Boeing Steps Up the ecoDemonstrator Flight Test

Photo: CNN

Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight test program to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. The company today announced its 2023 plan to test 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while adding "Explorer" aircraft that will focus testing on specific technologies.

The first ecoDemonstrator “Explorer”, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordination of navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, thereby can reduce fuel use and emissions from an aircraft by up to 10%. Using today's onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers in the United States, Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence aircraft routes to achieve an optimized flight path across multiple regions, taking into account conditions such as weather , air traffic and airspace closures. The aircraft will fly on the highest available sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend at each location.

"To support our industry's goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator program, with 'Explorer' aircraft, to test even more sustainability-focused technologies," said Stan Deal, Boeing President and CEO. Commercial Airplanes. “We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise in our products, partnering with governments and industry to advance sustainability during every phase of flight.”

“The industry will need continued fleet renewal, increased efficiencies, renewable energy operators such as sustainable aviation fuel, and advanced technology to deliver on the civil aviation industry's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions for 2050,” said Chris Raymond, Boeing's Chief Sustainability Officer. "Our initial trial of 'Explorer' in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiencies and reduce emissions."

In 2023, Boeing will also use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator aircraft, a 777-200ER (extended range), to test 19 technologies including:

Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold, made with 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based raw material

A 100% SAF compatible fiber optic fuel quantity sensor

An Electronic Flight Bag application with Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with contextual data rendering of the airport

For all flight tests, the aircraft will be flown with the highest locally available mix of SAF.

Since its initial flights in 2012, Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the program will have tested around 250 technologies to help decarbonise aviation, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately one-third of the technologies tested have progressed to Boeing products and services.