When following the rise of electric aircraft, it’s hard to ignore the fierce competition between two of the most formidable names in the aeronautics game: Boeing and Airbus. From cars to spaceships, national carriers to aerial delivery, these two corporate juggernauts are at the forefront of the commercial electric aircraft race, competing against each other to see who can traverse the sky’s electrified future first.
1. Electrifying the Skies: Boeing and Airbus Vie for Control
The aviation industry is becoming the next front for the battle between two of the world’s leading manufacturers – Boeing and Airbus. Both businesses have made huge strides in their pursuit of the latest technological advances, and the rise of electric aircraft is no exception.
Electric planes: the future? Despite the industry’s slow adoption of electric technologies, both the Boeing and Airbus models are showing potential to serve as a viable option for modern lifespans over the decades. The electric planes have already reached flight test times with notable success, eliminating the concerns of traditional range and altitude requirements.
The positives of electric planes cover an impressive variety of economic and environmental concerns. Benefits include lower capital costs upfront, zero direct emissions, and significantly reduced noise. The operation of electric planes has the potential to save airlines billions of dollars in fuel and noise pollution fees alone.
What does the competition look like? As is expected from two of the aviation industry’s top manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus are neck-in-neck in the race to the top for electric planes. However, the broad scope of designs and approaches suggests high chances of success for both camps. Currently, Boeing is betting on hybrid-electric, battery-powered, gas-turbine, and fuel-cell concepts. Meanwhile, Airbus is experimenting with hydrogen, electric, and hybrid-capable planes.
2. Flying Toward the Future: Electric Commercial Aircraft on the Horizon
The electric commercial aircraft industry has been gaining traction in recent years, and the tipping point may soon be reached. Electric aircraft outperform traditional counterparts in many metrics including the ability to use its power more efficiently. This new technology is forecast to propel the aviation industry into a revolution and the sky’s the limit.
- Less Emissions – Electric aircraft not only result in an encouragingly-noticed reduction of noise pollution, but they also offer a much more efficient, environmental-friendly take on transporting passengers and materials.
- Less Fuel and Burn Time – Which translates to saving time, money, and the hassle associated with extended burn times. Electric aircraft save energy and take off faster with plenty of energy left.
- High Tech Experience – Electric aircraft feature top-of-the-line technology and comfort for passengers, including higher resolution screens for in-flight entertainment and a smoother ride.
Battery technology and safety continue to be areas of concern, but some airlines, like British Airways, have gone ahead and placed orders to receive their own electric commercial aircraft. As technology progresses, we will increasingly see electric aircraft saving costs, improving efficiency, and helping the environment. The future of commercial aircraft is indeed electric and on the horizon.
3. Plugging in to Profits: The Race is On to Develop Better Planes
Aviation technology is in a race against time. With the increasing demand of travelers around the world and the rising cost of fuel, the aviation industry is doing whatever it can to stay ahead of the game. Companies are pouring vast resources into planes that are not only more efficient, but also cheaper and safer.
The advancements have been remarkable recently. Compensators and autopilots that can keep a plane on course have revolutionized air travel. We can see the trend in enhanced fuel efficiency, too. New materials are being used that improve airframe construction and allow for lighter aircraft with improved performance. Similarly, propellers and engines are being developed that help cut drag and save fuel.
But the innovations are about more than just the hardware. Software systems are playing a significant role in planes as well, from navigation and communication applications to predictive and preventive maintenance. By incorporating real-time sensors with data analytics, the industry can spot potential issues sooner and take corrective action.
As the tech advances continue to be implemented, the aviation industry is in a race to develop better planes that will drive profitability. Airlines and producers alike are investing heavily in research and development in order to stay one step ahead of the competition. Here are just a few ways they’re plugging in to profits:
- Airlines are using big data and analytics to gain insights into customer behavior and purchase patterns.
- Manufacturers are leveraging 3D printing and artificial intelligence to create lighter and more efficient airplanes.
- Industry players are working together to develop better materials and applications for aerostructures and other areas of airplane design.
- Aircraft maintenance has become more predictive, allowing for greater safety and lower cost.
For the aviation industry, the race to develop better planes is on. The benefits of these innovations are already registering in the industry, and the potential for even better planes is on the horizon.
As the aerospace industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Boeing and Airbus are at the forefront of electric commercial aircraft technology. They have the vision and creative engineering to keep up with the ever-changing industry demands – the race is certainly on.