GENEVA, May 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, today announced that its new PW545D engine will power the Cessna Citation Ascend, the latest addition to Textron Aviation’s business jet family. The engine was designed and enhanced for Textron Aviation to deliver improved specific fuel consumption (SFC), thrust and time between overhauls (TBO).

“The PW500 turbofan family has established itself as the engine of choice for light to mid-size business jets thanks to its proven safety, reliability and durability, attractive operating economics and comprehensive maintenance plans,” stated Nicholas Kanellias, vice president, General Aviation. “The PW545D is the latest engine in this family. We injected all we’ve learned from the more than 4,600 PW500 engines produced to-date, which have accumulated over 22 million flying hours. This new engine is even more fuel-efficient, offers greater thrust and an increased TBO of up to 6,000 hours for eligible customers.”

Building on the success of the PW545C, the PW545D incorporates new materials and technology. These include:

• A more efficient high-pressure compressor for increased flow,
• An enhanced single-stage, high-pressure turbine module, and
• An advanced exhaust mixer to reduce fuel consumption and noise.

The new engine is also equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) technology, which is included with many PW500 models. This enables the Citation Ascend to integrate new auto-throttle technology that simplifies control, maximizes efficiency and reduces pilot workload.

The engine supports digitally driven advanced health monitoring and diagnostics, in combination with the FAST™ (Flight, Acquisition, Storage and Transmission) system. With FAST™, the engine’s full-flight data is downloaded, stored and analyzed by experts, enabling deep insights and predictive diagnostics to optimize engine performance and maintenance requirements. Customers with FAST™ installed who are enrolled in Pratt & Whitney’s Eagle Service™ Plan (ESP™) pay-per-hour maintenance program may take advantage of the 6,000-hour TBO option.

The PW545D engine will help provide Citation Ascend operators with the flexibility to accomplish a variety of missions, including charter services, personal transportation and corporate flights. It also delivers the impressive reliability for which the PW500 has become known over the decades, with an excellent track record of dispatch availability and reliability, complemented by our comprehensive plans that lock in maintenance costs.

Along with other members of the PW500 family, the PW545D features a compact, accessible design that facilitates installation and on-wing maintenance. It is supported by Pratt & Whitney’s industry-leading global service network. This includes over 50 Pratt & Whitney -owned and -designated facilities, more than 100 Field Support Managers on all major continents, a 24/7 Customer First Centre for rapid expert support and the largest pool of Pratt & Whitney Canada rental and exchange engines on the market.

The PW545D can operate on blends of up to 50% SAF with conventional Jet A kerosene. This is part of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s ongoing efforts – in collaboration with public and private parties – to lead the way in developing sustainable solutions that will help the industry reach its target of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

This year, Pratt & Whitney Canada is celebrating 1 billion hours of flight for its entire engine fleet. for which 350 million flying hours can be attributed to powering Textron Aviation’s fleet of aircraft.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

Source:
Pratt & Whitney
+1 (860) 565-9600
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Nairobi, Kenya, and Toronto, Canada – 8 May 2023: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has signed a Sales Promotion Agreement with AviaPro Consulting. This agreement recognizes AFRAA as AviaPro Consulting’s representative to promote the use of AviAnalysis to its members and other industry stakeholders in Africa.

AviAnalysis is a new online platform designed to meet the increased demand for quick and affordable access to customized aviation analysis that eliminates the need for the traditional time-consuming service agreements and contractual discussions. AviAnalysis provides the following:

• Aircraft performance analysis
• Aircraft operating economics analysis
• Forecast passenger demand analysis

The Sales Promotion Agreement was signed by Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary-General and Mr. Kevin Clarke, AviaPro Consulting’s Head of Consulting Services. Under the terms of the agreement, AFRAA will promote the benefits of using AviAnalysis as an online aviation analysis system to African airlines to empower quick and efficient decision making for expansion, aircraft performance assessment and network planning.

Speaking on the sidelines of AFRAA’s 11^th Annual Stakeholders’ Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “With AviAnalysis, our member airlines and stakeholders have access to affordable analysis solutions to increase the efficiency and profitability of their networks, and to facilitate the studies for new fleet and routes planning.”

Mr. Kevin Clarke added: “We are very pleased to build on the MoU we signed with AFRAA last year, and to bring our new AviAnalysis platform and increased access to affordable aviation analysis to AFRAA’s member airlines and stakeholders.”

About AviAnalysis

AviAnalysis is a new online platform to access Aviation Analysis Services. The system addresses the need for quick results with the convenience of 24-7 access without speaking to a consultant to undergo time-consuming agreement discussions. A simple three step client process facilitates the efficient ordering of aviation analysis online; First, the available analytics services are reviewed, and then the order is placed. Finally, a form is completed to enter all the required assumptions online.

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected, and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

 

AFRAA membership of 48 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

 

About AviaPro Consulting

AviaPro Consulting was founded in 2014 with the vision of becoming a premier hub for aviation consulting services. It provides expert consulting and advisory services for the aviation industry.

AviaPro Consulting works with an extensive network of aviation professionals, and with industry partners that rely on its expertise to enhance their resource capacity and expand their service offering. Our global associates complement our expertise with location-specific know-how.

