Travel Environment Watch.

New York (AirGuide - Travel Environment Watch) May 3, 2009

The global aviation industry must rely on technological advances to address three of its most pressing challenges - the worldwide economy, the environment, and global air transportation system modernization - Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) president and CEO Marion Blakey told the audience at the Royal Aeronautical Society's Lindbergh Lecture today. Blakey delivered the 18th installment of the prestigious lecture series, which dates back to 1990 and was previously known as the Guinness Peat Aviation Lectures. The series, which honors Charles Lindbergh and his first-ever transatlantic flight, showcases luminaries from the international aviation community addressing important issues of the day. Aviation has been an economic workhorse that helped lead world economies out of lean times in the past, Blakey said. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the US aviation industry actually grew as manufacturers rolled out the first practical passenger aircraft that allowed airlines to turn profits. Military aircraft also made great strides during this time. Apr 29, 2009

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) signed by the Federal Railroad Administration on March 18 represents a major milestone for the nationOs first dedicated high-speed passenger rail system. The project, being developed by DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC, will connect Las Vegas to Southern California and could break ground by early next year, according to Tony Marnell, chairman and CEO of Marnell Consulting, LLC, which is an investor in DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC. The build-out is expected to take approximately four years. Operating at speeds of up to 150 mph on exclusive tracks along Interstate 15, DesertXpress trains will make the 180-mile trip between Las Vegas and Victorville, Calif., in an hour and 20 minutes. www.desertxpress.com. Apr 28, 2009

Boeing

Boeing is targeting a 2 percent reduction in 737NG fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. The manufacturer unveiled a new "787 style" interior for the 737NG in Seattle yesterday to be implemented in aircraft operated by seven airlines beginning in late 2010. The changes "are more than cosmetic," it said, noting that a major component of the improved 737NG will be increased fuel efficiency. About 1 percent of the targeted fuel savings with be achieved through airframe "structural improvements [that] will reduce drag on the airplane," while the other 1 percent will come from "hardware changes" to the engine made by CFM International. The airlines that will operate improved 737NGs include FlyDubai, Continental Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, Malaysia Airlines, TUI Travel, Gol and Lion Air. The new cabin, dubbed the 737 Boeing Sky Interior, will draw "from years of research used to design the interior for the 787. . .[and feature] modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers' eyes to the airplane's windows," Boeing said, adding that the sidewall design will integrate "the air vent so that before-flight security checks go more quickly for maintenance staff." Continental will make a 737-800 available to Boeing to flight test the performance improvements reported ATW. Apr 29, 2009

CFM International, Airbus, Boeing

CFM International launched the CFM56-7B Evolution engine enhancement program, with EIS set for mid-2011 to coincide with the arrival of the upgraded Boeing 737NG airframe. According to CFM, the engine will feature improved airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines as well as improved cooling techniques and fewer parts. The enhanced airframe/engine combination "will provide a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption" and also produce up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating, compared to current model 7B engines. The first Evolution powerplant is scheduled to begin ground testing in September with flight tests commencing in early 2010, paving the way for engine certification in the third quarter. Once certified, it will be designated the CFM56-7BE. Apr 29, 2009

FedEx

FedEx wants a third of its jet fuel to come from biofuels by 2030, the company's chief executive said Wednesday in a speech delivered during a US Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit. The target, dubbed "30 by 30" aims to take advantage of second-generation biofuels from feedstocks such as jatropha, algae, switchgrass and camelina. "Its goal is 30 percent alternative fuel use for aviation by 2030," said Fred Smith, FedEx's CEO and chairman. There have been four successful biofuel demonstration flights during the last year, Smith said, using blends of petroleum and jatropha, algae and camelina. The company is trading in the MD-11s it uses on long-range international routes for new 777Fs, as well as old 727s for newer 757s, which are 47 percent more fuel-efficient. FedEx has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its worldwide air operations by 20 percent by 2020, per available ton mile. Since 2005, it has reduced aircraft emissions by 3.7 percent by pound per available ton mile. While the environmental push is part of the company's long-term strategy, Smith also lobbied for an overhaul of the country's decrepit air traffic control system, which he contends has the potential to reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions by between 10 percent and 12 percent. The Next Generation Air Transportation System will modernize communication, navigation and surveillance technologies and has already showed great promise in reducing air congestion, making routes more direct and increasing aviation safety. FedEx and rival United Parcel Service are already saving money and fuel using continuous descents in Memphis and Louisville, while flights in Atlanta were able to shave 2.5 minutes from each flight, generating savings of about USD$105 million since 2006. May 1, 2009

JDA Aviation Technology Solutions

JDA Aviation Technology Solutions of Bethesda, Md., entered into a partnership with UK-based EQ2 to launch an environmental management system, EQ2-EMS, designed to allow operators to analyze emissions and their impact on operating costs. Apr 29, 2009

Swiss International

SWISS has unveiled plans to renew its short haul fleet to the tune of a [pounds sterling]625.6m (U697.1m). From 2014, the Lufthansa-owned carrier will begin replacing its 20-strong fleet of Avro RJ100s with 20 Bombardier's CSeries aircraft. SWISS hopes to complete the programme within two years and said the CSeries was chosen for its lower operating costs, CO2 emissions and engine noise. The CSeries fleet will use 25 percent less fuel than the current Avro RJ100 fleet resulting in a 90,000 tonne reduction in CO2 per year. SWISS claim this is equivalent to 7,000 flights between London City Airport and Zurich. Ten more CSeries aircraft will be added after 2016 to allow for route expansion, SWISS said. www.swiss.com Apr 30, 2009

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