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The Air Dispatch

Tag Archives: Technology

Airbus projects aviation services market will double by 2045

14 Wednesday Oct 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aviation, Airbus, Aircraft, Aviation Services, Boeing, Labour, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Airbus projects the industry will need 2.44 million additional aviation professionals over the next 20 years. Photo: Airbus.

TOULOUSE, France – The global aviation services market is expected to double in value to $422 billion by 2045, driven by fleet expansion and growing demand for maintenance, digital solutions and workforce training, Airbus said Wednesday.

The market will grow at a compound annual rate of 3.8% from $209 billion in 2026, supporting a commercial aircraft fleet of more than 45,550 aircraft and nearly 10 billion annual passenger journeys by 2045, according to the European aircraft manufacturer’s Global Services Forecast.

The industry will need 2.44 million additional aviation professionals over the next 20 years, including 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots and 1.05 million cabin crew members, the report said.

Off-wing maintenance, including engine and component repairs, will account for the largest share of the market, reaching $217 billion by 2045. Digital services and connectivity will be the fastest-growing segment, expanding at an annual rate of 5.3% to $27 billion.

Airbus expects Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, North America and China to remain among the largest services markets. Asia is projected to record the fastest growth.

The forecast covers passenger aircraft with more than 100 seats and freighters with payload capacities exceeding 10 tonnes, regardless of manufacturer, Airbus said.

Boeing

Boeing, in a separate report released in July, projected the global commercial aviation support and services market would reach $4.9 trillion over the next 20 years.

The American manufacturer also estimated the industry would need more than 2.4 million new aviation personnel by 2045, with about two-thirds of the demand replacing retiring workers.

Catheter Precision pivots, rebranding as Flyte Aviation

05 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aviation, Aircraft, Business Aviation, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Aviation, Business, Business Aviation, Flyte Aviation, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

Flyte Aviation is operating a fleet of Cirrus Vision Jets. Photo: Flyte Aviation.

NEW YORK – Medical device company Catheter Precision has rebranded as Flyte Aviation, effective Monday, following its acquisition of the private charter business Fly Flyte earlier this year.

The company also changed its NYSE ticker from VTAK to VJET. The rebranding reflects its shift toward aviation and technology, the company said Sunday.

Catheter Precision acquired Fly Flyte as part of a move into private aviation and is now building its business around a digital platform designed to simplify the discovery, pricing and booking of private aircraft.

It operates a growing fleet of Cirrus Vision Jets and has an FAA-certified Part 135 operating subsidiary, Ponderosa Air.

Flyte said the U.S. private jet charter market is worth about $11.6 billion in 2026 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% through 2031, citing a September report by Fortune Business Insights.

During the fourth quarter, the company plans to invest in a mobile application, AI data analytics and customer acquisition as it expands its aviation business.

Flyte also said its existing life sciences operations, which include the LockeT and VIVO products, will continue and that it remains committed to funding ongoing research trials and studies.

Japan’s SkyDrive makes case for compact eVTOLs in cities

24 Thursday Sep 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aviation, Aircraft, eVTOLs, Japan, Technology, Transport, Travel

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SkyDrive’s compact aircraft uses distributed rotors for efficient lift. Graphic: SkyDrive.

TOYOTA CITY, Japan – SkyDrive has published a paper making the case for compact eVTOLs designed for urban transportation, arguing that such aircraft should prioritize efficient hovering and vertical operations over long-range cruise performance.

The Japanese company says its approach is particularly suited to flights of less than 30 kilometers, where aircraft would spend a significant portion of their missions taking off, landing and hovering in confined urban areas.

SkyDrive is developing a three-seat eVTOL called the SD-05 with 12 independently controlled propellers for such operations.

The design differs from winged eVTOLs and tilt-rotor aircraft, which can use their wings to improve efficiency during forward flight. Those configurations also require additional structures and mechanisms to support the transition between vertical and forward flight, adding weight and complexity, SkyDrive said.

The SD-05. Photo: SkyDrive.

For short urban flights, the company argues that the additional weight provides less benefit because the aircraft spends relatively little time in cruise.

Instead, SkyDrive has designed its aircraft around what it calls a low-disk-loading configuration.

Disk loading is a measure of how much weight an aircraft must support for a given area of rotor. A larger rotor area relative to the aircraft’s weight reduces the power required to hover.