AviaPro can quickly deploy hands-on expert resources to support our clients in their aviation planning, modelling and operational challenges, regardless of location. From Revenue Management, Flight Operations, Air Service Development, Cargo Operations, to MRO services or IT integration, AviaPro Consulting offers top of the line aviation consultancy with an impressive success record in the industry. Our expertise and knowledge allow us to adapt and operate in full compliance under FAA, EASA, ICAO or IATA operational frameworks.

With the addition of expertise in new services such as airport management, sustainable fuels, airline hybridization, smart airports, and EVTOL integration, AviaPro Consulting is well positioned to offer its clients a complete array of aviation solutions.

 

 

Communiqué de presse

 

AFRAA et AviaPro Consulting signent un accord pour promouvoir l’utilisation d’AviAnalysis, un système d’analyse aéronautique en ligne entièrement intégré.

Nairobi, Kenya, et Toronto, Canada – le 8 mai 2023: L’African Airlines Association (AFRAA) a signé un accord de promotion des ventes avec AviaPro Consulting. Cet accord reconnaît l’AFRAA comme représentant d’AviaPro Consulting pour promouvoir l’utilisation d’AviAnalysis auprès de ses membres et d’autres acteurs de l’industrie en Afrique.

AviAnalysis est une nouvelle plate-forme en ligne conçue pour répondre à la demande croissante d’un accès rapide et abordable à une analyse aéronautique personnalisée qui élimine le besoin d’accords de service et de discussions contractuelles prolongées. AviAnalysis fournit les éléments suivants :

– Analyse de performance des avions

– Analyse économique de l’exploitation des aéronefs

– Analyse prévisionnelle de la demande de passagers

L’Accord de Promotion des Ventes a été signé par M. Abdérahmane Berthé, Secrétaire Général de l’AFRAA et M. Kevin Clarke, responsable des services de conseil d’AviaPro Consulting. Selon les termes de l’accord, l’AFRAA fera la promotion des avantages de l’utilisation d’AviAnalysis en tant que système d’analyse aéronautique en ligne auprès des compagnies aériennes africaines afin de permettre une prise de décision rapide et efficace pour l’expansion, l’évaluation de la performance des avions et la planification du réseau.

S’exprimant en marge de la 11ème conférence annuelle des parties prenantes de l’AFRAA à Addis-Abeba, en Éthiopie, M. Abdérahmane Berthé a déclaré : « Avec AviAnalysis, nos compagnies aériennes membres et nos parties prenantes ont accès à des solutions d’analyse abordables pour accroître l’efficacité et la rentabilité de leurs réseaux, et pour faciliter les études pour la planification de nouvelles flottes et itinéraires. »

1. Kevin Clarke a ajouté : « Nous sommes très heureux de nous appuyer sur le protocole d’accord que nous avons signé avec l’AFRAA l’année dernière et d’apporter notre nouvelle plateforme AviAnalysis et un accès accru à une analyse aéronautique abordable aux compagnies aériennes membres et aux parties prenantes de l’AFRAA. »

À propos d’AviAnalysis

AviAnalysis est une nouvelle plateforme en ligne permettant d’accéder aux services d’analyse aéronautique. Le système répond au besoin de résultats rapides avec la commodité d’un accès 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7, sans parler à un consultant pour se soumettre à des discussions d’accord prolongées. Un processus client simple en trois étapes facilite la commande efficace d’analyses aéronautiques en ligne ; en premier, les services d’analyse disponibles sont revus, puis, la commande est passée. Finalement, un formulaire est rempli pour saisir en ligne l’ensemble des hypothèses requises.

À propos de l’AFRAA

L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines, également connue sous son acronyme AFRAA, est une association professionnelle de compagnies aériennes des États membres de l’Union africaine (UA). Fondée à Accra, au Ghana, en avril 1968, et basée à Nairobi, au Kenya, l’AFRAA a pour mission de promouvoir, de servir les lignes d’aviation africaines, et de défendre l’industrie aéronautique africaine. L’Association envisage une industrie du transport aérien durable, interconnectée et abordable en Afrique où les compagnies africaines deviennent un acteur clé et un moteur du développement économique africain.

L’AFRAA compte 48 compagnies aériennes qui s’étendent sur l’ensemble du continent et comprennent tous les principaux opérateurs intercontinentaux africains. Les membres de l’Association représentent plus de 85% du trafic international total transporté par les compagnies aériennes africaines. Suivez-nous sur Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter et YouTube.

 

À propos d’AviaPro Consulting

AviaPro Consulting a été fondée en 2014 avec la vision de devenir une plaque tournante de premier plan pour les services de conseil en aviation. Elle fournit des services de conseil spécialisés pour l’industrie aéronautique.

AviaPro Consulting travaille avec un vaste réseau de professionnels de l’aviation et avec des partenaires de l’industrie qui comptent sur son expertise pour élargir leur offre de services. Nos associés mondiaux complètent notre expertise par un savoir-faire spécifique à leur région.

