Cutting-Edge Technologies Highlight Industry’s Future

Since its inception, the Farnborough International Airshow has been a launchpad for groundbreaking milestones in the aerospace industry. Celebrating its 75th anniversary on September 7, 2023, the event remains a vital hub for innovation and collaboration. The 2024 Farnborough Airshow, held from July 22-26 in Hampshire, UK, emphasised six key themes: Space, Defence, Sustainability, Innovation, Future Flight, and Workforce. This year’s show highlighted advancements in sustainable aviation, AI-driven solutions, advanced air mobility, and cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing the industry’s forward-thinking agenda. The event underscored a future of greater global connectivity, reduced environmental impact, and pioneering advancements in aviation.

Farnborough International Airshow 2024 attracted over 1,00,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, marking a 33 per cent increase in attendance and a 57 per cent rise in delegation participation compared to previous years. With over 390 civil, military, and space delegations in attendance, the show solidified its global importance. The event saw commercial aircraft and engine orders worth around $105.8 billion from key players like Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, injecting an estimated £13 billion into the UK economy. The UK’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, officially opened FIA2024, further elevating its global profile. A new highlight for 2024 was the UK Government Hub, providing a platform for political, industry, and international stakeholders to demonstrate the government’s support for the aerospace sector.

The 2024 Farnborough International Airshow reaffirmed its role as a premier platform for showcasing the latest aerospace innovations and fostering strategic partnerships. From cuttingedge aircraft to innovative commercial jets, the event featured a variety of impressive displays that captured the attention of enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

CIVIL/COMMERCIAL

Embraer’s E195-E2 airliner graced the skies above Farnborough, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1900G Geared Turbofans, each delivering up to 23,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft offers multiple seating configurations, accommodating up to 146 passengers in a single-class layout with 28 inches of seat pitch. With a maximum range of 2,600 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.82, the E195-E2 demonstrated its capability to serve various routes efficiently. Making its public debut, Embraer’s E190F freighter, a converted passenger jet, headlined the company’s activities at Farnborough. The E190F addresses the evolving demands of e-commerce and modern trade with its fast delivery capabilities and decentralised operations.

Airbus’s A321XLR, equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, made a significant impression at the show. Having received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the A321XLR is set to enter service by the end of the summer. The aircraft has already garnered over 500 orders, reflecting its anticipated impact on long-range narrowbody travel. Air India also made a notable impression by showcasing its latest Airbus A350.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 attracted over 1,00,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, marking significant increases in attendance and delegation participation compared to previous years

The ATR 72-600, a turboprop regional airliner developed through a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, demonstrated its efficiency and reliability. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprops, the aircraft offers a typical seating capacity of 72 passengers, making it a vital asset for regional airlines.

The Diamond Aircraft DART-750, an all-composite aerobatic basic trainer, showcased its capabilities powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop. With advanced avionics and an all-composite airframe, the DART-750 offers a state-of-the-art training platform for future pilots.

Although Boeing’s commercial airliners were absent from the static and flying displays, the company showcased a crosssection mockup of its new 777X cabin. This display offered visitors a preview of the advanced comfort and technology that passengers can expect in the future.

DEFINING DEALS

This year’s event highlighted significant announcements focused on sustainability and technology, resulting in 286 aircraft order commitments, including 124 firm orders. The collaborations and projects unveiled, such as Airbus’ partnership with ACI World on environmental goals, Boeing’s X-66 flight demonstrator, and Lilium’s eVTOL air taxi network, reflect the industry’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and advancing operational efficiency. The show also featured breakthroughs in hybrid-electric propulsion, AI-driven maintenance, and nextgeneration turbofan engines, underscoring the sector’s commitment to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

Airbus. Preliminary deals for 95 aircraft with Saudi budget carrier Flynas and Latin American holding company Abra. Flynas signed for 75 A320neos and 15 A330-900s, while Abra committed to five A350-900s. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic ordered seven more A330neos, VietJet firmed its order for 20 A330neos, Drukair signed for three A320neos and two A321XLRs. Libyan airline Berniq Airways placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo family aircraft, aimed at enhancing its regional and international route network. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed its commitment to Airbus with orders for 20 A350-900s and 11 A321neos. JAL’s total order for A350s now stands at 52, with 18 already in service. Airbus also celebrated a significant milestone with Cebu Pacific’s purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft, marking the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

