June 7, 2021 - No. 44 In This Issue : Boeing Partners with Alaskan Airlines for Test Flights Featuring New Technology : Aviation Industry Invest in Hydrogen Engine Technology to Make Flying Green : Rolls-Royce starts ground testing of 2.5MW hybrid-electric system for aircraft : Efficiency Gains in Ground Handling : New tech of inflatable hangars poised to take off in Indian aircraft maintenance industry : MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg Celebrates 30th Anniversary : Inclusive green recovery for aviation highlighted by ICAO at P4G Summit : New communications technology for Colombia’s ATC towers : Qatar Airways Group highlights environmental sustainability initiatives for World Environment Day : RATIOS: a new approach to cabin design : 128 Baby Squid in space for SpaceX and NASA space exploration Boeing Partners with Alaskan Airlines for Test Flights Featuring New Technology Jun. 5—NEW DELHI — Boeing Co. and Alaskan Airlines are, in coming months, set to test new aviation technologies, which include a halon-free fire-extinguishing agent that reduces effects on the ozone layer, engine nacelle designed to reduce noise, and cabin sidewalls made of recycled materials, as a part of the Chicago-headquartered company's ecoDemonstrator program. The flights will test about 20 new technologies on a new Boeing 737-9 and the aircraft will be configured as a passenger service plane, after the completion of tests, before being delivered to Alaskan Airlines. "We have a long history of working with Boeing to advance aviation technology, safety and fuel efficiency," said Diana Birkett Rakow, Alaska Airlines' vice president, public affairs and sustainability. "This work with Boeing to accelerate innovation on the ecoDemonstrator program enables us to contribute to a more sustainable future for our global community," she added. In five months of ecoDemonstrator flight tests, Boeing and Alaska will work with nine other partners to test new technologies. The ecoDemonstrator test flights are flown on special aviation fuel (SAF), a blend of petroleum-based and sustainable aviation fuel that reduces life-cycle CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Some of the technologies Boeing has implemented on its aircraft from its past ecoDemonstrator test flights include advanced technology winglets on the 737 MAX family planes that reduce fuel use and emissions, iPad apps providing real-time weather and other data to pilots, a camera system on the new 777X aircraft that will enhance safety by helping pilots avoid obstacles on the ground. " Boeing put additional emphasis on sustainability in 2020 to align with our stakeholder and business priorities as well as our values," Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer, Chris Raymond said in a statement. "Through our collaboration with industry partners, the ecoDemonstrator program is a great example of our commitment to work together to make flying safer and more sustainable for current and future generations," he added. Boeing had in January said it is working towards having all its commercial airplanes capable and certified to fly completely on SAF by 2030. Its ecoDemonstrator 777 Freighter test flight in 2018 was the world's first commercial airliner flight completely on sustainable fuel. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/commercial-airline/news/21225665/boeing-partners-with-alaskan-airlines-for-test-flights-featuring-new-technology Aviation Industry Invest in Hydrogen Engine Technology to Make Flying Green The aviation industry has been thinking about sustainable technology for some time. As global emissions continue to soar, the need for change is glaringly clear. To this end, the industry is investing heavily in hydrogen engine technology and looking at how it could be used in commercial aircraft to reduce emissions. It's thought that if successful, this could revolutionise the sector as a whole - and make flying green an option for all. In today's post, we look at how hydrogen engines work and what their potential benefits are. How do they work? In simple terms, hydrogen engine technology uses hydrogen to burn in place of fossil fuels. This produces water vapour as a by-product, which will only have a small impact on the environment. One type of engine being developed for aircraft is called a cryogenic liquid fuel rocket (RLR). This type of engine uses hydrogen infused with oxygen as an energy source. The resulting gas drives the turbine at the base of the engine, which powers the propeller. The engine itself is a rocket, which will ignite and burn as the aircraft takes off. However, once the plane reaches cruising speed (80-100 mph) the pilot will deactivate this function, allowing it to perform more like a conventional jet. The benefit of this is that the pilot can select between different types of propulsion depending on what's needed at any particular time, making it easier and smoother to use. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by the heat of combustion in the RLR. This is down to an appetite for oxygen, and an increased use of hydrogen fuel. The more efficient the engine is, the less harmful it is to its environment. The hydrogen-powered technology works effectively in higher altitudes and extended flights, around 7,000 feet above sea level. At these speeds the engines are able to burn at around 80% efficiency. They also work well in turbulence, which reduces drag and makes flying more comfortable for passengers. Potential of hydrogen engines Hydrogen planes would aesthetically be similar to traditional planes. However, they would be much longer in size to accommodate the changes. Small aircrafts will use propellers with hydrogen-powered fuel cells, which provide electric propulsions to help turn the propellers. Whereas bigger planes would have to burn hydrogen to help power the jets. These changes will have significant added value to the industry as a whole. Hydrogen power planes could be feasible as soon as 2035 to be used in commercial airline settings. However, reaching these goals would rely on numerous factors. First, the industry must consider hydrogen storage technologies. These technologies would need to be advanced enough to carry enough liquid hydrogen inside the plane's theme to last the entire journey. However, taking into account how the hydrogen gets transported to airports is also a significant factor to consider. A way of working with vast amounts of liquid hydrogen will need to be devised so that planes have the bailey to refuel on runways as they do currently. Planes