AviaPro peut rapidement déployer des ressources d’experts pratiques pour soutenir nos clients dans leurs défis de planification, de modélisation et d’exploitation de l’aviation, quel que soit leur emplacement. De la gestion des revenus, des opérations aériennes, du développement des services aériens, des opérations de fret, aux services MRO ou à l’intégration informatique, AviaPro Consulting offre des conseils en aviation haut de gamme avec un succès impressionnant dans l’industrie. Notre expertise et nos connaissances nous permettent de nous adapter et d’opérer en pleine conformité avec les cadres opérationnels de la FAA, de l’AESA, de l’OACI ou de l’IATA.

Avec l’ajout d’une expertise dans de nouveaux services tels que la gestion aéroportuaire, les carburants durables, l’hybridation des compagnies aériennes, les aéroports intelligents et l’intégration EVTOL, AviaPro Consulting est bien positionnée pour offrir à ses clients une gamme complète de solutions aéronautiques.

Kigali, 17 April 2023: RwandAir is scheduled to launch its new direct flights to the dazzling French capital of Paris for the first time on 27 June 2023.

Now customers can fly with RwandAir on the only direct service between Rwanda and France as the airline accelerates its ambitious growth strategy and adds a 25th destination to its route map.

The new flights to the ‘City of Light’, will operate three times a week, giving customers easy access to one of Europe’s most stylish and exciting cities, as well connecting France with Kigali, in the heart of Africa.

Flight WB700 departs Kigali each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 00:30 am, arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 9:30 am the same morning.

The returning flight WB701 leaves Paris at 9:30 pm each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving at RwandAir’s home hub at 6:00 am the following morning.

Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said: “The launch of our first-ever flights to Paris is an exciting development in RwandAir’s continuing expansion and a testament to the importance of French-Rwandan relations.

“France is a major market for RwandAir as we connect the continents of Africa and Europe through our home hub in Kigali with this new direct service to Paris, one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

“French travellers can look forward to a warm welcome onboard on our inaugural flight today and for many more years to come as we deepen the ties of friendship and fraternity between France and Rwanda.”

Customers flying to France from Africa will now be able to reach Paris via Kigali in under 8 hours and 30 minutes, giving them more time to explore the city’s incredible atmosphere, amazing culture and iconic sights.

The new three times a week service will also open access for travellers from France directly to the heart of Africa to explore Rwanda’s magnificent scenery and wildlife, including its beautiful national parks and world-famous mountain gorillas.

RwandAir’s Kigali hub also provides quick connections to its extensive network of flights reaching across Africa to countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

RwandAir is renowned for its excellent on-time performance, customer service and safety.

It also has one of the youngest fleets on the African continent with 13 aircraft including three wide-body Airbus A330s.

Rwanda has ambitious plans to double its fleet over the next five years and move to its new home at Bugesera International Airport, which is being built to handle one million passengers and 150 million tonnes of cargo a year during its first phase of operation.

For more information about RwandAir and to book flights, please visit rwandair.com
ENDS
For further information, please contact communications@rwandair.com

Notes to Editor:
About RwandAir Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent. With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates in 25 destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Release date: 06 April 2023

Airline Performance: In March, the traffic carried by African airlines reached 94.8% of the full year 2019 level. Domestic market share was at 37%, intra-Africa at 31% and intercontinental at 32%. AFRAA estimates that by end 2023, total passengers carried by African airlines will reach 85 million, this being about 10 million short of the full year 2019 passenger traffic.

The total number of intercontinental routes operated by African airlines exceeded pre-Covid levels since October 2022. In 8 African airports (Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Lusaka, Cairo, Casablanca, Abidjan and Lome) intra-Africa connectivity reached or exceeded pre-Covid level since December 2022.

The year 2023 is witnessing a narrowing of airline revenue gap compared to 2022. In the first 3 months of the year, African airlines missed the levels attained in a similar period in 2019 by US$0.3 billion. This is expected to further narrow in the second quarter to US$0.2 billion according to AFRAA. Though the full year estimated revenue gap is yet to be computed, it appears 2023 will be a better year compared to the prior year. The 2022 full year revenue loss was US$3.5 billion for all African airlines combined.

Jet A1 price continued the downward trend in March with the global average price per barrel in the last week of March reaching US$102.5.  However, this trend changed to a surge in April following the OPEC producers’ announcement of plans to cut crude output.

Blocked Funds: Nigeria, with US$743 million of airline-blocked funds, is currently ranked the second highest in the world after Venezuela. An AFRAA survey indicates that 3 African airlines alone, have about $44.2 million blocked in Nigeria. These 3 AFRAA airlines have a total of US$88.9 million blocked in 12 African countries at the end of 2022. Aside Nigeria, other African countries with blocked funds at the end of 2022 include Algeria, Libya, Cameroon, The Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Conakry, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

AFRAA is continuing its advocacy on blocked funds. According to the Secretary General of AFRAA, Abderahmane Berthé, “It is unacceptable for some States to hold on to airline generated revenues that is badly needed to cover operating costs and yet expect operations to continue undisrupted. The longer these funds are held, the bigger the financial burden these States impose on airlines supporting air connectivity and economic activities in these countries.”

