Did you know?
In 2016, nearly $64 billion was invested in airport infrastructure, mostly in Asia and the Americas.
Relevance to aviation
Aviation is one of the most innovative industries in the world. The manufacturing sector is continually developing new technology and creates significant urban infrastructure through the building of airports, as well as air traffic management. Aviation has always been a driver of innovation. Each new generation of aircraft is 15-20% more fuel efficient than the generation it replaces, but more comprehensive partnerships between commercial manufacturers and governments on research and development (R&D) are needed if this progress is to be built on.
Examples of action
- Boeing and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) have announced an agreement to expand their joint technology research centre in China.
- Aerospace manufacturers, such as Airbus and Boeing have been at the forefront of additive layer manufacturing (otherwise known as 3D printing).
- According to the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the value of airport infrastructure in Canada was collectively $59 billion in GDP in 2015.
- Airbus Group has started the ‘Airnovation Summer Academy’, which aims to foster innovative talent by presenting participants with real-world aerospace problems to solve. Airbus also runs the BizLab, which invites start-ups to showcase their ideas, with the prospect of investment from Airbus.
- The Clean Sky Joint Undertaking, a collaborative effort between the European Commission and industry manufacturers, is currently undertaking ground-breaking work on efficiency technology www.cleansky.eu
- GMR Group, which operates Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, has designed the new Terminal 3 building to comply with the LEED Gold standard.
Learn more in the Flying in Formation report