SkyDrive says that lower power requirement is important in cities because it provides additional power capacity during takeoff, landing and emergency situations.

Graphic: SkyDrive.

The aircraft also uses four separate battery systems, providing another layer of redundancy. SkyDrive says the combination of distributed propulsion and lower power requirements helps maintain a power margin for hovering and landing in contingency situations.

The company also noted that compact aircraft require less space for takeoff and landing, an important consideration in built-up areas.

SkyDrive’s focus on short-distance operations is also reflected in its recent international plans.

Last week, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Verty to study commercial eVTOL operations in the country by 2028. The companies plan to examine sightseeing flights, including around Jeju Island, as well as regional routes around the Seoul metropolitan area.

Ouster says its new lidar is gaining traction in drone mapping

15 Tuesday Sep 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in News, Aerospace, Drones, Lidar, Ouster, Space, Technology

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Drone mapping of Buena Vista Park using the new Ouster system. Photo: Ouster.

SAN FRANCISCO – Lidar sensor maker Ouster said Monday that its Rev8 OS1 Max system is being adopted by drone manufacturers and payload integrators for aerial mapping and infrastructure inspections, citing improved accuracy and native color imaging.

The San Francisco-based company said its Rev8 OS1 Max combines three-dimensional lidar data with RGB color in a single sensor, eliminating the need to combine data from separate lidar and camera systems.

Ouster said the new sensor offers twice the accuracy and precision of the previous-generation Rev7 OS1 Max. It has a precision of 0.25 centimeters and accuracy of 1.25 centimeters, according to the company.

The sensor has 256 vertical channels and can detect objects up to 200 meters away under specified conditions. Ouster said a smaller laser spot allows the sensor to maintain detailed mapping capabilities when drones operate at higher altitudes.

Photo: Ouster.

The company said the technology is intended for applications including utility inspections, infrastructure mapping and aerial surveying.

Flying at higher altitudes can allow drones to cover larger areas while maintaining the ability to identify small features on the ground.

The native-color capability also improves the alignment of three-dimensional and visual data because both are captured by the same sensor rather than being combined from separate systems, the company said.

Ouster develops and manufactures lidar sensors and related sensing technology for applications including robotics, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation and drones.

MapQuest surges to top of app charts after refusing to rename Lake Ontario

31 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Apps, Canada, Lake Ontario, MapQuest, Maps, Technology, Travel

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Apps, Donald Trump, Lake Ontario, MapQuest, Maps, Mark Carney, News, Politics, Technology, Travel

Users can generate their own names for Lake Ontario, using MapQuest’s interactive tool. Image: MapQuest.

LOS ANGELES – MapQuest has surged to the top of Apple’s U.S. navigation app rankings after the mapping service decided not to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America,” following President Donald Trump’s executive order, the company said Monday.

MapQuest said its app reached No. 1 among navigation apps and No. 8 among all free apps in the U.S. Apple App Store, with downloads surging since Thursday when Trump signed the order.

The company attributed the surge to its decision to keep the original names of lakes and gulfs on its maps.

“We took the same approach we did with the Gulf of Mexico: be part of the conversation, and give people an app that keeps the names they’re familiar with,” MapQuest General Manager Doug Berger said in a statement.

Trump’s order applies to U.S. federal geographic naming and does not change Canada’s designation of the lake. Google Maps has adopted the new name for users in the United States.

Mark Carney’s statement posted on X.

The decision has resonated particularly strongly in Canada, where political leaders have rejected the U.S. renaming.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the name Lake Ontario is more than 400 years old and predates both Canadian Confederation and the founding of the United States.

“Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario — then, now and always,” Carney said.

MapQuest also expanded a feature that allows users to create their own names for Lake Ontario and generate a customized image.

The company first introduced the feature last year during the controversy over the U.S. renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

MapQuest was launched in 1996, years before Google Maps, and is owned by System1. The company says its mapping services are used by tens of millions of people each month.

eVTOL momentum builds at Farnborough as Eve announces major deals

19 Sunday Jul 2026

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aviation, Aircraft, FIA2026

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Aircraft, Aviation, Business, Eva Air, eVTOLs, history, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

Eve aircraft in Moov Airways livery. Photo: Eve Air Mobility

FARNBOROUGH, England – Ahead of the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday, Eve Air Mobility announced commercial agreements covering up to 46 eVTOLs and highlighted a key regulatory milestone in the certification of its Eve 100 aircraft.