Regulatory and Industry Developments

Canada – Single-use Plastics (SUP) Prohibition Regulations: The Canadian government published a regulation on single-use plastics (SUP) prohibitions in June 2022, which has implications for airline operators. Starting 20 December 2022, airlines are unable to buy or import 6 categories of SUP, including cutlery, foodservice ware, sticks and straws, etc. in Canada. See link for details: technical guidance.

Consultation on Balanced Approach Schiphol: The Dutch Ministry for Infrastructure and Water Management launched a consultation on the noise-balanced approach, in which they propose a combination of required noise restriction measures to reduce the 500k movement cap to attain the 440k movements cap, imposed by the government. However, on 5 April 2023 the Dutch Court halted the implementation of the proposed flight cuts after IATA pointed out that the reduction was in contravention of EU Laws. Details are available here English

Sierra Leone Airport Development Charge: Sierra Leone has made revisions to Aviation Security Charge and Foreign Travel Tax, including a revocation of Foreign Travel Tax for ECOWAS States. The government, through the civil aviation authority, plans to increase by 1400% Airport Development Charge to be borne by passengers. “This is a shot in the foot for a country that needs air connectivity to facilitate trade, business and general socio-economic development”, says AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé.

About    AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development. AFRAA membership of 48 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

 

Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), and SITA, the world’s leading IT provider to the air transport industry, have entered a partnership, with SITA selected as Volocopter’s preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertiports.

Under the agreement, SITA has become the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E funding round, cementing the strategic vision espoused by this partnership. 

UAM will offer a new form of sustainable aviation, replete with multiple mobility options to cities worldwide. The company’s launch product, the VoloCity electric air taxi, will operate routes in congested megacities to offer future passengers stable, quiet, and safe flights. Flights can be hailed via designated boarding points (or “vertiports”). The partnership therefore has the potential to shape aviation industry standards.

SITA will deploy its expertise in air transport for the emerging UAM industry, developing new operating standards and a digital-first passenger experience. SITA’s portfolio includes a wide range of IT solutions for airport management and operations, passenger operations, flight and aircraft operations, baggage processing, and border management.

Volocopter is known for its integrated UAM ecosystem approach. Its digital operating system, the VoloIQ, connects all partners, thus enabling a holistic service. The VoloIQ therefore enables a digital-first approach that will translate to end-to-end passenger air transportation experiences. This cloud-based system is in the process of being certified by the relevant aviation authorities.

Christian Bauer, Chief Commercial Officer at Volocopter, said: “Volocopter consistently takes a holistic ecosystem approach. Working in concert with our partners, we are setting up for commercial operations. This involves establishing the requisite infrastructure, maintenance, flight operations, IT, and customer services. SITA is a leading IT provider for airports and airlines, and we believe there is no better partner to make our seamless travel experience possible.”

Sergio Colella, SITA President for Europe, said: “Volocopter is in pole position to make electric air taxis a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage. At SITA, we will play a key role in delivering this new digital UAM world and defining a seamless, smarter approach to air travel in a city environment. Together we will turn the theory into practice as early as 2024 when we expect the first commercial eVTOLs to take flight.”

AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthe in a panel discussion at the 69^th ACI Africa Conference on 1^st March 2023 in Kigali on theme: “Financing Sustainable Aviation”, elaborated on the airlines’ perspective to achieve aviation industry Net Zero 2050 target. He highlighted actions under the following areas:

• Decarbonized Fleet
• Decarbonized Cabin
• Sustainable Ground operations
• Sustainable Flight Operations

Of significant impact to achieve sustainable fight operations is the AFRAA Free Routing Airspace (FRA) project that is among the 5 projects under the 2022 African aviation industry laboratory.

The FRA initiative beneficial outcomes to the African aviation industry include:

1. Facilitate flights to operate along direct trajectories within Africa thus reduce the fuel burn
2. Reduce airline operating costs.
3. Boost flight operation efficiency on intra-Africa market and contribute to productivity gains of African airlines and air navigation service providers.
4. Improve operational industry efficiency
5. Improve intra-Africa connectivity
6. Reduce CO2 emissions

Mr. Berthe further articulated on AFRAA AGA 54 Resolution on Environment which made a call on the following:

1. Call to governments to commit to long term net zero emission goals without compromising the aviation growth potential in Africa.
2. Call to AFRAA members to continue improving their operations’ efficiency to achieve sustained in sector emissions reductions and to support the transition to reliable cost competitive sustainable aviation fuel.
3. All industry stakeholders to commit to addressing the environmental impact of their policies, products, and activities with concrete actions and clear timelines.

In support to implement the Resolution, AFRAA is engaging to mobilize resources to assist members through capacity building and knowledge sharing.

December 14, Dakar, Republic of Senegal – The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Air Senegal concluded the 54^th Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Dakar, Senegal. The event was held under the High Patronage of the Government of Senegal. The Assembly, which brought together 456 delegates from 42 countries under the theme “Acing the Roadmap to Sustainable African Aviation”, called upon African airlines and air transport stakeholders to act on initiatives and strategies that will drive the sustainability of the air transport sector to realise its potential. Among others, these include: the Air Transport Sustainability Roadmap, the effective implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), and the Free Movement Protocol.

