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Fireblade Aviation champions Sustainability in Aviation

eNethersole — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:33:05 +0000

The Long Run stands as a global membership community uniting nature-based tourism entities dedicated to propelling holistic sustainability.

Charlotte Winnan, general office manager at Fireblade Aviation, said: "Every member of The Long Run is dedicated to preserving a thriving and productive planet for generations to come. We are embracing The Long Run's guiding principles, epitomised by the 4C framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce."

"As a member of The Long Run, we are relentlessly pursuing recognition under the aegis of Global Ecosphere Retreats (GER). This rigorous standard, accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, is bestowed only upon organisations that showcase an all-encompassing embodiment of the 4Cs, encompassing nature preservation and community enhancement," said Winnan. She underscores that the GER standard serves as an ongoing transformative tool, tailored to each entity's unique context.”

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Thu, 28/09/2023 - 12:00

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In an effort to spearhead sustainable business practices in the aviation sector, Fireblade Aviation has become the first aviation company to join The Long Run.

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Satair appoints new CEO and head of Airbus material services

eNethersole — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:01:25 +0000

Richard joins Satair with a wealth of experience from the Airbus Defence and Space and Commercial Aircraft divisions, where he has led various customer-oriented programmes and most recently headed Airbus’ transformation towards a decarbonised future.

“I’m honoured and excited to lead Satair into a future where aerospace innovation reaches new heights and the quest for sustainable solutions leads the way,” said Richard Stoddart. “I will dedicate myself to further positioning Satair for our industry’s ongoing evolution and continuously improving our product and services offering accordingly. In this journey, my focus will be on ensuring a close collaboration with our suppliers and business partners - all anchored around the value of customer centricity.”

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Thu, 28/09/2023 - 12:00

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Satair, an Airbus Services company, has appointed Richard Stoddart as its new chief executive officer and head of Airbus Material Services.

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New Rolls-Royce engine for hybrid-electric flight completes successful first fuel burn

eNethersole — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 08:36:54 +0000

The engine has been designed using novel combustion technology to produce ultra-low emissions and this significant achievement confirms the effectiveness of the compact, power-dense turbine that will be integrated into a light-weight turbogenerator system.

The complete turbogenerator system is being developed for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. This includes electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) or electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and commuter aircraft applications up to 19 seats. The gas turbine under test also has potential applications within helicopter, auxiliary power unit (APU) and defence markets.

Matheu Parr, customer director, electrical, said: “Rolls-Royce is developing all-electric and hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems for the Advanced Air Mobility market. The first fuel burn of our brand-new small gas turbine is a significant leap forward with successful stages throughout the test from light-up to the pull-away of the system.

“This significant achievement follows the fast-paced development time of the new gas turbine from concept freeze to ‘pass to test’ in under two years. The turbogenerator system will enable our customers to extend the routes that electric flight can support and means more passengers will be able to travel further on low and potentially net zero emissions aircraft.”

The turbogenerator system will complement Rolls-Royce’s electrical propulsion portfolio by delivering an on-board power source with scalable power offerings between 500 kW and 1,200 kW enabling extended range on sustainable aviation fuels and later, as it becomes available, through hydrogen combustion. This will open up new, longer routes than electric battery powered aircraft can support today.

The development of the turbogenerator solution brings together Rolls-Royce’s capabilities in designing compact and lightweight high-speed rotating electric machines, and highly efficient gas turbines combined with the expertise to integrate them on a system and platform level.

Test facilities and equipment, comprising 14 subsystems in total, were designed, procured and built – or adapted – by a global team in a record time of just under a year. The test set-up comprises commodity components such as valves and hoses, and bespoke subsystems such as the fuel injection systems, oil and ventilation systems, engine mount and water brake that were tailored to the specific test requirements for this new technology.

The first tests helped the team to develop highly relevant knowledge and generate real data to verify key technical attributes of the design. This will allow for design adaptations for the next set of testing, ultimately pushing towards the maturity of a certified engine with world-class performance for this new market segment.

Matheu added: “With this achievement we have proven we can apply our expertise to novel designs and are able to test them on a very quick timescale. This capability will help Rolls-Royce to deliver the products that will help us on our path to net zero within the ambitious industry timelines of the Advanced Air Mobility market.”

The turbogenerator can be used in serial or parallel hybrid applications. It is well suited to recharge batteries as well as provide energy to electrical propulsion units directly and therefore enables aircraft to switch between power sources in flight. The research and development of this technology is being partially funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

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Wed, 27/09/2023 - 12:00

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New Rolls-Royce small gas turbine that has been specifically developed to power hybrid-electric flight has successfully completed its first fuel burn.

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Angola to host 2023 AASA Annual General Assembly

eNethersole — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:32:57 +0000

The event will take place in Luanda from October 5 to 8.

