Anyone who read Mark's article about BA ordering new planes a couple of weeks ago will understand what I mean when I say that the airline industry is one of the most conservative on earth (they certainly give the automotive guys a run for their money). But in both industries (aviation and automotive), desperate times seem to be driving the pace of innovation... or at least that's how it appears on the face of it.
While flying has become socially stigmatised for the damage it causes to the environment, we've seen both equipment manufacturers and airlines begin to get their act together environmentally. Whether or not one sees this as 'Greenwashing' probably depends on your disposition - but as if to signify how much times have changed, BA made the focus of their statement on buying A380s and 787s about each plane's respective environmental credentials.
But behind the scenes, innovation, improvement and efficiency are becoming the name of the game. Boeing's 787 design has been heralded in many circles as a revolutionary design, because it uses mainly composite materials for the first time in a commercial airliner design. But although 'fuel burn' is reduced by around 8% compared to previous generation planes, it still uses a high-bypass jet engine - which has distinct limits in terms of efficiency.
The 'Airtravel debate' has become about politics and frequent finger pointing, so although it is beyond question that air travel is a growing contributor to carbon dioxide levels, the argument is often that flying is bad persee, and neglects discussion of the real issue - which is the need for new propulsion technologies and new types of fuels.
Finding an alternative, lower-carbon means of fueling conventional engines is one route that certain firms (GE, Rolls Royce, Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand) are racing to explore. But another is an altogether different design of engine.
Which is what Pratt & Whitney have been working on for the past ten years or so. Called the geared jet-fan, this design reduces overall fuel burn by 12% or more - and has just received its first major endorsement - being specified as the engine on the new Mitsubishi regional jet (MRJ). Full story here, and here.
Posted by Joseph Simpson on 9th October 2007
picture: Pratt & Whitney
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