will also need to be redesigned to take into account the space that will be required for transforming them into greener machines, working out the necessary systems to put in place to seamlessly and safely integrate hydrogen engine engines to run commercial flights. We use technology every day in our smart devices that could help answer the challenges. If passengers are able to give personal metrics such as weight, the amount of hydrogen needed can be accounted for better, but more trial and research needs to be done. In the coming years, the market for green and low energy will undoubtedly take over. Governments and countries around the world are working in partnership to help reduce the number of emissions. The covid-19 pandemic has indicated how much of an effect our daily lives are having on the planet. As planes came to a halt, pollution levels dropped. Airbus currently have three concept planes which they believe could be ready for deployment by the year 2035. The first of their three planes is a turboprop propeller aircraft that has the capacity to carry 100 passengers 1,000 nautical miles. The second is a turbofan which is a jet plane and can carry 200 passengers, which is capable of going twice as far as the first. The third plane is a futuristic-looking design and has a blended wing design. The design is thought to be able to carry more passengers over longer distances. All three planes would be powered by a gas turbine that can burn liquid hydrogen as fuel as well as generate electricity through the use of hydrogen fuel cells. This is the future of aviation. https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/46316/20210605/aviation-industry-invest-in-hydrogen-engine-technology-to-make-flying-green.htm Rolls-Royce starts ground testing of 2.5MW hybrid-electric system for aircraft Rolls-Royce has started ground testing a hybrid-electric power and propulsion system designed for use in regional aircraft which it says is the most powerful in the aerospace sector. The company’s 2.5MW Power Generation System 1 (PGS1) demonstrator program has begun with testing of the AE2100 engine element, specialist controls and thermal management system, supported by a system integration generator at Testbed 108 in Bristol, UK. Testbed 108 had been used as a storage facility for the last 12 years and was completely renovated to accommodate the hybrid-electric testing. The next step in the ground testing is planned for later this year, when a fully operational generator and a 3,000-volt power electronics system, will be brought together at Testbed 108 to start full system testing of PGS1. The generator and power electronics system is currently undergoing testing at Rolls-Royce’s facility in Trondheim, Norway. Once ground testing is complete, Rolls-Royce engineer will use PGS1 as a technology basis for future hybrid aircraft programs that requiring MW-scale power. The generator can be used either for hybrid-electric propulsion systems or as part of a more-electric system for larger aircraft. Alan Newby, director aerospace technology and future programmes at Rolls-Royce, said, “We know that in a post Covid-19 world people will want to connect but do so more sustainably. Electrification offers a new way to power short-haul aircraft and we want to be at the forefront of pioneering this technology.” “Our PGS1 tests will lead the way in finding out what this new generation of hybrid-electric propulsion system is capable of delivering. For example, our generator is about the size of a beer keg but it needs to produce enough electricity to power around 2,500 homes and do so continuously. “By doing these tests we will be able to validate our digital modelling and find out precisely what is physically and technically possible.” Testbed 108 has hosted the testing of several aircraft engines significant to UK-aviation since the 1960s, including: the Hercules and Centaurus engines that powered the Bristol Beaufighter, Bristol Brabazon and Hawker Sea Fury aircraft, the Olympus engine that powered Concorde and the Pegasus and RB199 used in the Harrier and Tornado fighters. Both Testbed 108 and PGS1 have been supported by the UK-Government funded Aerospace Technology Institute through a research project called MegaFlight. The development of the 2.5MW electrical generator, motor and power electronics design in Trondheim has been supported by the EU’s Clean Sky 2 program. https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/engine-testing/rolls-royce-starts-ground-testing-of-2-5mw-hybrid-electric-system-for-aircraft.html Efficiency Gains in Ground Handling The latest product developments and service innovations at Goldhofer Airport Technology all have a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability. In support of its mission to become a full solutions provider in the field of GSE (ground support equipment), the company now offers electric versions of its tried-and-tested cargo/baggage and aircraft tow tractors. In addition, more and more airport operators and ground handling providers are taking advantage of the comprehensive service and consulting offering available from the globally operating GSE provider. They benefit from accelerated product development cycles and flexible services, including online training, support with augmented reality technology and remote maintenance. In addition to the economic advantages, this also means additional safety for employees in times of the coronavirus. The corona pandemic has increased the pressures on the air travel industry worldwide to find more efficient, sustainable and, above all, safe handling solutions. In addition to growing demand for electrically powered vehicles and product-related services – such as maintenance and repairs – Goldhofer has also seen an increase in interest in consulting services relating to infrastructure and equipment. “We are clearly focused on efficiency gains. This means employing fewer resources than in the past while handling all processes at the same or a higher level,” says Rüdiger Dube, Head of Strategic Product Management Airport Technology at Goldhofer. “The decisive factor here is a 360-degree view of all aspects and requirements in everyday GSE operations. Viewing individual processes in isolation is not the solution.” The industry is also showing additional interest in Goldhofer’s new online training and remote maintenance services for reduced travel expenses, faster response times and lower costs. Rüdiger Dube: “We developed these new services before Covid-19 in order to achieve a general reduction in service costs