The UK Civil Aviation Authority is to launch an independent review into the technical issue NATS faced on Monday 28 August

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is to launch an independent review into the technical issue NATS faced on Monday 28 August that saw hundreds of flights delayed and cancelled.   

NATS’ preliminary technical report sets out the causes of the issue and actions taken to rectify and mitigate the effects. It found the incident occurred due to an anomaly that forced the system to stop processing flight plans. The system was closed to maintain safety and required manual operation to continue service.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority will now independently review the wider issues around the system failure and how NATS responded to the incident.

If there is evidence that suggests NATS may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority will take any appropriate steps.

The review will also set out lessons to be learned for the future for the benefit of consumers and the industry.

Rob Bishton, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Millions of passengers every year rely on air traffic control to work smoothly and safely.  The initial report by NATS raises several important questions and as the regulator we want to make sure these are answered for passengers and industry.

If there is evidence to suggest NATS may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations we will consider whether any further action is necessary.”

The scale of the disruption that followed was significant and meant some passengers faced long delays, in some cases, waiting several days for alternative flights. 

Airlines worked around the clock, putting on extra capacity to resolve the issue. Airlines have obligations to look after their passengers in these circumstances and bring them home as soon as possible. 

NATS shared its preliminary technical report on the failure with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on Monday (4 September) and the regulator sent it to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper and Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere outlining its next steps.

Details of the independent review will be published by the end of September 2023.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "I welcome NATS’ preliminary report outlining the facts of last week’s air traffic control technical failure – particularly the confirmation that there were no safety issues as a result.

I also welcome the announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of an independent review to dig deeper into this event and understand whether there are any further steps to be taken to improve the resilience of the air traffic control system.

Thousands of passengers faced disruption as a result of the failure, with over 1500 flights cancelled and hundreds more delayed. I once again want to echo NATS’s apology to those who were caught up in it, with a technical fix now identified to ensure that such an incident does not recur."

Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Research Report

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market is projected to be valued at $131.12 billion by 2033 from $1.29 billion in 2023, growing at a staggering CAGR of 58.78%.

The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market has emerged as a crucial and rapidly growing sector within the aviation industry, driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of aviation on climate change. SAF, also known as biojet fuel, is derived from sustainable feedstocks such as agricultural waste, algae, and renewable energy sources.

With its potential to revolutionize aviation and contribute to a greener future, the sustainable aviation fuel market presents significant opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and positive environmental impact.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is now seeing a remarkable increase in attention and usage on a worldwide scale. Cleaner substitutes for conventional jet fuels are urgently needed in light of rising worries about climate change and the negative environmental effects of the aviation sector.

Hence, a workable answer has been provided by SAF, which is produced from sustainable feedstocks such as biomass, used cooking oil, or hydrogen. Progress in the industry is being driven by cutting-edge technology and partnerships, which have boosted companies' SAF manufacturing capacity, improved supply chain logistics, and reduced prices. To encourage the implementation of SAF and provide a more sustainable future for air transport, issues including scalability, feedstock supply, and regulatory frameworks must be resolved.

Industrial Impact

The sustainable aviation fuel and technological advancements in the field are expected to have a positive impact on the global market for sustainable aviation fuel. Several organizations and government agencies are working to introduce newer manufacturing techniques into the global sustainable aviation fuel market. When compared to different sustainable aviation fuel products, such as different fuel types, the demand for biofuel stands out as the fuel that is currently in high demand.

In recent years, sustainable aviation fuel has registered an exponential surge in demand from the commercial aviation industry, with high demands for business and general aviation. Additionally, due to the increasing environmental concerns, sustainable aviation fuel has grown in significance during the past few years.

Report Highlights

Commercial Aviation Segment to Dominate the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market (by Application)

Based on application, the sustainable aviation fuel market is led by the commercial aviation segment, with a 78.64% share in 2023. Increasing environmental concerns and volatile jet fuel prices are expected to drive the growth of the sustainable aviation fuel market.

Given that commercial aviation contributes significantly to the world's greenhouse gas emissions, it is the greatest consumer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The environmental effect of aviation has evolved into a critical issue as air travel continues to expand quickly. By lowering the carbon impact of aeroplanes, SAF provides a possible alternative.

