BRIGHTER FUTURE - CABIN INTERIORS F-35B IN UK SERVICE AIRLINER EVACUATIONS - Royal Aeronautical ...
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JUNE 2022
AEROSPACE
CABIN INTERIORS
F–35B IN UK SERVICE
AIRLINER
EVACUATIONS
www.aerosociety.com
June 2022
Volume 49 Number 6
BRIGHTER FUTURE
CAN SOLAR POWER FROM SPACE MEET THE NET ZERO CHALLENGE?
Royal Aeronautical Society
Volume 49 Number 6
June 2022
EDITORIAL Contents
The truth is out there Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
As AEROSPACE goes to press, the US Congress is set to hold the first The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
open hearing about UFOs in half a century – indicating a shift in official aeronautical intelligence, and social media feedback.
analysis and comment.
thinking from the giggle factor of ‘alien conspiracy’ to an aerospace subject 58 The Last Word
worthy of serious investigation – as well as a potential risk to flight safety. 11 Pushing the Envelope This month Keith Hayward
The spur for this was the declassification of US Navy Super Hornet FLIR Rob Coppinger looks at the wonders if the air transport
aeronautical applications of industry recovery is here
footage, credible aircrew eyewitness accounts and radar tracks on both colour-changing liveries. to stay.
coasts of the US – with the Pentagon releasing the FLIR video in 2020.
Some, for instance, believe the US Navy encounters to be adversary spy
UAVs to get an insight into the electronic order of battle of a US carrier group. Features
However, if the objects seen were UAVs, then a mothership (or submarine)
Airbus Helicopters
must have been nearby to launch them, and transmissions of their ELINT 14 28
collection downlinked or otherwise returned to its owners. Conversely, if these
Urban Air Port
are visitors from another planet, who are keeping tabs on a superpower’s latest
military technology, one might ask why fighter pilots have not seen similar
phenomena in the Nevada ranges, around the Area 51 test area, and at Red Hailing the future
Flag, where the US also tests its latest exotic classified military technology. Advanced urban air mobility Blues and crews
Some might argue that even the mere mention of UFO/UAPs has no should not be seen as niche A look at various human factors
VIP air taxis, but potentially a issues on police helicopter
place in a publication of the RAeS but this cultural shift in high-level official social good for all. operations.
US policy, particularly in whether these represent adversary threats or are a 18 View from the interior 32 Friedrichshafen’s future
danger to flight safety, means that politicians, decision-makers, the media and A look ahead to the Hamburg flying machines
general public will be looking towards those with knowledge and experience Aircraft Interiors Exhibition, The latest from the GA world
which takes place in person for on show at the Aero 2022
of weather, aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, engineering, aviation medicine the first time post-pandemic. exhibition..
and human factors for learned, independent and critical analysis. While their 36 Gone in 90 seconds
Frazer-Nash
true nature is still a mystery, this topic is now shifting away from fringe alien
conspiracy theorists and towards the aerospace mainstream.
23 Is it time to review the
EASA/FAA emergency exit
requirements?
40
Crown Copyright
Tim Robinson FRAeS, Editor-in-Chief
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com @RAeSTimR
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: publications@aerosociety.com Tackling net zero from
space
Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office 2022 AEROSPACE subscription Report from the RAeS
Tim Robinson FRAeS Royal Aeronautical Society rates: Non-members, £195 Towards a Space-enabled Net UK Lightnings: a
+44 (0)20 7670 4353 No.4 Hamilton Place To place your order, contact: Zero Earth conference.
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com London W1J 7BQ, UK decade on
Wayne J Davis
Deputy Editor
+44 (0)20 7670 4300 +44 (0)20 7670 4354 25 Protolabs – Sponsored A look back at the first
Stephen Bridgewater
publications@aerosociety.com aerosubs@aerosociety.com content decade of Lockheed Martin
+44 (0)20 7670 4351 www.aerosociety.com
Any member not requiring a print Accelerating change to meet F-35B Lightning operations
stephen.bridgewater@aerosociety.com AEROSPACE is published by the Royal version of this magazine should challenges on the horizon by the UK.
Aeronautical Society (RAeS). contact: membership@aerosociety.com
Production Manager
Chief Executive
Afterburner
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Unless specifically attributed, no 46 Book reviews
chris.male@aerosociety.com material in AEROSPACE shall be taken ISSN 2052-451X
Production Executive to represent the opinion of the RAeS. 50 Profile of the New RAeS President
Annabel Hallam Reproduction of material used in this 51 RAeS Council 2022-2023
+44 (0)20 7670 4361 publication is not permitted without the
annabel.hallam@aerosociety.com written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 52 Branch Lecture Report - 1957 Defence White Paper
Book Review Editors Printed by Buxton Press Limited, 54 New Member Spotlight
Tony Pilmer and Katrina Sudell Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire
book.reviews@aerosociety.com SK17 6AE, UK 55 RAeS Diary
Distributed by Royal Mail 56 Elections
Cover: Detail of a solar panel from the International Space Station. (NASA). 57 Obituary - Dick Collinson
Additional content is available to view online at: aerosociety.com/aerospaceinsight
Including: Gone in 90 seconds? Ukraine - time to fast-track front-line fighter pilot training? New
Read AEROSPACE and the Insight blog on your
Member spotlight, Inspiration nation, Downfall: The case against Boeing - Reviewed, Friedrichshafen’s smartphone or tablet with the AEROSPACE app.
future flying machines. Tackling net zero from space. APP Available from iTunes and Google Play.
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2022 13
Contents June 2022 FINAL.indd 1 19/05/2022 13:17
Blueprint
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
‘Call the ball’
The MQ-9B’s existing automatic take-off
and landing systems can be integrated with
existing auto recovery systems, such as
the Joint Precision Approach and Landing
System (JPALS). In flight, control can be
passed via satellite to other controllers or
even other crewed aircraft.
Folding wings
The new wings would feature an
asymmetric folding mechanism to reduce
deck footprint and overall height.
General Atomics-ASI
4 AEROSPACE
Quick change Specifications
Swapping between the STOL wings/tail Endurance Approx 30hr
and conventional wing-tail would allow Payload 3,600lb
maximum flexibility for commanders, Cruising speed 175kt
allowing the MQ-9B to use its regular
long-span wings for maximum endurance
from land bases or keeping adversaries
guessing by island-hopping beyond the
range of the STOL variant.
