Jetgala - FALL-WINTER 2022

33 T E X T R O N This industry standard is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase use of more environmentally friendly energy sources, reduce waste, and encourage sustainability operation-wide. Textron’s supply chain management will also play a role in reducing the company’s environmental impact. Materials used throughout aircraft cabins include textiles, carpets, and wood veneers that were selected not just for beauty and durability, but also for their sustainability.Textron strives to source wood veneers from properly managed forests, and to leverage surplus inventory in order to reduce its footprint. A robust recycling programme repurposes scrap metal and composite materials discarded during the manufacturing process, and landing gear, avionics and electronics are all recyclable or able to be repurposed. Sourcing long-lifespan biodegradable materials and instituting clean manufacturing processes also contributes to more sustainable operation.Aviation-grade leather, for instance, meets tough durability requirements, and stringent flammability and fire-retardancy standards, but is also selected for its light weight, for long-term benefits in fuel efficiency. Leveraging on Expertise Sustainability is not just reducing the amount of fuel that is used – where the fuel comes from also makes a difference. All Textron Aviation turbine aircraft can operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent. SAF is manufactured from renewable waste and residue raw materials and without fossil fuel inputs. It is also a big business that is bound to grow – an estimated 100 million litres were manufactured last year, and there are 14 billion litres in forward contracts with commercial airlines. Since 2020, all new Beechcraft turboprop, Cessna turboprop, and Citation jet aircraft customers have been offered SAF in the tank on delivery of the aircraft. And what of a world where aircraft fly without any fuel in the tanks at all? Textron formed its new eAviation unit last year, with the aim of leveragingTextron’s expertise in aerospace and defense to explore emerging technologies in civil aviation. Is the Future Electric? One step in that direction was taken with the acquisition of Pipistrel, an award- winning pioneer in electrically-powered aircraft, and manufacturer of theVelis Electro.TheVelis Electro is a two-seater designed primarily for pilot training, and the world’s first electric powered aircraft to receive full type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. With noise levels of only 60 dBa, Velis Electro is considerably quieter than other aircraft, and thanks to the low noise, flight training can be done much closer to urban areas without adversely affecting communities’ quality of life.And its dramatically reduced number of moving parts decreases maintenance costs. Is the future of aviation electric?The Velis Electro indicates that for smaller aircraft, at least, that may be the case, and Textron’s eAviation unit will continue to explore the possibilities. It is just a part of Textron’s commitment for long-term sustainability in aviation.