Global Urban Air Mobility Market to Reach $28.5 Billion by 2030: High Demand for Shorter Lead Time Presents Opportunities

Research And Markets, one of the world's leading sources for international market research reports and market data has published a new report on the urban air mobility market is projected to grow from USD 3.8 billion in 2023 to USD 28.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 33.5% from 2023 to 2030.

Various factors, such as the need for sustainable aviation in urban areas and increasing urban congestion, drive the market for urban air mobility. However, limited regulatory framework and public psychological obstacles involving UAM are limiting the overall growth of the market.

Cargo Air Vehicles: The second largest share in mobility type segment in the urban air mobility market in 2023

The cargo air vehicles segment is projected to have the second-largest share in 2023. Cargo air vehicle manufacturing companies are focusing on the use of aerial cargo vehicles to deliver light and heavy cargo for intercity and intracity deliveries.

The commercial logistics industry uses cargo air vehicles for applications such as inventory management, inventory tracking, parcel delivery, delivery of medical supplies, and food delivery. Thus, the increasing use of cargo air vehicles in commercial logistics is driving the urban air mobility market.

E-commerce Companies: The second largest share in end-user segment in the urban air mobility market in 2023

Propellers are louder over ground new research finds.

The effects of the ground on propeller noise have been measured experimentally for the very first time by researchers in the Aeroacoustics research team at the University of Bristol.

In findings, published in the Journal of Sound and Vibration, the team found clear differences in the noise characteristics of propellers when over ground, known as ‘Ground Effect’, compared to when operated normally. They noted an overall noise increase when measuring at angles above the ground, with hydrodynamic and acoustic interaction effects being a key factor to the overall noise trends.

It is hoped this research, which was sponsored by Embraer S.A, and tested in the National Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel facility, can inform strategies to reduce the noise of aircraft while taking off or landing, by either changing the design of the landing pads or by changing the design of proposed aircraft architectures.

Lead author Liam Hanson explained: “In light of the need for greener aviation, there has been a push in the aviation industry to develop electrified aircraft.

“There is a lot of potential benefits from electric aircraft which have been identified by a variety of companies worldwide, including all of the major aircraft manufacturers.”

However, if urban air services such as on-demand air taxis are to become a reality within city limits, engineers must tackle the issue of sound pollution, generated by propellers.

The Royal Aeronautical Society launches its Contrails and Contrail Management Briefing Paper

The Royal Aeronautical Society launched its Contrails and Contrail Management Briefing Paper at the Farnborough International Sustainable Skies World Summit last week.

The paper published by the Greener By Design specialist group aims to raise awareness of contrails, defining what they are and the impact they have on aviation’s effective radiative forcing. Currently contrails and contrail cirrus are responsible for half of aviation’s effective radiative forcing.

The implementation of contrail management systems could be achieved in a matter of years, not decades, and it is important that aviation’s stakeholders seize this opportunity now.

The paper provides recommendations for industry, regulators and government to work together to mitigate contrails using methods that can help enable the aviation industry to reach is Net Zero targets by 2050. Contrail management provides an opportunity to radically reduce aviation’s effective radiative forcing, offsetting some, if not all, of the effects of both CO2 and NOx and begin reducing aviation’s climate impact in the very near future.

RAeS CEO David Edwards said: “This Royal Aeronautical Society paper highlights the effects of contrails on the climate and demonstrates that Contrail Management is a critical area of focus in reaching our industry Net Zero targets by 2050. Whilst there is no one solution to making aviation sustainable, all areas such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel, new propulsion power sources and Airspace modernisation need to be all part of the response. The great benefit of Contrail Management is that it can be implemented in a matter of years, contributing to reducing aviation’s climate effect very quickly.

The Society is the only global organisation serving the entire aviation, aerospace, and space communities as both a learned society and a professional engineering institution. As such, the RAeS is independent, evidence-based and authoritative, relying on a body of knowledge going back more than 150 years.