Full length flaperons
Full span high-lift flaperons on the
MQ-9B would give STOL performance,
allowing the MQ-9B to land and take off
on small carriers without the need for
catapults or arrestor gear.
Weapon fits
Renderings of the MQ-9B STOL show
sonobuoy pods and short-range AIM-9X
air-to-air missiles for self defence. Land-based
MQ-9s already fly with Hellfire and LGBs while,
in April 2022, General Atomics revealed it had
integrated the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E V2
multimode maritime radar on to the MQ-9.
DEFENCE
MQ-9B gets sea legs
US UAV manufacturer General Atomics-ASI has unveiled a new quick-change variant of its MQ-9B MALE
drone, a ship-based STOL kit. The naval MQ-9B STOL uses the common fuselage of the Sky Guardian/
Sea Guardian but adds new folding wings and larger V-tail which the company says can be swapped
between the standard wings and empennage in just a few hours. With the STOL kit installed, the
MQ-9B’s take-off distance is reduced from 3,500ft for land runways to under 1,000ft, allowing it to
operate from aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships. Renders released by GA-ASI also show the
MQ-9B armed with sonobuoy pods and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles.
JUNE 2022 5
Radome
UKRAINE CONFLICT
DEFENCE
West steps up arms’ TB2s, Su-27s strike Snake Island
deliveries
Ukrainian MoD
More Western-supplied Ukraine but features
arms and equipment is a six-hour operational
now flowing to Ukraine, endurance. In mid-May the
including artilllery, first footage of ground-
precision missiles, launched UK-supplied
Gepard self-propelled anti-armour Brimstone
anti-aircraft guns and missiles being used by
loitering kamikaze Ukraine also emerged.
drones. The VTOL Meanwhile, on 3 May,
Phoenix Ghost UAV, UK PM Boris Johnson Video footage from an armed TB2 UAV released by the Ukrainian MoD has shown a
developed by the announced that the Russian Mi8 helicopter being destroyed as it unloaded troops on the contested Snake
USAF under an urgent country would supply Island in the Black Sea. Other TB2 footage (above) also showed a pair of Ukrainian
requirement, is similar to Malloy T150 heavy-lift Su-27 Flankers conducting a low-level strike on the island. The TB2 drones have also
Switchblade ‘kamikaze’ quadcopter UAVs as part destroyed a Tor mobile SAM system, as well as two Raptor patrol boats and Russian
drones supplied to of a £300m aid package. landing craft as Russia continues to attempt to reinforce its foothold there.
DEFENCE
Supply warplanes to Ukraine, says Aircraft losses to date
UK Foreign Secretary As AEROSPACE goes to Meanwhile, an AP
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, press in mid-May, current investigation has found
Liz Truss MP, has said that verified losses through evidence suggesting that
the West should step up its social media photos 600 civilians were killed
supply of heavy weapons or video of wreckage, in a Russian airstrike
to assist Ukraine in its fight collated by the Oryx on a theatre in Mariupol
against Russia, including
OSINT tracker are: in March. It is thought
providing warplanes. She
said the West needed Russia: that 1,000 people were
Ukrainian MoD
to ‘double down’ on its 26 aircraft sheltering in the theatre at
support, including giving 41 helicopters, the time which served as
“heavy weapons, tanks, 61 UAVs the city’s main air shelter
aeroplanes – digging deep Ukraine: and was marked with a
into our inventories.” Previous plans to transfer surplus MiG-29s have remained 20 aircraft large sign on the ground
in limbo due to fears of escalation, although the US has confirmed that Western
7 helicopters outside saying ‘children’
countries have supplied spare parts to enable the Ukrainian air force to get some of
its grounded combat aircraft back in the air. 22 UAVs visible from the air.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Both carriers will retain demonstrator CubeSats as powered-lift aircraft
Airbus has announced it their independent brands The UK MoD has equipped with radio – an existing category
is to expand its single- but will operate under a announced that its transmission sensors and within FAR 21.17(b) –
aisle US production line in holding company structure Prometheus-2 mission imagers. and eventually develop
Mobile, Alabama, adding named Abra Group. will be the first British additional regulations.
a third assembly line and satellite launched from In a surprise
1,000 jobs. The move After 45 years, on British soil this summer. announcement the FAA Stratolaunch’s Roc
is aimed at raising the 27 April, the last The Prometheus-2 mission has decided to ‘modify carrier aircraft carried
monthly production rate of USAF F-15C Eagles will be launched by Virgin its regulatory approach’ out its fifth test flight
A320-family airliners to 75 departed from Europe Orbit’s 747/Launcher One towards the certification of on 5 May. The five-hour
by 2025. to be replaced by F-35A system which will take off eVTOL aircraft. Previously, sortie was the first time
Lightning II fighters. The from Spaceport Cornwall developers had been the aircraft had carried
Colombian airline Avianca 48th Fighter Wing Eagles airport in Newquay. The aiming to certify eVTOLs the large pylon, created
and Brazil’s GOL have were based at RAF mission, which involves under Part 23 regulations to release the company’s
agreed to a merger Lakenheath for almost 30 international partners, for light aircraft. Now Talon-A hypersonic
to create a pan-Latin years in the air superiority including the US NRO, the FAA says it plans to vehicles. The aluminium
American airline network. role. features two technology certify these new craft and carbon-fibre pylon
6 AEROSPACE
AIR TRANSPORT GENERAL AVIATION
Airbus
Stunt pilots’ licences
revoked by FAA
The US Federal Aviation the second instance, on
Administration has 12 May, the FAA revoked
revoked the licences of the licences of both pilots
pilots involved in two who were involved in
separate aerial stunts. a failed Red Bull Plane
In the first instance, it Swap livestream aerial
Qantas confirms future fleet plan revoked the licence of
a pilot and YouTuber
stunt, where they both
attempted to skydive
Qantas Group has confirmed that it will order 12 Airbus A350-1000s, 20 A220s and Trevor Jacob who between separate Cessna
20 A321XLRs as part of its fleet regeneration. The A350-1000 was selected following allegedly staged an 182s. Chief pilot Luke
an evaluation, known as Project Sunrise, and will enable the carrier to operate the in-flight emergency and Aikins admitted that he
world’s longest commercial flights. These will include linking Sydney and Melbourne with parachuted from a 1940’s had continued with the
destinations, such as London and New York non-stop for the first time ever. Featuring a Taylorcraft aircraft over aerial stunt, despite the
premium layout, the A350 fleet will also be used by Qantas on other international services. California in order to FAA refusing to grant him
The A350-1000 is powered by the latest-generation Trent XWB engines from Rolls-Royce. make a YouTube video. In an exemption.
