“Change is coming to this market”, Jack Richardson reports in the 'Future of Flight’ special for the RaeS Aerospace magazine. He cited a McKinsey report that argues technological advances, the importance of sustainability, road and airport congestion and the rise of mobility as a service are driving this renaissance.
The future of flight is where sustainability and efficiency converge to redefine the way we traverse the skies. In recent months, Tom Grundy, HAV’s CEO, continued to add his voice to this evolving narrative. He shared his unique perspective on the future of flight, and the transformative role of Airlander in this aerial evolution. Two pivotal panels served as platforms for these discussions: one at the Aviation Club UK Forum and the other at the Royal Aeronautical Society's President’s Summit 2023. These panels brought together industry leaders to explore the next generation of aviation technology and visionary engineering for the air transport of the future.
Aviation Club Forum UK
Tom Grundy joined the Aviation Club UK Forum, a forum that aims to create a vehicle for promoting and developing all aspects of civil aviation and a networking hub for its members. Talking alongside Vertical Aerospace CEO, Stephen Fitzpatrick, and moderated by Michael Halaby, MD of MUFG, Tom discussed an inspiring vision for the future of aviation and how Airlander will reshape regional air travel as we know it. Tom passionately emphasised the crucial task of connecting previously isolated regions, showcasing Airlander's remarkable capability to take off and land on any relatively flat surface, avoiding conventional airports. This adaptability promises to shatter infrastructure limitations, facilitating the expansion of aviation into underserved areas. Tom also highlighted how Airlander provides a path to unhook the growth of services from the growth of emissions, with its scalability and path to zero emissions flight by 2030.
What was notable at the event was the striking alignment of HAV’s and Vertical Aerospace’s outlook. Both leaders share a common goal: connecting cities with efficiency and sustainability. They understand the need for a seamless travel ecosystem. While Tom champions Airlander as the linchpin of ultra-low emission regional transport, Stephen Fitzpatrick envisions electric vertical aircraft as the catalyst for transforming urban mobility. This convergence underscores the shared commitment of aviation pioneers in crafting a sustainable and interconnected future.
The Royal Aeronautical Society's President's Summit 2023
Tom also made a significant contribution at the Royal Aeronautical Society's President's Summit, hosted by the President, Kerissa Khan. The summit delved into the theme of the 'Future of Flight' and the potential of advanced air mobility technologies to revolutionise various aspects of transport. Tom participated in a session titled ‘Future of Experiential Aviation’" where he discussed Airlander's role in unlocking high-capacity, zero-emissions air services. He outlined the plans to introduce an ultra-low emissions 100-seat air mobility capability by 2027, showcasing example use cases and market development strategies. He also explored how this innovative capability fits into future zero-emissions transport systems, touching on the technology, regulations, flight operations, and ground infrastructure considerations that will enable rapid entry into service. Additionally, he delved into the economics and the broader business ecosystem supporting the scaling up of production and facilitating entry into service, further solidifying Airlander's position as contributing to the shape of the future of aviation.
In conclusion, these events provided a platform for Hybrid Air Vehicles to contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of flight. HAV’s perspective shared by Tom, shared at both events shed light on the potential for innovation and transformation in the aviation industry. These discussions emphasised the imperative need for sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity in shaping the future of air travel. HAV's presentations highlighted the capabilities of Airlander, which has the potential to address critical challenges such as connecting isolated regions, overcoming infrastructure limitations, and reducing emissions through scalability. As the aviation industry evolves, Airlander stands as a significant contender in the pursuit of redefining aviation with a focus on sustainable, high-capacity, and zero-emissions air services.