The paper can be found on the Royal Aeronautical Society website: https://www.aerosociety.com/media/20657/contrails-and-contrail-management-briefing-paper.pdf

Global Search & Rescue Drone Market Estimated To Exceed 3.25 Billion By The End Of 2023

Photo by Emiliano Arano

The deployment of drones has increased in recent years for a variety of purposes. Drones offer unique capabilities used by emergency responders around the world. They can be used on land and at sea or at night or in low visibility. They are saving many lives by participating in various general emergency and security operations and their use in search and rescue operations has proven to be one of the most potentially life-saving applications. Equipped with sensors and powerful cameras, drones can cover a large area in a short time. 

Search and rescue drones can also be equipped with special equipment such as infrared cameras and speakers. This allows user to locate missing persons and save lives. Helicopters and manned aircraft cost hundreds of dollars an hour to operate during rescue operations. Drones, only require an initial investment and have a low maintenance cost. The drone takes off from a safe location and scans from a high altitude. This leads to the safety of the team the as they stay back on the ground and get an idea of the rescue operation.  

A report from Fact.MR projected that the search and rescue drone market is estimated to reach valuation of US$ 3,254.4 Million in 2023 and will top US$ 11,648.1 Million by 2033, growing with a CAGR of around 13.6% from 2023-2033.  The report said: "Search and rescue drones are now becoming a popular product for responders conducting any type of emergency response. These drones are designed to provide aerial support to ground teams in searching for the locations of missing and injured people.  The team can rely on UAVs for search and rescue missions while other team members continue conventional search techniques or provide support elsewhere. Equipped with the right sensors and cameras, the drone can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for search missions."  Active companies in the markets this week include: Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCQX: DLAKY), Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS).

Fact.MR continued: "Drones can now fly farther and higher owing to developments in sensor technology, giving them a clearer view of hard-to-reach places. They will also have stronger cameras and other sensors, enabling them to gather more comprehensive data about possible victims and dangers.  Fact.MR anticipates that search and rescue teams will depend more and more on these adaptable and life-saving devices as drone technology advances. Manufacturers will also shift towards these innovations for generating higher profits… (Drones are) a safe, efficient, and cost-effective product to drive market growth for search and rescue drone."

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) BREAKING NEWS:  Draganfly Selected by Lufthansa Industry Solutions to Strengthen Marine Search and Rescue Infrastructure - Draganfly Inc. (FSE: 3U8) ("Draganfly" or the "Company"), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce that Lufthansa Industry Solutions, an IT service provider and a subsidiary of Lufthansa Group has entered into a letter of intent with Draganfly to explore providing its drone solutions and Vital Intelligence (VI) technology for use into its existing infrastructure and customer solutions.

Draganfly's technology will assist in Lufthansa Industry Solutions' objective of providing the maritime industry with the highest information technology and performance monitoring standard. Draganfly's drone solutions will be integrated for deployment during marine search and rescue operations and for reconnaissance purposes, adding another layer of safety and security for crew members and passengers.

Draganfly's search and rescue drone can be utilized when a passenger aboard a vessel falls into the ocean. These specialized drones are high-endurance, multirotor UAVs capable of utilizing Draganfly's optical and infrared imaging solutions during an active emergency. The company's drone can be used to thoroughly map certain areas, locate survivors, and begin measuring core vitals.

The reconnaissance drones provided by Draganfly can carry out inspections of cargo and potential hazards on the water. This UAV is a high-endurance, drone that utilizes optical and imaging solutions.   These drones can even function in hazardous areas.

Lufthansa Industry Solutions plans to integrate Draganfly's Vital Intelligence technology into its Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) platform, a package that offers a quick and easy solution for businesses trying to achieve digital transformation. Draganfly's Vital Intelligence (VI) is software that uses video feed from simple RGB cameras to measure biometric data and share human experience and health insights.

"We are thrilled to partner with Lufthansa Industry Solutions and provide our versatile AI technology for use in their current infrastructure," said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. "This partnership reflects the growing demand for our drone, AI and data solutions with Tier 1 customers."

Hydrogen Aircraft Global Market to Reach $2.63 Billion by 2026

The global hydrogen aircraft market is expected to grow from $0.92 billion in 2021 to $1.09 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.13%. The hydrogen aircraft market is expected to grow to $2.63 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.60%.

