XXXXX
AEROSPACE SUPPLEMENT
INTRODUCTION: GETTING TO THE FUTURE INTACT
Stalled ascent
The response to Covid-19 brought air travel to a halt and has affected the related
equipment and services supply chain negatively, but it has also prompted a renewed
drive for a sustainable aviation future. Andrew Allcock offers this overview
It was just a year ago that Machinery looked at
developments in sustainable air travel, focusing on
electric propulsion and biofuels ( www.is.gd/numofi ).
The Covid-19 episode has, in decimating air travel and, in
its turn, the aerospace industry from top to bottom,
provided new impetus to the plane and engine makers in
these directions. And there is time and space for
companies to direct their efforts, because the lull in air
travel will last three years or so, as Boeing, the world’s
largest aerospace company, said in July of this year.
“The reality is the pandemic’s impact on the aviation
sector continues to be severe. Though some yers are
returning slowly to the air, their numbers remain far lower
than 2019, with airline revenues likewise reduced. This
pressure on our commercial customers means they are
delaying jet purchases, slowing deliveries, deferring
elective maintenance, retiring older aircraft and reducing
spend — all of which affects our business and,
ultimately, our bottom line. While there have been some
encouraging signs, we estimate it will take around three
years to return to 2019 passenger levels.”
Covid-19’s prompt is adding to the momentum already
established towards achieving net zero carbon emissions,
with sustainability brought into sharp relief through an
enforced change of living in which many have seen much
good. Said Rolls-Royce’s chief technology of cer, Paul
Stein, in April: “…when I look forward to a post-Covid-19
world, when we can be with each other again, I truly
28 October 2020 | www.machinery.co.uk | MachineryMagazine | @MachineryTweets
/numofi
/www.machinery.co.uk