June 14, 2021 - No. 46 In This Issue : GE Aviation and Safran Launch Advanced Technology Demonstration Program for Sustainable Engines; Extend CFM Partnership to 2050 : American Airlines Bets on Future of Urban Air Mobility : Supersonic demonstrator XB-1 to flight tests at Mojave Air and Space Port : Airbus Bets Big On Hydrogen : United to invest in budding travel-related companies : France Air Expo, the International Exhibition of General Aviation in France, will open on 17, 18,19 June 2021 at Lyon : Digitization, cargo by air helped India’s Covid-hit airlines survive : Jetaire Group Provides FAA Airworthiness Directive Exemptions for Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 Aircraft : Eve Urban Air Mobility announces partnership with Ascent : Heathrow Airport : presses world leaders to agree global sustainable fuels mandate at G7 : Relativity Space Gets a Huge Investment to Take on SpaceX With Reusable Rockets GE Aviation and Safran Launch Advanced Technology Demonstration Program for Sustainable Engines; Extend CFM Partnership to 2050 PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Aviation and Safran today launched a bold technology development program targeting more than 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s engines. The CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program will demonstrate and mature a range of new, disruptive technologies for future engines that could enter service by the mid-2030s. The companies today also signed an agreement extending the CFM International 50/50 partnership to the year 2050, declaring their intent to lead the way for more sustainable aviation in line with the industry’s commitment to halve CO2 emissions by 2050. “The relationship between GE and Safran today is the strongest it has ever been,” said John Slattery, President and CEO of GE Aviation. “Together, through the RISE technology demonstration program, we are reinventing the future of flight, bringing an advanced suite of revolutionary technologies to market that will take the next generation of single-aisle aircraft to a new level of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. We fully embrace the sustainability imperative. As we have always done in the past, we will deliver for the future.” "Our industry is in the midst of the most challenging times we have ever faced,” said Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran. “We have to act now to accelerate our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment. Since the early 1970s, breakthrough engine efficiency and reliability have been the hallmark of our historic partnership and our LEAP engine already reduces emissions by 15 percent compared to previous generation engines. Through the extension of our CFM partnership to 2050, we are today reaffirming our commitment to work together as technology leaders to help our industry meet the urgent climate challenges.” Technologies matured as part of the RISE Program will serve as the foundation for the next-generation CFM engine that could be available by the mid-2030s. The program goals include reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent compared to today’s most efficient engines, as well as ensuring 100 percent compatibility with alternative energy sources such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels and hydrogen. Central to the program is state-of-the-art propulsive efficiency for the engine, including developing an open fan architecture. This is a key enabler to achieving significantly improved fuel efficiency while delivering the same speed and cabin experience as current single-aisle aircraft. The program will also use hybrid electric capability to optimize engine efficiency while enabling electrification of many aircraft systems. The program is being led by a joint GE/Safran engineering team that has laid out a comprehensive technology roadmap including composite fan blades, heat resistant metal alloys, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), hybrid electric capability and additive manufacturing. The RISE program includes more than 300 separate component, module and full engine builds. A demonstrator engine is scheduled to begin testing at GE and Safran facilities around the middle of this decade and flight test soon thereafter. The original 1974 framework agreement creating CFM International as a 50/50 joint venture between the two aircraft engine manufacturers redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation. The partnership was renewed in 2008 for the launch of the LEAP program. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that serves as the industry benchmark for efficiency, reliability and low overall cost of ownership. More than 35,000 CFM engines have been delivered to more than 600 operators around the globe, accumulating more than one billion flight hours. * RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) is a registered trademark of CFM International. Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 79,000 employees and sales of 16.5 billion euros in 2020, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and Innovation roadmap. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices. For more information : www.safran-group.com / Follow @Safran on Twitter GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviation and YouTube, at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210614005533/en/GE-Aviation-and-Safran-Launch-Advanced-Technology-Demonstration-Program-for-Sustainable-Engines-Extend-CFM-Partnership-to-2050 American Airlines Bets on Future of Urban Air Mobility American Airlines is putting its money on a horse of a different kind – private urban flying machines that run on efficiency, sustainability and inching the progress of civilization up a notch. Such is the case with the airline’s announcement last week of making a sizable investment with Vertical Aerospace, a leading UK-headquartered engineering and aeronautical business developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The announcement came approximately a week after United Airlines announced a partnership with Boom Supersonic to develop the next supersonic jet capable of connecting the U.S. with Europe in around three hours. American, with its latest investment announcement, seeks to emphasize its focus on emerging technologies that are moving the needle forward on reducing carbon emissions and producing innovative elevations in the customer journey. As