In his welcome address, Mr. Alioune Badara Fall, President of AFRAA and CEO of Air Senegal stated: “I pay tribute to the extraordinary work by stakeholders in putting in place projects and programmes to build together a more united future for a sustainable African aviation, for the full benefit of African economies and populations.” The ultimate goal, he noted, will realise the improvement of connectivity between African countries, build truly efficient carriers both operationally and financially, attain structurally competitive tariffs in order to offer African populations the ability to travel, meet and exchange much more easily through new routes, increased frequencies.

Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General, noted with satisfaction and great interest the importance given to the development of the aviation sector by the State of Senegal through investments in aeronautical development infrastructure and the National Company Air Senegal. “In memory of the particularly difficult times during this ongoing phase to restore air transport activity, I would like once again to express AFRAA’s solidarity with the entire chain of players in the aeronautical industry. As the aviation community, we must continue the ongoing joint efforts to support recovery and foster a sustainable and resilient air transport system in Africa.” he stated.

Resolution on Aviation Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

Among the resolutions, in line with the industry commitment towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the Assembly urged all industry stakeholders to commit to addressing the environmental impact of their policies, products, and activities with concrete actions and clear timelines. The Assembly further encouraged all AFRAA member airlines to continue improving their operations’ efficiency to achieve sustained in-sector emissions reductions and to support the transition to reliable, cost-competitive Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Appointment of officers

The 54^th AFRAA AGA elected LAM Mozambique as the Chairman of the Executive Committee while Kenya Airways was elected as first Vice Chairman and Air Algérie was elected as second Vice Chairman. The AFRAA Executive Committee has oversight responsibility for the Association.

Host of the 55^th AGA

The 54^th AFRAA AGA elected Uganda Airlines as the President of the association. Uganda Airlines will host the 55^th AGA in Uganda from 19 – 21 November 2023.

Launch of the 1^st edition of the History of Aviation report

AFRAA launched the 1^st edition of the History of African Aviation Report at the side-lines of the 54th AFRAA Annual General Assembly (AGA) & Summit on December 12, 2022 in Dakar – Senegal. The History of Aviation Report by AFRAA is a prestigious industry publication, a first of its kind in Africa, which contains a rich mix of information to enrich the understanding of the development of African aviation.

Highlights from the Secretary General’s State of the Industry report

The recovery of aviation activity continued in 2022. After a contraction in 2020, Africa’s GDP rebounded by 6.9% in 2021. The prospects for economic growth in Africa are highly uncertain. The effects of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict could lead to a larger decline in global production than currently expected.

Compared to February 2020, African airlines have reopened almost all international routes. Some have extended their network to new destinations, particularly in West and North Africa. From January to November 2022, offered capacity reached 75.4% for the same period in 2019, while traffic reached 74.7%. The recovery of the level of activity in 2019 is still in progress.

AFRAA priorities for 2023:

1. Implement the roadmap actions for the sustainability of air transport in Africa
2. Continue to roll out the AFRAA Five-Year Strategic Plan

“Our industry must build its resilience and sustainability in the face of future crises like Covid 19 and stop the progressive marginalization we have suffered over the past 40 years.” Mr. Berthé emphasized.

About   AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About  Air Senegal
Air Senegal was established in 2016 and launched its commercial flights on May 14, 2018. Air Sénégal aims to be the leader in air transport in West Africa by relying on the AIBD (Aéroport International Blaise Diagne) regional hub. Its mission is to serve national and international routes. The company is rooted in the Senegalese culture and in the TERANGA SPIRIT and puts the customer at the heart of its strategy.

The company currently operates a fleet of two Airbus A330-900Neo, two Airbus A321, two Airbus A319 and two ATR 72-600, one A220-300, one A340 in West Africa, Morocco, Central Africa, France, Spain, Italy and the United States.

East Hartford, Conn., November 29, 2022 – A group of aerospace technology companies have announced the formation of a collaborative consortium to develop hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technology for future aircraft propulsion systems, supported by the European Union Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation). MTU Aero Engines AG (MTU), Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace (Collins), GKN Aerospace, Airbus and others aim to demonstrate the potential of these technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce aircraft emissions, with a goal of achieving up to 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions compared to today’s state-of-the-art propulsion systems for short- and medium-range aircraft. The consortium is coordinated by MTU.

The Sustainable Water-Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics (SWITCH) project is focused on developing a novel propulsion concept built from two revolutionary and synergetic technologies: Water Enhanced Turbofan (WET) and hybrid-electric propulsion. By combining these technologies with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF^TM engine architecture, the SWITCH concept aims to significantly enhance efficiency and substantially reduce emissions across the full operating envelope of an aircraft. Technologies developed as part of SWITCH will be fully compatible with cleaner alternative fuels – such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — and will be evaluated for future use with hydrogen.

“This highly impactful SWITCH consortium provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of both WET and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies, not only independently, but as parts of a system,” said Dr. Stefan Weber, senior vice president, Engineering and Technology, at MTU. “WET offers considerable potential to boost efficiency and reduce all emissions significantly for future aircraft propulsion systems, whether they are powered by conventional kerosene, SAF, or even hydrogen. Since the concept is gas turbine based, the WET concept fully leverages MTU’s expertise.”