This is the first time that Angola is hosting the event gathering key stakeholders from the ecosystem, namely, airlines, regulators, manufacturers, service providers,

investors, diplomatic representations, and government entities.

The AASA conference is a platform for networking and strengthening bilateral relations between industry players, providing the Angolan aviation ecosystem, and the country, the opportunity to promote its valences to the international community.

October 6 is reserved for the roundtable sessions to an audience of more than 200 delegates and key speakers. Thus, several topics will be covered, including; competitive environment, connectivity, financing, supply chain, operating costs, regulatory aspects, growth, and sustainability of African airlines.

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Tue, 26/09/2023 - 12:00

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TAAG Angola Airlines is the co-organiser of the 53rd edition of the AASA (Airlines Association of Southern Africa) Annual General Assembly.

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Airbus appoint Christian Scherer as Commercial Aircraft business CEO

eNethersole — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:15:15 +0000

"Since 2019, the leadership roles of Airbus and its Commercial Aircraft business have been combined, providing alignment and speed of execution during a period of multiple crises and change. Airbus has now put itself on a clear trajectory in line with its purpose of ‘Pioneering sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world’. Empowering Christian in the Commercial Aircraft CEO role will enable us to reinforce focus on the success of our Commercial Aircraft business while allowing me to dedicate my time to steering Airbus in a complex and fast-evolving global environment,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “Christian and I have been working hand in hand over the last five years and we will continue to do so in this new configuration. I admire Christian’s business acumen and I’m happy to move forward with him to deliver on Airbus’ ambitions.”

“It is an honour and a thrill to be called upon to lead our Commercial Aircraft business at such a critical time for our industry,” said Christian Scherer. “I’ll put my passion and that of Team Airbus at the service of our customers to meet our operational objectives as we work to consolidate our success, continuously improve, and prepare the future of our products and services. As we do so, we will work closely with our partners and suppliers worldwide on our common roadmap to decarbonise aviation.”

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Tue, 26/09/2023 - 12:00

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Airbus has named Christian Scherer as its new Commercial Aircraft business CEO.

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Rolls-Royce hydrogen research project sets new world industry first

eNethersole — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:14:00 +0000

Rolls-Royce and its partner easyJet are committed to being at the forefront of the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology capable of powering a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment, from the mid-2030s onwards.

Now, working with Loughborough University in the UK and the German Aerospace Centre

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR), Rolls-Royce has proven a critical engine technology that marks another significant step in the journey to enabling hydrogen as an aviation fuel.

Tests on a full annular combustor of a Pearl 700 engine at DLR in Cologne running on 100% hydrogen have proven the fuel can be combusted at conditions that represent maximum take-off thrust.

Key to that achievement has been the successful design of advanced fuel spray nozzles to control the combustion process. This involved overcoming significant engineering challenges as hydrogen burns far hotter and more rapidly than kerosene. The new nozzles were able to control the flame position using a new system that progressively mixes air with the hydrogen to manage the fuel’s reactivity. Rolls-Royce is pleased to confirm that combustor operability and emissions were both in line with expectations.

The individual nozzles were initially tested at intermediate pressure at Loughborough’s recently upgraded test facilities and at DLR Cologne before the final full-pressure combustor tests took place at DLR Cologne.

Last year, easyJet and Rolls-Royce also set a world first by successfully running a modern aero engine, an AE2100, on green hydrogen at Boscombe Down, UK.

Posted date

Mon, 25/09/2023 - 12:00

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Rolls-Royce has announced a further key milestone in its hydrogen research project.

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How Bell Special Missions Aircraft solve capability gaps

eNethersole — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:56:20 +0000

These needs are amplified by growing international instability and require ready now solutions with proven track records. Bell is leveraging its experience across civil, para-public, and military helicopter domains to meet this demand with the Special Missions Aircraft, SMA, initiative.

“Bell’s military portfolio, between the Viper, Venom, Osprey, and now the Valor, is one of the most versatile on the market, and civil modified aircraft offer an in-between option between pure military and commercial platforms that provide more options,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell vice president and H-1/SMA programme director.

Bell’s SMA aircraft are identified with the moniker “M” following the model number. The 407M, which shares a DNA and history with Bells OH-58 light attack and reconnaissance aircraft, made its public debut in a six-station configuration at the Army Aviation Association of America Mission Solutions Summit in May. This setup showcased the different weapon setups the aircraft could use for a variety of missions.

Bell Special Missions Aircraft also have the ability to changeout setups for different missions. The 407M can be reconfigured from light attack and reconnaissance to support non-combat missions like medical evacuation or search and rescue.

In addition to versatile and reconfigurable aircraft, Bell aims to leverage its top-rated and globally established support system to ensure aircraft reliability.

