Tech

Air New Zealand to Introduce Battery-Powered Flights

Image:Air New Zealand

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable aviation, Air New Zealand has revealed its selection of Wellington and Marlborough Airports as the key ports for its inaugural all-electric aircraft operations.

The airline’s choice marks a significant step in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. The selected route for the debut flights with the Beta ALIA aircraft, named the ALIA CTOL, will encompass commercial demonstrator flights between Wellington and Marlborough. Initially, Air New Zealand will focus on cargo-only operations in collaboration with NZ Post, with flights expected to commence in 2026.

Wellington Airport has been designated as the primary hub for Air New Zealand’s pioneering venture into next-generation aircraft. Meanwhile, Marlborough Airport will also play a crucial role by establishing charging infrastructure to facilitate the aircraft’s operations, ensuring a seamless and sustainable journey.

Matt Clarke, CEO of Wellington Airport, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to host the commercial demonstrator flights, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to driving change in the aviation industry. He highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing the decarbonization efforts within New Zealand and beyond.

“Partnering with Air New Zealand to host the commercial demonstrator is a giant leap for sustainable aviation, providing the basis for all airports to prepare for the next generation of aircraft technology.

Decarbonizing aviation is recognized as a critical global endeavor, and in New Zealand, maintaining regional connectivity throughout this transition is deemed of national importance. With the introduction of all-electric flights, Air New Zealand aims to lead by example, setting a precedent for eco-conscious aviation practices worldwide.

Tech

Scientists Create Drone with Fiber Optic “Nervous System” for Smarter Flight

Technology is advancing rapidly, with scientists constantly pushing boundaries. Now, researchers from Southampton have developed a unique drone equipped with its own “nervous system.”

This breakthrough allows the drone to process information and respond to its surroundings more like a living creature, making it faster and more adaptable than ever before.

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Scientists at the University of Southampton have pioneered a groundbreaking development in drone technology by equipping a drone with its very own “nervous system.” This innovative system, made of fiber optics, enables the drone to function with greater autonomy and efficiency.

Unlike traditional drones, this technology allows the drone to operate for longer periods without needing frequent stops for manual inspections, drastically improving its operational capabilities.

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Developed by Dr. Chris Holmes and Dr. Martynas Beresna from Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre, the drone’s “nervous system” works by using optical fibers to monitor its condition in real-time.

These fibers detect stress and potential faults, sending data back to the ground team, allowing them to spot issues without interrupting the drone’s flight. The system uses a process called optical speckle, which projects images to assess the drone’s status, all while being supported by AI algorithms that interpret these signals for the ground crew.

Initially designed to deliver life-saving equipment like defibrillators in emergencies, this technology has shown promise in enhancing the drone’s longevity and reducing the need for extensive ground crew involvement.

This is especially crucial as the drone industry is projected to contribute up to £45 billion to the global economy by 2030, particularly in sectors like logistics and transportation. The University of Southampton’s team believes that the new system will revolutionize drone operations, making them more reliable, safer, and cost-effective for commercial use.

The technology, which has already been successfully tested on a drone developed by university undergraduates, is set to be commercialized by 2025, with the university’s Future Worlds acceleration programme providing vital support for its development.