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2019-12-05

Airbus Presents Futuristic Projects

Airbus presented its wide range of innovative technologies, products and services, from market leading commercial and military aircraft to helicopters and space systems at the Dubai Airshow 2019.

Airbus Hogs the Limelight in Static & Flying Displays

On the static display, Airbus showcased its range of commercial aircraft. This includes the A350-900, the cornerstone member of the A350 XWB Family, Salam Air’s A320neo, from the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft family, as well as EgyptAir’s A220-300, the newest member of the Airbus single-aisle family.

Airbus also had on show an ACJ319 from K5 Aviation, highlighting the comfort and space on offer and echoing the trend towards larger cabins in new-generation business jets. Airbus corporate jets have a strong presence in the Middle East market with both the ACJ320 Family and VVIP widebodies.

In the customers’ display, Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways showcased their A380s, giving the opportunity to tour the popular double-decker and see its award-winning products across all classes.

The daily flying display included the A330-900, a variant of the Airbus A330neo, as well the A400M airlifter. Kuwait Police’s H225, tailored to the specifications of the Kuwaiti police force, was the exhibit from Airbus Helicopters. The 11-tonne twin-engine helicopter is the choice of commercial operators and government agencies due to its long range and all-weather capabilities.

Meanwhile, Airbus Defence and Space presented the A400M new generation airlifter and the highly versatile C295 military transport and mission aircraft as well as the A330 MRTT, “Multi-Role Tanker-Transport,” the only combat-proven new-generation tanker.

As the official founding partner of Air Race E, Airbus showcased the first example of an electric race plane scheduled to compete in the world’s first electric airplane race series launching in 2020.

Airbus’ Commitment to Deliver Superior Products in the Middle East

More than 740 Airbus aircraft operate in the Middle East region and the company has signed orders for more than 1,400 aircraft of various types destined for Middle Eastern carriers over the next decade. Dubai is home to Airbus’ regional headquarters, conveniently located nearby the world’s busiest airport for international travel, Dubai International Airport, also home to Emirates Airline, the largest customer for the A380. The Middle East continues to be strategically important to Airbus’ wider global operations.

Airbus’ Pioneer Project to Cut Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emission

Airbus unveiled fello’fly, its latest demonstrator project inspired by biomimicry at the show. Fello’fly is set to boost the environmental performance of commercial aircraft and make a significant impact on emissions reduction for the aviation industry.

Significant technology improvements—including real-time flight tracking—have paved the way for the development of fello’fly. The goal of fello’fly is to prove the technical, operational and economic viability of wake-energy retrieval for commercial aircraft.

“Safety is our top priority at Airbus,” said Nick Macdonald, fello’fly demonstrator Leader. “We’re working to develop the functions necessary to assist pilots to safely stay in position behind the leader during a long-haul flight.”

If the fuel-reduction technology behind fello’fly proves viable, the aviation industry will benefit from a collaborative activity that demonstrates a clear commitment—between manufacturers, airlines, air navigation service providers, regulators and authorities—to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. And this could make a significant impact on the environmental performance of the aircraft. fello’fly is expected to produce fuel savings of between 5-10 per cent per trip. This means several tonnes of fuel and CO2 emissions could be saved during every fello’fly trip.

Airbus’ fello’fly project aims to demonstrate the technical, operational and commercial viability of two aircraft flying together for long-haul flights.

Through fello’fly, a follower aircraft will retrieve the energy lost by the wake of a leader aircraft, by flying in the smooth updraft of air it creates. This provides lift to the follower aircraft allowing it to decrease engine thrust and therefore reduce fuel consumption in the range of 5-10 per cent per trip.

The technical solution that Airbus is working on involves pilot assistance functions necessary to ensure the aircraft they are flying remains safely positioned in the updraft of air of the aircraft they are following, maintaining the same distance, at a steady altitude.

In terms of the operational solution, Airbus is working, in collaboration with airlines and Air Traffic Control (ATC) providers, to identify the operational needs and suitable solutions for planning and executing fello’fly operations. Airbus is due to commence flight tests with two of its A350 aircraft in 2020.

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