Dear Reeder. In this week’s On Aviation™ Digest, we have decided to share with you some recent aviation developments ranging from Environment Social and Governance (E.S.G.) in the aviation industry, updates on investment in Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles (e-VTOL), Women in Aviation 9th annual Girls in Aviation event, and more.
We hope that this eclectic collection of articles and stories helps provide an update as to some of the important things happening in aviation.
On Aviation™ note: While E.S.G. is a hot topic across the globe and in The United States and Europe in particular, It is important to remember that E.S.G. has become quite controversial because of what some believe has been its lack of results. That can be stated both on the side of investors and stakeholders. Furthermore, The aviation industry will be one of the most challenging places to implement E.S.G. given the level of technological advances and its heavy reliance on earth minerals and fossil fuels.
Blue skies, green air travel: ESG in the aviation industry
The future of aviation may see continued technological and operational advancements, innovative solutions to enhance the customers’ experiences, customizable menu of options for ticketing and baggage pricing, and a higher priority placed for green air travel. With increasing discussion among industry stakeholders regarding the appropriate role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into business operations, we take a look at some of the ways certain actors in the aviation industry are taking steps to enhance their ESG strategies, while managing risks and emerging legal challenges. Decarbonizing the aviation industry will be challenging due in part by the sheer scale of the issue itself. Airlines will be tasked with balancing profit and growth with expenses for higher-priced, low-carbon fuels, new technologies, and overhauling aircraft design.
The aviation industry is the third largest contributor of transportation GHG emissions (11% of all emissions). Driven by the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), several airlines, airports, and manufacturers of aircraft and engines committed to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
By Elizabeth Goldberg | Reuters
Women in Aviation Launches 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day
Thousands of girls, ages 8-18, around the world on Sept. 23 will be able to experience the 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) in their local communities through unique events hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members. WAI will continue to offer additional virtual resources, activities, information, and instructional videos via the free Aviation for Girls app.
Already more than 150 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Some 30,000 girls will be introduced to the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace through meeting female role models, career panels, exploring airplanes and airports, and a host of hands-on, fun, and educational activities ranging from sectional chart scavenger hunts, to exploring the Moon and Mars research sites, to learning about aircraft engines and avionics with maintenance technicians.
By Aviation Pros
Archer Aviation secures $215M investment
Archer Aviation Inc., a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced operating and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. In tandem with earnings, Archer made a series of announcements that reinforce its path to FAA certification and commercial operations in 2025. Archer has landed a $215 million equity investment from industry leaders Stellantis, Boeing and United Airlines, as well as other financial institutions, including ARK Invest, increasing the company’s total funding to over $1.1 billion to date, received FAA approval to begin flying its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, and reached an agreement with Boeing and Wisk to enter into an autonomous flight collaboration and settle litigation between the companies. Additionally, Archer announced that it is on track to complete what it believes will be the first ever eVTOL aircraft delivery to a customer as part of its recently announced contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). These announcements come on the heels of the FAA Administrator leaving to join Archer and the DoD awarding Archer the largest total contract value of any eVTOL company.
“Over the last quarter, we’ve seen the U.S. government make an unwavering commitment that America will lead the way in commercializing eVTOL aircraft, the FAA validated the timeline for eVTOL aircraft to begin operations in the U.S. in 2025, and leaders in the mobility industry, Stellantis, United Airlines and Boeing, have come together to invest in Archer’s future,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “The pace at which our industry is advancing is unprecedented. Our team’s hard work and dedication have brought us to this exciting moment, and we can’t wait to see Midnight soar,” added Goldstein.
By JEC
How do we know how much pollution the aviation industry is producing?
This past May, a $1 billion lawsuit was filed against Delta Airlines for misleading customers with sustainability claims as the “world’s first carbon-neutral airline.” This incident highlights the urgent need for sustainability standards within the aviation sector. As we look for ways to mitigate climate change, we must prevent such greenwashing that under
The aviation industry has, for many years, grappled with its role in environmental degradation. It’s estimated that aviation accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
The figure seems low compared to other industries, but it is growing at an alarming rate, projected by some estimations to triple by 2050. Furthermore, the sector emits other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which have negative impacts on air quality and contribute to climate change.mines real sustainability efforts.
By Alyssa Norris | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Note: The views and opinions expressed in the content shared in this digest are for informational purposes only, are solely those of the original content creators, and do not constitute an endorsement by or necessarily represent the views of On Aviation™ or its affiliates.
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