Aviation

Farnborough 2024: A Landmark Airshow Concludes with £81.5 Billion in Deals

As the 45th edition of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) concluded, it proved to be a tremendous success. The event, which ended yesterday, saw £81.5 billion worth of deals signed and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders placed within the first four days. For the UK alone, the deals announced amounted to £13 billion.

The Airbus A321XLR showcased an incredible aerial display at the airshow, becoming a centerpiece attraction. As Airbus’s latest addition to the market, the A321XLR aims to challenge the narrow-body aircraft segment with its extended range and innovative features. Additionally, Embraer impressed attendees with the E195-E2’s aerial display, highlighted by its striking black livery.

The ATR aircraft demonstrated its remarkable takeoff and landing capabilities, further showcasing its versatility. The Chinook helicopter also participated, displaying its impressive performance and ability to handle multi-level tasks, making it invaluable for defense and battlefield operations.

The show ended with an exhilarating final air display. The Starlings Aerobatic Team performed an impressive formation flight, while the Stampe Formation team showcased their vibrant heritage aircraft. The Royal Air Force’s F-35 flyover and the F-15QA’s powerful farewell flight added to the excitement. The British Army’s renowned Red Devils parachuted down, providing a spectacular closing to the event.

Day 2 Highlights: Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer Orders at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 : Click here

With this year’s orders finalized, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 shifted to inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, manufacturers, and innovators. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

Airbus Expands Reach with Major Orders

Airbus has secured two significant deals that will expand its presence in the global market. The Abra Group, aiming to enhance its international long-haul operations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five A350-900 aircraft. Additionally, flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, strengthened its partnership with Airbus by signing an MoU for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s.

Virgin Atlantic also made headlines by ordering seven additional A330neo aircraft. This order highlights the airline’s confidence in the A330neo’s performance and passenger comfort, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The advanced technology and fuel efficiency of the A330neo make it an ideal choice for Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic operations, aligning with their goal of providing an enhanced and eco-friendly travel experience.

Embaer Aircraft

In a notable order, the Netherlands and Austria finalized a joint commitment for nine C-390 Millennium transport planes. Scheduled for delivery starting in late 2027, these aircraft will facilitate improved training and logistics collaboration among NATO partners. The C-390 Millennium continues to be a favored choice for European nations due to its exceptional performance and cost-effectiveness.

In the military aviation sector, Embraer announced a major order from the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) for six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. This versatile, multi-mission aircraft will enhance the FAP’s capabilities in armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions.

Boeing aircraft.

Boeing also had a notable presence on Day 2 of the airshow. Qatar Airways announced an order for 20 additional 777-9 airplanes, reinforcing its commitment to the 777X program. The 777-9, touted as the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, is set to play a crucial role in Qatar Airways‘ long-haul fleet expansion, offering increased passenger capacity and improved fuel efficiency.

In a significant move for the leasing sector, Macquarie AirFinance announced its first direct order with Boeing, purchasing 20 737-8 aircraft. This order not only doubles Macquarie AirFinance’s existing 737-8 order book, acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co.

De Havilland Aircraft orders

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited also made strides with several announcements. ANA Holdings signed a letter of intent for seven reconditioned DHC Dash 8-400s, which will be reconfigured to integrate seamlessly with ANA Group’s current fleet.

Additionally, Skyward Express ordered one Dash 8-400, while De Havilland confirmed the sale of two Dash 8-400s to Widerøe and one to the Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA). De Havilland also announced a cargo conversion solution sale to Advantage Air, further expanding its portfolio and market reach.

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Aviation

Airbus Explores Thermoplastics to Reduce Aircraft Weight by 10%

Courtesy : Airbus

Aerospace companies consistently lead the way in material science, driving innovations to make aircraft lighter, enhance user experience, and improve environmental sustainability.

Airbus is now exploring the development of a new material for aircraft fuselages, aiming for a breakthrough that could reduce aircraft weight by up to 10%. This new material is also expected to lower cabin noise, thanks to its unique properties.

The material Airbus is focusing on is thermoplastic. That’s right—research is underway to develop this material in a unique way, similar to carbon fiber. It promises a lighter build without compromising on strength.

5 latest innovative equipments by Airbus Click here

Thermoplastic polymers offer a weight advantage over traditional carbon composites, which are currently used in major aircraft components. They are easier to recycle, repurpose, and produce with less energy, making them an environmentally friendly option.

To explore the potential of thermoplastics, Airbus has joined the Multi-Functional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD) consortium. This initiative is part of the EU’s Clean Sky 2 public/private funding program, aimed at advancing sustainable aerospace technologies.

Interesting facts about Airbus A350

In production, thermoplastic composites allow fuselage sections to be assembled using innovative methods, reducing costs and time. A secondary goal of the MFFD is to facilitate thermoplastic composite fuselage barrel production, targeting a rate of 60 to 100 aircraft per month.

Traditionally, aircraft fuselages are assembled using rivets, but a new approach uses laser welding to join the sheets, which streamlines the process. This method not only makes the fuselage cleaner but also boosts production rates compared to traditional techniques.

Airbus A350-1000 now suitable for 480 Passengers

The innovations also enhance the material’s properties, reducing corrosion and minimizing vibrations. However, one of the challenges is that if the material gets damaged, specialized techniques are needed for repairs. Despite this, the high strength-to-weight ratio of the material ensures the aircraft remains lighter and more efficient.

The fuselage is more than just a shell; it houses vital electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. Installing these systems after the fuselage is built adds to the weight, cost, and production time. A lighter and easier-to-assemble fuselage can help address these issues.

Thermoplastics offer a promising solution by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for heavy fasteners that are typically used in conventional metallic fuselage sections. This not only cuts down on weight but also simplifies production, paving the way for a more efficient manufacturing process.

Known as carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites (CFRTP), these materials are moldable at high temperatures and solidify upon cooling. When intelligently integrated with cabin and cargo technologies, CFRTP composites could lead to over 10% weight savings per aircraft.

Additionally, CFRTP composites are easier to reuse and recycle compared to metallic or carbon fiber components, providing a significant advantage in sustainable aircraft production.