AEROSPACE SPACEFLIGHT
Orbex
Boeing to move company Orbex reveals
HQ to Arlington, VA Prime prototype
Boeing announced on 5 quantum sciences and
May that it was moving its software and systems
global HQ from Chicago, engineering.
Illinois, to Arlington, Meanwhile, it has
Virginia. The company also emerged that the US
plans to develop an R&D FAA has asked Boeing to
hub in Northern Virginia send revised certification
to “harness and attract documents for resuming
engineering and technical 787 deliveries after
capabilities.” Boeing the original ones were UK vertical space launch company Orbex has unveiled the first full-scale prototype
says that development incomplete. Deliveries of of its Prime rocket, on a test stand in Scotland. The 62ft long Prime launcher, which
at the new hub will 787s have been paused is intended to be reusable and features 3D printed engines with renewable biofuel,
focus on cyber-security, for a year due to extra is undergoing ground testing at Kinloss, with launches to take place at Space Hub
autonomous operations, inspections and repairs. Sutherland.
takes up 14ft of the aircraft manufacturer The ruling, by a UK court government services’
Roc’s 95ft wing-centre Airbus to keep producing in London, means that On 6 May, four astronauts portfolio. BIH currently
section and includes a A321neos for it, after Airbus is now free to from the International operates SAR services for
winch system that will be the airframer unilaterally market these aircraft to Space Station (ISS) safely the UK MoD, FOST (Fleet
used to load the Talon cancelled the order for other customers. splashed down in the Operational Sea Training)
vehicles from the ground. 50 airliners over a dispute Gulf of Mexico aboard for the Royal Navy and
The company plans with the airline. The China has tested a new the SpaceX Crew Dragon support services in the
to begin flight testing unprecedented action naval vertically-launched Endurance. The mission Falkland Islands.
the rocket-powered, by a manufacturer of anti-ship ballistic missile. was the first flight for the
autonomous, reusable cancelling a customer’s The YJ-21 or Eagle Strike Endurance Crew Dragon Australian company
Talon-A vehicles in 2023. orders was the result 21, which has a range of capsule, one of four used Aviation H2 is to convert
They are designed to carry of an escalating spat over 600nm, was fired to support the ISS. a Dassault Falcon 50 to
customisable payloads at between Airbus and from a Type 055 missile fly partially on ammonia.
speeds above Mach 5. Qatar over defects on destroyer and is a ship- Bristow Group is The test aircraft will have
the surface paint of its launched variant of the to acquire British one of its three engines
Qatar Airways has lost A350 which the carrier land-based DF-21 ‘carrier International Helicopters converted to run on the
a legal battle to force claims has safety issues. killer’ ballistic missile. (BIH) to strengthen its fuel.
JUNE 2022 7
Radome
GENERAL AVIATION DEFENCE
All-electric Sherwood eKub flies NGAD fighter to cost
twice that of F-35
EnabEl consortium
Speaking to Congress on uncrewed variant, saying:
27 April, Air Force Secretary “that’s one of the reasons
Frank Kendall confirmed that I’m introducing the idea of
the USAF’s Next Generation uncrewed combat aircraft
Air Dominance future fighter that are much less expensive
programme will cost twice and can be attritable.” At
as much as the F-35A the same hearing before
on a per airframe basis the House Armed Services
– making it the service’s Committee, Kendall also
On 21 April, EnabEl programme manager Dr Guy Gratton FRAeS flew an all-electric most expensive fighter indicated that the number of
version of the single-seat Sherwood Kub kitplane on its first flight from Little Snoring, ever by quite some margin. F-15EX Eagle II airframes
Norfolk. The EnabEl: (Enabling Electrification of Aircraft) project is a partnership between According to Kendall, the on order could be cut from
the Light Aircraft Company (TLAC), Cranfield University, Flylight and CDO2 and funded NGAD programme will also 144 to 80 as a cost-saving
by Innovate UK through the Future Flight Challenge. include a less expensive, measure.
AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
ATR Aircraft
Airlines in EU and US
remove mask mandates
Following a ruling on 18 Covid-19 masks in airports
April, the majority of US and on flights in Europe.
airlines have lifted mandatory The guidance, from aviation
rules for the wearing of regulator EASA and European
Covid-19 masks on flights. Centre for Disease Prevention
Airline employees no
longer are required by law
and Control (ECDC) also
says that airports can drop
ATR flies STOL variant
to wear masks, along with distancing measures if The ATR42-600S STOL variant performed its maiden flight from Francazal Airport
passengers, although airlines these cause bottlenecks near Toulouse on 11 May. Prior to conversion, the airframe served as the prototype
are still recommending that themselves. However, ATR 42-600 but it has been adapted to be able to operate from runways as short as
passengers wear masks. regulators also said that 800m (2,625ft). Modifications have included the reinforcement of the rear fuselage,
Meanwhile, from 16 May it airlines should continue to installation of autobraking and ground spoiler systems, as well as associated multi-
will no longer be mandatory promote the use of facemasks functional computer systems. The installation of the new, larger rudder is planned later
for passengers to wear and safe hygiene. this year after initial flight tests.
