Innovation Facilitators

摘要

TODAY, THE aviation industry is playing an increasingly active role in reducing the impact it has upon the environment. One airline, easyJet is pitching itself at the forefront of these efforts by helping to develop innovative technologies, that it says, will bring about fundamental changes to how we fly over the next decade. The recent introduction of the latest Airbus A320neo, with its more efficient engines, to the carrier's fleet is intended to reduce CO_2 emissions by around 15% compared with current generation aircraft, as well as cut noise by 50%. Since 2000, easyJet has reduced its emissions by 31 % to 79.98 grams per passenger kilometre and has announced a further 10% reduction from today's figure to 72 grams by 2022. However, this cannot be achieved solely by fitting new powerplants. And to that end, the airline and its partners are studying a huge range of associated activities from electric tugs through to all-electric aeroplanes.