How the aviation industry is soaring into a new and sustainable era
By Maurizio Parodi, Vice President – Siemens Industries Software
What a few days it has been here so far at ‘Le Bourget’ 2019, the focal point of the global aviation industry this week. Hundreds, no, thousands of pioneering exhibitors have been showing off with astonishing releases and stunning air performances, unveiling groundbreaking products after leading edge technologies after mesmerizing aircraft. With every reveal here in Paris the industry takes a step towards a more sustainable future.
But there is more to come. Today ’Le Bourget’ really comes into its own as it opens the door to the general public as well, as aviation aficionados from all over the world touch down in Paris to applaud and admire la crème de la crème of aviation. Whether they realize it or not, here at the Show they are part of history in the making as the industry is on the cusp of entering a new era of aviation, given wings by technology, vision and modern-day needs.
Defining moments
So far two defining moments have given shape to the history of flight. The first at the breaking of the 20th century, when in 1903 the first ever engine-powered aircraft took flight before landing after twelve seconds. This revolutionary feat saw the birth of the airplane and an epoch of aeronautical innovation had begun.
Fast forward fifty years. In the 1950s and 60s, the turbofan propelled a new class of tourists high over the Atlantic. The introduction of this air-breathing jet engine took the Golden Age of Flying into the future and can be considered the second disruptive aeronautical revolution.
Jet engines still power air travel today but the industry has been optimizing aircraft configurations of the 50s by using more electrical systems and lighter materials. There also has been a tremendous effort to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Another noticeable change in more recent years is the increased attention to passenger comfort. Air travel is now more than getting from point A to point B. It’s an experience. We cruise 40.000 feet above sea level while enjoying snacks, movies and entertainment, the air conditioning is cleaner and healthier, you name it. Landing gear up, travel mode on.
Third revolution
And now the aviation industry is on the brink of a third and defining pivotal moment in its history. Mobility is changing for the better. Air travel is booming and the concept of short distance air travel in urban environments is now really in the air. Sustainability is key, and engineers are pushed to come up with new concepts of flight, systems and solutions to lower noise output and emissions but also operating costs.
We are witnessing that right here at ‘Le Bourget’. Yesterday Airbus unveiled its A321XLR (extra-long-range). This aircraft offers the longest-range capability of any single-aisle aircraft so far and will open new horizons for operators as well as passengers as it connects destinations previously unreachable by non-stop flights of single-aisle jetliners.
Also attending ‘Le Bourget’ this week is Greg Hyslop, Chief Technology Officer at Boeing. He says the industry is well on its way to cut emissions to half of what they were in 2005 by 2050. Boeing itself is setting the example with the 787 Dreamliner. Since entering service in 2011, the airliner, which demonstrated its slick curves above the Parisian skyline this week, has saved 33 billion pounds of fuel and equivalent emissions. That’s the same as keeping 9 million cars off the road for a year.
The most advanced in the world
It is with great pride and responsibility that Siemens puts its groundbreaking digital solutions and services in the scale to contribute to this third revolution and thrust aviation into a new and sustainable era. Giving proof to our expertise and the quality of our Simcenter Simulation, Testing solutions and Engineering Services solutions, is Bye Aerospace, attending ‘Le Bourget’ here in Paris to display its all-electric eFlyer 2 aircraft.
As air travel is booming, an estimated 790,000 new pilots are needed over the next 20 years. With the eFlyer 2, Bye Aerospace provides new pilots with a cutting-edge, clean, electric training aircraft that’s more eco-friendly and cost-efficient than any traditional training aircraft out there. The two-seater is propelled by an electric motor provided by Siemens and designed by virtue of the Siemens Digital Industries Software.
George Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace: “The Siemens PLM software is the most advanced in the world and it brings together for Bye Aerospace all the tools for both design and analysis to the highest technology level. This allows us to quickly analyze and design and refurbish aspects of the airplane whenever we want to make adjustments.”
Bye Aerospace has set the ambitious goal for the eFlyer 2 to achieve EASA and FAA certification in 2021. “The customer expects safety, reliability and maintainability. Certification brings the highest standard to the market together with the plane. So, the introduction of the eFlyer 2 and all its benefits come together with the certification which is the support customers, students and the flight schools we work with want. The Siemens software accelerates this process immensely.” Check out the video below for the full interview with Bye Aerospace CEO George Bye.
Continue to fuel innovation
Collaborations such as these are what make the aviation industry reach higher heights year after year. Here at ‘Le Bourget’, where aerospace leaders get down to business, we have a taste of what we can still achieve. Projects such as Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 prove to be promising stepping stones towards a more sustainable future for the industry. Siemens will always continue to contribute to that future, to fuel innovation and to work closely with the aviation pioneers of our times. With great ambition and curiosity we are looking forward to coming to Paris and see what new leaps forward the industry has taken by then.
Did you miss out on ‘Le Bourget’ this year? Check out the clip below to look back on what has been a week of scintillating aviation innovation.