NEWS IN BRIEF
add two more converted transition to unleaded fuel certification scrutiny in
In early May, Etihad Hungary is to procure Boeing 747s to its fleet to can be accomplished. the wake of the 737
conducted 42 ‘EcoFlights’ 12 Aero Vodochody act as launch aircraft for MAX crashes.
over five days, including advanced jet trainers with its LauncherOne rocket. Boeing has confirmed
22 contrail prevention deliveries to commence L3Harris will undertake that the first delivery Textron Aviation delivered
flights. Using an from 2024. The air force the conversions which of its new widebody the first Cessna
Airbus A350, the trial will use them for lead-in will bring Virgin’s small airliner, the 777X, has SkyCourier twin utility
evaluated operational pilot training for its Gripen sat launch aircraft fleet to been delayed to early turboprop to launch
efficiencies, technology C fighters, as well as three. 2025. Production of customer, FedEx Express
and procedures that will reconnaissance. The the 777-9 will now be on 9 May. The airframe
reduce carbon emissions. L-39NG is an updated The 110 members of paused in 2023 to avoid is the first of 50 freighter
Tests included optimising version of the L-39 trainer the US-based Avgas a build-up of excess versions that the global
flight paths and working with a new Williams Coalition have written inventory. The aircraft logistics firm has ordered
with UK-based SATAVIA engine, modern cockpit to the Department of was originally meant with options for a further
to avoid flying in areas and five hardpoints. Transportation and FAA to to have been handed 50. The clean-sheet
where water vapour from ensure the availability of over in 2020 but has aircraft achieved FAA
engines forms contrails Horizontal space launch low-lead 100LL aviation been hampered by the type certification in March
and ice crystals. provider Virgin Orbit is to fuel until an orderly pandemic and tougher 2022.
8 AEROSPACE
SPACEFLIGHT AEROSPACE
Catch a falling rocket Royal Mail plans 500-strong drone
On 3 May, US-New parachute and at 6,500ft
delivery fleet
Royal Mail
Zealand launch company Rocket Lab’s Sikorsky
Rocket Lab achieved a S-92 helicopter used a
major reusable milestone hook on a long line to
with the mid-air capture snag the parachute line.
of its Electron first stage However, the pilots then
by a helicopter for the jettisoned the booster
first time. Following lift- after concerns about the
off from the company’s weight distribution of
Launch Complex 1 on the payload. It was then
New Zealand’s Mãhia recovered by ship. Rocket The UK’s postal service, the Royal Mail, has announced ambitious plans to expand its drone
Peninsula, the first Lab has already launched delivery services for remote regions, adding 50+ new routes over the next three years and a fleet
stage of the ‘There And 146 satellites into orbit of 500 drones. The service has already been trialling Windracer drones, which carry up to 100kg
Back Again’ mission from 26 flights using its of letters and parcels, on four routes in the UK over the past 18 months, including the Isle of Mull,
returned to Earth under a Electron launcher. Isles of Scilly, the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
DEFENCE AIR TRANSPORT
Crown copyright
UK New Republic pushes for
Medium 1,500 hour exemption
Helicopter In a bid to stave off a rationale is that former
procurement looming pilot shortage
crisis, US regional carrier
military pilots wanting to
transition to a commercial
lifts-off Republic Airways has
requested an exemption
pilot career in commercial
aviation are already
to allow pilots to begin given an exemption to
their careers in the start flying commercially
cockpit after completing under a restricted ATPL.
The UK MoD has officially launched the New Medium Helicopter procurement phase 750 hours. Since 2009, Republic is asking that
which seeks to replace the RAF’s Airbus Puma HC2 fleet along with three other types the US FAA has required pilots who graduate from
(Bell 212/412 and the Airbus AS365) in a deal for up to 44 rotorcraft that could be would-be commercial its rigorous closed-loop
worth £1.2bn. Likely bidders include Airbus Helicopters (H175M), Bell (525 Relentless), pilots to complete 1,500 training programme
Leonardo (AW149), Lockheed Martin (Black Hawk) and AceHawk Aerospace (pre-owned flight hours before they are granted the same
Black Hawks.) can start with airlines. The exemption.
Corrections
The USAF has announced The US Vice-President ON THE MOVE
that its next AEW&C Kamala Harris has In the May 2022 issue of
platform, taking over from announced that the AEROSPACE on p49 it Senior Vice President of
was stated in a picture
its legacy E-3A AWACS country will cease testing caption that the simulator
Rachel Gardner-Poole is Fuels at airport services
fleet, will be the Boeing of kinetic anti-satellite was at the University of the new head of the UK’s specialist Menzies
E-7 Wedgetail. The E-7 missiles in a move Sheffield. This particular Zero Emission Flight (ZEF) Aviation.
is already in service with designed to encourage Merlin MP521 simulator is Delivery Group.
actually at Sheffield Hallam
Australian, Turkish and other countries to follow Tyler Painter has joined
University.
South Korean air forces, suit. The US, India, China On the BLUEPRINT page Campbell Wilson, currently advanced air mobility
as well as being procured and Russia have all carried in the same issue, on p5, it CEO of SIA low-cost company Wisk Aero as its
by the Royal Air Force. out direct-ascent ASAT was stated that the crusing subsidiary Scoot, has new CFO.
A contract award will be tests in the past which altitude was ‘30,000lb’. been named the new
It should have, of course,
announced in 2023, a have caused potentially have been ‘30,000ft’.
Chief Executive Officer & Aircraft painting and
production decision in dangerous space debris Managing Director of Air coatings company MAAS
2025 and the first rapid – with a Russian missile We apologise for any India. Aviation Group has
prototype to be delivered test in November 2021 confusion caused. appointed Andrew Hoad to
in 2027. creating 1,632 fragments. Marco di Mario is the new Non-Executive Director.
JUNE 2022 9
By the Numbers
Understanding the world of Aerospace through data
Solar power from orbit – no longer science-fiction?
The Sun never sets in space
Solar Power Satellites (SPSs) will collect the Sun’s energy and beam it
securely to a fixed point on Earth. Each SPS can generate more than
three gigawatts (GW*) of electricity
SPS-ALPHA (Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily
Large Phased Array) Sunlight †
1 Space launch: Requires low-cost,
reusable transportation. Modular
construction will allow robotic
assembly once in orbit
2 Geostationary Earth Orbit:
GEO is 35,786km from Earth
3 Heliostat array: Up to 6km wide.
Thousands of solar reflectors control
orientation of SPS with respect to Sun.
Sunlight continuously reflected onto
layers of solar panels in array
4 Truss structure: 13km long 7 Rectifying antenna:
5 Wireless power transmission: “Rectenna” converts
Solid state WPT unit converts microwave beam into
energy from solar panels into electricity to feed into
high-frequency microwave local grid
beam
6 Microwave beam:
Two GW of power –
equivalent to
nuclear power
station –
delivered
to Earth Rectenna:
6-7km
wide
*Gigawatt: Equal to one billion watts.
