Boeing, the US aircraft manufacturer, has unveiled its 2022 ecoDemonstrator airplane. It is a 20-year-old converted 777-200ER. This plane will be used to test new technologies that aim to make air travel more sustainable.
According to reports, the ecoDemonstrator will undergo six months of testing both on the ground as well as in the air. It is expected that the tests will begin this summer.
The campaign will test 30 technologies, including projects that reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise while using more sustainable materials.
Boeing and NASA are collaborating to create SMART vortex Generators, small vertical vanes that can be found on the wing to increase aerodynamic efficiency during takeoffs and landings.
Another project is a system to conserve greywater onboard — water from the sink will be used for flushing toilets. This will also help reduce the aircraft’s weight.
It will also be used for testing an “environmentally preferable” refrigerant. This is a new fire suppression agent that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The pilots will also use the plane to test a heads-up enhanced visual system to increase operational efficiency.
Boeing will continue to conduct extensive research on the effects of sustainable aviation fuels toward reducing emissions.
According to the aircraft manufacturer, the team will power the 777-2ER during its testing period with a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator Program was launched a decade ago. It takes technologies from the lab to be tested in an operational environment.
It has tried about 230 technologies “to help reduce carbon emissions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance passenger experience.”
2022 EcoDemonstrator, registered number N861BC was first delivered to Singapore Airlines, in 2002. It then flew with Air New Zealand, Suriname Airways, and other airlines over its 20-year life span.
Boeing claims that the repainted livery depicts a decade in which it has conducted testing to reduce noise, fuel consumption, and emissions.
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stated that “Boeing is committed support for our customers and enable commercial aviation industry meet our shared commitments to net-zero carbon emission by 2050.”
“The ecoDemonstrator program’s thorough testing of new technologies further enhances our product and service environmental performance and is an invaluable tool for continuously improving safety.”
According to Boeing, approximately a third these technologies have been integrated into its products or services.
In the face of growing criticisms, the aviation industry has been trying to create a more sustainable environment for flying.
Numerous reports from industry watchdogs as well as environmental groups have estimated that aviation contributes between 2 and 3% to global CO2 emissions.
IATA, International Air Transport Association, made a resolution supporting net-zero carbon emissions for 2050 at its annual meeting, October 2021.
This year’s IATA AGM will be held in Doha, Qatar from June 19-21. A “Focus on sustainability” session will discuss industry issues such as single-use plastics, SAFs, and the challenges to achieving sustainability, including net zero carbon emissions by 2020.
Many airlines have pledged to fly carbon-neutral and to explore other fuels that reduce pollution.
Spanish airline Air Nostrum has announced that it will be ordering 10 hybrid airships. The Airlander 10 aircraft will be delivered in 2026. According to Hybrid Air Vehicles UK, the airships can reduce emissions by up to 90%
