China aviation market, V-22 Osprey grounded, JetBlue-Spirit merger, airport expansion, SAF from CO2 direct air capture technology.
We take a look at the China aviation market, including the aviation boom in China, the aircraft that will support that market, and the impact on the global aviation industry. In the news, the V-22 Osprey is grounded worldwide, a judge wants more concessions from JetBlue as they seek to acquire Spirit, how airport expansion plans can come under fire on environmental grounds, and producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel through CO? direct air capture technology.
Guest
Vance Hilderman is the CEO of AFuzion, a safety certification consultancy for the aviation industry. Vance is the founder, CEO, and CTO of multiple safety-critical companies. He’s a world-renowned safety-critical expert, speaker, trainer, and author.
Vance describes the growth potential of the China aviation market, the challenges and opportunities for Western companies, and the implications of technology transfer and intellectual property concerns. He highlights the importance of the Chinese market for the aviation industry and the need for strategic approaches to navigate the complexities of doing business in China.
Takeaways:
China is a rapidly growing aviation market with a large middle class and increasing domestic and international travel demand. Western companies, including Boeing and Airbus, are eager to tap into the Chinese market, but they face challenges related to technology transfer and intellectual property concerns. The Chinese government plays a significant role in the aviation industry, and partnerships and joint ventures are often required to do business in China. The China aviation market offers both opportunities and risks, and companies need to carefully navigate the political and economic landscape to succeed.Vance is a top authority in the aviation industry and has been featured in the Associated Press, Aviation Pros, and Aviation Today. He is the author of The Aviation Development Ecosystem and Avionics Certification – Complete Guide to DO-178, DO-178C, DO-254. Vance holds BSEE, MSEE (Hughes Fellow), and MBA degrees.
References:
Boeing Commercial Market Outlook 2023–2042 China set to be biggest domestic aviation market according to Boeing China aviation regulator head, US ambassador seek increase of flights Competition with China Does Not Mean Kneecapping U.S. Aviation Check 6 Podcast: Has China’s Aviation Market Lost Its Luster?Aviation News
Osprey Crash Triggers Worldwide Grounding
A USAF CV-22B Osprey tiltrotor crashed offshore near Yakushima, Japan, on November 29, 2023, during a training mission, killing eight service members who were aboard. The U.S. Air Force’s Special Operations Command ordered an “operational standdown” of the CV-22 fleet, and all other V-22 operators have done the same. More than 400 Osprey’s are currently in service with U.S. forces and Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, which operates 14 of the aircraft.
USAF Special Operations Command says, “Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time. The standdown will provide time and space for a thorough investigation to determine causal factors and recommendations to ensure the Air Force CV-22 fleet returns to flight operations.”
A CV-22 Osprey practices hoist operations near Albuquerque, New Mexico Feb. 22, 2021. Image: Airman 1st Class Ireland Summers Air Force.
Judge Seeks Further Concessions as JetBlue-Spirit Trial Concludes
Judge seeks more sacrifices as JetBlue-Spirit trial ends
The US District judge concluded that fares would likely increase if the proposed $3.8B acquisition of Spirit by JetBlue goes through, and commented that JetBlue will most likely need to divest additional assets. The airline already said it would divest gates and slots at Boston, New York Newark, and Fort Lauderdale International.
Portland jetport plan to cut trees, add surface parking draws opposition
The Portland International Jetport wants to build an additional parking lot. Meanwhile, the new Mayor has prioritized fighting climate change and expanding Portland’s tree canopy. The Jetport says demand for long-term parking exceeds capacity so travelers park at an offsite city lot and use a shuttle to the airport. They say onsite parking has the smallest carbon footprint. The opposition says clearing trees and destroying wetlands is short-sighted and environmentally harmful. They say the jetport should expand the shuttle service to include other existing parking lots.
UK’s first air capture plant is turned on to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and turn it into jet fuel
Mission Zero Technologies was founded in 2020 to develop direct air capture (DAC) technology that recovers atmospheric CO?, which can then be used or stored. Their machine will run on solar power, recover 50 tonnes of CO? per year, and then turn it into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
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