Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

What will it take to make aviation more environmentally sustainable? Just about anything and everything seemed to be the answer from a May 19 EBACE Connect session on the issue.

 


The EBACE audience heard how Airbus has scientists with its BlueSky team tapping microbiology for techniques such as using microbes and enzymes to “brew” new aircraft fuels using waste that can’t otherwise be cleanly disposed of. According to senior research project leader Patricia Parleviet, the European aerospace group is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for sustainability, with teams also working in fields such as quantum computing and sensing, as well as biomimicry (looking for inspiration from birds and insects). The one propulsion she did rule out was nuclear energy due to the harmful waste it generates.

 


The Munich, Germany-based Airbus scientist’s message was closely echoed by other speakers, who called on business aviation to channel circular economic&nbsp;principles to seek progress that aims to support sustainability at every stage. With this in mind, Anita Sengupta, a former NASA engineer who has launched a hydrogen fuel cell developer called Hydroplane, argued that electric batteries for aircraft are not “an evolutionary path” because of how they are produced and disposed of at the end of their useful life.

 


California-based Hydroplane is working on a new hydrogen fuel cell system to power aircraft operated on shorter regional routes. According to Sengupta, her team could be ready for an initial flight test on an unspecified aircraft within 18 months, and could potentially be available to start operating “in a European island nation” by around 2023 or 2024.

 


Sebastiano Fumero, an advisor with the European Commission (EC), said that organization has launched a&nbsp;consultation with alternative fuel producers to encourage new ways to increase production rates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). “With what we hope will be a fast recovery [from Covid] for the industry, it will be hard to make enough for aviation,” he said.

 


According to Fumero, the EC’s new public-private joint undertaking is appealing for new ideas and partners not only from within aviation but also from the energy sector and other industries. He said that European regulators also are considering plans to require a minimum percentage of SAF to be blended with jet-A.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Scientists Leave No Stone Unturned in Bid for Sustainability

The EBACE Connect webinar heard how Airbus scientists are looking at options such as microbes and enzymes as ways to develop new aviation fuels.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

The move could bolster the Kingdom's circular economy and sustainability

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

EBACE Convention News 2021

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