THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
Fleet renewal driving efficiency Each new generation of aircraft delivers improved fuel efficiency, which directly reduces CO₂ emissions. The more efficient the aircraft, the less fuel is burned, the lower the carbon footprint.
“ Delivering on the production ramp up therefore is essential to support our airline customers for that fuel efficiency,” Julie says.“ Only 40 % of the aircraft flying today are flying on the latest generation technology. So there’ s a big lever in terms of potential for decarbonisation.”
Airbus is working on the next generation of aircraft for entry into service in the following decade. These will include new lighter materials, leaner and longer wings, and new engine technologies.
Technology innovation pipeline Airbus is looking into other technologies to improve the efficiency of flights and lower emissions by 20-30 %. The company recently announced a new flight test campaign as part of its‘ Wing for Tomorrow’ initiative, which features different wing extensions that will be tested to understand how longer wings behave in flight. Those longer wings would ultimately have to fold to be compatible with current day airport gates. New engine technology, batteries and electrification are also part of a hybridisation approach for future planes.
Hydrogen will play a key role in future aircraft propulsion. Airbus launched a joint venture with engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines for fuel cell propulsion.
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