and downtimes for our tow tractors. Now, of course, with the challenges to the air travel industry posed by the coronavirus, demand for these services is buoyant – as they greatly reduce the points of contact between employees.” Online training sessions for savings in travel costs In addition to the on-site training courses, Goldhofer Airport Technology’s customers can now also acquire know-how and skills online. Structured as one-hour modules, the online sessions not only reduce travel costs and avoid passive travel time, but also tie up less capacity for the customer. The result is a training scheme that is both highly flexible and very cost-effective. Rüdiger Dube: “The strong visual element is ideal for presenting complex content, and the digital online medium gives participants the feeling of being right at the heart of the action.” The modular training program is structured in ten units: operation, emergency operation, components, pick-up, vehicle systems (steering, brakes, drive), maintenance, hydraulics 1 (steering, pick-up), hydraulics 2 (drive, brakes), plus electrics and diagnostics. A test module is also provided to prepare participants for working online. It serves to explain the rules of communication and ensure the functionality of the software and hardware. Augmented reality glasses and remote access for shorter downtimes Further cost savings are achieved with the help of augmented reality technology for the new online services provided at Goldhofer and/or on the customer’s own premises as well as remote access to Goldhofer’s tow tractors. This again enables ground handlers to minimize time-consuming and cost-intensive travel. It also means shorter response times for rapid troubleshooting. What you see is what you need The augmented reality glasses used for Goldhofer’s online services are the first tablet on the market offering head-mounted display. They are operated via voice control and head movements. This leaves users’ hands free so that they can work completely unhindered. The device, which runs on the Android 6.0 operating system, has been designed for use in harsh and noisy environments. It supports multiple languages and can be worn in combination with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses and hearing protectors. For technical support, the customer simply puts on the augmented reality glasses to obtain an immediate interactive link to an expert at Goldhofer. The built-in camera shows what the wearer is doing at any given moment, and two-way voice communication is supported. It is also possible to move around with the help of augmented reality, e.g. with items marked with arrows for easier identification. This makes the augmented reality glasses an ideal tool in support of on-site troubleshooting and service partners, for technical support (e.g. video instructions for modifications), for acceptance testing of new vehicles, and personnel instruction and training. Remote monitoring and control Various connection options are available for unlimited remote access to the display and controls of a Goldhofer tow tractor. If the vehicle is in the workshop, data can easily be transmitted in both directions via a wireless network. Where no WLAN is available, however, a permanently installed modem provides communication via the mobile data network. A cell phone can also be used to set up a hotspot, or a laptop with the appropriate software and connection cable. For ground handlers, this opens up a range of new applications, from the evaluation of statistical data and access to the aircraft logbook to data recording in the event of an accident. It also offers a simple solution for the transfer and installation of software updates, which can be regularly imported via remote access. Moreover, additional functionalities can be implemented by activating the relevant software parameters, e.g. automatic light up when starting. Software modifications required for increases to the fleet to cater for new types of aircraft are also easily implemented. Should a customer be unable to solve a problem on site, an in-house or Goldhofer specialist can simply connect online via remote access and so restore vehicle availability in no time at all. With the integration of telemetry and AI-based analytics, the evaluation and planning functions can be additionally extended (predictive maintenance). An eye on everything The refocusing of Airport Technology as a full solutions provider has met with a positive response from ground handlers and airport operators worldwide. Rüdiger Dube: “Our customers appreciate the 360-degree view we employ to examine and develop solutions for ground handling. We provide a transparent overview of the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s entire useful life. The follow-up aspects of the purchase must also be considered in any assessment of overall efficiency. This is the key to reliable planning security. Our training and service offerings also play a significant role. Today, many of our training programs are available online. This not only saves time and money but also ensures the availability of all training units despite strict corona regulations.“ “The coronavirus is impacting the entire air travel industry, with capacity utilization at rock bottom everywhere. Many airports and ground handling providers, however, are making productive use of the situation to refocus in a process analysis phase. Some have already taken the first steps in process optimization or are investing in new technologies. Our electrically powered workhorse – the »PHOENIX« AST-2E towbarless tow tractor – recently went into service in tough day-to-day working at Munich airport, while our electric »BISON« E 620 is currently undergoing trials at Vienna International Airport,” says Rüdiger Dube. https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/gse-technology/press-release/21225745/goldhofer-airport-technology-efficiency-gains-in-ground-handling New tech of inflatable hangars poised to take off in Indian aircraft maintenance industry In February, just before the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s infrastructure major GMR Group announced setting up of Asia’s first inflatable hangar at its Hyderabad airport, bringing a new dimension to aircraft and engine maintenance and repair in the country. The introduction of this cost-effective technology, which is in use by some aviation companies in Europe and Middle East Gulf, assumes importance given that India is set to expand both its aircraft fleet and aviation infrastructure with hundreds of airports