†Sunlight: 1.4 kilowatts/m 2 in GEO – compared
Graphic News
with average of 340 watts/m 2 on Earth
Sources: Frazer-Nash, Mankins Space Technology, Inc., NASA © GRAPHIC NEWS
10 AEROSPACEPushing the Envelope
Exploring advances on the leading edge of aerospace
Robert Coppinger
Colour-changing liveries
A
irliner colour schemes or liveries can –40°C and both automobiles and aircraft are
vary greatly with designs ranging expected to operate in hot equatorial, desert-like
from animals to characters from conditions. Temperature is a major obstacle for the
films, but what if they could be technology. The company that made the film, the
designed to change at the flick of E-Ink Corporation, said it is ‘not rated for aircraft
a switch? At the technology show, CES, held in or automotive use yet. Because it’s a concept
the US earlier this year, BMW demonstrated its and is not a commercial product, it will not go
iX Flow car, a technology demonstrator whose into production any time soon for the automotive
exterior changes colour in seconds. industry. Additionally, E-Ink is not focused on the
The iX Flow is a BMW all-electric sports model aviation industry at this time.’
with a laminated electrophoretic film tailored to However, there are aviation applications that
its body contours. When electricity is applied, the call for low altitudes, along with a much more
electrophoretic film produces different colour benign temperature range. Advertising blimps is
pigments across the surface. The colour change one of the possibilities where a simple logo could
is not sophisticated enough to show animations change colour to catch people’s attention. The blimp
– the car’s skin simply changes from one colour concept is a feasible one for E-Ink co-inventor
to another but in a fluid manner across the entire Jonathan D Albert. Now working at the University of
vehicle’s body. The iX Flow’s range of colours is Pennsylvania, Albert invented electronic ink with his
also quite limited, to black and white and shades colleague Barrett Comiskey.
in-between.
Airliner issues
Colour on film
Albert sees two additional challenges for airliners.
The electrophoretic film consists of millions of The first is the compound curvature of the
microcapsules, the diameter of a human hair, typical airline’s tube shape and the second is rain
that contain differently charged white, black or potentially at any altitude. However, he likes the
coloured particles. Applying a current causes blimp idea and agreed that electric vertical take-
white, black or coloured pigments to collect at the off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft were another
surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body potential application. A medical evacuation eVTOL
the desired colour. could use electronic ink for a flashing red plus
This is the technology that makes e-reading sign. Electronic ink can produce a wide range of
devices possible but the words of Shakespeare colours, Albert explained, but it requires different THIS IS THE
are not going to be read across the exterior of an approaches to the technology.
TECHNOLOGY
airliner or top-of-the-range automobile. For a reliable near-term application, the colour
While the application of electrophoretic scheme needs to be simple. Electric air taxis have THAT MAKES
film to cars may appear clear, the operational the advantages of being small two-person aircraft E-READING
environments in which cars and aircraft are tested with a ready source of electrical power and a DEVICES
are not so far apart, opening up other possibilities. small surface area without compound curves. In POSSIBLE BUT
a crowded airspace, an eVTOL could darken its THE WORDS OF
Temperature livery to be clearer against a bright sky or brighten SHAKESPEARE
its appearance at dusk or night, in addition to its
While airliners fly at 36,000ft where it can be on-board lights. Colour-changing technology also
ARE NOT GOING
about –55°C, the aerodynamic friction travelling has potential military applications as the ability to TO BE READ
at a typical cruise speed raises the aircraft’s blend with the background scenery for the military ACROSS THE
surface temperature to approximately –25°C. is a clear advantage. For now, however, the paint EXTERIOR OF AN
Cars are tested in environments as low as shops have nothing to worry about. AIRLINER
JUNE 2022 11Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE @aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com
@Autopilotuser Campaign for National Spitfire Monument
Nevertheless, I think it
National Spitfire Project
is now the time to start
training for Western types.
The war will not be gone in
the next 12 months.
@Atamansikka Support
Downfall: the case is the issue. It’s not just the
against Boeing – airplane. It’s a whole system
reviewed that needs to be in place.
But the process should
be started and Ukrainians
@JRicardoBraz [On the
trained to take top-notch
Insight Blog – Downfall,
Western aircraft.
the Case Against Boeing
– Reviewed (2)] The
documentary did not aim
to analyse the accidents
themselves. The idea was to Why can’t Britain The National Spitfire Project At the heart of the plinth, Spitfire was instrumental
start from the accidents to produce a successful (1)
has been launched visitors will see a Merlin in defending our country
go back in time and analyse light aircraft? to build a new, national engine under reinforced during the war. We are
monument, commemorating glass, surrounded by proud to call Southampton
Boeing’s conduct. Even if
the iconic aircraft. roundels depicting the 30 the home of the Spitfire
there was no accident with @GuyG_Boffin [On
The stainless steel Spitfire, allied air forces that flew the and I am grateful to the
the MAX, all of Boeing’s ‘Inspiration Nation’ in the May one and a half times the size Spitfire during its service government for trusting us
omissions and negligence 2022 issue of AEROSPACE of the original aircraft, will career and emblems to to deliver this project and
could not be ignored. (3)
] Hmm, best of luck to appear to be rising up from represent cities and towns for supporting it by match
them, but the Europa, Beagle its birthplace, taking flight involved in construction, funding donations with £3m
Pup, Bulldog, Escapade/ over Southampton Water delivery and maintenance. from Treasury.” Construction
Scout, Condor, Auster, atop of 131ft tall swooping Royston Smith GM MP, of the monument is set
@Riaz_Sc Commercial adoption of the Skyranger, plinth, designed to resemble one of the Trustees of the to be completed by June
interests will always T600, and a few others don’t a vapour trail. project, said: “The iconic 2024.
overshadow regulatory suggest to me a complete
oversight somehow or other. national failure since WW2 to
build decent light aeroplanes.
Fault more with business EASA’s Executive Director attends RAeS Banquet
@InnerMetronome models?
via Patrick Ky/EASA
Lessons? Don’t assign
only one AOA sensor to a
computer! And don’t leave @arrowfoil Perhaps
the controls to just the marketing isn’t helped by
computer! ‘traditional British reserve’?
Your list doesn’t include Swift,
who designed the newest
Western fighters for Europa product (originally as
Ukraine? a fully-built aircraft), maybe
because of a reluctance to
fully promote their ‘Chubby
Little Spitfire’?