The Embraer-backed company said Sunday it had signed separate letters of intent with Swiss startup Moov Airways and aviation finance firm Shearwater Global Capital, expanding its commercial pipeline and plans for future operations.

Moov Airways signed a letter of intent for up to 30 Eve 100 eVTOLs to support development of its planned “Atlantic Gateway” network in Cabo Verde. The companies will evaluate the use of eVTOLs for inter-island transportation, airport-to-resort transfers and sightseeing services connecting São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Praia and Boa Vista.

Shearwater Global Capital signed a letter of intent for up to 16 Eve 100 eVTOLs as it expands its aviation finance platform into emerging asset classes. Eve said the partnership will offer leasing solutions designed to reduce barriers to entry for operators and support faster fleet deployment.

The announcements come as Eve advances the certification of its aircraft. Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has published proposed noise certification criteria for the Eve 100, opening a public consultation through Aug. 8.

Eve said the proposal represents an important step toward establishing the environmental certification framework for eVTOL aircraft and advances the company’s type certification program. The proposed standards were developed through collaboration with ANAC and adapt existing aviation noise regulations to the operational and acoustic characteristics of electric aircraft.

Photo: Eve Air Mobility

The company said it continues to work with regulators and industry stakeholders on internationally harmonized certification standards for advanced air mobility as it moves toward commercial service.

The eVTOL sector is moving closer to commercial operations, with manufacturers including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace advancing aircraft development, certification programs and early market strategies.

The industry is working with aviation regulators worldwide to establish the standards and infrastructure needed to support the introduction of electric aircraft into commercial service.

More eVTOL sales agreements are expected at the five-day FIA2026.

‘Jetman’ to inspire delegates at NBAA event

12 Saturday Oct 2019

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE18, Las Vegas Convention Center, NBAA, NBAA-BACE, News

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Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Daher, Dassault Falcon, De Havilland Canada, EBACE 18, Embraer, Gulfstream, NBAA, News, Technology

“Jetman” Yves Rossy

“Jetman” Yves Rossy speaks at EBACE 2018 in Geneva.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The first man to fly with a jet-propelled wing will be among the key speakers at this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition, which opens in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, the group announced.

“Jetman” Yves Rossy is the inventor of the so-called jet packs. The Swiss fighter pilot has been a sought-after speaker at aviation events since he first flew them in 2006.

Rossy enthralled the audience at the opening of the European Business Aviation convention and exhibition in Geneva in 2018.

“We are delighted to have ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy speak at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

“His talk is sure to thrill and inspire attendees about possibilities for the future of flight. The ability to fly is one of the most fundamental human aspirations, and we’re looking forward to hearing Rossy’s motivational stories.”

Other major speakers include NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Maj.-Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, America’s first female fighter pilot.

Photo by Abdul Latheef

 

Plan unveiled to make jet fuel from Canadian forestry waste

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Air Canada, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Biofuel, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, CO2, Life, Masdar City, Masdar Institute, News, Oil & Gas, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog, UAE, WestJet

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Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, Embraer, Environment, IRENA, Masdar City, Masdar Institute, News, Technology, Transport, Travel, UAE, WestJet

ForestThe world’s largest aircraft manufacturer is collaborating with Canada’s aviation industry, the University of British Columbia and Amsterdam-based SkyNRG to turn forestry waste into sustainable aviation biofuel.

The project was announced Wednesday at the 2015 Canadian Bioeconomy Conference in Vancouver.

Boeing has in the past partnered with the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute and the Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to advance sustainable aviation biofuel development.

ubcUnder the latest initiative, a consortium that includes Boeing, Bombardier, Air Canada, WestJet, research institutions and industry partners will assess whether forestry waste could also be harnessed to produce sustainable aviation biofuel, Boeing said.

Thermochemical processing will be used for this, the company added.

b2“Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a critical role in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions over the long term,” said Julie Felgar, managing director of environmental strategy and integration at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Canada is in a terrific position to leverage its sustainable forests to make environmental progress for its aviation industry and other transport sectors.”