part of its investment in Vertical, American has agreed to pre-order, subject to certain future agreed upon milestones and other terms, up to 250 aircraft, representing a potential pre-order commitment of $1 billion, and an option to order an additional 100 aircraft. The airline also expects to make a $25 million investment in Vertical through a private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction. Vertical is developing the VA-X4, a zero-carbon aircraft that can carry four passengers and a pilot, and fly at speeds up to 200 mph over a range of over 100 miles. “Emerging technologies are critical in the race to reduce carbon emissions and we are excited to partner with Vertical to develop the next generation of electric aircraft,” said Derek Kerr, Chief Financial Officer at American. “For years, American has led the industry in investing in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Today’s partnership is another example of that commitment, and an investment in the future of air mobility. We are excited about the prospect of what this could mean for our customers, and our company.” The Next Notch in Urban Transport These aircraft could potentially transport customers quickly around urban city centers and to airports. Vertical plans to conduct its first test flight of the VA-X4 later this year, with certification of the aircraft as early as 2024. “This is the most exciting time in aviation for almost a century; electrification will transform flying in the 21stcentury in the same way the jet engine did 70 years ago,” said Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical chief executive and founder. “As we all work towards a future beyond fossil fuels, we are delighted to be partnering with American Airlines. We share their passion for innovation and excellence and believe that by working together we will help make carbon free flight a reality for millions of passengers.” American’s partnership with Vertical is the latest in the airline’s commitment to sustainability. The airline’s recent efforts include: Invested $24 billion since 2013 in 595 more fuel-efficient aircraft as part of the most extensive fleet renewal effort in the aviation industry’s history. Over the same period, American retired a similar number of less fuel-efficient planes, including retiring more than 150 older and less fuel-efficient aircraft in 2020. Committed to purchase 9 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel over three years from Neste, a leading producer of renewable products. Engaged American’s customers in boosting demand for sustainable aviation fuel through agreements with Deloitte and Kuehne+Nagel. Invested in new technology to help our aircraft operate more efficiently. Vertical Aerospace, meanwhile, is foused on personal air travel that is on demand and carbon free. The company is backed by American Airlines, Avolon, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell among others and working to be able to produce at scale eVTOL aircraft with projected speeds over 200 mph, near silent when in flight, emitting zero emissions, and maintaining a low cost per passenger mile. The company expects the VA-X4 to eventually open up urban air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel. https://www.businesstravelerusa.com/business-traveler-usa-story/american-airlines-bets-on-future-of-urban-air-mobility/ Supersonic demonstrator XB-1 to flight tests at Mojave Air and Space Port Boom Supersonic, the aerospace company building the world’s fastest airliner is partnering with Flight Research, Inc. at Mojave Air and Space Port to do flight test work in the supersonic corridor, located in the restricted airspace known as R-2515. FRI will provide Flight Test Support to Boom with a two-seat, supersonic trainer, for pilot proficiency training as well as a chase aircraft during XB-1’s flight test program. According to Boom Supersonic website, “XB-1 is the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet and will demonstrate key technologies for Overture, Boom’s commercial airliner, such as advanced carbon fiber composite construction, computer-optimized high-efficiency aerodynamics, and an efficient supersonic propulsion system. XB-1 is the end product of years of development effort, including multiple wind tunnel tests, dozens of structural tests, hundreds of simulation iterations, and tens of thousands of work hours.” Move from Colorado to Mojave The XB-1 will be disassembled and transported to Mojave, and reassembled in one of FRI hangars located at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Boom will also sub-lease a portion of the FRI Headquarters where they plan on building a custom space to support the SB-1, including a fully instrumented flight test control room and an XB-1 simulator room with cockpit and visual displays. In a press release, Boom founder and CEO, Blake Scholl said, “Flight Research provides essential equipment and superior facilities at the Mojave Air and Space Port, enabling us to finalize and fly XB-1.” Scott Glaser, senior vice president of Operations at FRI said, “With Boom, we’re presented with an opportunity to partner with a dynamic and ground-breaking organization that is challenging conventional wisdom about flying.” “This will be a new supersonic testing project for us, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Boom to this historic airfield and to outfit a space to meet their needs. We look forward to contributing to the return of supersonic commercial air travel. A statement in a Boom Supersonic press release from January 2020, “Boom is currently building XB-1, which will help refine the design and engineering of Overture, Boom’s revolutionary supersonic commercial airliner. XB-1 shares key technologies with Overture, such as advanced carbon fiber composites and a refined delta wing planform. Lessons from XB-1 have already helped optimize Overture and will prove in-flight key technologies for safe, efficient travel at supersonic speeds.” United Airlines to buy supersonic aircraft Just recently it was announced, “United Airlines has agreed to purchase 15 supersonic aircraft from Boom Supersonic, with an option to increase that order to 35 jets,” the companies announced Thursday. That agreement, though, is still subject to change depending on the outcome of United’s safety testing and also Boom’s ability to deliver on its promises despite never having built or flown a full-scale supersonic jet before.” Boom CEO briefs Congress In April 2021, CEO Blake Scholl announced that he would be testifying before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Aviation at a hearing entitled “The Leading Edge: Innovation in U.S. Aerospace. “Supersonic flight will unlock new possibilities for human connection and for business, but this is only possible thanks to the leadership of Congress and the federal government to support emerging aviation technology,” said Scholl. “I’m deeply honored to address the House Subcommittee on Aviation to shed light on these technologies and ask Congress to continue to support this important work. The reintroduction of supersonic flight, along with the integration of other new kinds of aircraft, will ensure continued job growth in this important sector and help ensure the U.S. maintains its global leadership in innovation and the future of transportation.” Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl Blake Scholl founded Boom Supersonic in September 2014 with the goal of making high-speed travel mainstream and enabling a new world of human connection. Blake is passionate about tackling big problems which the world has overlooked. After seeing Concorde in a museum, he dreamed of the return of commercial supersonic flight. A few years later, Blake dove into aerospace engineering — reading textbooks and taking classes — to figure out from first principles how to enable a supersonic renaissance. As a leader, Blake focuses on inspiring the best people from a range of disciplines to unite in pursuit of Boom’s vision. Prior to founding Boom, Blake held leadership roles at Amazon and Groupon and co-founded mobile technology startup Kima Labs. Blake’s interest in aviation started in childhood—he grew up in suburban Cincinnati, where his parents often took him to the local airport to watch Cessna’s take off and land. He started flying for fun in college, earning his private pilot license in 2008 and instrument rating in 2011. Blake holds a BS in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University; he lives in Denver and is the father of three. https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2021/06/12/supersonic-demonstrator-xb-1-to-flight-tests-at-mojave-air-and-space-port/ Airbus Bets Big On Hydrogen Airbus announced today that in order to accelerate the introduction of its zero-emission hydrogen-powered concept ZEROe, it is launching two dedicated Zero-Emission Development Centres in France and Germany. The centers will develop and assemble tanks for liquid hydrogen. They are meant to be fully operational by 2023, with a first test flight scheduled for 2025. When Airbus revealed its vision for zero-emission flight in September last year, all three ZEROe concept aircraft were powered by hydrogen. The three different versions of the planes each explored a different aerodynamic approach and varying cabin layouts and options for storing the hydrogen onboard. In order to facilitate the speedy development of these hydrogen-propulsion technologies, Airbus has decided to launch a complementary project. This will focus on the design and integration of the hydrogen tanks. Cost-competitive cryogenic tanks In order to accelerate progress on a switch towards the clean-burning fuel source, lauded by many as one of the keys to decarbonizing aviation, the planemaker has decided to establish two Zero-Emission Development Centres (ZEDC). Airbus shared the following in a statement on Monday, “The goal of the ZEDC is to achieve cost-competitive cryogenic tank manufacturing to support the successful future market launch of ZEROe and to accelerate the development of hydrogen-propulsion technologies. The design and integration of tank structures is crucial to the performance of a future hydrogen aircraft.” One ZEDC will be at Airbus’ facilities in Nantes, France. The other is to be located in Bremen, Germany. Both are set to be fully operational by 2023, with a first test flight with the tank intended for 2025. Building on existing expertise Airbus further stated that the technology developments at the sites would include everything from the full product. This means elementary parts, assembly, systems integration, and the final cryogenic testing of the liquid hydrogen (LH2) system. The site in Bremen has been chosen due to its extensive experience with liquid hydrogen for Airbus’ Defence and Space branch. Meanwhile, the planemaker chose to locate its second ZEDC in Nantes because of its expertise in metallic structuralization related to the center wing box, particularly the safety-critical center tank for Airbus’ commercial aircraft. Safety first One of the greatest challenges with a transition to hydrogen is how to store the gas. Even though hydrogen has an energy density per unit that is three times greater than conventional jet fuel, storing it as compressed gas presents tremendous challenges related to weight and volume. Hence the focus on liquid hydrogen, or LH2, as the most promising option. Other than storage, convincing the world about the safety of hydrogen-powered flight may be one the biggest task for would-be LH2 pioneers. Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar Al Baker is among the skeptics and is calling instead for investment in other technologies. For much of the broader public, when aircraft and hydrogen are mentioned in the same sentence, it unequivocally conjures up images of the Hindenburg crashing spectacularly, engulfed in a sea of flames. While today’s technology is a far cry from that of the airships of the early 20th century, public perception and prejudice are not so easily swayed. https://simpleflying.com/airbus-bets-big-hydrogen/ United to invest in budding travel-related companies CHICAGO—United Airlines has launched a new, corporate venture fund called United Airlines Ventures that will allow the airline to continue investing in emerging companies that have the potential to influence the future of travel. The new fund will concentrate on sustainability concepts that will complement United’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050—without relying on traditional carbon offsets—as well as revolutionary aerospace developments and innovative technologies that are expected to create value for customers and United’s operation. “Younger companies today have learned from aviation’s rich history and are combining it with more advanced technology and creative thinking to develop new ideas that give us the ability to revolutionize