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Kelly

SAS and Airbus to develop hybrid-electric aircraft

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SAS and Airbus have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding for hybrid and electric aircraft eco-system and infrastructure requirements research. The project aims to gain an understanding of the introduction of hybrid-electric aircraft for large-scale commercial use.

The partnership involves a joint research project where SAS and Airbus will work together to build knowledge of the opportunities and challenges regarding operations and infrastructure linked to large scale introduction of hybrid and electric aircraft in commercial traffic.

Rickard Gustafson, CEO, SAS said

We are proud of our ambitious sustainability work and are now pleased that Airbus has chosen SAS to partner up with us for this future project. If this becomes a reality, it will revolutionise emissions

SAS has for decades worked to reduce emissions and worked hard and focused towards a more sustainable flying. SAS’s goal is to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030, mainly by modernising the fleet and increasing the use of biofuels. The company envisages electric aircraft as the next step beyond the current technology.

The Chief Technology Officer of Airbus, Grazia Vittadini said

We are delighted to be embarking on this partnership with SAS. Leveraging our respective expertise to explore the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion opportunities in our aviation eco-system.

The collaboration also includes an “ambition to involve a renewable energy supplier to ensure genuine zero emissions operations”.

Kelly

New concept of “social space” for ultra-long-haul flights launched

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Airline cabin design company AIM Altitude has unveiled its ULTRAFLEX interior and evolved concept galley.

ULTRAFLEX is a “visionary lifestyle concept space”providing a social destination on board ultra-long-haul flights, with themes of wellness, fitness and stimulation, in an adaptable environment. ULTRAFLEX aims to make in-flight socialising, dining, working and even exercising possible.

AIM Altitude claim that, while passengers can see the benefits of skipping the traditional stopover, ultra-long-haul flights will not really be an attractive proposition until the flight experience is appealing enough to counter the length of time passengers are cabin-bound. But ULTRAFLEX aims to make ultra-long-haul flights enjoyable and desirable.

The patent-pending ULTRAFLEX provides a visionary, lifestyle social space. Multi-functional destination monuments allow themes of wellness, fitness and stimulation, in a flexible and adaptable environment, to push the boundaries and open new horizons within the world of premium travel.

Zones within the ULTRAFLEX concept include:

  • Flex Booth Monuments – multi-versatile booths, which give the cabin interior key flexibility for the airline and the passenger. These booths can be used in various modes such as relax, dine, wellness and focus.
  • Exercise Stations – a productive workspace with incorporated movement stimulation, ULTRAFLEX has three exercise stations where low-resistance exercises can be performed whilst continuing to work or sit at a desk. These stations encompass a cycle seat, step plates and a massaging muscle-roller, providing an easy and fun way to keep blood circulating well and reduce stiffness and discomfort during the flight. Exercise-released endorphins should improve mood and lessen fatigue. As well as the health benefits, these areas offer a greater degree of privacy, away from the passenger’s seat.
  • Entertainment Galley – to the rear, the units can transform into entertainment opportunities with a pop-up bar for watching live sporting events. A refined rail system allows food displays / bar snacks / glasses etc to be presented easily and securely. This can then be flipped, turning the chilled café area into an exciting cocktail bar.
  • Deli Galley – the forward centre Deli Galley has been conceived to tackle a growing concern that passengers feel uncomfortable approaching a traditional galley monument. They want to interact with a dedicated unit that feels designed for them.
  • Social space – the central half-height monuments are key social pillars linking the floorplan together. Their natural height promotes open standing conversation and social interaction to take place over a wider distance. AIM Altitude has introduced bold perching pads, that mix both practicality and elegance in a familiar, contemporary interior-design styling, as well as cleverly hiding additional half-cart stowage.

These concepts have not yet entered production. But contact your GTM Account Manager next time you need to book an ultra-long-haul flight.