Significant aircraft order commitments at the event included $105.8 billion worth of commercial aircraft and engine orders from major players like Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer

Boeing. Korean Air committed to up to 50 widebodies, including 777-9s and 787-10s. National Air Cargo signed for four 777Fs with deliveries scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026, Luxair ordered two firm and two option 737 MAX 10s and Qatar Airways ordered 20 Boeing 777-9s. Macquarie AirFinance purchased 20 Boeing 737-8s, doubling the lessor’s existing 737-8 order book, which it initially acquired from Alafco Aviation Lease and Finance in 2023. Qatar Airways solidified its commitment to Boeing by confirming an additional order of 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, expanding its 777X order book to a total of 94 airplanes. The Doha-based airline now has on order 60 of the 777-9 passenger models and 34 of the smaller 777-8 freighters, making Qatar Airways the launch customer for the 777-8F. Additionally, Qatar Airways has placed orders for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 737 MAX jets, further reinforcing its expansive fleet strategy. Additionally, Boeing also secured a strategic partnership with Lufthansa Technik for 787 cabin modifications.

Embraer has signed a pair of contracts with Brazil’s Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) aimed at modernising the country’s air traffic control centers and upgrading strategic solutions for the management of national airspace flow. The two new contracts, worth $17 million, will be implemented by Embraer’s Atech subsidiary, which specialises in systems engineering, decision support, and situational awareness technologies.

Turkey’s Freebird Airlines selected Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, to provide a software solution for improving operations across its A320 fleet. Freebird Airlines will implement Ascentia, Collins Aerospace’s cloud-based data management and analytics platform, to gain a comprehensive view of aircraft maintenance. This solution will enable the airline to predict and reduce aircraft-on-ground events, ultimately lowering maintenance costs and enhancing the passenger experience.

Jekta Switzerland and Hong Kong’s Seaplane Asia have signed an agreement to add 14 PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft to the Southeast Asian operator’s fleet. This deal highlights the growing demand for versatile and sustainable aircraft in the region.

Taiwanese airline EVA Air has placed an order for GEnx engines to power an additional four Boeing 787-10 aircraft. EVA Air currently operates 15 GEnx-powered Boeing 787s. The GEnx-1B engine, powering two-thirds of all 787 aircraft in service, has amassed over 56 million flight hours since its introduction in 2011 and stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine.

Long-time ATR customer Air Tahiti has signed a new purchase agreement for four ATR 72-600 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2028, these twin turboprops will support the airline’s planned expansion in flight frequency and capacity. Air Tahiti, which has been using ATR aircraft for nearly 40 years, currently operates a fleet of 11 aircraft, including nine ATR 72-600s and two ATR 42-600s.

De Havilland Canada (DHC) has signed an agreement with Colombia’s Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales (Satena) for the purchase of eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. This sale will enhance Colombia’s air connectivity by improving access to remote areas. Majority-owned by the government of Colombia, Satena plays a vital role in providing essential air services to less connected regions.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

The Farnborough Airshow in June 2024 showcased a range of cutting-edge innovations in advanced air mobility, highlighting the future of urban and regional transportation.

Joby Aviation presented its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, featuring six tilting rotors. With over 33,000 test miles and more than 100 piloted flights completed, Joby’s air taxi offers a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility.

Supernal debuted its four-passenger S-A2 eVTOL aircraft, a new mode of urban transportation designed to alleviate traffic congestion. The company is progressing towards a full-scale prototype, with the first flight scheduled for 2025.

The event showcased innovations in advanced air mobility, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and hybridelectric aircraft, underscoring a transformative shift towards greener aviation solutions

VoltAero exhibited the Cassio 330, a hybrid-electric aircraft aimed at sustainable regional air transportation. This aircraft represents a significant step towards greener aviation solutions.