how airlines operate and in turn, the experience customers have when they fly,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “With United Airlines Ventures, we’re signaling our confidence in these companies and propelling them forward with our expertise and financial support to demonstrate that our commitment to innovation will strengthen our company and improve our customers’ experience more quickly than anyone ever anticipated.” With major agreements announced in just the last six months including agreements to invest in, collaborate with and purchase aircraft from Archer Aviation, United has proven its commitment to work with companies that are developing transformational technologies and services that are designed to revolutionize the customer experience and redefine how airlines operate. Through United Airlines Ventures, United will continue to forge a new path by accelerating the growth of small- to medium-sized companies with strong potential. United’s current vice president of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Michael Leskinen, will assume the role of president of United Airlines Ventures in addition to his current responsibilities. “United has always been a pioneer within the industry and United Airlines Ventures will help us grow companies that are pushing the envelope to make air travel better for our customers, our employees and our planet,” said Leskinen. “We’re making more than a financial commitment to companies within this new portfolio; we’re lending our expertise so that new ideas can really take off.” United continues to be a leader in the adoption of new sustainable aviation technologies and innovations. Last week, the company announced its agreement to purchase 15 of Boom Supersonic ‘Overture’ aircraft with an option for an additional 35 airliners. Once in service, Overture will not only re-introduce supersonic commercial flight, it is expected to be the first long-haul commercial aircraft to be net zero carbon from day one optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. For more information about United Airlines Ventures, visit https://www.united.com/ventures. (PR) https://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/united-to-invest-in-budding-travel-related-companies/ France Air Expo, the International Exhibition of General Aviation in France, will open on 17, 18,19 June 2021 at Lyon CANNES, FRANCE, June 14, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- France Air Expo, the International Exhibition of General Aviation in France, open its doors on 17, 18 and 19 June 2021 at Lyon-Bron airport. This event, unique in France, organised by Adone Events, in partnership with Aéroport de Lyon, brings together the leading players to offer visitors the latest industrial innovations. The exhibition is primarily aimed at attracting owners, pilots, flying clubs, enthusiasts, and professionals from the world of general aviation. Major aircraft and equipment manufacturers are participating with Dassault, Textron, Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper, Tecnam, Diamond Aircraft, Daher, Bell, Robinson, Bose, and many more having showcased their products and services to buyers from all over Europe at France Air Expo. With 60 aircraft on the static display, France Air Expo is committed to delivering a safe and healthy environment and will produce an event following strict health and safety measures including social distancing, hygiene protocols and contactless transactions. An exhibition for the aviation of the future General Aviation has always been, like Formula 1 in the automotive sector, the laboratory for the creation and development of technological advances which are then adapted and adopted by civil aviation. Many manufacturers are strengthening their focus on technology supporting greener aviation, and at this year’s event an area dedicated to electric and hybrid propulsion advancements will showcase general aviation’s contribution in this field. Sustainability will also be represented by a number of exhibitors displaying technological innovations promoting the ecological transition of the general aviation sector. “The development and incorporation of sustainable resources is a major component of the aviation sector, so we are proud to showcase the concepts originating from the GA market at the June 2021 event”, says Didier Mary, the event organiser. Another notable presence at the show of the VELIS Electro presented for the first time by the FFA, the French Aeronautical Federation, and several innovative companies exhibiting, like Aerospace Valley, Aviathor, Smartflyer, Green Aerolease. A world premiere at France Air Expo 2021 with the presentation of the Cassio from Voltaero! Cassio, hybrid regional transport aircraft, from French company Voltaero, will be the star of the event presented for the first time. France Air Expo 2021 edition is also in a «hybrid format» ! In addition to Lyon's live event on June 17, 18 and 19, France Air Expo, for the first time, is hosting online visitors who will be able to view digital at www.franceairexpo.com exhibitor booths, attend conferences, and schedule one-to-one meetings to build new connections. “There is no better time and place to accelerate a reconnection with the General Aviation community,” adds Didier Mary. “With the launch of several dozen sustainability projects in Europe recently, this new edition will also allow the industry to share, in hybrid format, innovative concepts that will support the aviation industry's future.” The digital platform will remain open until 30th June 2021. