Textron Aviation certifies the Cessna SkyCourier in the Philippines to operate in remote areas beginning in 2025. Collins Aerospace introduces innovative thermoplastic composites, while NBAA-BACE 2024 in Las Vegas and DC Aviation's commitment to sustainable fuel highlight sustainability advancements in aviation.
1. Textron Aviation Certifies Cessna SkyCourier in the Philippines
Textron Aviation has enthusiastically announced that the Cessna SkyCourier has obtained type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This crucial step will allow the innovative twin-engine turboprop to operate in the remote regions of Southeast Asia, opening up new opportunities for air transportation in hard-to-reach areas.
The first SkyCourier, in its 19-seat passenger configuration, will be delivered to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), a subsidiary of multipurpose cooperative CIDA, during the second half of 2025. This aircraft, designed for cargo, passenger and special mission versatility, stands out for its ability to be operated by a single pilot, facilitating its use in a variety of circumstances.
The Cessna SkyCourier is equipped with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and a four-bladed McCauley propeller, reaching cruise speeds in excess of 200 knots and a range of up to 900 nautical miles. Its arrival promises to revolutionize access to isolated communities and boost the impact on key sectors such as tourism and agriculture in the Philippines.
ACDI Cooperative and LEASCOR are excited about the SkyCourier's potential to improve regional connectivity and foster economic development. Undoubtedly, this certification marks a significant breakthrough for aviation in the Philippines.
2. Collins Aerospace revolutionizes the aerospace industry with new materials
Collins Aerospace is setting a milestone in the aerospace industry by introducing advanced thermoplastic composites that address two major challenges: rising fuel costs and environmental sustainability. These innovative materials offer superior impact resistance and are much lighter than traditional metal solutions, reducing aircraft weight by 20-50%. This, in turn, significantly lowers fuel operating costs.
In addition, thermoplastics enable faster manufacturing of complex parts, reducing production time by up to 80%, making products more affordable and efficient, Collins Aerospace is applying these materials in a variety of aerospace components, from engine doors and nacelles to flight control surfaces and interiors.
In November 2021, the company partnered with Dutch Thermoplastic Components, a Collins Aerospace company , a Collins Aerospace company to accelerate the adoption of these composites, promising lighter, safer and greener aircraft for the future of aviation, including everything from commercial flight to urban air mobility.
3. Las Vegas will be the epicenter of sustainability at NBAA-BACE 2024
On October 22-24, Las Vegas will host NBAA-BACE 2024, a convention and exhibition focused on sustainability in business aviation. The event, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), will focus on progress toward net-zero carbon emissions.
During NBAA-BACE, a 2-day sustainability summit will be held to explore innovations such as advanced air mobility (AAM) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. In addition, important developments will be presented, such as a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives for aviation sustainability, a new regulatory framework for SAF, and an FAA reauthorization bill with sustainability provisions.
Nancy Bsales of 4AIR and Scott Cutshall, CAM , CAM of Clay Lacy Aviation highlight the importance of the event to learn about sustainability advancements and their impact toward a zero-emissions future. A sustainability pledge for exhibitors will also be implemented and the first anniversary of the CLIMBING FAST initiative will be celebrated.
4. Sustainability drives innovation at DC Aviation
DC Aviation Group , one of Europe's leading airlines, has just taken a major step towards sustainability by signing an agreement with AEG Fuels to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its operations from Malta International Airport, even though this environmentally friendly fuel is not yet produced locally. Stanley Bugeja , CEO of DC Aviation, was extremely enthusiastic about this pioneering initiative. “We are proud to be a forerunner in Malta in the implementation of SAF” remarked Bugeja.
Since 2021, the company has been working to offset its carbon emissions and, with this agreement, can now offer an even more effective solution to minimize its environmental footprint. Noel Sigery, AEG Fuels senior sales and supply manager for Europe, highlighted the beneficial impact of the agreement “DC Aviation's commitment to invest in SAF is commendable. Not only does it reduce their discharges, but it also demonstrates that sustainable solutions are possible in any region,” Sigery said.
This agreement underscores DC Aviation's commitment to sustainability and signifies a major breakthrough in the industry, showing that the transition to greener practices is an achievable goal.
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