As part of the ecological transition that is required of all economic sectors, the world of air transport is under pressure.
While we expect a record, surpassing 2019, with 5 billion air passengers in 2024 on the planet and therefore greenhouse gas emissions on the rise, it must react quickly to find alternatives to kerosene . Remember that air transport worldwide emits around 3% of greenhouse gases.
We know the options, which are still embryonic: electricity, hydrogen and the famous e-SAF, the green fuel substitute for kerosene.
However, the most advanced alternative energy in this area is electricity.
But for the moment, it only applies to small aircraft.
This is the reason why the France Air Expo which, welcoming 190 professionals from June 6 to 8, took place at one of the main business airports in France, that of Bron managed by Vinci Airport, contained a powerful interest.
Electric Tower
In the center the Velis Electro electric plane exhibited during the Bron show
It made it possible to discover a certain number of electric planes among the aircraft on display.
We still had to see these electric planes fly.
This was the role of the Electric Tour organized from May 28 to 31 by Vinci Airports and the FFA (French Aviation Federation) on the grounds of Annecy, Chambéry, Grenoble and Lyon Bron: a test which required an infrastructure reception by mesh and the creation of photovoltaic charging stations: enough to foreshadow the future…
A future first regional, then gradually extending into a network, with control of its environmental impact.
Cyrille Boulnois, the director of Vinci Airport Lyon Bron also has in his sights the development of another energy, hydrogen: “the objective is progressive decarbonization with carbon sequestration in partnership with the ONF (National Forestry Office ) and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a lowering of noise levels. A collaboration with Airbus within the GOLIAT (Ground Operations of Liquid Hydrogen Aircrafts) project. This involves aiming for the creation and development of test infrastructures, distribution of liquid hydrogen, light aviation serving as a test for the future development of commercial aviation…”
We will have understood, the speed race is underway to put an end to kerosene….
Rescue of a historic hangar
Good news also for lovers of aviation history, which we were also able to learn about during this show.
Created in the 1910s, Bron airport saw the construction of six “barrel” hangars between 1925 and 1927. The last survivor, number 6, which recently escaped destruction, will be preserved. There is no doubt that it will find a second life in line with its past history…
Henri-Jules LEGER