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/543765863/france-air-expo-the-international-exhibition-of-general-aviation-in-france-will-open-on-17-18-19-june-2021-at-lyon Digitization, cargo by air helped India’s Covid-hit airlines survive The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the aviation industry the hardest. India’s sudden lockdown in March 2020 was its nemesis. Suddenly, all passenger flights were banned from 23 March 2020. When they opened in May 2020, they were restrictions on seat capacity as well on ticket pricing. In any case, passenger fear of flying made things worse. On top of this, there was no concession of any sort given to the airline industry. Airlines’ profitability was always thin due to severe domestic competition. Many airlines had made more money flying abroad than within the country, but this also came to an end. The repatriation flights for stranded Indians abroad, called “Vande Bharat” flights, started by 23 May 2020, but with severe restrictions. This was followed by opening of domestic flights on 25 May 2020, with restrictions. Then started the “bubble arrangements” with some select countries, and these “arrangements” still continue. The second Covid wave has made all this erratic. Both domestic and international flights which also started on 23/25 May 2020, have had their share of uncertainty due to Covid flaring up in different parts of the country and states and foreign countries reimposing their restrictions/ conditions or outright stopping them for some time. The losses of the airlines, however, kept mounting. Unnecessary restrictions were put on domestic flights, with both price restrictions and seat occupancy denting profitability. According to CAPA, India’s airlines could lose US $3-4 billion in FY 2020-21and have a fleet surplus of 200-250 aircraft. This industry has a great impact on employment, both direct and indirect of the skilled and unskilled varieties. There is a need for early action by the government to save this sector from permanent damage. It is said that every crisis is also an opportunity. While the airlines were already fairly deep into digital technology for their operations more than other sectors of the economy, Covid was a “boost”. For passengers, ticketing and travel became a contactless experience to a much greater extent–booking a ticket to downloading the boarding pass and baggage tag became the norm. While online ticket purchases were already very popular, passengers’ seamless experience at the airport vastly improved, bringing back the passenger confidence. The boarding card, which was an unnecessary requirement for the security staff, not followed anywhere in the world, was finally given up. The use of social media by the passengers and airlines also went up. Messages sent by airlines regarding your flight became routine. Flight delays and cancellations were on your smartphone. If a state required a RT-PCR test to enter, you were informed by SMS. All these were done with improved software. Some airlines improved their inflight entertainment. Order of food online became possible to be served on flight. At the same time, airlines removed all hard magazines and replaced them with soft copies. In the case of SpiceJet, a major exercise was undertaken with their in-house IT team to ensure that passenger experience was the best. On arrival, each passenger would receive an SMS seeking a minute of their time for a passenger travel survey. All reactions of the passengers were automatically processed by the software produced in-house and sent to the officer concerned. In case of complaint/shortcoming, an answer would be sent to the passenger within 24 hours and corrective action taken. In case of compliment, the staff would be rewarded. This improved staff performance and incentive leads to increased productivity. This has also resulted in SpiceTech, their IT arm, getting contracts for software development from foreign airlines. As a result of all these factors, the workload at the check-in counter at the airport became negligible. As most passengers came with their own print-out of the boarding pass and baggage tags, the check-in time got reduced. The only contact that remained was if a passenger had excess baggage and the passenger had to make a payment. Another great change that took place amid Covid times was the sudden increase in cargo requirement. Domestic cargo was a marginal business for airlines. But with Covid, the demand for cargo went up suddenly. India’s airlines did not have freighter aircraft; so some airlines started using their passenger aircraft for cargo delivery. Besides the belly of the aircraft, they wanted to use the passenger seats to carry cargo. It was here permission of the government and the airline manufacturer was needed, but luckily both cooperated and this was allowed. This practice of passenger aircraft to carry cargo only or partially on the seats has been a great breakthrough in permissions. This has set a precedent for the airlines, who sometimes have to park their passenger aircraft during the lean season, and they will use this option as and when required in the future. The concept of cargo by air got a major fillip during this period. A company like Amazon which would send small amounts by air started pre booking full aircraft for their cargo. In fact, cargo became the mainstay and survival for India’s airlines during this period. One outcome of this Covid period is that airlines learnt to survive (so far at least). Reducing staff and with more digitalisation of their activities resulted in their becoming leaner and more efficient. In fact, presently, in a recent tender/RFP issued by the AAI for selection of service provider for provision of passenger processing system (CUPPS, CUSS and BRS) at AAI managed airports, the Federation of Indian Airlines has protested that the present system of fixing a cost to airline for every departing passenger should give way to actual use of CUPPS, CUSS and BRS. This is so because the use of these passenger check-in kiosks has come down very substantially at the airports as most passengers are not using these terminals anymore. However, ironically, after having achieved such a great success at passenger convenience through digitisation, this request has been rejected by the Airports Authority of India. https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/business/digitization-cargo-air-helped-indias-covid-hit-airlines-survive Jetaire Group Provides FAA Airworthiness Directive Exemptions for Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 Aircraft ATLANTA, GA - Jetaire Group’s INVICTA aircraft fuel tank ignition mitigation solution is readily available to fulfill compliance for new FAA Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued for the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 aircraft. These ADs were prompted by the Federal Aviation Association’s (FAA) analysis of the fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. These requirements mandate modifying the Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS) to prevent the development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. The ADs also provide alternative actions for cargo airplanes. The FAA issued Airworthiness Directives against Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 aircraft includes aircraft in a