Boeing's 2022 Sustainability Report Highlights A Year Of Progress

#Boeing published its Sustainable #Aerospace Together #2022 Sustainability Report yesterday. The second sustainability report that Boeing has issued this year takes a look back at what was accomplished in #2021, looks ahead to its #2030 targets, and goes even further to the industry target of net-zero emissions in #2050.

According to a report by Boeing, in the year 2050, there would be more than 10 billion people carried by the air each year, 180 million jobs supported, and around $9 trillion in economic activity. The aviation sector will work to reduce its impact on the environment and strive for net-zero carbon emissions at the same time. Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, claims that the company is dedicated to safeguarding the societal, security, and economic benefits of the sector in a safe and sustainable manner. Added him: "A multifaceted strategy is necessary to improve the globe for future generations while advancing the future of flight. Our culture and the expectations of our stakeholders both place a strong emphasis on ESG."

The split scimitar winglets that distinguish the 737 MAX are a result of ecoDemonstrator research by Boeing. . The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) three main ESG pillars are highlighted in the study as Boeing's development. In terms of sustainability, some of the key milestones for 2021 included Boeing's pledge to deliver 100% SAF-capable aircraft by 2030, its ecoDemonstrater partnership with Alaska Airlines, the first 100% SAF flight with United Airlines using a single engine, and its collaboration with Rolls-Royce on 100% SAF flights.

It tested a sizable hydrogen fuel tank with NASA and DARPA successfully in December (US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). Liquid hydrogen can be stored in the totally composite, linerless cryogenic tank in amounts up to 16,000 gallons (65,500 litres). Boeing also bought two million gallons (7.6 million litres) of SAF blended with EPIC Fuels in December to power its commercial aircraft operations in South Carolina and Washington state through 2022.

Boeing's approach to decarbonize aviation, according to Chris Raymond, chief sustainability officer of Boeing, focuses on four major areas: fleet renewal, operational efficiency, the transition to renewable energy, and advanced technology. He predicts that the development of electric and hydrogen propulsion as well as zero-impact aircraft design principles will converge with the industrialization of SAF manufacture. He stated: "This report is a critical step in demonstrating our ambition to communicate honestly with all of our stakeholders and in holding ourselves accountable as we protect, connect, and explore our globe – safely and sustainably," the study's authors write.

The cooperation between Boeing and Etihad Airways, which aims to increase the effectiveness of navigation and flight operations, was extended in November 2021. Since the beginning of the cooperation in 2019, B787s have been utilised to test new, sustainable operations as part of Etihad's "Greenliner programme," which has grown. This includes the use of SAF on B787 revenue flights and delivery flights, where Etihad has led the way in implementing novel strategies for creating a more sustainable network. Boeing is still working on green hydrogen and electric propulsion in addition to SAF.

The most recent report claims that Boeing has spent more than 15 years developing fuel cell and hydrogen applications. It applies the knowledge it gained from its space industry, particularly in cryogenic storage systems, to this area. Although the tank used in the hydrogen experiments in December is intended for space applications, it will provide crucial information on materials technology for environmentally friendly flying.

The tank can carry 16,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen, which is around 3,700 gallons (14,000 litres) of Jet-A fuel, the amount of fuel used by a regional jet. The tank's materials and composition are validated by passing the NASA burst tests, enabling it to be used in space and on aircraft.

The 2020 Sustainability Report also includes information on Boeing's advancements in governance, risk management, community involvement, employee equity, diversity, inclusion, and welfare. Boeing has recently come under fire for its commercial aeroplane initiatives, but today it deserves praise for its environmental initiatives and the openness of this report.