reusable with its rockets. He tweeted: "It's a step in the right direction, but they should really aim for full reusability by 2026. "Larger rocket would also make sense for literal economies of scale. "Goal should be to minimise cost per useful ton to orbit or it will at best serve a nice market." Because of its smaller size and payload capabilities, the Amur will also be much cheaper to launch - about £17million ($22million). For comparison, Falcon 9's cost between £38million and £46million ($50million and $60million) per launch. https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1349458/spacex-news-russia-roscosmos-amur-rocket-falcon-9-spacex-latest-evg Curt Lewis