Articles tagged with "aviation"
China’s Low-Altitude Ambitions Just Got Higher with Airship Purchase - CleanTechnica
China’s Zhejiang Airspace Integration Low-Altitude Industry Development Company recently ordered 18 AS700 “Xiangyun” airships from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), marking a significant step in China’s growing low-altitude economy. These manned lighter-than-air vehicles, about 50 meters long and capable of carrying ten passengers, operate at altitudes between 100 and 300 meters with a maximum range of 700 kilometers and endurance of 10 hours. Powered by a gasoline engine, the AS700 offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional regional aircraft, consuming only 15–50 liters of fuel per hour and producing 80–90% less CO₂ per hour compared to small planes like the Cessna 208 Caravan. The airships are intended primarily for tourism in China’s scenic coastal and karst regions, providing slow, quiet, and low-impact flights ideal for panoramic sightseeing and environmental monitoring. Beyond tourism, provincial governments plan to use these airships for tasks such as
energyaviationairshiplow-carbon-transportelectric-propulsionsustainable-travelChina-aerospaceIt's Called The Low Altitude Economy in China. We Call It A Blimp Here - CleanTechnica
The article discusses China’s emerging "low-altitude economy," centered around commercial activities in airspace below 1,000 meters, exemplified by the introduction of the AS700 manned airship. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the ten-seater AS700 was delivered in September 2024 for testing and certification, with its first manned flight occurring in October. The airship, named Xiangyun ("Auspicious Cloud"), is positioned primarily for low-altitude sightseeing tours over scenic areas like Guilin’s karst landscapes. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy endorsed by the Communist Party of China, with over twenty provinces adopting policies to develop this sector, which includes drone logistics, general aviation, and air taxis. Industry forecasts predict the low-altitude economy could exceed two trillion yuan by 2030. The article contrasts China’s approach with the U.S. tradition of blimps, highlighting the historical use of non-rigid airships by
energyaviationlow-altitude-economyairshipcommercial-aviationtransportationChinaQantas's new Airbus to fly 22 hours non-stop between Sydney, New York
Qantas has unveiled its specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed to operate ultra-long-haul flights of up to 22 hours non-stop between Sydney and major global hubs like New York and London by 2027. This aircraft, currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, features an additional 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and advanced onboard systems, enabling it to cut up to four hours off current one-stop travel times. The A350-1000ULR will be central to Qantas’s Project Sunrise program, marking a significant milestone in Australian aviation by overcoming the challenges of extreme flight durations with a focus on passenger wellbeing. Qantas has collaborated with designers and sleep scientists to create a cabin environment that minimizes jet lag and maximizes comfort, including a reduced seating capacity of 238 passengers (compared to over 300 in typical A350-1000s) and the introduction of a Wellbeing Zone featuring exercise facilities, hydration stations, and refreshments. The initiative
energyaviationAirbus-A350long-haul-flightsfuel-efficiencyaircraft-materialsaerospace-engineeringTrust in Transition: Why Global Aviation Is Starting to Fly on Chinese Certification - CleanTechnica
The article "Trust in Transition: Why Global Aviation Is Starting to Fly on Chinese Certification" highlights a significant shift in global aviation regulatory trust from traditional Western authorities like the FAA and EASA toward China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC). This transition is exemplified by Brunei’s recent decision to recognize CAAC airworthiness rules, marking the first Southeast Asian country to do so. Vietnam has also indicated openness to accepting Chinese-certified aircraft. These moves reflect a broader trend where CAAC certifications for passenger, cargo, and emerging electric and hybrid aircraft are increasingly accepted worldwide, except notably in Europe and the United States. This shift is driven by China’s expanding domestic aviation market, its growing manufacturing capabilities, and its global infrastructure investments, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen China finance or build around sixty airports across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The article emphasizes that China’s influence extends beyond aircraft manufacturing to creating an integrated aviation ecosystem abroad, including infrastructure, data systems, and
energyaviationelectric-aircrafthybrid-aircraftcertificationinfrastructureChinaNew Study: Aviation Taxes, Charges, & Fees Have Limited Impact on Passenger Numbers - CleanTechnica
A recent study commissioned by the green group Transport & Environment (T&E) and conducted by economists Prof. Friedrich Thießen and Prof. Christoph Brützel finds that aviation demand is primarily influenced by airline strategies, market trends, and travel behavior rather than national aviation taxes, charges, and fees. Analyzing 101 European airports in 2024, the study reveals only a weak correlation between location-based costs and passenger numbers. For example, Heathrow Airport, despite having the highest costs, also has the highest passenger volume in Europe. The research also shows that changes in ticket prices have had limited impact on passenger demand historically, with factors such as airline business models, hub status, and international agreements playing a more significant role. The study highlights that demand in aviation is mainly supply-driven, with airlines setting flight schedules well in advance and adjusting prices to fill seats. It also notes that external factors like hotel costs and the global decline in business travel post-COVID have influenced passenger numbers. Leisure travel has increased
energyaviationairline-industryfuel-pricespassenger-demandtravel-trendstaxation-impactSwiss pilot soars to 31,237 feet in a record solar-powered flight
Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan set a new altitude record for solar-powered electric planes by flying his SolarStratos aircraft to 31,237 feet (9,521 meters), surpassing a 15-year-old record of 30,298 feet. The flight, launched from Sion airport in southwest Switzerland, lasted five hours and nine minutes and involved using warm air thermals to climb higher. At cruising altitude, Domjan even crossed paths with a commercial airliner, symbolizing the potential for decarbonized aviation. The flight data will be submitted to the World Air Sports Federation for official verification. The SolarStratos plane is a carbon fiber, single-propeller aircraft with a wingspan of 81.4 feet (24.8 meters) covered by 237 square feet (22 square meters) of advanced solar panels. It can take off at 31 mph and cruise at about 50 mph. Domjan, an experienced eco-adventurer and lecturer, aims to eventually reach the
