THE COMMERCIAL AVIATION INDUSTRY IS UNDER GROWING pressure to clean up its act on emissions. Aviation is hardly a major emitter, accounting for just 2.4 per cent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, its relative share of emissions is projected to at least triple by 2050 as air traffic surges and other sectors of the economy successfully decarbonise. Acutely aware of the danger of being branded a climate change "bad boy", the industry has set its sights on achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In other words it aims to completely eliminate or at least offset its emissions by then. This ambitious goal (some would call it an impossible dream) rests on two main pillars - sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and technological innovations, especially more fuel-efficient aircraft. SAFS produced from renewable sources can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. But they are expensive and their current production is pitifully low - around one per cent of the global jet fuel requirement.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between two of the world's leading aerospace companies General Electric (GE) and Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) - has been in the forefront of technological advancement for over 40 years. Its first product, the CFM56, was a high-bypass turbofan engine that entered service on April 24, 1982, and eventually became one of the most successful engines in history. However, in an effort to further improve efficiency, the LEAP engine, introduced in 2016, was 15 per cent more fuel-efficient than the CFM56-5B and -7B engines. LEAP is doing exceedingly well, having logged over 25 million engine flight hours in just six and a half years of revenue service. It has left the competition far behind. Yet CFM feels the need to achieve a step change in efficiency over LEAP.
This story is from the Issue 3, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 3, 2023 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