North America was the largest region in the hydrogen aircraft market in 2021. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the hydrogen aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

An increase in air passenger traffic across the globe is expected to propel the growth of the hydrogen aircraft market. Air passenger traffic refers to scheduled passengers (number of people who have booked a flight with a commercial airline, excluding charter flights) handled by the global airline industry. With the rising number of passengers, more flights are in operation than ever before, leading to pollution due to the emittance of harmful gases by aircraft.

To overcome the problem of pollution, hydrogen-based aircraft comes out to be a clean option. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) passenger data for March 2022, total traffic in March 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 76% compared to March 2021. Thus, an increase in aviation will drive the aviation analytics market.

Outlook on the Smart Airport Global Market to 2028 - Featuring Honeywell International, Cisco Systems and Huawei Technologies Among Others

The "Smart Airport Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Component and Application" report has been released. 

The Smart Airport Market size is expected to grow from US$ 26,073.62 million in 2022 to US$ 66,763.46 million by 2028.

The emerging need for cost-effective and efficient systems across airports is one of the major trends in the smart airport market. According to International Air Transport Administration, the airport operational costs can be as high as US$ 9.95 per passenger aeronautical revenue, US$ 7.08 per passenger non-aeronautical revenues, or US$ 13.69 per passenger total cost. The systems deployed for performing airport operations are expensive and incur recurring costs to airports for servicing, upgrading, and maintenance.

The deployment of smart parking in smart airports is one of the major examples of cost-effective airport systems. These systems provide directions to passengers to find available parking spaces. Mobile smart parking apps can also be integrated with e-ticketing for parking to provide a seamless passenger experience and improve operational efficiency and reliability of parking areas, resulting in greater revenue generation at a lower cost for airport administrations.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Smart Airport Market

Following a decade of a constant and substantial increase in global passenger traffic, the COVID-19 pandemic effectively discontinued activities at airports globally in the second quarter of 2020. As a result, the overall number of passengers in 2020 declined dramatically compared to 2019. The Middle East will continue to be one of the most affected area in terms of relative decline in air passengers, as it registered a drop of 69.3% in 2021.

This is owing to the region's reliance on foreign travel and connectivity, which are rebounding at a considerably slower pace than domestic travel. South America, however, is predicted to recover faster than the other regions in 2021. While major challenges exist, the road to recovery is becoming clear.

For instance, Dubai Airports has worked with Huawei to create a smart airport that provides what consumers want: short lines, simple online services, and on-time flights. The UAE intends to expand Dubai International Airport to handle 120 million people annually by 2023, up from the existing capacity of 90 million. Free Wi-Fi, Smart gates, data gathering and sharing, airport apps, requirement projections, asset management and maintenance, and aircraft punctuality rate monitoring have all been emphasized in these smart airports.

Growing number of airlines are adding more healthy options to in-flight menus

The airline industry is projecting an industry-wide return to profitability in 2023, and full recovery in 2024. Along the way, the world's top airline carriers have been revamping the in-flight experience, most noticeably by adding more meatless options to their menus. "Food is one of the most tangible signals of what an airline thinks of its customers," said former airline executive Henry Harteveldt, founder of travel consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group.   From airport restaurants to in-flight food, eating during travelling is often a puzzle, trying to figure out options that are both affordable and nutritious. When you add dietary restrictions into the mix, it makes it even more difficult. 

Currently, over 9.7 million American identify as vegan, and even more, people are looking to reduce their meat and dairy consumption. Now, many major airlines are introducing healthier plant-based options.  As a result of that is that the In-Flight Catering Services market should continue its growth rate in the coming years. One report from ResearchAndMarkets projects that the global market for In-Flight Catering Services is projected to reach a revised size of US$21.5 Billion by 2024, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% over the analysis period.  An article in APEX (The Airline Passenger Experience Association) added: "After two-plus years of individually-wrapped snacks and/or no inflight foodservice to speak of, full-service meal options are back and better than ever. Taking a cue from the pandemic-era push towards cleaner, greener living and sustainability, airlines around the globe have been livening up their inflight meal options with a host of sustainable menu items."    Active companies in the markets this week include: Pangea Natural Foods Inc., Alaska Air Group, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., Spirit Airlines, Inc., Delta Air Lines.