The hybrid-electric GTF powertrain will enable even greater efficiency across all phases of flight by leveraging highly efficient megawatt class electric motor generators, power electronics, and batteries to optimize the performance of the fuel-burning gas turbine. The WET concept recovers water vapor from the engine exhaust and re-injects it into the combustion chamber to significantly improve fuel efficiency, reduce NOx emissions, and lessen contrail forming emissions. These revolutionary technologies are designed to work together to deliver a step change reduction in emissions and energy use across the full operating system, while maintaining world class reliability and operability.

“This project will enable us to advance several key technologies on our roadmap to further extend the efficiency of the GTF engine architecture,” said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president, Engineering and Technology, at Pratt & Whitney. “Given the challenge of reducing the environmental impact of aviation, cross-industry collaboration and public-private partnerships like Clean Aviation will play a vital role in delivering the technology breakthroughs needed to make net zero emissions aviation a reality.”

Airbus will provide key expertise relating to the future integration of SWITCH technologies at the aircraft-level and will support the evaluation of performance benefits including aircraft design and integration of battery and energy management systems. “New propulsion technologies will play an important role in achieving aviation’s net-zero goals, along with new aircraft designs and sustainable energy sources,” said Sabine Klauke, chief technology officer at Airbus. “We welcome this opportunity to collaborate and progress research into the next generation of advanced powertrain concepts.”

Collins will provide megawatt-class electric motor generators and power electronics, high-voltage DC distribution and protection, thermal management components and nacelle architectures for the project. “Hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a key enabler for increased efficiency across multiple different aircraft applications, from advanced air mobility to commercial airliners,” said Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins Aerospace. “Working with Clean Aviation and the SWITCH consortium, we will accelerate the development of these critical technologies from our state-of-the-art facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and the UK.”

GKN Aerospace will develop various engine structures with all-new functionalities, such as integrated electric machines and heat exchangers. “We are delighted to be collaborating in the SWITCH project and help address many exciting opportunities and challenges around thermal and electrical power management within a highly advanced propulsion system,” said Henrik Runnemalm, vice president, Global Technology Center, Sweden, at GKN Aerospace. “We will leverage our unique hot test rig in Trollhättan, Sweden, as well as our high voltage electrical wiring developed by our GKN Fokker business in the Netherlands.”

Current funding for Phase 1 of SWITCH extends to 2025 and will include testing of a hybrid-electric GTF engine, WET technology and sub-system laboratory testing, and design activity around an integrated hybrid-electric and WET cycle propulsion system. Subject to successful testing of these key technologies and component designs, further phases of ground testing and flight tests are expected to follow.

Clean Aviation is a public-private partnership co-funded by the European Union between the European Commission, the aerospace industry, and research institutes, dedicated to advancing transformational aircraft technologies which will help enable net zero emissions for aviation by 2050. The project will be supported by UK Research and Innovation, and will leverage collaboration between multiple aerospace companies, universities and research organizations across 11 countries in Europe and the United States.

List of Participating Organizations and Locations

• MTU Aero Engines (Germany, Poland)
• Pratt & Whitney (USA, Poland)
• Airbus (France, Germany, Spain, UK)
• Collins Aerospace (France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, UK, USA)
• GKN Aerospace (Sweden, Netherlands)
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
• Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
• DLR German Aerospace Center (Germany)
• University of Stuttgart (Germany)

Media Queries

Pratt & Whitney
Mads Neumann
+44(0)7468 757 744
media@prattwhitney.com

MTU Aero Engines
Martina Vollmuth|
+49 (0)89 1489-5333
martina.vollmuth@mtu.de

Collins Aerospace
Alexander Killeffer
+1 704-423-7577
alexander.killeffer@collins.com

Airbus
Lois Benquet
+33 6 42 88 10 65
lois.benquet@airbus.com

GKN Aerospace
Wesley Bates
+1 469 261 9460
wesley.bates@usa.gknaerospace.com

 

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX) is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit its www.prattwhitney.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines AG is Germany’s leading engine manufacturer. The company is a technological leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, turbine center frames as well as manufacturing processes and repair techniques. In the commercial OEM business, the company plays a key role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-tech components together with international partners. Some 30 percent of today’s active aircraft in service worldwide have MTU components on board. In the commercial maintenance sector the company ranks among the top 3 service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. The activities are combined under the roof of MTU Maintenance. In the military arena, MTU Aero Engines is Germany’s industrial lead company for practically all engines operated by the country’s military. MTU operates a network of locations around the globe; Munich is home to its corporate headquarters. In fiscal 2021, the company had a workforce of more than 10,000 employees and posted consolidated sales of almost 4.2 billion euros.

About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the extensive capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and broad expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com.

About Airbus
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world’s leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies– for use in Defense and Commercial aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes to the most advanced fighter aircraft. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures, engine systems and operates in 12 countries at 38 manufacturing locations employing approximately 15,000 people.

About Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the European Union’s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate neutral future. Pulling together the best talent and capabilities of the private and public sectors and developing cutting-edge technologies and making these available for a transformational leap in aircraft performance in the 2030s, the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking will pave the way towards the EU’s ambition of climate neutrality by 2050.

Operating at the centre of a broad and diverse eco-system of players across Europe ranging from the aeronautical community, pioneering SMEs, research establishments and academia, it acts as a hub for new ideas and bold innovations.

As a European public-private partnership, Clean Aviation pushes aeronautical science beyond the limits of imagination by creating new technologies that will significantly reduce aviation’s impact on the planet, enabling future generations to enjoy the social and economic benefits of air travel far into the future.

Visit our website to find out more about Clean Aviation: www.clean-aviation.eu

 

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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, Nov. 16, 2022 – With the majority of exterior construction complete, Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art turbine airfoil production facility in Asheville, N.C., is expected to achieve initial operational capability in the second quarter of 2023. The 1.2 million square foot facility incorporates Industry 4.0 standards, featuring highly automated manufacturing to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost in support of high-volume programs, including the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ and F135 engines, for decades to come.

Production in Asheville will complement existing turbine airfoil work that is currently done across Pratt & Whitney’s facilities. The facility will house an advanced casting foundry and conduct machining, coating and finishing of airfoils onsite. Within the first year of production, the facility will have 100% connected machines and digital information flow for employees. The $650 million investment is also expected to create 800 new jobs through 2027, and to date, the majority of the current 150 positions have been filled by local hires.

In May 2021, Pratt & Whitney broke ground on the new facility, holding a last beam ceremony in January 2022, and marking ‘power on’ in July. Today, another milestone was reached as employees, the business community and elected officials, including North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper and Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, gathered to officially cut the ribbon for the new facility.

“Pratt & Whitney’s new Asheville facility is a cornerstone of our industrial transformation and a key investment that will support growing demand for GTF engine-powered aircraft and for the F135 engine, which powers the F-35 Lightning II,” said Shane Eddy, president, Pratt & Whitney. “It represents the harmonized execution of our CORE Operating System and fully integrated Industry 4.0 capabilities designed around our people and processes that add value to our products. It’s an honor to celebrate the ribbon cutting of this facility in the state that was first in flight.”

“Global companies like Pratt & Whitney can choose to locate anywhere, but they know they’ve made the smart move with North Carolina,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “This investment will strengthen our state’s manufacturing industry, bringing good paying jobs to Buncombe County for years to come.”

“Pratt & Whitney’s new facility is the largest manufacturing project we’ve seen in the western part of our state,” said North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders. “Our state ranks as number one for manufacturing in the Southeast, and we’re excited to add Pratt & Whitney to the family of world-class manufacturers that call North Carolina home.”

“The County Commissioners are excited to see this historic project move forward. Our support for the Pratt & Whitney project is all about improving the opportunities for workers in western North Carolina. This project will produce hundreds of good jobs that increase wages in the mountain region for decades to come,” said Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission Brownie Newman.

The factory has met or exceeded Pratt & Whitney’s greenhouse gas, water and waste goals, and features several sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives including LEED certification, zero liquid waste discharge, and 100% achievement of best practices for wastewater, energy and greenhouse gases.

For more information on Pratt & Whitney’s Asheville facility, visit https://prattwhitney.com/careers/asheville-facility.

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

Introduction

Air connectivity brings together people and businesses and serves as essential link between regional communities and the wider world. In Africa, air connectivity has been the main transport mode linking some landlocked and island communities to the world. The importance of these connections became evident during the two critical years of the Covid-19 crisis when travel stalled and trade suffered.

The aviation industry is on a recovery path from Covid-19 and projections are that growth over the next 20 years will be phenomenal. As an industry that has always taken its environmental responsibilities seriously, long-term aspirational goals  (LTAG) have been in the works and are now being concretized. The LTAG comes on the back of much earlier short to medium term environmental change mitigation measures that the industry initiated years back. The industry has developed and is implementing a range of standards, policies and guidance material aircraft noise and ​emissions, technological improvements, operating procedures, proper organization of air traffic, appropriate airport and land-use planning, and the use of market-based measures.

IATA and ICAO Resolutions Aligned with the Paris Agreement

In a resolution passed at the 77^th IATA AGM in Boston, USA, on 04 October 2021, the global airline industry committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050. This bold pledge brings air transport in line with the objectives of the Paris agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The global civil aviation operations will achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, supported by accelerated efficiency measures, energy transition and innovation across the aviation sector and in partnership with Governments around the world.

During the 41^st ICAO general assembly in Sep/Oct 2022 a resolution on the long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero emissions by 2050 was overwhelmingly adopted by member states. The agreement admitted that special circumstances and capabilities of each country which could influence the outcomes. These factors will determine the ability of a country to achieve the target within its national timeframe. A call for financial and technical support to developing countries for accelerated use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) was also endorsed to the pleasure of the developing countries.

ICAO hopes that the net-zero targets will rely on the adoption of new aircraft technologies, streamlined flight operations and the use of SAF. The net-zero resolution also calls for the establishment of a climate finance initiative and voluntary technology transfer for developing SAF.