Hexagon unveiled the PRESTO XL, a state-of-the-art automated quality inspection system. This new addition to Hexagon’s modular series supports increased aerospace production by inspecting major aerostructure components such as fuselage panels and wing ribs. The fully automated PRESTO XL system can be deployed globally within 16 weeks.

Magnet Schultz showcased its EN9100-certified hydrogen power solenoid valve, designed for hydrogen gas flow control in aerospace applications. This innovation adheres to ISO 9001 standards and marks a significant advancement in hydrogen power technology.

GKN Aerospace revealed its H2FlyGHT initiative, an ambitious project to develop a 2-megawatt cryogenic hydrogenelectric propulsion system. This cutting-edge system aims to set new standards for larger, sustainable aircraft. Additionally, GKN will use Vaeridion’s all-electric nine-passenger regional airliner as a testbed for new electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) technology, with the aim of achieving type certification before 2030.

Electra introduced its hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft, featuring Honeywell Aerospace’s flight control computers and electro-mechanical actuation systems. Designed for short takeoff and landing in under 150 feet, Electra’s aircraft is suited for unconventional locations and includes blown lift technology with distributed electric propulsion.

Global Sky has committed to purchasing 15 Cassio hybridelectric aircraft from VoltAero, becoming the launch customer for this innovative vehicle. The aircraft will support regional air services, freight deliveries, and emergency medical support, offering a range of around 82 nautical miles in all-electric mode.

Luxaviation Group’s Sigma Air Mobility has partnered with VoltAero to introduce a family of hybrid-electric aircraft, including the five-seat Cassio 330, the six-seat Cassio 480, and the larger Cassio 600, which can accommodate 10 to 12 passengers. The Cassio 330 is expected to begin flight testing in 2025, with EASA type certification anticipated by 2026.

Honeywell and Odys Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop ground control stations for Odys’ hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. Designed for cargo delivery and inspections over distances up to 230 miles, these ground control stations will enable remote management of multiple vehicles.

Wilbur Air, an Australian startup, has partnered with Crisalion Mobility to operate 100 Integrity eVTOL aircraft, connecting Australian cities through a network of planned vertiports. The Integrity eVTOL, featuring Crisalion’s patented FlyFree propulsion system, aims for certification and service entry by 2030.

Lilium, in collaboration with SEA Milan Airports and Skyports Infrastructure, is working to establish a network of eVTOL air taxi services in Milan. The initial route will connect Malpensa Airport with the city center. Lilium has also secured a binding sales agreement with Saudi Arabian airline Saudia for 50 six-passenger eVTOL aircraft, with options for an additional 50 units.

The show highlighted advancements in sustainable aviation, AI-driven solutions, advanced air mobility, and cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing the industry’s forward-thinking agenda

Eve Air Mobility, an Embraer spin-off, secured $95.6 million in additional funding from Space Florida, supporting its eVTOL programme through 2027. The company also announced new partnerships with Diehl Aviation and ASE to develop cabin interiors and power distribution systems, respectively.

Wisk Aero and Skyports Infrastructure are collaborating to establish a network of eVTOL air taxi services in South East Queensland, Australia. This partnership aims to leverage Wisk’s Generation 6 eVTOL aircraft to develop use cases for urban air mobility.

The Farnborough Airshow highlighted these advancements in electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft, underscoring a transformative shift in the aviation industry towards greener and more efficient transportation solutions.

SUSTAINABILITY STEPS

Airbus and Airports Council International (ACI) World have joined forces to advance the aviation industry’s environmental goals, focusing on promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operational efficiency, and noise mitigation. Their partnership, announced during an industry event, is designed to support the exchange of knowledge and perspectives on low-carbon operations while effectively communicating progress in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint. Airbus has also announced several significant initiatives, including a strategic investment in LanzaJet to accelerate the development of SAF, and a partnership with Avolon to explore financing options for hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft under the ZeroE project. Additionally, Airbus is leading a consortium that has co-invested $200 million in a SAF financing fund to boost production, and GKN Aerospace has committed £4 million to advance Airbus’ Sustainable Wing Solutions (SusWingS) research programme, all of which reinforce Airbus’ dedication to sustainability.