Aircraft Communication System Market worth $12.8 billion by 2027

Aircraft Communication System Market is projected to grow from USD 8.2 billion in 2022 to USD 12.8 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2027, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. The demand for Iris SATCOM and data links such as L-DACS to meet the need of various types of aircraft communications is driven by the rising demand for internet protocol (IP) based broadband. Additionally, it is also anticipated that during the forecast period, the use of commercial off the shelf technology in aircraft communication systems would boost the markets growth globally.

Aviation industry could cut climate impact by 20% in five years

Photo by Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa on Unsplash

The findings of a new paper could provide impetus for the aviation industry to drastically reduce its climate impact with only minimal changes to aircraft equipment and infrastructure.

The University of Bristol paper, published in the journal Aerospace, suggests modification to air traffic control procedures and aircraft operations could reduce the climate impact of aviation by as much as 20 per cent in the next five to 10 years.

Lead author Kieran Tait, who completed the review of the latest aviation emissions science, said: “Aircraft non-CO2 emissions are responsible for over two-thirds of aviation’s net climate impact, yet due to the focus on decarbonisation in policymaking - which is essential to meet net zero targets - mitigation of these emissions is often overlooked.

“Flight route modifications in the form of climate optimal routing, to avoid climate-sensitive regions, and formation flight, in which two aircrafts fly one behind the other (separated by ~2km) could hold the key to drastically reducing aviation's climate impact.”

There are two main contributors to aviation's non-CO2 climate impact – aircraft condensation trails (contrails) and emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The warming effect of non-CO2 emissions strongly depends on the chemical and meteorological state of the atmosphere at the instant they are released.

Contrails account for 51 per cent of aviation’s total climate impact. Where the air is very cold and humid, the water vapour in the contrails condenses around particulates to form ice crystals which trap heat and have a net-warming effect. Similarly, emissions of NOx react with chemicals in the atmosphere to generate ozone and reduce methane. However, the generation of ozone tends to outweigh the methane reduction, leading to a net warming effect.

“While climate optimal routing may require a longer flight, and therefore an additional one to two percent fuel burn, avoiding climate-sensitive areas could actually reduce the overall climate impact of a flight by around 20 per cent.

The "Smart Airports - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" report has been published.

The "Smart Airports - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global Smart Airports Market to Reach $22.6 Billion by 2025 The global market for Smart Airports estimated at US$17.2 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$22.6 Billion by 2025, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% over the analysis period. A smart airport is an airport, which can completely exploit capabilities of mature as well as emerging technologies that are built to create a digital grid. The concept revolves around the use of a converged, carrier-grade IP (internet protocol) network with high-speed broadband capabilities that connects various components of the ecosystem, namely airlines, airports, airport city, security agencies, logistics and others. United States represents the largest regional market for Smart Airports, accounting for an estimated 23.0% share of the global total. The market is projected to reach US$5 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China is expected to spearhead growth and emerge as the fastest growing regional market with a CAGR of 13.1% over the analysis period. Smart airport development mandates integration of complex technologies, infrastructure, processes, people and businesses, which is anticipated to drive significant growth in the global market for smart airport technologies. Future airports will leverage the capabilities of novel technologies, such as behavioral analytics, gamification, mobile apps, processors and sensors. The smart airport technology is likely to eliminate the need for check-in or security. Genia Photonics for instance developed a laser scanner that can scan through organic materials and clothes for detecting explosives and drugs. Further, passengers will be given clearance based on their biometrical and biological data. Future airports will leverage the capabilities of novel technologies, such as behavioral analytics, gamification, mobile apps, processors and sensors. Europe and North America represent the leading regional markets. European market for smart airports is expected to record growth driven by the anticipated rise in passengers flying on domestic and international routes, which will encourage adoption of improved technologies in the region`s airports. Growth in the US is fostered by the increasing focus on modernization initiatives of airports in these nations. Expanding passenger volumes is a major driving factor for smart airports market in developing nations. Increased aviation activity in these markets in the form of increased air travel, as a result of years of strong economic development, has been generating strong demand.