@dtieic Inspired seems
@holy_sick On the Insight to have some good ideas,
Blog ‘Ukraine – time to however. There needs to
fast-track front-line fighter be a push towards ease of
pilot training?(4)] Western operation, such as highway-
made aircraft are a long- in-the-sky displays and
term solution. Now they Garmin-like auto-recovery, Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) was
need MiGs or Sukhois, as and I believe that net zero guest of honour at the 2022 Royal Aeronautical Society Gala Dinner on 5 May. Ky gave an
their whole air force is built will be increasingly important. entertaining and enlightening speech and later posted the above image with new RAeS
around them. Maintenance, Also, down with rudder President Peter Round FRAeS on Twitter, saying: “Very pleased and proud to be the guest of
pedals. honour at the @AeroSociety annual banquet in London yesterday evening – PKY.”
12 AEROSPACE
Transmission June 2022 FINAL.indd 14 19/05/2022 13:22Some future liquid hydrogen From the RAeS photo archives
airliner design considerations
RAeS/NAL
We refer to recently well on the passenger floor
publicised and ‘polished’ and around the forward
reports from FlyZero/ATI. emergency exits. It should
There is a fair deal of useful be remembered that the
information. However, the only way to extinguish a
detail provided on the future hydrogen fire is to starve it
LH2 configurations shows of fuel or oxygen.
lack of appreciation of To reduce this risk,
fundamentals. This invites the fuel tanks should
some technical comment. be separated from the
It appears that these passenger cabin.
configurations have Refuelling is a
not been through any hazardous procedure
certification scrutiny, when using a hose from a
even at a basic level. bowser or fuel main. Safety
Crashworthiness and exclusion/evacuation zones
passengers/service have been proposed. This
access standards are well inconvenience could be
established and mandatory minimised if the fuel tanks
for all civil aircraft. We all could be detached from the
Z A Arapova, left, a senior laboratory assistant in a Russian astronautical laboratory, fastens
appreciate that Cryogenic airframe and exchanged for
registration contacts on cosmonaut A Grachev before he goes into a test chamber for a
LH2 fuel is a dangerous ‘refilled tanks.’
medium and it cannot be simulated test flight, c.1959. Gracev was one of a number of so-called ‘phantom’ astronauts
Several other specific
stored close to passengers who died on unreported space missions. In this case, in 1962 the Italian news bureau
issues are apparent, eg the
or crew – ground or in air. ‘narrow body’ layout is tail Continentale announced that two Soviet cosmonauts had disappeared aboard ‘Vostok III’
Yet this is not respected. A heavy and does not even which should have carried out one round trip around the Moon. In reality, the Soviets did not
crash landing could result balance on the ground possess a rocket powerful enough to launch a crewed payload to the Moon until 1968.
in spillage of LH2 from a without passengers aboard.
ruptured tank which could I have done some basic speeds certainly sounds The longer-range
ARA
cause splash injuries from modelling to check that. worthwhile in theory. version has passenger
cryogenic fuel, asphyxiation Canard surface moves the In practice it may be seating above the forward
and/or rapid boil-off, neutral point further forward. difficult to achieve that fuel tank, in addition to the
leading to a potentially Achieving static stability beyond the nose radome rear ones. The concept
explosive fuel-air mixture. margins is difficult. region of the fuselage. has no ameliorative
Ignition of spilt LH2 Assuming laminar Reynolds numbers are features in the event
will result in buoyant and (natural or otherwise) flow very much larger on the of crashworthiness
invisible flames playing over fuselages at transonic fuselage. precautions being breached.
We draw attention to Wind tunnel
our concept, Gondola. (see tariffs
ATI
AEROSPACE, January
2022, ‘Powering a net- Reference the monstrous
zero future’) Employing tariff charge for the Aircraft
a twin fuselage layout Research Association wind
enables separation of LH2 tunnel mentioned by Paul
containment and propulsion Hutchinson, CEO of Aircraft
from the crew/passenger Research Association Ltd
cabin. [AEROSPACE, May 2022,
Furthermore, the Transmission], this surely
concept fits in with airport indicates the need to
procedures. Further details engineer a battery capable
on this concept will appear of delivering the same peak
in a forthcoming paper to be demand while being trickle
published. charged to merit a lower
tariff.
Dr R K Nangia Hon
FRAeS and Denis W Oglesby
Mr L Hyde, MRAeS AMRAeS
1. https:// www.nationalspitfireproject.org
2. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/downfall-the-case-against-boeing-reviewed/
3. AEROSPACE, May 2022, p 30, ‘Inspiration Nation’
4. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/ukraine-time-to-fast-track-front-line-fighter-pilot-training/
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com JUNE 2022 13
Transmission June 2022 FINAL.indd 15 19/05/2022 13:22Hailing the future
Advanced urban air mobility should not be seen as niche VIP air taxis, but
potentially a social good for all. GARY CUTTS, Director of the Future Flight
Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and RAeS President-Elect
KERISSA KHAN, MRAeS, Innovation Lead at the UKRI Future Flight Challenge
provide insight into the opportunities.
T
he concept of a new future aviation A number of significant stakeholders from across
system continues to see growing support the sector are already playing a key role, with many
and engagement as it develops. While most recently coming together earlier this year
there are many elements to consider at the Global Urban and Advanced Air Summit at
along this journey, the core focus should Farnborough, and also for the publication of the Eve
always remain on the benefits of better connecting Urban Air Mobility Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
people. As society changes, so new innovative for the London Environment alongside the UK Civil
concepts can be used to create a sustainable, Aviation Authority (CAA).
convenient and technology-led service that goes Of course, with any new and changing industry
further to meet evolving transport demands. there are hurdles to overcome and a need to help
It is something to take seriously too. This is not bring opposing views on board. This piece aims
simply a pipe dream of the future, but a credible, to focus on what is possible when it comes to an
forward-thinking research and planning strategy effective introduction of new electric vertical take-off
that is backed by government and industry alike. and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the UK, and the
14 AEROSPACEArcher, Falko, Helipass, Autoflight, Joby Aviation, Lilium, Eve, Vertical
benefits that could be seen by embracing these future aviation concept – the social benefits that a
vehicles for particular use cases and opportunities in revolutionised airspace could bring.
