Boeing has today announced an expansion of their ecoDemonstrator flight-test program. For 2023, the company will assess 19 technologies on the B777-200ER ecoDemonstrator, while adding ‘Explorer’ 787-10 airplanes to test specific tech.
On Thursday (April 27, 2023), Boeing announced an expansion of their ecoDemonstrator program and outlined the 2023 program. For 2023, Boeing will assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777-200ER ecoDemonstrator, and will also add ‘Explorer’ airplanes to focus on tests on specific technologies. The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok, demonstrating how coordinated navigation across the global airspace can reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 10 percent. Collectively, air navigation service providers (ANSPs) across the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will sequence the airplane’s routes to achieve the optimal flight path, while the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF at each location.
In Thursday’s announcement, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, said,
“To support our industry's goal for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator program with Explorer airplanes to test even more sustainability-focused technologies. We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise on our products and to partner with governments and industry to make progress on sustainability during each phase of flight.”
Also commenting on the company’s expanded ecoDemonstrator program, Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Chris Redmond, said,
“The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050. Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions.”
Boeing 777-200ER ecoDemonstrator - Courtesy Boeing
As previously mentioned, the current 777-200ER ecoDemonstrator will test 19 technologies this year, including sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold made of 40 percent recycled carbon fiber and 60 percent made from a bio-based feedstock, as well as a fiber optic fuel quality sensor compatible with 100 percent SAF. The company will also test an electronic flight bag (EFB) app featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro. Started in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovations by moving emerging technologies out of the lab and into the operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the program will have tested around 250 technologies to decarbonize avaiation, improve operational efficiency, while enhancing safety and the passenger experience.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source: Boeing/PRNewswire