by Jessica Brownlow | Dec 3, 2024 | MRO IT
In a ground-breaking agreement, Qatar Airways was chosen by Honeywell as an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider for the Airbus A350’s Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). The HGT1700 APU supplies crucial electric and pneumatic power for multiple onboard system in the Airbus A350.
Gaining a license for the HGT1700 APU “is a first” in the Middle East and Africa region and is a milestone for both Qatar Airways and the region as the airline expands into the MRO sector.
This collaboration will see the award-winning airline set up a “cutting-edge” MRO facility to service Honeywell’s advanced HGT1700 APU. Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said:
“This milestone marks a transformative step for Qatar Airways, as we enter the MRO sector. Alongside servicing our own fleet’s APUs, we’ll also generate new revenue streams by offering maintenance services to third-parties. This partnership not only reinforces our position as an industry leader but also enhances our profitability and capacity to deliver exceptional service to our partners.”
Commenting on what the collaboration means for localisation, Honeywell Global, High Growth Regions President and CEO, Mr. Anant Maheshwari, said:
“By offering local MRO services for our HGT1700 APU through Qatar Airways’ aftermarket capabilities, we are underscoring our commitment to localisation across the Middle East, providing international operators with fast access to the services they need to support the region’s rapidly growing aviation sector.”
In addition to generating new revenue streams by offering maintenance services to third-parties, the airline will save on servicing costs for its own fleet. The facility is set to complete by 2028 and will utilise energy-efficient, environmentally advanced technology.
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by Jessica Brownlow | Nov 27, 2024 | Innovation
Since 2019, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) makers have raised an estimated $13 billion. However, analysts warn “billions more will [still] be needed to achieve certification, large-scale aircraft production and profitability,” a concern for many given investment peaked in 2021 at $4.3 billion.
Although investment was stronger this year than last, with eVTOL makers raising $2.3 billion so far, many companies developing eVTOLs or ‘air taxis’ are facing serious financial difficulties.
This month, eVTOL front runner Lilium placed its main operating business into insolvency proceedings after a German parliament Budget Committee failed to approve a loan guarantee. Despite this, Lilium told Forbes there are still plans in place for a first flight in early 2025.
Fellow Germany-based eVTOL company, Volocopter failed to raise €100m from the German government in April. But, having not secured this, Bloomberg reported that Chinese automotive giant, Geely, is in talks to rescue the company with a $95 million cash injection. This would come with a majority stake of the company, approximately 85 per cent. The financial struggles come amid a difficult year for Volocopter, which was forced to scrap plans to debut eVTOL air taxi services at the Olympic and Paralympic Games earlier this year.
Following their own significant financial struggles, Bristol based Vertical Aerospace secured $50 million investment from Mudrick Capital. Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive of Vertical, described it as a “really exciting, pivotal day for the company”. This funding is expected to support Vertical until the end of 2025.
Although the future is uncertain for many eVTOL developers, it is looking hopeful for some. Reuters reported that “Archer, Eve, and Joby are among the best-positioned to continue operating long enough to at least reach certification.”
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by Jessica Brownlow | Nov 25, 2024 | AI & ML, Innovation
The aerospace industry is facing a widening talent gap that a recent McKinsey report estimated could cost a median-sized A&D company $300–$330 million annually in lost productivity. This figure combines the skill, will, and time gap.
Adding to this challenge, is the persistent gender imbalance across the sector, with women comprising less than 20 per cent of the workforce in most aviation occupations.
In response, easyJet is proactively encouraging more young women to consider careers as aircraft engineers. The airline is making visits to schools and colleges to “inspire the next generation of engineering professionals.”
Earlier this month, the airline collaborated with award-winning social enterprise, Stemettes, to encourage more young women to apply for the 2025 Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship programme. Stemettes works across the UK & Ireland to engage, inform and connect the next generation of women and non-binary people into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (known collectively as STEAM). The programme takes apprentices through a fully-funded training programme to become licensed mechanics at the airline in two years.
Katie Edney, easyJet former engineering apprentice and Licenced Mechanic, said:
“easyJet has been brilliant at giving me a flying start to become a professional engineer. It’s a hugely challenging, offering great opportunities, which I would recommend to anyone.
It is definitely a pathway I would encourage other women to consider, to pursue a career in aviation, and shows how we can challenge traditional role models.”
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by Jessica Brownlow | Nov 19, 2024 | AI & ML, Avionics, Connectivity, Flight Ops IT, Innovation, MRO IT, Sustainability
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by Jessica Brownlow | Nov 18, 2024 | AI & ML, Avionics, BUZZ, Connectivity, Flight Ops IT, Innovation, MRO IT, Sustainability
At Aerospace Tech Week, we celebrate innovation and excellence across the industry.
These awards put a spotlight on the innovators, visionaries, and first-movers who are shaping the future of aerospace. If there’s a company, individual, or product you want to recognise for their outstanding contributions to the industry in 2024, nominate them below.
Winners of each category will receive a prize package including dedicated social media promotion across our platforms and featured spots on our blog and website. The winners will also get either exclusive blog coverage or an interview, providing a chance to share their story. Each winner will also take home a small trophy as a token of their achievement.
For the winner of the most disruptive start-up category, an additional perk is offered: a small booth at either our US or Europe event, giving them a platform to network amongst key industry stakeholders.
The categories are:
- Top innovator
- Best sustainability initiative
- Most disruptive start-up
- AI visionary
- Collaboration of the year
Be sure to attend the Aerospace Tech Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at 17:10 at after the Aerospace Tech Week closing keynote panel. Get your free ticket
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