Meanwhile, Boeing has selected Safran Electrical & Power to provide the electrical power generation system for its X-66 flight demonstrator, part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. Test flights for this transonic truss-braced wing concept aircraft are scheduled for 2028. Other developments in green aviation include TT Electronics’ launch of advanced high-voltage DC power conversion solutions aimed at enhancing the performance of environmentally-friendly aircraft. Additionally, Dutch aircraft developer Maeve has teamed up with Pratt & Whitney Canada to design the M80 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, which promises a 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to existing regional jets, signifying important strides in sustainable aviation technology.

SOME MORE ADVANCEMENTS

L3Harris has recently announced major deals with Japanese and Indian airlines, strengthening its presence in both markets. The company’s Reality7e Boeing 787-9 full-flight simulator received its first-ever approval from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). This milestone marks the simulator’s deployment to All Nippon Airways (ANA), significantly enhancing ANA’s training capacity for its Boeing 787 fleet. Additionally, L3Harris has secured a partnership with Air India to supply SRVIVR25 voice and data recorders for the airline’s Boeing 737-8 fleet. This deal covers 100 aircraft, with an option for 40 more, further expanding L3Harris’s role in avionics and pilot training.

Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX, has partnered with SR Technics to introduce maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the PW1100G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine at SR Technics’ Zurich facility. This collaboration enables full disassembly, assembly, and testing capabilities for the GTF engine, which powers the Airbus A320neo family, enhancing MRO capacity in Europe and supporting the growing demand for these engines.

Avolon has made its largest-ever engine commitment by placing an order for 310 new engines to power 155 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The $5 billion order is split between Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines and CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines, reflecting the lessor’s strong investment in both engine technologies. Separately, CFM International secured another deal with Nordic Aviation Capital, supplying 10 LEAP-1A engines for five Airbus A321neo-family aircraft, with options for additional orders, reinforcing CFM’s market presence.

Boom Supersonic continues to make progress on its Overture aircraft, partnering with StandardAero to test and assemble the Symphony engines that will power the supersonic jet. Additionally, Boom unveiled the Overture’s Honeywell Anthem avionics suite, which will support the aircraft’s advanced flight operations, signaling critical developments in its supersonic air travel ambitions.

Pratt & Whitney celebrated a new customer as Sky Airline selected the GTF engine to power its Airbus A321XLR aircraft. This marks Sky Airline’s first partnership with Pratt & Whitney, enhancing the airline’s operational efficiency with advanced engine technology for its growing fleet.

Jekta, a Swiss startup, has chosen ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric fuel cell power generation system for its planned PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft. A full-scale prototype is expected by 2027, with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification anticipated by 2029, positioning the aircraft as a key player in the future of sustainable aviation.

United Airlines has opted for Honeywell Aerospace Technologies to equip its 737 MAX fleet with cutting-edge avionics systems. This includes 3D weather radar and enhanced traffic avoidance systems, improving flight safety and operational efficiency across United’s fleet. Meanwhile, Jekta also revealed plans for a hydrogen-electric version of its PHA-ZE 100 seaplane, further advancing its goal to develop environmentally friendly aircraft.

ITP Aero has renewed its partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), ensuring the continuation of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the PW800 engine’s mid-turbine frame (MTF) and low-pressure compressor (LPC) modules until 2028. This extension solidifies ITP’s role as a strategic partner in the global MRO market, supporting Pratt & Whitney’s efforts to expand its service capabilities.

In another development, the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Luxembourg-based Vallair Group. The agreement focuses on enhancing aeronautical training, aircraft maintenance, disassembly, and workforce development in Cameroon. It also aims to transfer Vallair’s expertise in aircraft maintenance while developing a comprehensive aircraft and engine recycling ecosystem in the region.

FIA2024 showcased the aerospace industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation and technology, emphasising sustainability, AI-based solutions, advanced air mobility, and pioneering advancements. The event featured a diverse range of cutting-edge solutions, from automated inspection systems to hydrogen power products and next-generation technologies. As the aerospace sector evolves, the Farnborough Airshow remains a vital platform for revealing the future of aviation and aerospace technology.