The World's Most Powerful Passports have the Least Travel Freedom

PRNewswire/ -- Passport holders with the greatest global access are currently the most restricted and reluctant to enjoy their travel freedom, according to the latest results from the Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Japan holds the number one spot on the index — the original ranking of all the world's passports according to the number of destinations their can access without a prior visa — with a record-high visa-free or visa-on-arrival score of 193, while Singapore and South Korea come in joint-2nd place, with a score of 192. But despite the record-breaking worldwide access afforded to citizens of these three nations over the index's 17-year history, international passenger demand in the Asia-Pacific region has only reached 17% of pre-Covid levels, according to IATA's latest statistics, having hovered below 10% for most of the past two years. This figure is far behind the global trend where markets in Europe and North America have recovered to around 60% of pre-crisis travel mobility levels. Commenting in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2022 Q3, Dr Marie Owens Thomsen, Chief Economist at IATA, says passenger numbers should reach 83% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022: "By next year, many markets should see traffic reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels, while we expect this to be the case for the industry as a whole in 2024." EU member states dominate the remaining top 10 ten spots on the latest ranking, with Germany and Spain in joint-3rd place, with access to 190 destinations visa-free. Finland, Italy, and Luxembourg follow closely behind in joint-4th place with 189 destinations, and Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden share 5th place with their passport holders able to travel to 188 destinations worldwide without a visa. Both the UK and US have dropped down a rank, to 6th and 7th place, respectively, and Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, with its nationals only able to access 27 destinations worldwide visa-free. The global mobility gap between the world's most and least powerful passports now sits at an unprecedented 166 destinations.

Forecast International: Fighter Aircraft Market Worth $260B over Next 10 Years

In its new study "The Market for Fighter Aircraft," Forecast International projects manufacturers of fighter aircraft are forecast to build over 3,855 fighters from 2022 through 2031. The value of this production is estimated at over $281.4 billion in 2022 dollars.  Production will top 400 aircraft by 2023 and then remain roughly at that level through 2027. Annual production will then decline each year through 2031.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will account for the largest share of fighter production during the next decade, primarily due to demand from the Pentagon and U.S. allies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.  The Russian invasion of Ukraine has illustrated the need for a strike fighter that can operate in a high-threat environment.  Over the past 20 years, the overwhelming majority of air combat operations were conducted without much threat from local air defences, but planners must now prepare to operate in more difficult environments.

The long-term outlook for the remaining U.S.-built fighters – the Boeing F-15 and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin's F-16 – continues to improve.  The U.S. Air Force is procuring a new, upgraded version of the F-15E, and Congress is likely to continue to buy more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the U.S. Navy.  Lockheed Martin has also secured new customers for the latest version of its F-16 fighter as a lower-cost alternative to the F-35.

Global Electric Aircraft Market to Reach $226.6 Million at a CAGR 8.2% by 2030

The global Electric Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 226.6 Million in 2030 and register a revenue CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period, according to the latest report. Rising demand for fuel-efficient means of transportation, along with stringent government regulations to promote the adoption of clean technologies, is expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

Electric aircraft reduces carbon footprint and fuel costs and has the potential to revolutionize air travel. The high demand for electric aircraft is attributed to the need for sustainable aviation and the stringent emission norms. However, the high cost of electric aircraft and the lack of charging infrastructure are expected to restraint the market growth.

Reduced noise levels is another advantage of using electric aircraft. Electric aircraft deploy jet engines, which are quieter than traditional piston engines. This is a significant factor that has resulted in the increased adoption of electric aircraft among commercial airline operators globally.

The reduced noise levels also help electric aircraft to operate in noise-sensitive areas, such as near airports. Electric aircraft are also more fuel efficient than traditional aircraft, which is another key factor that is driving the growth of the electric aircraft market.

The increased focus on reducing carbon emissions is another major factor that is fueling the growth of the electric aircraft market. Electric aircraft emit no carbon emissions, which helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of an organization. This is a key factor that is expected to drive the growth of the electric aircraft market over the forecast period.

Some Key Highlights from the Report

Passenger expectations have evolved at record pace

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

New ‘Breaking New Ground in Passenger Experience’ report examines opportunities that may have been overlooked by airlines wanting to customise their onboard experience.

Inmarsat has published a new whitepaper that unpacks the new priorities and expectations of airline passengers, including the need for greater personalisation.

