The three distinct aerospace revolutions, beginning with the commencement of aviation, experiencing the expansion of commercial flights during the jet age, right through to the current era of viable space travel, have transformed the once unthinkable into reality. Now, as an industry, we face the challenge of decarbonisation, one so important that it requires a fourth revolution.
Despite improvements, such as modern aircraft boasting significantly lower unit consumption per passenger-kilometre compared to those built in the 1960s, the aerospace sector's substantial contribution to greenhouse emissions remains a critical concern. In response, governments are taking active measures. Here in France, President Macron allocated 1.2 billion Euros to R&D activities focused on reducing the environmental impact of aircraft and related products, as part of the 'France 2030' investment programme. Simultaneously, the UK government unveiled a two-year plan in April of this year aiming to accelerate the design and manufacturing of zero-emission aircraft.
This commitment extends globally, with organisations like The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) leading the charge through enterprises like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), set to become mandatory in 2027. CORSIA aligns with ICAO's ambitious goal of achieving complete sector decarbonisation by 2050. Similarly, CORAC, representing France, offers strong support as it aims for 'aviation of the future’, committing to decarbonisation by 2035. The industry’s pursuit of a decarbonised future is therefore reinforced by a clear plan with the essential financial backing.
In the quest for decarbonisation, sustainable fuels and innovative aircraft designs take centre stage. Yet, the role of 3D printing/additive manufacturing is pivotal. This technology, among various strategies, reduces both raw material consumption and component weight, offering significant environmental benefits across aerospace parts manufacturing and aircraft decarbonisation. Consequently, Metal Binder Jet printing (MBJ) will be a focal point of our technological advancements in refining production processes in the coming years.
Here at JPB Système, our innovation and ambition in MBJ have garnered recognition and funding through the France 2030 initiative. This financial support actively contributes to developing a pilot manufacturing line dedicated to creating and pre-industrialising aerospace parts for low-carbon aircraft.
The future of the planet itself is at stake and its long-term survival is at the forefront of all our thinking. As such, it is essential that we instigate meaningful change, ultimately representing a shift away from technological innovation and the want of adventure, aspects that have always encapsulated our industry. The new fourth revolution is a lasting paradigm and it’s our mission to ensure that decarbonisation follows in the footsteps of the successes of the previous three.
Damien Marc is President of JPB Système - a supplier to the likes of Safran, Pratt & Whitney, GE and Rolls-Royce - and manufacturer of efficiency-enhancing technology solutions for aerospace, aeronautics and other industries.
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I'd hate to be disingenuous so I've replotted the data with the first trendline from 1946 to 1977 and the second using your chosen dates 1983 to 2018....