the future. The new passenger experience that could be
achieved will not just be about saving time but will
What are the hurdles and bring a service to people that is far more convenient,
perceptions? connected, comfortable and sustainable. Again, this
is not a pie-in-the-sky plan for personal vertiports in
Before we come on to opportunities, it is useful to gardens but a research-led vision for a collaborative
first see what needs to be overcome. It is perhaps transport ecosystem that incorporates different
important at this point to stress that those involved modes of transport to complete the overall journey. A
in the concepts for the future aviation point-to-point electric vehicle service,
system are not trying to run before that offers connections from home to
they can walk. This is not about a destination through a combination
far-fetched drawing board ideas you of electric taxis and eVTOL aircraft,
would see in sci-fi or novel private can provide a seamless and accessible
executive flight solutions for the solution for many across society.
rich – it is about developing effective THESE EVTOL Having this new solution could
connectivity solutions for people and VEHICLES OFFER mean so much in different ways to
communities who need them. different groups of people. For some, it
A TRANSPORT
In wider commentary on the could mean faster and safer journeys
subject, there is a lot of initial focus SERVICE for important medical care from their
on eVTOL vehicles making short hops THAT IS NOT remote location, while for others it
and inner-city trips. However, such RELIANT ON THE could mean the difference between
use cases, while potentially important,
will have to be proven to make
CONSTRUCTION being able to access better jobs and
education from their rural setting. We
financial, time and OF A LARGER also cannot dismiss the importance of
logistical sense, and ROAD NETWORK, simply connecting people with other
will be dependent AND THE INFRA- people too, as well as giving them
on public better transport access to a range
demand. Instead, STRUCTURE of amenities that could improve their
the focus has THAT COMES quality of life.
started to shift WITH IT, IN The uptake of this way to travel
towards providing by some would also bring knock-
ORDER TO
an alternative on benefits for others. Reduced
transport solution for longer ACHIEVE ITS congestion would save time and cost
journeys and mid-range commutes, as GOALS OF for the many people and businesses
well as improving travel and transport CONNECTIVITY who require continued use of the road
options for those in rural and isolated network, while eVTOL emergency
areas across the UK. services could also provide life-
Another hurdle is regulation. This will always changing improvements in response times.
be a challenge but that’s no bad thing if the end It is the environmental benefits that could be the
result is improved industry and public confidence backbone for support of the new aviation system.
in the new concepts and a more effective and These eVTOL vehicles offer a transport service that
professional industry developing as a result. That is not reliant on the construction of a larger road
is because there is so much to focus on regulatory network, and the infrastructure that comes with it, in
terms. Passenger safety will rightly take ultimate order to achieve its goals of connectivity. Avoiding
priority but there are a number of elements, such the need to remove natural habitats, green belt
as certification, licensing, telecommunications, land and tree populations in order to connect rural
information security, airspace regulation and vehicle communities and improve commuter routes should
testing that will also need to be right before the not be seen as a ‘nice-to-have’, but as a foundation
vehicles take to the skies – and this can take time. for solving transport issues in a forward-thinking way.
Real progress, though, has already been made
in this regard and, as outlined later, more is on the Complementing, not displacing,
horizon. existing transport and technology
The social benefits Within all of the plans being undertaken, it is
also important to recognise that there is a clear
Focusing heavily on flight costs and tricky industry distinction between traditional aerospace and
logistics also does not take into account one of these new technologies. The eVTOL vehicle market
the key elements to the potential success of the will never challenge large long-haul airlines, but
JUNE 2022 15GENERAL AVIATION
Advanced aerial mobility
their support in the development of technology, and academic liaison. There is no harm in saying
infrastructure, procedures and data is essential to that some parts of the future aviation system are at
the success of the future flight industry. the start of their development, and that there are
Instead, it is small aircraft that will be the challenges ahead to overcome. However, through
focus of the plans to integrate into the airspace collaboration and support for innovative new
and provide point-to-point air transport services concepts, these are being addressed.
to smaller towns that cannot today justify airport Plus, it is important to also consider that much
infrastructure. Smaller eVTOL vehicles that are of the work being undertaken now will form the
reliable and inexpensive to operate can serve a building blocks for other forms of new aviation in
useful purpose in the domestic flight sector and the future too. The eVTOL segment can prototype
as an alternative to other modes of medium- all aspects of electric flight and the required
distance transport. It is evident that these vehicles transformation in air traffic management can be
will inevitably become part of an expanded but applied to commercial air transport to optimise
green aviation industry and this is surely evidenced flights and reduce emissions.
by the array of talent and experienced industry It is here that the UK can play a significant role.
professionals who have moved across to the Currently, the UK is recognised as a leading nation,
eVTOL vehicle space in the UK and beyond. in terms of the supply chain for the development
It is also important to clarify that the introduction and deployment of these technologies. Through the
of eVTOL vehicles will not create a rush on natural support of UKRI and other funding bodies, the UK
resources for battery creation – and in turn, is also providing substantial investment into areas,
competition with electric car manufacturers. The like energy, battery power, digitalisation, robotics
scale of demand for batteries for eVTOL vehicles and manufacturing, as well as efforts to connect
will be substantially smaller than that from the remote regions.
automotive sector and it would be hard to imagine We must remember it is not only the UK making
the two becoming an ‘either/or’ issue. progress. The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) has just recently published the
The importance of backing innovation first guidance for vertiport design across Europe.
The aim is to improve standards of design and
The sector is still evolving. UK Research and infrastructure by providing a framework for the
Innovation’s (UKRI) Future Flight Roadmap and construction of vertiports to serve eVTOL vehicles. In April, Urban Air Port
Vision outlines the progress required from across This was another landmark moment, giving opened its first trial
vertiport in Coventry to the
a number of elements of the industry right up to credibility not only to the concept itself, but also public to gauge interest in
2030 – and most likely beyond, to position the confirming that the eVTOL sector plans to work the concept. The company
UK as a world leader in future flight services, with lawmakers from the outset to create a high- plans to open over 200
consultancy, technology, international partnerships quality and properly regulated industry. vertiports worldwide.
Urban Air Port
16 AEROSPACEPlenty to be positive
about then
Inevitably, there will be bumps along the way
and not every concept will be a success. All
THE PLANS AND previous revolutions in aviation have started with
no certainty of technical or commercial success but
Falko
ROADMAPS the industry has been bold, learnt by experience
IN PLACE, and flourished. The industry will continue to adapt the partners, including Supernal and Coventry
BACKED BY and survive as it moves from ideas to adoption in City Council. This is one example of how working
the coming years and experienced professionals will alongside a progressive local authority demonstrates
GOVERNMENT
move with it. the appetite to explore how local areas can benefit
FUNDING AND So, while pessimism exists, those involved in from these new concepts.