Boeing said a 2015 company-sponsored study by UBC had found that aviation biofuel made from forest waste could meet 10 per cent, or about 175 million liters, of British Columbia’s annual jet fuel demand.

greenThe Green Aviation Research and Development Network of Canada is funding the project as part of a portfolio of investments in technologies to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using sustainably produced biofuel will reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by 50 to 80 per cent compared to conventional petroleum fuel.

The images are courtesy of Boeing, UBC and GARDN.

Shaesta Waiz sets sights on global solo flight

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aircraft, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, FAA, ICAO, Life, People

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Aviation, Beechcraft Bonanza A36, Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Environment, NBAA, News, Shaesta Waiz, Technology, Transport, Travel

pilotShaesta Waiz is already famous as Afghanistan’s first certified civilian female pilot.

The 28-year-old Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student is now setting her sights on a bigger feat – to become the youngest female to fly solo around the world.

Her 90-day, 33-city, 19-country, five-continent flight is scheduled to take off form Daytona Beach, Fla., on June 2, 2016.

The 43,964-kilometre flight was announced Wednesday at the National Business Aviation Association annual convention in Las Vegas.

pilot2Waiz will fly a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, being provided by High Performance Aircraft.

“As a pilot, I have this passion for aviation that I want to share. But it’s more than that. I want to show women that they can succeed in anything, including flying around the world,” Waiz said.

logoShe is currently completing a master’s degree in business administration at Embry-Riddle, the world’s largest and oldest university specializing in aviation and aerospace studies.

“To have my university and the aviation industry support me and make this come true speaks volumes not only to their belief in me and this ground-breaking journey, but every young person with a dream,” Waiz said.

Also participating in the project are the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, Bose Corp., American Bonanza Society, Avfuel, Florida Aviation Business Association, MSK Concepts, Beeline, ICAO, UNDP and various individuals.

In 2014, 19-year-old Matt Guthmiller of South Dakota became the youngest person to fly solo around the globe when he completed his 46,570-kilometre journey, also in a Beechcraft Bonanza A36.

The images are courtesy of Embry-Riddle.

 

Ultra-fast Internet for Global business jets

17 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Challenger 350, Embraer, Honeywell, Inmarsat, News, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog

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wave

Kurt Weidemeyer of Inmarsat, William Shatner, Jean-Christophe Gallagher of Bombardier Business Aircraft and Jack Jacobs of Honeywell at the announcement in Las Vegas.

Three companies are joining forces to offer what is being called the fastest Internet connectivity in business aviation.

Bombardier Business Aircraft said Tuesday that testing and validation for the service was nearing completion.

The Canadian aircraft manufacturer is partnering with Honeywell and Inmarsat to offer the so-called Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere, or WAVE, on its Global business jets from next year.

“Passengers can now stage a videoconference, browse the Internet or stream online shows high above land and water, as seamlessly as they would on the ground,” the company said on the opening day of the 2015 National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition in Las Vegas.

“Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available in flight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed,” it said.

GlobalThe service will be available on new Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft.

There will also be a retrofit option for Global Express, Global Express XRS, Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft.

D3“Our Global aircraft can link virtually any key city pair worldwide, non-stop, at close to the speed of sound, and the Bombardier WAVE system is intended to match this performance with its exceptional speed, promise of reliability and worldwide reach,” said David Coleal (left), president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“WAVE is a further example of how Bombardier is leading the industry in delivering the ultimate cabin experience to its customers.”

HoneyThe system leverages Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave hardware and Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution to deliver high-speed access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe, Bombardier said.

Inma“Our JetWave hardware, coupled with Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution, is ushering in a new era of connectivity in the skies,” said Kristin Slyker, vice-president at Honeywell Aerospace.

“The industry continues to demand better, more consistent and faster in-flight Wi-Fi to make the travel experience better and our next generation technology is leading the way to satisfy these demands.”

The images are courtesy of Bombardier, Honeywell and Inmarsat.

First Dreamliner goes on show in Nagoya

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airports, ANA, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Centrair International Airport, Dreamliner, Japan Airlines, Museum, Nagoya, News, Technology, Tourism, Transport, Travel, ZA001

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ANA, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamlifter, Dreamliner, Japan, Japan Airlines, News, Technology, Tourism, Transport, Travel

ZA001Several key parts of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are made in Nagoya, the heart of Japan’s aerospace industry.

They are then flown from the city’s airport in a converted 747-400 freighter known as Dreamlifter to Boeing assembly plants in the United States.

