Cranfield Celebrate Air Transport 60thAnniversary

The day maybe Friday 13th but GMK News were not deterred reporting from one of Cranfield University’s key events for 2024 celebrating 60 years of commitment to Air Transport Management, aviation teaching, research and development.

Dame Helen Atkinson in her welcome opening said, ‘People have flown from all over the world to be here today’ she gave more support to the event and the university in her closing remarks saying MScs at Cranfield have enabled people to get their dream jobs after graduating here.’

Head of Air Transport Management, Professor Anna Smallwood followed with an ATM update.’ 60 years ago Eric Hyde set up what we have today. At the time he said, what we have established is a unique cause which will make a significant contribution to the Aviation Industry. Certainly we aim to continue this today. Justin Symonds, an MSc Cranfield graduate himself and now senior advisor to the University in his keynote speech went on to say how aviation is one of the top growth industries. From 1964-2019, the global population has doubled while aviation has grown 50 X. It is a great area for investment. In 1964, there were just around 175,000 passengers, today there are over 18 million. In 1964, there were 4000 aircraft within the industry, today around 28,000. In 1988, there were only 12 jets, now the figure is in the thousands. From 1964, profitability within the industry has increased 12 fold. Although he did admit that to make sustained profits is a challenge. What happened at airports during the covid crisis and subsequent lock-downs confirm this . He closed by saying, 'today’s celebration event is also about the future, not the past. In the net zero field, de-carbonising Airports, Cranfield can make a significant contribution’.

A Panel Discussion followed entitled, ‘ future prospects facing aviation’. The first question to the academics and one representative from the aviation industry asked, ‘ what can we do to make the aviation industry sustainable? Most were in agreement that this is the main challenge for the future and that the answer lies in making future aviation fuels greener with zero Omissions. Hydrogen maybe one of the most likely future aviation fuels. Although one member did not rule out also considering electrical battery, nuclear power and biofuel. Whatever, another panel member argued we need to be transparent and critical when looking at alternative greener future aviation fuels. 95% of of the Omissions come from the tail end of the aircraft and it is the fuel we need to amend. One panel member did not agree that the priority for the future of the industry was to focus on developing green issues.

What is more important is new technology and to step up the product cycle. A global government policy towards the industry is required. No good if it just comes from singular countries. We need a global approach. There is a need for sticks and carrots towards the level of de- regulation with the industry. Metrics and measure of success within the industry has let us down in the past and led towards delayed action towards the introduction of new technology.

Digitalisation is another significant ingredient in developing the industry. Need to make the industry as touchless as possible, recent trend towards e-gates and use of bio-metrics for passports etc. What can we do to promote high value travel was the second question to the panel? The panel argued that we need to make the aviation transport experience for customers easier and more enjoyable. ‘ As an industry it brings together people from all over the world but this not really achieved over the previous decade.

The panel summed up the discussion by arguing that net zero in 2050 is so close now in terms of the aviation industry. Maybe a new business model needs to be applied to the industry? Future investment should only be green and put in new technology. One member from the audience asked for a prediction on a possible year when he would be able to take off from Heathrow in an an hydrogen fuelled aircraft to anywhere in the world? 'Not in our lifetime was the answer. You might at some time be able to take off in a hydrogen jet but it would only be heading for near Europe, not the Atlantic and certainly not anywhere throughout the world.'

The discussion was followed by a presentation for excellence in achievement award for a recent Cranfield aviation graduate. The award was given to Kenyan Liz Alicante who graduated with an ATM masters in 2014 . In her acceptance speech, she thanked Cranfield for having got her where she has got in her career. She is now CO for Kenya Air Operations. Going to Cranfield was the best decision she has ever made in her life’. She ended saying.

The afternoon was followed with a tour of the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre ( DART eC ) and National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC)flying classroom. Information was given on the airport control tower being replaced with a more efficient digital one. Reassurances were given that the move towards digitalisation of air transportation had not resulted in security being compromised to possible external and internal cyber attack threats. In relation to drone research being conducted at the building, one professor stated that drone technology was significantly moving forwards due to research being conducted but the idea of an 'air taxi' was still yet to be realised.

Attendees were taken on board the National Flying Laboratory centre and shown how students use it as part of their flight training. 'We need school pupils to visit the lab as well as adult postgrads'. They were told. Too many sixth formers are opting for studies in non technical subjects like Criminology, when more flight engineers are required', he added.

The day end with more speeches and the cutting of the 60th birthday cake which was distributed and kindly appreciated by all who attended.