over the next few years. Some of which will require aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as well. The government has, over the past four years, made various announcements to construct or revive around 150 airports, including some airstrips in the country. Also, amid the government’s efforts to make the country an MRO hub, new ventures have also been reportedly announced by multiple players including Boeing, Airbus, Hindustan Aeronautics and Pratt & Whitney for setting up repair facilities in India. According to aviation industry estimates, hangars, which are used to protect the aircraft from bad weather and direct sunlight during MRO processes, are an important part of India’s USD 1.7 billion MRO business. However, it takes a considerable amount of time to source an available hangar to undertake unscheduled repairs. On the contrary, an inflatable hangar is cost-effective, reduces downtime and cost as compared to building a conventional hangar, while at the same time catering to all the functionality, safety features and structural stability of the conventional hangar. Inflatable hangar is formed by low pressure tubes aligned parallel to each other forming a “rib-cage” structure. A permanent structure, just like any other conventional one, inflatable hangars are for use in all-weather structures made from PVC fabric having a life span of over 15 years. These hangars, which vary in size, can be used as a one-to-one alternative for conventional hangars, explains Ashok Gopinath, chief executive officer (CEO) GMR Aero Technic that brought the inflatable hangar technology to the country. “It is a cost-effective option which can shorten the time of construction. As a part of airport infrastructure, it can be used to provide line, ad-hoc and base maintenance checks on the aircraft,” he said. The inflatable hangar is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 158.4 kilometres per hour (kmph) and can handle temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius, thereby creating an alternative for conventional solid metal hangars that are both expensive and time consuming to build. A conventional single-aisle aircraft hangar, at present, requires an investment of around ₹50 crore and takes over 18 months to construct. An inflatable hangar, on the other hand, can be installed in about three to four months at less than one-fourth the cost, around ₹12 crore, which includes lighting, fire-fighting, ventilation, doors etc. GMR Group’s one-bay narrow-body inflatable hangar is designed to accommodate one Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 series aircraft. At present, the country has 19 conventional hangars belonging to national carrier Air India’s subsidiary Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL), GMR Aero Technic and Air Works India spread across different states. Around 3,344sqmt area is required to accommodate one narrow-body aircraft in a hangar around 7,000sqmt for a wide-body aircraft. As per industry experts, of the total MRO cost of an air operator fleet, engine maintenance cost accounts for 45%, component maintenance 25%, airframe and other costs account for 35%. According to aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri, India currently has around 700 commercial aircraft and will need 1,750-2,100 aircraft in the next 20 years. However, according to Boeing’s latest market outlook, India will need more than 2,200 new jets valued at nearly $320 billion over the next 20 years. “There is a tremendous scope for such hangars as many new airports will come up in India. Moreover, it is an ideal solution for operators and MROs for the regional connectivity scheme,” says Pulak Sen, founder and secretary general, MRO Association of India. “It is a useful technology in an MRO operation that can be used to park an aircraft for routine maintenance.” As building a conventional hangar takes around 18 months and allotting hangar space by an airport operator is a time consuming exercise, it is better to have an inflatable hangar installed at a fractional cost and time, Sen said. The cost of these hangars vary depending on the size. There are smaller ones, which can accommodate only one helicopter or a small aircraft to the largest one which can accommodate up to three Boeing 777s. “With awareness of such an option in India, these hangars can be deployed in bigger numbers going forward. However, only time will tell how the Indian market accepts this new technology,” said Sen. Echoing similar views, Gopinath said, “In the future, it (higher adoption of the technology by MRO operators in the country) depends on the demand and feasibility. If authorities are seeking for more permanent structures, they may opt for conventional hangars.” However, few upcoming airports are likely to consider inflatable hangars to make available immediate hangarage to their airline customers for the aircraft on ground, Gopinath said. “These hangars may be deployed at off-line or remote stations for smaller checks and quick turn-around of aircraft. They can also be in addition to normal hangars to take care of additional work loads, which an MRO may get,” said HR Jagannath, former CEO of AIESL. “But the main issue with inflatable hangar is the location where they are to be deployed. It should have access to the airport runway so that aircraft can come into the hangar. Mostly such hangars are deployed at accident sites, where extensive repairs to the aircraft can be carried out,” he added. European aviation major Airbus has been using portable inflatable hangers for many years to perform aircraft repairs at difficult or remote locations as a temporary measure and finds their transportability to be useful. “With the ongoing major growth of aviation in India, it is critical that airlines have access to world-class maintenance facilities within the borders,” Airbus said in a statement to HT. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/new-tech-of-inflatable-hangars-poised-to-take-off-in-indian-aircraft-maintenance-industry-101622915304922.html MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg Celebrates 30th Anniversary Ludwigsfelde, June 7, 2021 – MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a small, socially-distanced celebration with MTU management, local politicians, including Brandenburg’s Minister President Dietmar Woidke, and works council representatives, as well as employees who have been with MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg since it was founded in 1991. Over the past 30 years, the facility has developed to become a world leader in the maintenance repair and overhaul of narrowbody, regional, business jet and helicopter engines, as well as being a competence center for industrial gas turbine maintenance and testing for the military TP400-D6 engine. “We are extremely proud of all the facility has accomplished over the past three decades,” says Reiner Winkler, CEO and Chairman of the Board of MTU Aero Engines. MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg has supported over 400 customers over the past five years and has the most diverse product portfolio within the MTU Maintenance network. “We are also be expanding this to include full CFM56-7B engine overhaul capacity and expect to induct the first engine of this type over the summer. This introduction ensures both the flexibility within our network to meet customer needs as well as the future strength of our presence here,” he adds. Diverse portfolio ensures success “We also recently signed an eight-year extension of our GE branded service agreement for the continued maintenance, repair and overhaul of the CF34 engine family,” André Sinanian, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg states. “This was a further and important step in maintaining our position as number one independent service provider for this engine and securing this program for the future of our facility until 2030 and beyond.” MTU Maintenance recently celebrated the redelivery of its 500th CF34-10E and has carried out 1,400 shop visits for this engine since 2003. Alongside these engine programs, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg is specialized in the MRO and field service support of aeroderivative GE LM series industrial gas turbines and their packages. In fact, this area of the business saw around 25 percent growth in 2020, despite the on—going COVID-19 pandemic. “As such, we’ve been expanding our yearly capacity for this engine type and have just introduced hot section repairs for the newest LM variant, the LM6000PF+,” adds Sinanian. But the portfolio additions do not stop there. In 2020, the facility introduced piece parts repairs for the PW1500G/PW1900G and recently completed the first PW800 low-pressure turbine overhaul, for which it is currently the only MRO provider worldwide. MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg has also been home to the Pratt & Whitney Customer Service Centre Europe (CSC), a joint venture between itself and Pratt & Whitney Canada for the marketing and sales of P&WC engines in Europe, Middle East and Africa, since 1992. “The shop and mobile repair team service 70 engine variants on behalf of P&W CSC,” says Sinanian. “We are particularly proud to have been servicing air ambulance and air rescue customers throughout the crisis, ensuring they maintain critical services throughout.” Committed to the region Berlin-Brandenburg Minister President of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke, stated during his speech: “After a difficult year due to the pandemic, things are looking up at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg too. The company has been well managed throughout the crisis. With its stable base of around 850 employees and training program for young people, MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg is a key employer in the region. The company is essential to the continued success of our state as an aviation stronghold in Germany. MTU and Brandenburg go well together.” In 2019, the facility inaugurated a new 6,500 square meter logistics building and reorganised the layout of its shops to increase efficiencies. “MTU’s employees are passionate, visionary and drive the company forward. They are the reason the capital city region of Berlin-Brandenburg has been able to develop into an important national and international aviation location over the past decades, in particular in terms of engine technology. We are delighted and grateful that companies such as MTU believe in our state and invested here very early on,” said Brandenburg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Jörg Steinbach. “Since 1991, we have invested over 300 million euros in the site here at MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg, 50 million alone in 2021,” adds Winkler. “We remain committed to the region Berlin-Brandenburg, providing our customers the excellent and reliable engine care they’ve come to expect from MTU, as well as our team of employees, without whom none of this 30 year success would have been possible.” https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/mro/press-release/21225760/mtu-maintenance-hannover-gmbh-mtu-maintenance-berlinbrandenburg-celebrates-30th-anniversary Inclusive green recovery for aviation highlighted by ICAO at P4G Summit MONTREAL - Speaking at the 2021 P4G Summit, a leading global acceleration event for market-based partnerships in developing countries, hosted by the Republic of Korea, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu emphasized that governments have an important role to play in addressing this year’s P4G theme of inclusive green recovery towards carbon neutrality. “I have been inspired by the high degree of innovation now being focused on the challenge of aviation sustainability,” Dr. Liu commented, noting that this speaks to the fact that “we can and must determine a sustainable path for air transport without sacrificing our shared connections to each other and our world.” She furthermore stressed that “ultimate success in these objectives will require us to efficiently and holistically assess the technology, financing, infrastructure, policy, and other important perspectives this work engages.” Dr. Liu emphasized that of the 193 countries who cooperate together in international air transport under the Chicago Convention, a group representing 68% of the global economy and 61% of its emissions have already committed to national net zero emissions targets by 2050. As these and other ICAO Member States now explore a new Long Term Aspirational Goal for international flight emissions through the UN aviation agency, in advance of its 41st Assembly in October 2022, she invited them “to take bold action through ICAO to meet our shared climate objectives to contribute to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” While COVID-19 has presented profound challenges to the international community, and to international aviation more acutely than many other sectors, Dr. Liu noted that the shut down has also provided an important opportunity to build back better in terms of in-sector aviation sustainability, and