AirportToday, Boeing rewarded the city for its contribution by donating the first 787-8 flight test aircraft to the Chubu Centrair International Airport.

Code-named ZA001, the airplane first flew on Dec. 15, 2009. It touched down in Nagoya on its last flight on June 22, 2015.

Many of its parts, including the main wing, forward fuselage and centre wing box, were manufactured in Nagoya.

“It is fitting that we bring Boeing’s first-ever 787 Dreamliner back home to Nagoya,” said George Maffeo, president of Boeing Japan.

“Many of our partners here spent countless hours to develop and produce the 787 Dreamliner’s airframe structure and Centrair was with us from the very start of the journey.”

He said the ZA001 had grown to symbolize the partnership between Boeing and Japan’s aerospace industry.

Airport4
“We are honoured to be selected by Boeing to house the permanent display of the world’s first-ever 787 Dreamliner,” said Masanao Tomozoe, president and CEO, Central Japan International Airport Co., Ltd.

“This milestone will allow us to significantly contribute to the aerospace community as well as the Greater Nagoya region by spurring the imagination and interest of future aviation pioneers here in Japan.”

Airport5Located on a man-made island off the coast of Nagoya, Centrair is an international hub serving some 30 cities.

Boeing has now donated three of the six Dreamliner flight-test and certification program aircraft.

The ZA002 was presented to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Ariz. and the ZA003 to the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

Billionaires ‘prefer Airbus business jets’

17 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by Abdul Latheef in A380, Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dubai, Flying Palace, France, Luxury Travel, News, Technology

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The new ACJ319 Elegance

The new ACJ319 Elegance

Airbus is predicting that it will sell 10 corporate jets this year as more billionaires are eager to take their lifestyles into the air.

“In the airline market, the customer is interested in economy. In the corporate jet market, that is not an issue for the customer,” said David Velupillai, marketing director at the European aircraft manufacturer’s corporate jet division.

Speaking from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, he said that a recent study commissioned by the company had provided some new insights into the billionaire lifestyle.

David Velupillai, marketing director at Airbus Corporate Jets

David Velupillai on board an ACJ318

Velupillai said a key finding was that billionaires in the Middle East love to travel with an entourage such as those looking after them and advising them on the ground.

That means they need a larger aircraft that will enable them to travel in comfort, which at present Airbus is best placed to provide, he said.

Airbus business jets can carry groups of between 19 and 50 people. Then, of course, there is the corporate version of the A380 superjumbo, which can carry 100 or more people.

A bedroom on the ACJ319 Elegance

A bedroom on the ACJ319 Elegance

Fly-by-wire is standard on all Airbus corporate jets, which are based on the modern family of Airbus aircraft and include the ACJ318, ACJ319, ACJ320 and ACJ321.

At the same time, Velupillai said, fly-by-wire is non-existent on many competitors’ jets.

“Recently I flew with a billionaire on an Airbus Corporate Jet and he was quite surprised by how comfortable the airplane was,” he said.

“He had never experienced such comfort and freedom of movement on an airplane before.”

Velupillai says that is because Airbus business jets are the widest and tallest in the market.

A new addition to the company’s product line is the new ACJ319 Elegance, an airplane which Velupillai said is easier and faster to outfit and which has generated a lot of buzz since its launch this April.

The Lounge on the ACJ319 Elegance

The lounge on the ACJ319 Elegance

The Elegance offers many innovations, including a modular approach which lets the customer choose from a wide range of seating and socializing options.

More than 170 Airbus business jets are currently in service around the world.

With the number of billionaires forecast to grow in Asia and the Middle East, Airbus is hopeful that the demand for its business jets will remain robust in the next few years.

By the way, if you want to buy one of these aircraft, it could take up to 20 months from order to delivery.

So be patient!

 

Flying Palace claims just ‘speculation’

Prince Alwaleed signs the order for the A380 superjumbo in 2007.

Flashback: Alwaleed signs the A380 deal in 2007

Remember, the “Flying Palace” ordered in 2007 by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal?

The A380, scheduled for delivery next year, was purported to undergo $200 million worth of cabin outfitting featuring multiple bedrooms, a theatre, a turkish bath and a garage for Rolls Royce cars.

“All these claims are speculation, with the airplane yet to be outfitted,” said Velupillai.

Alwaleed resold his superjumbo in late 2012 to an unidentified customer.