“If you don’t have parts for helicopter maintenance, that cuts off your ability to conduct critical missions,” said Brian Vollmer, special mission aircraft program manager. “Continuous and immediate parts and support make the difference in the ability to leverage helicopters in missions where seconds can make a difference.”

Down the line, Bell is working to expand this offering across other civil aircraft to leveraging their unique designs and capabilities. As seen at Paris Airshow, the Bell 505 was configured as a military trainer and shares the same glass cockpit avionics as the 407M, allowing for ease of transition from training to performance. The Bell 429 was also configured as a state-of-the art law enforcement demonstrator and features the best tail rotor authority in its class. Drawing from a 50-year lineage dating back to the iconic Huey, the Bell 412 integrates next-generation upgrades into a proven platform. More than 100 para-public and para-military operators currently leverage the world-renowned workhorse for utility, reconnaissance and community protection missions.

Posted date

Mon, 25/09/2023 - 12:00

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Finding the best combination of capability and cost has created a market for civil helicopters modified for multi-mission military capabilities, says Bell.

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Nigeria is ‘committed’ to expediting improvements at Lagos airport

eNethersole — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:13:05 +0000

This follows a number of safety, security and passenger service level concerns in Lagos airport raised by IATA member airlines over the past year. A high-level meeting between IATA and FAAN, represented by the managing director/chief executive officer Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, culminated in the FAAN undertaking to expedite improvements in these areas under a corrective action plan.

“We welcome FAAN’s commitment to upgrade Lagos airport. It is the main domestic and international hub connecting Nigeria with the rest of Africa and beyond and needs to keep up with demand. This strategic focus not only enhances the aviation sector but also serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s broader economic and social advancement. IATA stands ready to support the FAAN with expertise to ensure international standards are met through the corrective action plan,” said Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice-president for Africa and Middle East.

Al Awadhi also met with Nigeria’s new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Honorable Minister Festus Keyamo, during which he called on the new government for continued, but closer, consultation with the industry while developing short- and long-term solutions for foreign exchange access to both domestic and foreign carriers. As of August 2023, Nigeria accounts for $783 million of airline blocked funds.

“Safety, security, and efficient infrastructure are critical for a well-functioning air transport system. So is the ability of airlines to have access to the revenues they generate in Africa. These priorities are among the key elements addressed under IATA’s Focus Africainitiative to strengthen aviation’s contribution to Africa’s economic and social development. Nigeria’s focus on these issues reinforces their position among the leaders of African aviation,” said Al Awadhi.

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Thu, 21/09/2023 - 12:00

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IATA welcomes the commitment of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improving infrastructure at Murtala Muhammad International Airport within twelve months.

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Fahari Aviation expands its agricultural services by increasing drone capacity

eNethersole — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:47:27 +0000

The expansion of Fahari Aviation's agricultural services is in response to the growing demand for precision agriculture solutions such as: spraying and spreading of farm inputs aerial surveillance, crop monitoring, crop health surveillance and land inspection.

This strategic move enhances Fahari Aviation’s position as a market leader in the use of drone technology for precision farming.

The additional 14 high-capacity drones provide Fahari Aviation with the capacity to cover larger areas, efficiently completing agricultural tasks of up to 300 hectares per day up from its previous capacity of up to 70 hectares per day.

"We are excited about the growth of our drone fleet and the potential this presents for the agriculture industry within the region. The adoption of precision farming through drone technology allows us to serve the evolving needs of farmers and agricultural producers." said Hawkins Musili, general manager of Fahari Aviation. "We understand the importance of precision and efficiency in modern farming, and our enhanced capabilities will allow us to better serve our customers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices."

The additional drones will offer Fahari Aviation customers a wide range of functionalities, including spraying, spreading, seeding, and data collection on crop health and soil conditions. By integrating multispectral drones, precise variable spraying and spreading operations can be conducted based on farmland prescription maps. This technology is ideal for activities such as fertilising, nutrient solutions spraying, and afforestation through the seeding of small seedballs.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global agriculture drone market is expected to grow by approximately 20% annually from $4.98 billion in 2023 to $18.22 billion by 2030

Fahari Aviation is responsible for launching and implementing future aviation technologies and is part of the airline’s strategy of contributing to the sustainable development of Africa by championing new dimensions within the industry with the use of drones and unmanned aircraft. Since its inception, Fahari Aviation has had successful and high impact agriculture partnerships with various companies such as; Sasini and other players in the tea industry for spreading in tea farms, DWA Vipingo for sisal spraying, and crop health surveillance and several flower farms in Naivasha and Mount Kenya Region. Successful adoption of drone technology in the agriculture sector results in reduction of resource wastage, increased yields and better farm management.

Posted date

Wed, 20/09/2023 - 12:00

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Fahari Aviation, the Aviation technology subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has expanded its agricultural services with the addition of 14 drones.

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