8 minute read
On the fast track
ON THE
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TRACK
The way we travel hasn’t radically changed since the advent of commercial flights in the latter half of the 20th century. While advancements in technology may have improved functionality in planes, ships, trains, cars and even bicycles, these modes of transport have essentially remained the same. Until now!
As we move into a new era, with more focus on responsible travel, we’re seeing the pace of change increase dramatically in the transport sector. From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move around the world.
Highlighting the beginning of this revolution in transport, ATM 2022 will throw the spotlight on the future of transportation with a session organised by The Resilience Council.
Laurie Myers, Global Strategist, The Resilience Council, said: “We organised this session to share some exciting trends in transportation. Clearly, there is a large push towards train travel and there are sustainability questions to ask around space travel: will Elon Musk be able to produce the battery supplies needed for the fleets of electric cars being deployed?”
CONSUMER
GUILT COULD
THE RISE IN RAIL TRAVEL
Rapid changes in the way we move from one place to another are underway in the region. Bahrain is building its metro; Merav Michaeli, Israel’s Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, has called for a ‘Peace Train’ from Haifa to Dubai; Etihad Rail is set to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a capacity to serve 36 million people by the year 2030.
Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, ConnectingTravel, who will be moderating the ATM session, said: “Consumer guilt could lead to a considerable drop in air travel and an increase in electric rail travel. Rail travel could also have a competitive edge over air travel in terms of user experience.
“Today, unless flying business or first class, air travel is overly complicated and uncomfortable, with little room to move and passengers expected to fight over single armrests in the middle seats. With three-hour check-in periods reducing air travel’s main advantage of speed, rail travel could even become the quickest way to travel from door to door in the Gulf, especially if projects like the Hyperloop come to pass.
“With the Gulf approaching its Golden Age of Travel in 2030, when some of the world’s most exciting tourist attractions and destinations will be open for business, there will be even more reason to holiday closer to home and this is when rail travel will come into its own.”
Sarah Hedley Hymers
DECARBONISING AVIATION
The environment is one of aviation’s top priorities in today’s climate. Airlines are working constantly to limit their impact on the planet by reducing carbon emissions. The future of the industry certainly will see a heavy emphasis on decarbonising.
Kata Cserep, Vice President and Global Managing Director, Aviation, ICF, said: “The pressure to decarbonise transport across the board will have repercussions on two primary fronts, including customer expectations to see progress towards ‘greener’ air transport, coupled with switching to other transport modes, where these are available and attractive. Also, the rising costs of carbon and traditional fuel will drive additional incentives towards sustainable aviation fuel usage, electric and hybrid aviation and, eventually, hydrogen aircraft and radical new aircraft designs.”
With its potential to fuel a sustainable future for travel and tourism, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is becoming increasingly significant. Yet, only a handful of airlines are switching over.
“SAF remains less than 0.1 percent of aviation fuel consumed. The disconnect between production costs and the willingness of airlines to pay is at the heart of the production shortfall. We are certainly seeing progress, particularly
Kata Cserep
in markets where incentives make production and offtaking economically viable (such as in California). In other markets, the investment in new technology refineries and even in retrofits will continue to lag behind where it needs to be, without demand and price certainty for the producers looking to serve this rising need.
“Yet, all being well, these new advancements will help to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the freedoms the last two generations have enjoyed. Social and economic connections will continue to be supported by aviation, but without the continued unsustainable burden on the environment affected by fossil fuel propulsion technologies. Without them, we risk moving backwards globally.”
CUSTOMERS TODAY EXPECT TO
Wisk aircraft
THE ERA OF AUTOMATED TRANSPORT
Aviation pioneer and industry leader, Boeing, is constantly investing in researching future technologies to move people, goods and ideas around the world. At present, the aeroplane manufacturer is testing uncrewed electricpowered aerial vehicles for passengers and cargo aimed at market segments that will reduce urban congestion and emissions from vehicles on the ground.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Boeing, said: “Boeing has made a US$450 million investment in Wisk to advance certified autonomous electric flights (future pilotless flying taxis). Wisk’s self-flying eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi will make it possible for passengers to skip the traffic and get to their destination faster.”
Wisk is an advanced air mobility (AAM) company dedicated to delivering a safe, everyday flight experience for everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and New Zealand, Wisk has over a decade of experience and boasts over 1,500 test flights. The company is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably.
While working to deliver safe, autonomous, all-electric, everyday flights with Wisk, Boeing also supports and aligns with the aviation industry’s goals for carbon-neutral growth and commitment to achieve netzero carbon emissions by 2050.
“We’ve already made substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our worksites and manufacturing facilities as well as building new generations of aircraft. Boeing operations achieved net-zero emissions at manufacturing and worksites in 2020 by expanding conservation and
Kuljit Ghata-Aura
renewable energy use while tapping responsible offsets for the remaining greenhouse gas emissions.”
Boeing’s multi-faceted strategy that allows the industry to decarbonise aerospace includes three pillars: fleet renewal, network operational efficiency and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
“Sustainable fuels are key to longterm, large-scale reductions in CO2 emissions that aeroplane technology cannot achieve. SAFs offer the best potential to significantly reduce emissions on larger, longer-range aeroplanes for the next several decades.”
For more than a decade, Boeing has collaborated globally with airlines, governments, research institutions, SAF companies and other stakeholders to develop and approve SAF pathways. In February 2022, Boeing announced a supply agreement for two million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel with Epic Fuels to power its commercial aeroplane operations in Washington state and South Carolina throughout the year. The agreement was the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer.
“We have confidence that our commercial aeroplanes will be capable and certified to fly on 100 percent SAF by 2030.”
Royal Jordanian
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Karim Makhlouf
FUTURE APPROACH
Closer to home, Royal Jordanian, the kingdom’s flag carrier, has embarked on an extensive growth strategy with sights set on a bright future.
Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “At Royal Jordanian, our new five-year restructuring plan aims to double the fleet from 23 to 45 aircraft in the next half-decade and position Amman as the leading gateway for the Levant. We recently placed a tender for overall fleet renewal and growth, aiming to introduce 34 brand-new aircraft within the next five years to replace our existing fleet and expand.”
Aside from renewing its fleet, Royal Jordanian’s approach to the future focuses on restructuring commercially to address productivity and new destination demand.
“A strong focus on route development is also at the core of our operations to address the demands of today’s travellers and increase the overall productivity of our fleet. Our route development strategy is now a combination of hub and spoke as well as point to point, this allows us to be more efficient. Productivity will be focused on ensuring resilience so that a fresh look at charters will be part of the equation.”
RELEVANT ATM SESSION:
The Future of Transport ATM Global Stage Tuesday, 10th May 12:00 - 12:45
