Category: <span>General</span>

The aerospace industry has been on the path to a transformation. There have been many changes to reflect upon in the industry. Some of this includes what the future of aviation consists of, the probability of flying with zero net emissions by the year 2050, and if the covid 19 pandemic has negatively impacted making the aviation industry more sustainable. Over the last century, the aerospace industry has had many advances. This includes developing a focus on weight, propulsion innovation, aerodynamics and the configuration. In addition, over the previous 40 years, we made the convenience of air travel a pressing matter, prioritizing its efficiency and accessibility.  

Focal points for making aviation industry sustainable

Over the last decade, however, the focus on achieving net zero in the aviation industry became substantial. It was mandatory for air travel to have zero-greenhouse emissions in order to operate. The focus on zero-greenhouse emissions has not been as public as the early adaptations were in the aviation industry. Other current focal points in the aviation industry include a focus on sustainable propulsion technology. This technology fuels aircrafts with solar and wind energy sources. Another focus point has been on making planes lighter in order to reduce emissions. Another center of attention is creating shape-shifting aircrafts that can adapt to flying conditions. In order for these technologies to function, advancements need to be made in the aviation industry. 

Research persists for long-term sustainability in aviation

Covid-19 created a downturn for the aviation industry. However, the research behind reaching long-term sustainability goals has persisted. For example, Airbus has recently revealed concepts for a zero emission commercial aircraft that could begin service in 2035. As well, British Airways is developing a hydrogen powered flight, all of which aid in cutting net carbon emissions. Zero-emission aircrafts or hydrogen powered aircrafts are not able to fly vast distances. Therefore, in order to achieve emission reductions, sustainable aviation fuel should be the focus. An example of a company that brings focus to this is Neste, which is the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel. It produces this fuel from waste and residue raw materials. 

Raw materials being used commercially is a method to obtain sustainable aviation.  By utilizing this source of raw materials, it could have the potential to substitute fossil jet fuel within 5-10 years. In order to grow this effort additionally, the switch to liquid technologies will lead to reaching zero-emission goals further.  By reaching zero-emission goals, the chances of the future generations achieving zero net aviation will be attainable. 

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Sustainable flying blog. IATA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://www.iata.org/en/programs/environment/sustainable-flying-blog

IATA has released data for global air cargo markets for June showing a 9.9% improvement on pre-COVID-19 performance (June 2019). This pushed first half-year air cargo growth to 8%, its strongest first half performance since 2017. Comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons to follow are to June 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.

• Global demand for June 2021, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was up 9.9% compared to June 2019.
• Regional variations in performance are significant. North American carriers contributed 5.9 percentage points (ppts) to the 9.9% growth rate in June. Middle East carriers contributed 2.1 ppts, European airlines 1.6 ppts, African airlines 0.5 ppts and Asia-Pacific carriers 0.3 ppts. Latin American carriers did not support the growth, shaving 0.5 ppts off the total.
• Overall capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), remained constrained at 10.8% below pre-COVID-19 levels (June 2019) due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft. Belly capacity was down 38.9% on June 2019 levels, partially offset by a 29.7% increase in dedicated freighter capacity.
• Underlying economic conditions and favorable supply chain dynamics remain highly supportive for air cargo:
• The US inventory to sales ratio is at a record low. This means that businesses have to quickly refill their stocks, and typically use air cargo to do so.
• The Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) – leading indicators of air cargo demand – show that business confidence, manufacturing output and new export orders are growing at a rapid pace in most economies. Concerns of a significant consumer shift from goods to services have not materialized.
• The cost-competitiveness and reliability of air cargo relative to that of container shipping has improved. The average price of air cargo relative to shipping has reduced considerably. And scheduling reliability of ocean carriers has dropped, in May it was around 40% compared to 70-80% prior to the crisis.

“Air cargo is doing brisk business as the global economy continues its recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. With first-half demand 8% above pre-crisis levels, air cargo is a revenue lifeline for many airlines as they struggle with border closures that continue to devastate the international passenger business. Importantly, the strong first-half performance looks set to continue,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IATA Market Analysis – June 2021

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Source: (2021, June). IATA. https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-freight-monthly-analysis—june-2021/.