that many airlines are already re-evaluating traditional technologies and businesses approaches, and taking older, more emissions-intensive aircraft permanently out of service. “Solidarity in how we optimize these evolutions is essential,” she underscored, “and I’m encouraged that governments have been continuing to collaborate with industry and civil society throughout the pandemic on the current and comprehensive ICAO environmental work programme. Many are also maintaining ICAO State Action Plans to reduce national in-sector CO2 reductions, and I would call upon them to update these as a matter of urgency.” Dr. Liu also drew the attention of national decision makers to the fact that governments can go still further in these ambitions by assuring that pandemic bailouts for national airlines “come with clear sustainability strings attached.” The 2021 P4G Summit is seen as a key international venue to boost market-based partnerships and rally high-level political and private sector action to scale innovative solutions in P4G partner countries, and beyond. The event is seen a steppingstone to the upcoming COP26 and provides a global opportunity for countries to step up their ambitions and show the alignment of P4G partnerships with the global action agenda. https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/inclusive-green-recovery-for-aviation-highlighted-by-icao-at-p4g-summit New communications technology for Colombia’s ATC towers The Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia (Aerocivil) is to install Rohde & Schwarz’s IP based voice communications system (VCS), CERTIUM, systems at 36 airports across the country. The VCS technology will complement the over 1,000 CERTIUM air traffic control (ATC) radios Rohde & Schwarz has aleady installed in more than 80 Colombian airports. CERTIUM VCS will be deployed in six main clusters, with each cluster covering several airports throughout a region. Centralised monitoring and management is provided at each regional headquarters, via an Aerocivil wide area network. Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) at each airport provide additional redundancy for each controller working position. “We have a long lasting, successful relationship with our Colombian administration,” enthuses Rohde & Schwarz’s general manager for Colombia, Mauricio Samudio. “This allows us to support Aerocivil’s digitalisation roadmap with solutions that allow them to continue safe operations and reliably meet future challenges. “Covering the area from the Colombian Caribbean all the way to the Amazon rainforest, this contract is a milestone for ATC in the region.” https://airport-world.com/new-communications-technology-for-colombias-atc-towers/ Qatar Airways Group highlights environmental sustainability initiatives for World Environment Day DOHA, QATAR – To mark World Environment Day, Qatar Airways Group is reinforcing its commitment to protect the planet by highlighting its key environmental sustainability initiatives. Qatar Airways Group is dedicated to environmental leadership across all of its entities, including airline, airport operations, aviation and catering services, retail outlets and hotels. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to secure accreditation to the highest level in the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA) while its hub, Hamad International Airport, will be the first airport in the region to achieve a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) rating as part of plans to expand its capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually by 2022. The terminal will also be a LEED Silver certified building, featuring a number of innovative energy efficiency measures. In addition, Qatar Airways has committed as a oneworld member airline, to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, becoming part of the first global alliance to unite behind a common target to achieve carbon neutrality. Its most advanced aircraft technology and fuel-optimisation initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to address its CO2 emissions, and it continues to remain compliant with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and the ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is our ambition as an airline to minimise our impact on the environment, and facilitate continued global travel and commerce while limiting carbon emissions. As we work in collaboration with the aviation industry to reconnect the world, we recognise sustainability as a strategy to build resilience post COVID-19. We must act boldly and decisively to make necessary changes, acknowledging that it is innovation which will drive the industry forward for a sustainable future.” In February 2020, at the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical & Regulatory Summit, the ‘Doha Declaration’ highlighted the growing need for sustainable operations and engaging stakeholders to act collectively to address climate change and promote sustainability in the aviation industry. The declaration states that it is essential for the travel and tourism industry to engage collectively to reduce emissions and secure environmental sustainability for future generations. In line with this, Qatar Airways has a range of ongoing and recent initiatives that promote sustainability. Modern, fuel-efficient fleet of aircraft: Qatar Airways operates one of the youngest fleets in the sky. The airline’s mix of modern fuel-efficient aircraft helped it to develop a sustainable and adapted solution, allowing it to continue flying routes with less overall demand as it has a variety of aircraft it can select from, to offer the right capacity in each market. Due to COVID-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has taken the decision to ground its fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not commercially or environmentally justifiable to operate such a large aircraft in the current market. Qatar Airways’ fleet of 53 Airbus A350 and 37 Boeing 787 are the ideal mix for the most strategically important long-haul routes to Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Aircraft Fuel & CO2 Emission Reduction Initiatives: Qatar Airways continually strives to improve fuel efficiency through its fuel optimisation program. From managing the weight of fittings and other items on our aircraft, to optimising flight paths to ensure the minimum distance is travelled wherever possible. Other initiatives also include reduction of potable water uplift, removal of inflight duty free offerings and footrests, as well