“That’s true, but I can’t reveal the identity of the buyer,” said Velupillai.

All images are courtesy of Airbus.

 

 

Boeing, Embraer in biofuel initiative

12 Monday May 2014

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Abu Dhabi, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Business, Embraer, Environment, Masdar City, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

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b2BrazilBoeing is partnering with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to advance sustainable aviation biofuel development in the largest country in South America.

They will conduct joint research at a centre in Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park in Sao Paulo, Boeing announced today.

The two companies will also fund and co-ordinate biofuel research with other Brazilian instiutions.

“Boeing is working aggressively around the world to expand the supply of sustainable aviation biofuel and reduce aviation’s carbon emissions,” said Julie Felgar, managing director of environmental strategy and integration at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing’s global initiatives include a project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where it has partnered with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and others to produce aviation biofuel.

“Embraer is committed in supporting the development of sustainable biofuels for aviation and the joint efforts with Boeing will undoubtedly contribute to the company continuing to be in the forefront of research in this area,” said Mauro Kern, executive vice-president of engineering and technology at Embraer.

Boeing’s experts have concluded that when produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 per cent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle than petroleum jet fuel.

The fuel was approved for use in airplanes in 2011. Since then, Boeing says, it has been used on more than 1,500 passenger flights.

 

Abu Dhabi to produce aviation biofuel

19 Sunday Jan 2014

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Abu Dhabi, Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Business, Environment, Masdar City, News, Oil & Gas, Technology, Transport

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Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Business, Cities, Environment, Etihad Airways, Masdar City, News, Technology, Transport

 

An artist's impression of Masdar City. Masdar City photo.
An artist’s impression of Masdar City. Masdar City photo.

Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest oil producers, is also a leader in environmental initiatives.

Its most ambitious project is the solar-powered Masdar City, which is being built about 20 kilometres east of the United Arab Emirates capital.

One of the institutes behind the project, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, is now joining state-owned Etihad Airways, U.S. aircraft maker Boeing and French oil giant Total to produce aviation biofuel in the UAE.

Oil refiner Takreer will also be a partner in BIOjet Abu Dhabi.

“BIOjet Abu Dhabi will engage a broad range of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework for a UAE biofuel supply chain, including research and development and expanded investment in feedstock production and refining capability in the UAE and globally,” the companies said Sunday.

EtihadA day earlier, an Etihad Boeing 777 took off on a 45-minute demonstration flight, powered in part by biofuel produced in Abu Dhabi.

“Our goal is to support and help drive the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel in Abu Dhabi, the region and also globally,” said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad.

The BIOjet Abu Dhabi initiative comes just days after Boeing said it was awaiting regulatory approvals to use green diesel on its airplanes.

“Boeing works with partners around the world to advance sustainable biofuel development and sees great opportunity for BIOjet Abu Dhabi to have a positive impact in the UAE and globally,” said Jeffrey Johnson, president, Boeing Middle East.

Boeing wants to fly on green diesel

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Business, Environment, Green Diesel, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Environment, Green Diesel, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

Going green: Biofuel research at a Boeing laboratory in Seattle. Boeing photo.

Going green: Biofuel research at a Boeing laboratory in Seattle.

Boeing wants to use green diesel on its airplanes to reduce the environmental footprint.  The American aircraft maker says it has identified green diesel as “a significant new source of sustainable aviation biofuel.”

Green diesel is made from oils and fats and is already used in ground transportation.

It emits at least 50 per cent less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel over its lifecycle, Boeing said Tuesday.

“Boeing researchers performed analysis that found green diesel… to be chemically similar to today’s aviation biofuel. If approved, the fuel could be blended directly with traditional jet fuel,” the company said.

Efforts are already underway to gain regulatory approval for aircraft to fly on green diesel, it said.

“Green diesel approval would be a major breakthrough in the availability of competitively priced, sustainable aviation fuel,” said James Kinder of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Propulsion Systems Division.

“We are collaborating with our industry partners and the aviation community to move this innovative solution forward and reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuel.”

Boeing Dreamliner Boeing noted that significant green diesel production capacity already exists in the United States, Europe and Singapore that could supply as much as one per cent of global commercial jet fuel demand.

Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration, engine manufacturers, green diesel producers and others are now compiling a detailed research report that will be submitted to key stakeholders in the fuel approvals process, the company said.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

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