Andrew Doyle/HAMBURG
A strategy paper produced by leading figures in the European aerospace industry on behalf of the European Commission has recommended a series of tough safety, environmental and operational targets to be attained by 2020.
The EC has already pledged to throw its weight behind the creation by mid-year of an Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe, as recommended by the panel, which was tasked with setting priorities for future research spending by the EC, European governments and industry.
Further targets set by the group of experts are:
The development of passenger aircraft that burn 50% less fuel A five-fold reduction in commercial aircraft accidents; The halving of perceived aircraft noise; An 80% reduction in emissions of nitrous oxides; An air traffic system capable of handling 16 million flights per year 24h operation of airports and "more comfort for passengers".The panel, assembled by EC research commissioner Philippe Busquin, includes BAE Systems chairman Sir Richard Evans, EADS co-chairmen Manfred Bischoff and Jean-Luc Lagardère and Rolls-Royce chairman Sir Ralph Robins, as well as senior executives from the airport, airline, regulatory and air traffic control sectors.
The release of the strategy paper coincided with the start of the EC's Fourth Community Aeronautical Days conference in Hamburg which discussed the status of a wide range of research projects which are being partially funded by the European Union as part of its Fifth Framework Programme.
Busquin says he supports the creation of a research advisory council because "the way research is organised at the moment has failed to keep pace with changes in the industry's own structures." The research council would be charged with drafting a "strategic research agenda" and updating it every three years.
Source: Flight International