as digitization of inflight magazines and menu, all resulting to the reduction weight on board the aircraft. Voluntary Carbon Offset Programme for Passengers: Passengers now have the opportunity to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions associated with their journey at the point of booking. Qatar Airways is a proud member of the IATA carbon offset programme, contributing to the Fatanpur Wind Farm project, which invests in developing India’s renewable energy capacity. The project currently supports 54 turbines across two districts in Madhya Pradesh: Dewas and Ujjain. With a combined power rating of over 108 Mega Watts, these turbines displace over 210,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from the Indian Electricity Grid each year. To put this into perspective, one tonne of CO2 is the average emission of one passenger on a return-flight from Paris to New York. It is also the amount of CO2 produced by driving 6,000 km with a diesel car. Reducing waste and applying the principles of a circular economy across our businesses: In 2019, Qatar Airways launched its Quisine on-board dining experience, with an increased focus on reducing single-use plastics. This includes removing the plastic that was used to wrap cutlery and replacing plastic spoons that compliment all hot beverages with wooden stirrers. With the introduction of Quisine, there has been an 80 per cent increase in recyclable and biodegradable products being used, and 80 per cent of the tray items comply with the ban on single-use plastics. Food waste reduction: Qatar Aircraft Catering Company has been working on recovery of unconsumed whole and safe food items for charity. The airline actively reduces food waste by donating up to 300kg of surplus food daily from its on-board dining facilities. It is also proactively looking for opportunities to optimise food that is carried on each aircraft to minimise waste and reduce emissions from additional weight carried on the aircraft. Water conservation and optimisation: Qatar Airways was the first airline in the world to use General Electric's (GE) '360 Foam Wash’ technology on its aircraft, replacing traditional water wash methods on GE engines. In addition, recycled wastewater is used in irrigation for Hamad International Airport’s landscaping features and condensate water from the building air conditioners is used in commercial offices for cleaning activities, replacing potable water use. Supporting the Wildlife: As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016 and a founding member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, Qatar Airways has a zero tolerance policy towards the transportation of illegal wildlife and their products. Qatar Airways Cargo in 2020 launched a new chapter of its sustainability programme WeQare: Rewild the Planet, focused on transporting endangered animals back to their natural habitat, free of charge. In May 2021, Qatar Airways Cargo has helped rehome seven rescued lions from Ukraine to South Africa. The cargo carrier’s initiative to preserve wildlife is consistent with the airline’s commitment to fight wildlife trafficking and illegal trade of wild animals. https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/qatar-airways-group-highlights-environmental-sustainability-initiatives-for-world-environment-day RATIOS: a new approach to cabin design Three Italian companies have joined forces to reimagine commercial aircraft interior design and the passenger experience. The project, named RATIOS, is intended to completely rethink commercial aircraft cabins to meet the needs of various travellers, from those with children to those with disabilities, and also to improve the working conditions of flight attendants and increase comfort for all. The project is comprehensive, with new seat designs, redesigned spaces for overhead stowages, reshaped common areas with fully automated vending machines for food and drink, and touchless lavatories – all constructed using new materials and technological solutions never tested before on aircraft. The consortium consists of Delta Interior Design (project coordinator), an aircraft cabin design and manufacturing company; Studio Volpi (partner), a company with experience in design concepts, technology and innovation; and Leonardo (topic manager), a global company specialised in aerospace, defence and security, backed with funding from the Clean Sky 2 EU programme. Economy class cabins are a particular focus for the project, with the team taking into consideration the variety of passenger sizes and that airlines need to make use of all available space in the cabin. They imagine that in future airplanes, the typical alignment of the overhead lockers along the top of the fuselage, would be replaced with a transversal arrangement with a stowage space allocated for each seat. For seats, the cushion could extend, allowing the occupant to stretch their legs with the belts fastened. No more fights to find space for carry-on cases and no more need for contortions in the seat. Regarding materials, the RATIOS team studied composites, and also modern fabrics that are durable and lightweight, fireproof, easily washable, antibacterial and recyclable – and perhaps initially produced from recycled materials. Further ideas for future passenger cabins include a less rigid LOPA, including seats fitted in a club-style orientation, which makes conversations between passengers easier, increases legroom, and is more suitable for child travellers. The windows could be larger and repositioned to give passengers an enchanting view of the outside. The team has studies several recent cabin design concepts – some improbable, if not impossible – but they believe that very few have any chance of becoming a reality. The companies involved in RATIOS set out to maintain feasibility of design, with a focus on constructive solutions, and certification capabilities. The three companies believe that by bringing together their skills and experience, they can bring their vision to life. “Not only did we want to do something innovative, but also we wanted to save weight and reduce production times, while strictly respecting the parameters imposed by the aeronautical certification standards for seats, furnishings and components,” explains Matteo Bulletti, aeronautical engineer and managing director of Delta Interior Design “Especially after the pandemic, it will be very important to guarantee safety and hygiene on board aircraft. New technologies allow great margins for improvement, such as touchless toilets that avoid contact