energysolar-poweraviationelectric-aircraftrenewable-energycarbon-fiber-materialsdecarbonizationIn a first, China’s Fujian carrier launches jet using catapult
China has reportedly achieved a significant milestone with its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, by successfully conducting catapult-assisted jet launches, as shown in footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV. This marks the first time China has demonstrated the use of an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) on a carrier, a technology previously exclusive to U.S. Navy carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. The footage, released during the 98th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army, included voice recordings from the control room confirming actual takeoffs and showed a J-15T fighter jet launching from the deck, indicating the Fujian is nearing full operational status. The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, represents a major advancement over its predecessors, the Liaoning and Shandong, which use ski-jump ramps for aircraft launch. The EMALS system allows for heavier aircraft with larger payloads, including more weapons and fuel, to take off, enabling the carrier to deploy more advanced aircraft such as electronic
energyelectromagnetic-catapultaircraft-carriermilitary-technologyaviationChina-NavyEMALSThe Aviation Industry and the Stall in Aircraft Innovation - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a concerning stall in aircraft innovation that threatens the aviation industry’s ability to meet decarbonisation targets. Despite the critical need for more efficient and zero-emission aircraft to reduce the sector’s high emissions, major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing have largely focused on incremental improvements, such as re-engined versions of existing models, rather than breakthrough technologies. Innovative projects have faced delays or pauses, and no new aircraft models are expected from these OEMs in the next decade. This slowdown is attributed to a lack of market competition and insufficient policy incentives pushing manufacturers toward radical innovation. Modeling presented in the article suggests that with ambitious but achievable innovation, European aviation could improve efficiency by up to 13% by 2050, potentially saving enough renewable electricity to power 27 million heat pumps. If manufacturers push further, efficiency gains could reach 17%, underscoring the significant role aircraft technology can play in meeting EU climate goals. To unlock this potential, the article recommends strengthening
energyaviationdecarbonizationsustainable-aviation-fuelsaircraft-innovationemissions-reductiongreen-technologyWeak Aircraft Innovation Undercutting Aviation’s Green Transition - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights concerns that the aviation industry's reliance on conventional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft and slow technological innovation are jeopardizing its decarbonization goals. Despite the Paris Air Show showcasing new aircraft, most are incremental updates of older models rather than breakthrough designs. A new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E) reveals that if manufacturers accelerated innovation—particularly in zero-emission technologies such as hydrogen propulsion—European aviation could improve efficiency by up to 13-17% by 2050 compared to a business-as-usual scenario. This improvement could reduce cumulative CO₂ emissions by 123 million tonnes, equivalent to removing 62 million petrol and diesel cars from European roads for a year. The article emphasizes that innovation in aircraft design has stagnated over the past decade, with no new models expected in the next ten years. Airbus and Boeing, the dominant players, have delayed or paused the introduction of disruptive technologies, instead opting to update older airframes like the Airbus A320neo and
energyaviationgreen-transitiondecarbonizationaircraft-innovationrenewable-electricityhydrogen-aircraftWeak Aircraft Innovation Undercutting Aviation’s Green Transition - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights concerns about the aviation industry's slow progress in innovating greener aircraft technologies, which threatens its ability to meet decarbonization targets. Ahead of the Paris Air Show, analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E) reveals that reliance on conventional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft and incremental improvements, such as re-engining older models, are insufficient. T&E’s modeling suggests that with ambitious innovation—such as the development and deployment of zero-emission aircraft—European aviation could improve efficiency by up to 13-17% by 2050, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by 123 million tonnes. This reduction equates to removing 62 million petrol and diesel cars from European roads for a year and would significantly contribute to the sector’s green transition. However, the article points out that aircraft innovation has stalled over the past decade, with no new models expected in the next ten years. Major manufacturers Airbus and Boeing dominate the market but have largely focused on incremental updates rather than disruptive
energyaviationgreen-technologydecarbonizationaircraft-innovationrenewable-energyhydrogen-aircraftElectric HyBrid Passenger Plane In Development: The ES-30 - CleanTechnica
energyhybrid-electricaviationdecarbonizationelectric-aircraftbattery-technologyclimate-changeWizz Air’s Sewage-to-Fuel Deal Helps Blow Up Five Energy Myths - CleanTechnica
energydecarbonizationaviationbiofuelsliquid-fuelselectrificationclimate-changeLondon-New York in 45 mins: New hypersonic jet could fly 7x speed of sound
materialsenergyhypersonicaviationhydrogenaerospacetechnologyFuturistic jet flies 3,600 miles with no windows and 50% less fuel
energyefficiencyaviationfuel-consumptionsustainable-designtechnologyinnovationCanada firm's eVTOL becomes first to achieve full wing transition
robotIoTenergymaterialseVTOLhybrid-electricaviationFlying taxi engines produce weird sound, but scientists have found a fix
energyelectric-vehiclesaviationnoise-reductionboundary-layer-ingesting-enginesgreen-technologyfuel-efficiencyAviation Professionals Call For A New Flight Plan On Emissions
energyemissionsaviationclimate-changesustainable-aviation-fuelscarbon-footprintfossil-fuelsAirline Emissions Soar to Pre-COVID Levels as Europe Fails to Price Their Pollution
airline-emissionsaviationEU-carbon-marketpollution-pricingclimate-changeEuropeenvironmental-policy