cargo configuration. Jetaire Group holds the FAA Supplement Type Certificates (STC) for the installation of their INVICTA technology for the Boeing family of 737, 757, and 767 aircraft and the Airbus A320 series. INVICTA is known as the most reliable and cost-effective mitigation fuel tank flammability system in the industry and is easy to install, requires no maintenance, and has no failure modes. Jetaire is the original developer of a foam technology as a means of compliance to 14 CFR 25.981. Jetaire’s INVICTA foam ignition mitigation method kits and components, affecting compliance with 14 CFR 25.981, are patented by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the unauthorized re-design, use, and/or reproduction of the same is forbidden. These products are exclusive to Jetaire Aerospace, LLC and its rights in the product are protected by law. (U.S. Patent No. 9,849,998, 10,633,109 and 10,800,541). Airplanes equipped with a Flammability Reduction Means (FRM) approved by the FAA as compliant with the Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction (FTFR) requirements of 14 CFR 25.981(b) or 26.33(c)(1) are exempt from the new Airworthiness Directives, as are airplanes equipped with an Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM) approved by the FAA as compliant with the FTFR requirements of 14 CFR 25.981(c) or 26.33(c)(2). INVICTA is compliant with Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM) and Flammability Reduction Means (FRM) regulations and is the more cost-effective and available fuel mitigation system when compared to the Boeing solutions. Jetaire certifies that INVICTA is compliant with the Airworthiness Directives and they hold the Supplemental Type Certificates as follows: AIRCRAFT FAA SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATES  AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE B737 ST03450NY 2020-18-13 B757 ST04415AT 2016-07-07 B767 ST04405AT 2020-18-16 B777 In Progress 2020-18-12 **Jetaire Group is currently in the process of receiving STCs for the B777 and A330 model aircraft. Jetaire Group specializes in STC-certified and FAA-approved advanced interface systems, and they recently gained their European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) certification for their INVICTA system for the B737 from the Mexican Aviation Airworthiness Authority. They have also received certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) for the B737 (300-800) series aircraft. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/commercial-airline/press-release/21226527/jetaire-jetaire-group-provides-faa-airworthiness-directive-exemptions-for-boeing-737-757-767-and-777-aircraft Eve Urban Air Mobility announces partnership with Ascent Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, Inc. (Eve) and Ascent today announced a partnership focused on accelerating the development of the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in Asia-Pacific markets. The partnership will advance the entry of Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) aircraft into Ascent’s growing technology platform that allows users to book charter flights as well as flights by the seat and orchestrate UAM operations seamlessly. The partnership aims at enabling the progressive entry of Eve’s eVTOLs throughout the region dedicated to air taxi, cargo and air medical services. Ascent currently includes a database of air operator partners that are dedicated to UAM operations, throughout Thailand and the Philippines, and is set to expand its presence in the region. Additionally, the parties expect that Eve´s Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) services will be fully integrated into Ascent technology to ensure secure and scalable operations. “This partnership with Eve is a leap forward for Ascent toward achieving our ambition to democratize sustainable urban air mobility. Joining forces with Eve, and by extension counting with the active support from the Embraer Group, will enable us to accelerate our development for a larger impact, secure the entry of market-fit all-electric aircraft, and provide safe and secure operations at scale thanks to urban air traffic management integration,” said Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff, Founder & CEO of Ascent. “We are pleased to announce this partnership with Ascent as it aligns with our strategy to develop the urban air mobility ecosystem through collaborative efforts and to be a truly global player. Armed with Ascent’s data and platform, we will be well-positioned to enter into the Asia Pacific market. On our end, we are committed to supporting Ascent’s growth and its ambition to democratize air mobility,” said Andre Stein, President & CEO of Eve Urban Air Mobility.” Ascent, Asia’s first technology-powered UAM service, was designed to make cities more connected by moving people seamlessly and affordably by air—using helicopters today and eVTOLs in the future. With Ascent’s first-hand data and growing footprint, Eve will enhance its dedicated solutions accordingly to ensure the best aircraft to deploy and bring to market for Ascent air operator partners. With the new partnership, the companies will establish a proof of concept to demonstrate the extent of Ascent’s platform and market penetration while offering increased accessibility to a broader segment of the Asia Pacific region. Ascent will then facilitate the entry into market of Eve dedicated solutions. Benefitting from a startup mindset and backed by Embraer’s more than 50-year history of aircraft manufacturing and certification expertise, Eve unveils a unique value proposition by positioning itself as an ecosystem partner by offering a suite of products and services. Eve’s human-centered, eVTOL design represents a simple and intuitive design that continues to reach development milestones, including the first flight of the engineering simulator in July 2020 and proof of concept in October 2020. In addition to the aircraft program, Eve is harnessing the expertise of both Embraer and Atech, a subsidiary of the Embraer Group, in providing globally recognized air traffic management software to create the solutions that will help safely scale the UAM industry going forward. Follow us on Twitter: @EveAirMobility About Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions (Eve) Eve is a new, independent company dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. Benefitting from a startup mindset, backed