with surfaces potentially exposed to bacteria”. From a regulations point of view, both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) require new designs to achieve ETSO/TSO certification and to demonstrate that, in the event of a crash, the seat belts support the standard passenger weight, as required by CS-FAR 25.785. The seat dimensions and the inclination of the backrest are also regulated, as well as the resistance of the seat structure, which should be able to absorb loads up to 16-times the force of gravity (16G). The project also proposes improved inflight entertainment (IFE) systems with larger and more curved displays, overhead lockers that can be opened and closed via a smartphone app, and a toilet booking system, which also works through an app. Innovative materials The materials used for cabin furnishing elements are typically divided into two categories: those that make up the structural parts, such as the seat frame, galleys and lavatories; and the aesthetic ‘soft product’ materials, such as fabrics and cushions. The RATIOS programme researchers looked at both hard and soft goods, evaluating new materials, and some that are already used in other fields such as automotive and construction. In addition to considering pure innovation, the team investigated different aspects of the materials that are often not taken into consideration. For example, in addition to the traditional evaluation parameters, the team also considered whether materials had low or zero environmental impact, through being ecological, recyclable or sustainable. The team also looked at trim and finish materials are concerned, including a focus on fabrics made with natural materials such as hemp and cotton, not sourced from any supplier that uses intensive manufacturing methods or treats materials with pesticides or fertilisers. They also appreciated efforts made to minimise the environmental impact of traditional chemical processes for the fabric dyes, also with an eye on decreased energy and water consumption, achieved by reducing the temperatures involved in the colouring process. The research explored the possible treatments for these new materials. In order to be installed in an aircraft cabin, especially for passenger transport, all materials must demonstrate a high level of safety. In the case of non-metallic materials, such as fabrics, plastic laminates and composites, the main requirement is with regard to flammability: the materials must demonstrate a high self-extinguishing capacity, low emission of fumes, and a lack of potentially toxic elements. Treatments are available which, when applied to fabrics and leathers, allow their fire-retardant properties to be increased significantly. Once the new materials are tested and approved following the standard rules, they will significantly increase the range of finish options that can be installed on airplanes. There are also treatments that, using nano-technologies, can increase a material’s properties of hydro and oil-repellency, and its resistance to bacteriological and microbial contamination. These stain-proof properties can contribute to reducing the washing and sanitisation cycles of seat covers, significantly reducing the use of detergents, and thus their dispersion in the environment, as well as cutting maintenance costs for airlines. With regard to structural materials, the research team say they have demonstrated the feasibility of using new polymers with mechanical characteristics similar to those of the alloys currently used in aircraft (such as aluminium), but with lower density. The molecular structure of the polymers studied can be modified according to needs: for example, the base polymer can be enhanced with reinforcement matrices (such as glass fibres, carbon or boron), to increase its mechanical characteristics, or it can be mixed with other elements that can significantly decrease its density, bringing significant benefits in terms of weight but with no detriment to the mechanical characteristics. In particular, the use of microspheres (glass bubbles) mixed in appropriate percentages with polymers (nylon, polysulfone or polycarbonate, for example), can reduce the weight of a product by up to 35%, without causing any significant cost to mechanical characteristics. Note that the use of these microspheres does not require modification of the moulds in current use: on the contrary, the new mixture improves the production process. Another interesting material is a laminate created by layering unidirectional carbon fibres. The resulting sheet combines the flexibility of thermoplastics with mechanical characteristics comparable to the most common metal alloys (aluminium or magnesium). The thickness and orientation of the fibres can be designed according to the structural and dimensional needs of the foil. https://www.aircraftinteriorsinternational.com/features/ratios-a-new-approach-to-cabin-design.html 128 Baby Squid in space for SpaceX and NASA space exploration National Aeronautics and Space Administration USA (NASA) In conjunction with SpaceX recently launched the 128 Baptile Squid with 5,000 micro-organisms for a series of experiments on the effects of space travel to the International Space Station (ISS). According to the BBC, the animals were inside the rocket Falcon 9 Space X It was launched by ISS on Thursday (June 3, 2021) as part of a cargo delivery mission to support NASA space research. The Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft carried a total of 3311 kg of cargo from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 13:29 local time on Thursday. Furthermore, ABC News reports that the microbial animal and baby squid (Ubrimna scolops) are part of a NASA experiment known as ‘umami’ or ‘understanding of microgravity in animal-microbial interactions’. In particular, the experiment sought to explore the effects of space travel on molecular and chemical interactions between beneficial microorganisms and their animal hosts. Jamie Foster, a leading researcher at UMAMI, commented: “Animals, including humans, rely on our microbes to maintain healthy digestive and immune systems. We do not fully understand how space travel changes these beneficial interactions.” This space research is expected to give a better understanding of the complex relationships between beneficial animals and microorganisms. In addition, it will help to develop safety measures for the health of astronauts on long-distance space missions. https://presstories.com/2021/06/07/128-baby-squid-in-space-for-spacex-and-nasa-space-exploration/ Curt Lewis