INDUSTRY the development of the future aviation system are More widely, the CONOPS undertaken by Eve is
SUPPORT, ARE countering this with realistic and effective strategies another welcome demonstration of how collaboration
for research, testing, production and adoption. The is making things happen. To have representatives
NOT SIMPLY plans and roadmaps in place, backed by government from Heathrow and London City airports, a number
AN AMBITION funding and industry support, are not simply an of technology firms – including Skyports, Atech,
BUT A BELIEF ambition but a belief in a better aviation future. Volocopter and Vertical Aerospace – as well as
IN A BETTER NATS and the CAA itself, is a landmark step towards
Examples of progress the success of the eVTOL strategy. The consortium
AVIATION has identified key regulatory priorities, as well as
FUTURE It is important to realise that this is not all just at securing direct stakeholder engagement feedback
the ideas stage too. In some cases, prototypes of and computer simulation modelling. These will be
these eVTOL aircraft have already been built, flight important components for ensuring the CAA can
tests have been conducted and moves towards effectively support the development of these vehicles,
certification have gathered pace – not least between and that the sector remains on track as it grows.
the CAA and US Federal Aviation Administration, who
have committed to bilateral discussions to facilitate What does the future hold?
certification, licensing and operational progress.
As part of the Future Flight Challenge, a number The projects above form part of a portfolio of 48
of projects are already under way that are helping to projects funded by Phase 2 of the UKRI Future
develop vehicle systems capabilities and supporting Flight Challenge, which has been tasked with
physical, digital, energy and airspace infrastructure creating the future aviation system for eVTOLs and
to move the needle forwards on the sector. For other future flight technologies. Phase 3 projects are
example, Retroflight-Alpha is focused on the set to begin later this year, with successful projects
development of the electric charging infrastructure receiving £70m in total to develop and demonstrate
that eVTOL vehicles require for their operation, while integrated aviation systems and new vehicle
another project, Fly2Plan, is looking to progress technologies.
the digital infrastructure needed to support the Beyond the funding itself, work across the sector
integration of eVTOL operations into the airspace. is starting to move from the current development
Led by Heathrow Airport, alongside Altitude Angel, and simulation stage into real-world demonstrations.
the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and other As these demonstrations progress over the next
technology companies, the digital platform will two years, an industrial focus for more commercial
provide important elements, including flight data, production will then take shape, before the concepts
aeronautical information and weather information themselves are taken to new locations and
for eVTOL operators, air traffic controllers, UTM integrated into communities to prove their viability as
platform providers, ANSPs, airlines and airports. part of a new mobility service.
As well as these, the Hydrogen Electric and To achieve what it sets out to, collaboration will
Automated Regional Transportation (HEART) project be key among a wide range of stakeholders who
is working on new technological solutions for an can help make this change to the aviation sector
improved regional transport network, integrating happen. It is not just about vehicle designers, a
hydrogen-powered light aircraft, eVTOLs and other whole ecosystem needs to build upon the early
forms of transport to provide mobility-as-a-service. success and work together to move these carefully
In addition, the Urban Air Port concept is focused on constructed plans forwards to ensure the eVTOL
the development and demonstration of a vertiport, concept gains the engagement, support and,
the physical infrastructure that will be required to ultimately, adoption it needs.
support eVTOL operation. If successful, the benefits to many people and
This will be the world’s first pop-up airport and its businesses across urban, rural and remote areas can
progress is testament to the collaboration between be substantial.
JUNE 2022 17AIR TRANSPORT
Aircraft Interiors Expo preview
View
John WAlton
from the
interior The Aircraft Interiors Expo, commonly
referred to as AIX – including the associated
World Travel Catering & Onboard Services
Expo (WTCE) – is the biggest annual
event in the airline passenger experience
calendar, with exhibitors displaying
everything from seats to satellite internet,
amenity kits to plastic mouldings, in-flight
AIX Hamburg
food to reading lights, and much more.
JOHN WALTON previews this year’s AIX.
A
IX 2022 this June will be the first So, what will the 2022 show look like, and what Above: The Aircraft
global-scale trade show to return will the industry be discussing? We sat down with Interiors Expo hall’s exterior
after the Covid-19 pandemic, beating a dozen industry insiders to learn what they – and and interior.
the Farnborough Airshow by a month, their companies, which span the entire range of the
after missing both the 2020 and passenger experience – are expecting.
2021 expos.
Event director Polly Magraw sums up the Back to the ‘New Normal’
expo in terms of its “pivotal role in helping the
world’s airlines source the latest cabin products, The context in which AIX 2022 is taking place is
innovations, technologies, in-flight entertainment unprecedented, as aviation looks to accelerate out
and connectivity solutions.” of the downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The aviation industry has emerged from Striking a positive note, early signs from the industry
survival mode and is on an upward trajectory of are promising.
recovery,” she continues. “This will no doubt be a Inmarsat’s senior vice president for in-flight
key focus for attendees at the show as they come connectivity Niels Steenstrup highlights that “our
back together to discuss the emerging challenges 2021 Passenger Confidence Tracker found that
and how now reunited, they can ensure that the 60% of passengers would be happy to fly again by
industry is best prepared to tackle ongoing and the end of the year, with the passenger experience
future challenges. The aviation sector has long offered by airlines a key factor in bolstering the
established its resilience, but we anticipate key confidence in returning to the skies.”
themes such as how to revitalise passenger That still leaves 40% of passengers who have
experience strategies while building sustainable concerns, of course, and the industry will need to
businesses will be big areas for discussion at AIX continue working to bring them back.
this June.” “Travel Agencies estimate that more than 70% of
Spanning eleven halls of the massive Hamburg their customers are considering that travelling is now a
Messe expo centre, and with more than 400 much more stressful experience,” says Alain Bordeau,
suppliers exhibiting, the show is so enormous that senior vice president for global sales and marketing at
newcomers often discover late in the week that Stelia Aerospace, the cabin brand of Airbus Atlantic.
there are entire halls of exhibitors that they have not The general expectation is that this perception
yet visited. of stressfulness should decrease as the various
18 AEROSPACEYou can also read