by Embraer’s more than 50-year history of aerospace expertise, and with a singular focus, Eve is taking a holistic approach to progressing the UAM ecosystem, with an advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) project, a comprehensive global services and support network, and a unique air traffic management solution. Eve is the first company to graduate from EmbraerX. For more information, visit www.eveairmobility.com. About Ascent Ascent is a Singapore based start-up powering Air Mobility in Asia. Technology and experience driven, Ascent is an Air Mobility holistic integrator, that entrenches ecosystems and runs operations such as air taxi, touristic, cargo and medical services, within urban areas and across regions. Ascent ambitions to democratize Air Mobility, as a convenient, reliable and sustainable mode of mobility that addresses congestion, connectivity, environmental sustainability and health issues generated by rapid urbanization and the pandemic. Ascent is operational in the Philippines, and in Thailand. Awaiting for eVTOLs, Ascent makes use of helicopters and planes today. For more information, visit www.ascent.flights About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. https://www.suasnews.com/2021/06/eve-urban-air-mobility-announces-partnership-with-ascent/ Heathrow Airport : presses world leaders to agree global sustainable fuels mandate at G7 The leaders of the world's largest economies have been urged to reduce aviation emissions by collectively committing to mandates for the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In a G7 session hosted in Cornwall on Friday by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye pressed the leaders of the G7 to agree in its summit communique escalating mandates for 10% SAF by 2030, growing to at least 50% by 2050, as well as the kinds of price incentive mechanisms that have been used to support demand and kick start other low carbon sectors. Aviation is a force for good. It benefits society by connecting people and cultures and enabling trade across countries. We have to take the carbon out of flying so we can protect those benefits in a net zero world. Major airlines in all G7 states and increasing numbers around the world have committed to net zero by 2050. We can only meet this goal by rapidly scaling up use of sustainable aviation fuels. SAF is a proven technology, used as far back as WWII to fly fighters when oil was scarce, and it works in existing aircraft. It has already powered 250,000 flights around the world. SAF could be either advanced biofuels made from waste from agriculture, households forestry and industry or synthetic fuel made using carbon extracted from the air and clean energy, both deliver lifecycle carbon savings of 70% or more. Just this week, Heathrow received its first delivery of SAF and incorporated it into its main fuel supply system to demonstrate proof of concept at a major airport. SAF is a solution that can work across the world, but it needs to be massively scaled up. The G7 can take a global lead by collectively committing to a mandate for at least 10% SAF by 2030, growing to at least 50% by 2050. Along with the right price incentives, stable over 5 - 10 years (such as Contracts for Difference that have been so effective in scaling up offshore wind energy in the UK), that will send the right market signal to unlock investment in SAF plants. This would create new jobs in a green industry in the G7 . Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: 'We all agree that stopping climate change is the biggest challenge facing our planet. The G7 has already shown leadership by agreeing a global minimum corporate tax, and if we can tap into that collective spirit to collectively commit to a mandate for at least 10% use of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and the right price incentives to use it, we will ensure our children can have the benefits of flying without the carbon cost. Aviation is a force for good and we cannot wait for someone else to solve this problem at some point in the future - we have the tools to do it today, the collective spirit is here now and I urge G7 leaders to take concrete action now.' Heathrow has been at the forefront of advocacy and change on reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. At the start of 2020, the UK aviation sector, became the the first national aviation sector in the world to commit to net zero by 2050, with Heathrow playing a key role. In addition to recently incorporating the first shipment of SAF into its fuel supply system, all of the airport's infrastructure runs on 100% renewable electricity, with plans underway to switch away from gas heating at the airport by the mid-2030s, becoming fully zero carbon. Heathrow has also restored 95 acres of UK peatlands which were emitting carbon and are now starting to act as a carbon sink. Heathrow's Director of Carbon Strategy, Matthew Gorman, has led its award-winning carbon and sustainability team over the last decade and played a vital role in driving forward our targets and plans. He has been recognised for services to Decarbonisation of Aviation with an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Heathrow is a better place because of his contributions. While this honour serves as an important marker of the progress the whole of Heathrow has achieved, the journey to ensuring the benefits of aviation are secured for the future without the carbon cost is a long one and our work and determination continue. https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/Heathrow-Airport-nbsp-presses-world-leaders-to-agree-global-sustainable-fuels-mandate-at-G7--35587178/ Relativity Space Gets a Huge Investment to Take on SpaceX With Reusable Rockets They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that competition is a great way to foster progress and innovation. If these truisms are to be believed, then the NewSpace industry is destined to benefit from the presence of Relativity Space, a commercial space company based in Los Angeles. At the same time, SpaceX founder Elon Musk should be flattered that Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone (founders of Relativity Space) are following his example. Roughly six years ago, Ellis and Noone founded Relativity for the purpose of using new technologies to disrupt the aerospace industry. Earlier this week (Tuesday, June 8th), the company announced that it had raised an additional $650 