Titled ‘Breaking New Ground in Passenger Experience’, the insightful report is now available to download and examines opportunities that may have been overlooked by airlines wanting to customise their onboard experience, while also reaping the rewards of passenger loyalty and return on investment (ROI).

William Huot-Marchand, Inmarsat Aviation’s Senior Vice President of Inflight Connectivity, said: “By its very nature, aviation has always been a fast-moving industry. However, the pace of change has been unprecedented since the pandemic and its imperitive that airlines keep pace.

“Passengers returning to travel today have new behaviours, new priorities and new expectations for their journeys, many of which revolve around connectivity. Our new whitepaper not only explores these emerging trends, but also highlights the drivers of change in the onboard experience that has led Inmarsat to develop OneFi, our innovative new passenger experience platform. “

So, what are these new trends? What opportunities do they present for airlines? And how will OneFi ensure value for passengers? Key findings from the report include:

1. Passengers want more control through their own devices. This includes real-time updates on how their journey is progressing and what to expect when they arrive at the airport.
2. They want their data to be utilised for personalised experiences. Passengers expect to be catered to based on their preferences and behaviour, their destination, group characteristics and previous inflight choices, allowing airlines to attract and retain high-value customers.
3. Travellers desire greater access to e-services. Connectivity facilitates ‘in the moment’ buys at 30,000 feet, diversifying retail opportunities for airlines and enabling long-term personalisation.
4. Passengers expect consistent connection. Free-of-charge reliable services are now the differentiator, meaning airlines need to monetise connectivity effectively through the right partnerships and platforms.

Inmarsat’s Breaking New Ground in Passenger Experience whitepaper can be downloaded here.

How luxury travel is becoming more sustainable

How Luxury Travel is Becoming More Sustainable

If you love to watch streaming travel shows like Down to Earth With Zac Efron (it’s free on Amazon Prime) to get ideas for travel destinations, you’ve probably noticed how more and more locales are focusing on sustainability - and luxury travel is no different.

The new trend is more about having an exclusive experience, including the local cuisine, community, culture and customization of a travel location. 

Taking part in this type of luxury travel itinerary can help reduce their carbon footprint and offer a unique experience they'll remember for a lifetime. 

What Does Sustainable Luxury Travel Look Like?

 

Shifting from a copious luxury travel style where "luxury" is more about paying for expensive items is timely, considering the adverse effects the climate crisis is having on the planet. 

Flying different types of foods or other luxury items to a resort contributes to polluting the environment and breaking down the precious ozone layer. One of the most significant sources of carbon emissions related to the luxury travel industry is the transportation of food, furnishings and other extravagant items from one destination to another.

 

Staying in a luxury hotel where toiletries and bottled water are dispensed via plastic containers doesn't help the environment either if they end up in the ocean or are sent to a landfill. Replacing these single-use containers with handmade soaps or reusable ceramic jars has become a reality in some destinations. 

Going on a dream vacation where money is no object has been reframed by many wealthy travellers. Adding sustainability into the mix is all about exclusivity and obtaining a high-end experience incorporated with protection for the environment.

Regenerative Luxury Travel Becomes a Priority

 

Time to rest.....

It’s been 25 years since the Kyoto Protocol was signed. Since that historic event, awareness of and scientific data on climate change have increased significantly. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has a heightened focus on environmental damage. Many travellers have started to make plans that incorporate sustainability along with enriching adventures and experiences. 

This shift towards taking longer trips where they can enjoy the local culture, community and geography is a win-win situation for the environment and these travellers.

 

Reconnecting with nature and the earth can be done by taking part in a secluded getaway to an isolated location where hotels have prioritized a solid commitment to social and environmental sustainability. These types of accommodations not only offer appealing surroundings and exclusivity but are making a commitment to sustainability. 

Examples of Green Energy and Sustainable Design

 

Several examples show how travel providers are combining both luxury and sustainability. Doing so can also help their bottom line when making a significant financial investment, which is another benefit of shifting towards greener operations. 

The Caribbean: Bucuti & Tara

The Caribbean island of Aruba is an excellent example -- beautiful white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts offer a fantastic way to spend time relaxing. 

Fitted with over 600 energy-saving solar panels, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has achieved carbon neutrality due to its specialized laundry system and the measures taken to provide green energy to each room.