Airlines

China’s COMAC and CATL to Build an Electric Passenger Aircraft

Chinese state-owned firms Comac and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), a producer of lithium-ion batteries, have teamed up to investigate and create a new electrically propelled aircraft.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), Shanghai Jiaotong University, and the battery manufacturer have formed a joint venture with the goal of harnessing all that energy and maybe creating an electric aircraft. Of course, the Chinese government controls each and every one of these organizations, and the study project’s starting budget is roughly 80 million. There are no time frames set.

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According to Chief Scientist Wu Kai, CATL is developing manned electric aircraft for civil use and building and testing condensed batteries that meet both automotive and aviation standards. Since 2019, COMAC has been creating “new energy” aircraft, and their Lingque-H hydrogen aircraft has already made a number of test flights.

A solid-state battery with a storage capacity of up to 500 Mwh/kg, or roughly twice the density of currently produced batteries, is said to have been created by contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., a significant producer of electric vehicle batteries.

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The ultimate goal of this collaboration is the creation of a commercially viable electric airplane. China wants to make considerable progress in electric aviation technology by utilizing the solid-state battery’s large energy storage capacity. In comparison to conventional fuel-powered aircraft, electric aircraft have the potential to significantly cut carbon emissions and noise pollution, making them an attractive solution for the future of air travel.

China is concentrating on electric aircraft, demonstrating its dedication to innovation and sustainable transportation, even though no production model has yet been unveiled. China’s advancement in this area could have far-reaching effects on the global aerospace sector because it is one of the largest markets for both electric automobiles and aircraft.

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Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.