IATA is calling on all governments around the world to work together to urgently find ways to re-establish global connectivity by re-opening their borders and continue with relief measures to sustain the airline industry during the COVID-19 crisis. As government policies continue to frustrate the industry with actions such as closed borders, travel restrictions, and quarantines… the “summer travel season” saw minimal improvements. Total July 202 traffic was 79.8% below 2019 levels and international traffic in July 2020 was 91.9% below 2019 levels.

“Protecting their citizens must be the top priority of governments. But too many governments are fighting a global pandemic in isolation with a view that closing borders is the only solution. It’s time for governments to work together to implement measures that will enable economic and social life to resume, while controlling the spread of the virus,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

IATA calls on governments to grasp the seriousness of the crisis facing the airline industry and its consequences for their citizens; and urges governments to focus their attention on key issues: Re-opening borders, continuing relief measures, global leadership.

Click on the button below to read the official IATA press release.
Press Release No: 69

GO BACK

IATA announced a commitment by the airline CEOs on its Board of Governors to five principles for re-connecting the world by air transport.
These principles are:

1. Aviation will always put safety and security first: Airlines commit to work with our partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to:

• Implement a science-based bio-security regime that will keep our passengers and crew safe while enabling efficient operations.
• Ensure that aviation is not a meaningful source for the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.

2. Aviation will respond flexibly as the crisis and science evolve: Airlines commit to work with our partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to:

• Utilize new science and technology as it becomes available, for example, reliable, scalable and efficient solutions for COVID-19 testing or immunity passports.
• Develop a predictable and effective approach to managing any future border closures or mobility restrictions.
• Ensure that measures are scientifically supported, economically sustainable, operationally viable, continuously reviewed, and removed/replaced when no longer necessary.

3. Aviation will be a key driver of the economic recovery: Airlines commit to work with our partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to:

• Re-establish capacity that can meet the demands of the economic recovery as quickly as possible.
• Ensure that affordable air transport will be available in the post-pandemic period.

4. Aviation will meet its environment targets: Airlines commit to work with our partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to:

• Achieve our long-term goal of cutting net carbon emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050.
• Successfully implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

5. Aviation will operate to global standards which are harmonized and mutually recognized by governments: Airlines commit to work with our partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to:

• Establish the global standards necessary for an effective re-start of aviation, particularly drawing on strong partnerships with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Ensure that agreed measures are effectively implemented and mutually recognized by governments.

“Re-starting air transport is important. Even as the pandemic continues, the foundations for an industry re-start are being laid through close collaboration of the air transport industry with ICAO, the WHO, individual governments and other parties. Much work, however, remains to be done. By committing to these principles, the leaders of the world’s airlines will guide the safe, responsible and sustainable re-start of our vital economic sector. Flying is our business. And it is everyone’s shared freedom,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

FIVE PRINCIPLES

BIO-SECURITY

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On April 28th, 2020, Bringer Air Cargo with Kerry Logistics in Asia embarked on a challenging task… transport much needed medical supplies from China to Brazil. Working day and night, over the span of 2 weeks with careful planning, preparing and execution the cargo left Shanghai, China, stopped in Miami, USA, and was immediately transferred to Mato Grosso, Brazil. All supplies destined to the Metropolitan Hospital of Várzea Grande in Mato Grosso.

The cargo comprised of
> 40,000 PPEs
> 20,000 Test Kits
> 215 Monitors
> 120 Respirators
> 5,000 Face Shields
> 50,000 Surgical Masks
> 50,000 KN95-type Masks

We hope that our contribution in transporting these essentials supplies will help all healthcare works in the fight against COVID-19.

A message from the Governor Mauro Mendes…
“Estes equipamentos são de suma importância para estruturar toda a rede de leitos que o Estado está montando para atender aos pacientes com Covid-19, além de garantir a segurança necessária para os nossos profissionais da Saúde poderem atuar”

A message from Health Secretary Gilberto Figueiredo…
“Essa operação de aquisição é fruto de uma força-tarefa de toda equipe do Governo de Mato Grosso, que garantiu esse recebimento. Os materiais são fundamentais neste momento para garantir o tratamento dos pacientes do coronavírus e ficarão depois para um atendimento em saúde muito melhor para toda a população mato-grossense”, disse o secretário.”

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