million in private capital. This money will go towards the development of rockets that are entirely 3D-printed and fully reusable, as well as the creation of a new class of heavy launch vehicles known as the “Terran-R.” Years back, Ellis indicated that he and co-founder Noone were both inspired by Elon Musk and SpaceX’s achievements in space. At the time, Musk had proven that his company could retrieve and reuse their Falcon 9‘s first stage boosters and that the commercial space industry could handle everything from launching payloads to orbit to sending resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Innovation & Disruption However, Ellis and Noone were concerned that when it came to his long-term ambitions (i.e., building a self-sustaining city on Mars), there was a certain lack of planning. Similarly, they felt that the space industry was still reliant on labor-intensive practices that were rapidly growing obsolete with the introduction of additive manufacturing (3D printing). As Ellis explained recently to Ars Technica: “In every SpaceX animation, we saw a fade into black right when people walked out of the rocket on Mars. So what was clear [is] that there needed to be some other company building humanity’s industrial base on Mars. Replicating the infrastructure for a million people that live on Mars is a massive undertaking, and I think a lot of people need to work on it.” As aerospace engineers, Ellis and Noone were both intimately acquainted with the NewSpace industry. The two even worked for Blue Origin and SpaceX before founding Relativity Space, and much of their concerns arose from the practices they witnessed firsthand. Essentially, it came down to the inefficient way in which rockets were being produced, which was inconsistent with the companies’ vision of reducing costs and making space more accessible. This led to their decision to launch their own commercial space company that would fuse 3D printing, sensor and analytics-driven machine learning, and autonomous robots to create the structure and engines of their rockets. This, they hoped, would lead to a tenfold increase in production speed, a hundredfold decrease in the number of parts needed, a simplified and optimized supply chain, and a more rapid design and iteration process. Optimized Production At the center of their production efforts is their Factory of the Future, which relies on the Stargate – the world’s largest metal 3D printing system – to build all of their hardware. This includes the Aeon 1 rocket engine, which relies on a combination of liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX) and can generate 69,000 Newtons (N, or 15,500 pounds-force) at sea level and 113,000 N (25,400 pounds-force) in the vacuum of space. The same method is used to create their rocket fleet, which includes the two-stage Terran 1, the world’s first 3D printed rocket. This first stage relies on nine Aeon 1 engines, the second relies on a single Aeon VAC, and the entire launch system is capable of sending a maximum payload of 1,250 kg (2,760 lbs) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and 700 to 900 kg (1,500 – 2,000 lbs) to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). Then there’s the Terran R, the world’s first 3D printed rocket that is fully reusable – engines, first stage, second stage, and payload fairing – which relies on seven Aeon R (LNG/LOX) engines for its first stage and one Aeon VAC for its second. This rocket is designed to compete with the Falcon 9 and will be capable of launching over 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) to LEO, with a maiden launch from Cape Canaveral targeted for 2024. These rockets and engines are printed from a propriety alloy using a process known as selective laser sintering and can build an entire rocket in just 60 days (and using less than 100 parts). This stands in contrast to the time-honored method of using traditional tooling to manufacture the various components, then relying on a hands-on process to assemble the thousands of parts together. Seek What They Sought The Terran R also has the distinction of being one of just two fully reusable launch systems in the world, the other being the SpaceX Starship. As Ellis indicated, the vehicle will also execute similar mission profiles to the Starship, such as transferring payloads through space, to the Moon, and perhaps even Mars. One can’t help but notice some similarities between the configuration of the Terran R and the Starship as well. This includes the grid fins on the first stage (which assist in recovery) and the shape of the second stage/payload launcher – which looks like the Starship’s second stage. Once fully developed, the Terran R would be the Falcon 9‘s chief rival for lucrative government and commercial launch contracts. But the ultimate goal here, according to Ellis, is not to just compete with SpaceX, but augment its overall efforts. “We’re trying to ice skate to where the puck is going,” he said. “What we keep hearing from customers is that they don’t want just a single launch company that is, frankly, the only quickly moving, disruptive provider.” I am reminded of the words of Matsuo Basho, “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” With this latest round of funding, Relativity Space plans to accelerate the development of the Terran-R launch vehicle. In the meantime, the company is getting closer to the inaugural launch of its Terran 1 rocket. According to Ellis, the first and second stage are 85% finished and the second stage is expected to be shipped to NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi for hot-fire tests later this summer. Whether it’s the commercial aerospace sector or national space agencies, one of the defining characteristics of the modern age of space exploration is the way more contenders are joining the fray. Whereas the “Space Race” was a constant struggle of one-upmanship between two superpowers, today, there are five major space agencies and any number of commercial providers working (in competition and cooperation) to ensure humanity’s future in space. With their focus on optimized production, rapid iteration, and analytics that are driven by data and machine learning, Relativity Space is likely to give SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic a run for their money in the coming years! https://www.universetoday.com/151479/relativity-space-gets-a-huge-investment-to-take-on-spacex-with-reusable-rockets/ Curt Lewis