Air travel should be more sustainable: Airbus
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Airbus recently revealed its latest findings in a two-year global consultation with more than 1.75 million people who disclosed what passengers want from flying in the future: more sustainable; less stressful. As per the findings, 63% of people worldwide said they will fly more by 2050, while 60% feel they do not think social media will replace the need to see people face-to-face, the maximum votes stood at 96% wherein people believed that aircraft will need to be more sustainable or ‘eco-efficient’ and finally, almost 40% felt air travel (door-to-door) is increasingly stressful.
Charles Champion, Airbus executive vice president, Engineering said: “Since we launched the Future by Airbus, we have engaged with people in 192 countries in a dialogue about the future of air travel. This resulted in our revolutionary Airbus Concept Plane and Cabin which offer a glimpse into some of the innovations that could meet evolving passenger trends and environmental considerations. It’s clear that people are really excited about the future of sustainable flight and we want them to be part of shaping that future.”
But Champion notes that as more people fly more often, the greater their expectations will be for the ‘end-to-end passenger experience.’ The Airbus consultation highlights a predictable list of gripes: queues at passport control; slow check-in and baggage collection; sitting on the tarmac; and circling in holding patterns around airports.
More than 90% of the Euro2 billion that Airbus spends on Research & Development is directed at improving the environmental performance of its aircraft. The latest generation includes the flagship A380 – a fuel efficient ‘new engine option’ for the A320 family, the A320neo; and the A350 XWB that will provide a 25% step-change in fuel efficiency whilst giving passengers more space on board.