The alignment of the IATA and ICAO resolutions to the objectives of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C is probably what the world has been waiting for to make the necessary changes that will make aviation more responsible and sustainable. The road ahead will be challenging, but if we act and support each other as one aviation ecosystem, we can make this a reality.

What Does Net Zero Emission Really Mean?

Put simply, it means removing an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere as we release into it. The term net zero applies to a situation where global greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are in balance with emissions reductions. Net zero does not mean the absence of CO2, rather though CO2 emissions will continue, an equivalent amount of what is generated is removed from the atmosphere, thus resulting in zero increase in net emissions. Achieving net zero by 2050 will require measures aimed at elimination of emissions at the source, offsetting and carbon capture technologies.

AFRAA is convinced that, the aviation industry commitment to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 would require supportive government policies backing the coordinated efforts of the entire industry (airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, manufacturers).

Contribution of African Aviation Industry to CO2 Reduction

The aviation industry focus has always been to progressively reduce emissions while accommodating the growing demand of a population that is eager to fly. The ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a key enabler of this goal. CORSIA will stabilize international emission levels in the short-to-medium term. The current focus among African airlines is to reduce as much CO2 as possible through investment in new and modern aircraft, operating more efficiently and investing in smarter airport infrastructure and facilities.

African airlines commitment to sustainable environmental practices are noticeable through operational decisions and policy changes as recommended by IATA and ICAO in the following areas:

• Striving for the most efficient operations – flying more direct routes, aircraft continuous ascent and decent
• Investing in new and modern aircraft
• Taking measures to reduce carbon footprint
• Introducing recycling initiatives at their facilities
• integrating environmental concerns with all planning and decision making processes
• Adapting energy and water efficient practices
• Encouraging improvement in the performance of suppliers through the development of environmental criteria within the framework of procurement policies

Some 17 African countries have signed up for the voluntary phase of the CORSIA emissions monitoring and reporting. In cooperation with IATA, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways among others launched Carbon Offset Program that offers customers the opportunity to contribute towards offsetting the CO2 emissions related to their flights. The money raised through these schemes are invested in re-forestation projects in the respective countries. In Ethiopia and Kenya, Boeing is working the airlines and governments to help the countries develop SAF feedstock production capacity. Boeing is also working with Ethiopian Airlines to include aviation sustainability in the curriculum of the Ethiopian aviation Academy.

In 2016, South African Airways (SAA) was the first African passenger airline to operate a flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Similar SAF operated flights were subsequently conducted in Ethiopia and Kenya. However, the enthusiasm fizzled out due to lack of incentives and other challenges.

AFRAA, AFCAC, IATA and ICAO have variously organized workshops and seminars aimed at sensitizing airlines on the environmental impact of their operations and mitigation measures for sustainability and net zero emissions. These have brought significant awareness on measure to be adopted to improve the situation and build capacity at the operational level.

Industry Prescription for Achieving Net Zero Emissions

The transition needed to achieve global net zero emissions must be supported by a holistic government policy framework focused on realizing cost-effective solutions and backed by the coordinated efforts of the entire industry. The table below by IATA sets out the estimated milestones towards net zero, including the mix of abatement measures and some noteworthy actions envisaged, A commitment of resources, expertise and adherence to the proposed timelines could be the surest way for the industry attaining the ambitious goal on net zero emission by 2050.

Milestones towards net zero

 

DATE	AMOUNT OF CO2 ABATEMENT	PATHWAY	ACTION
2025	381 megatonnes (Mt) (2021-2025)	97% offsets, 2% SAF, 1% improvements above business as usual (BAU)	ICAO agree long-term goal for international aviation (2022); energy sector commits to at least 6 million tonnes SAF production; agreement of full implementation of Article of Paris Agreement
2030	979 Mt (2026-2030)	93% offsets; 5% SAF, 2% Improvements above BAU	Use of 100% SAF on aircraft, ANSPs fully implement ICAO Aviation System Block upgrades to deliver fuel efficiency improvements of 0.3% by 2030
2035	1,703 Mt (2031–2035)	77.5% offsets, 17.5% SAF, 3% improvements above BAU, 2% Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)	Evolutionary technology achieving 30% reduction in fuel burn, electric/ hydrogen aircraft for regional markets (50-100 seats, 30-90 min flights) become available
2040	3,824 Mt (2036-2040)	44.5% offsets, 40% SAF, 7.5% non drop-in fuel (new propulsion technologies), 5% CCUS, 3% improvements above BAU	Feasibility of new aircraft such as blendedwing bodies demonstrated with full-scale working prototypes, electric/hydrogen for short-haul markets (100-150 seats, 45-120min flights) become available.
2045	6,153 Mt (2041-2045)	55% SAF, 24% offsets, 10% non drop-in fuel, 8% CCUS, 3% improvements above BAU	Necessary infrastructure for new energy requirements (low carbon electricity/ hydrogen) becomes available
2050	8,164 Mt (2046-2050)	65% SAF, 13% non dropin fuel, 11% CCUS, 8% offsets, 3% improvements above BAU	Commercially viable annual SAF production of 449 billion litres available

Source: IATA