Written by Christine Akrofi, Aerospace Regulatory Manager, ADS
Reuben Gomez and I, part of the ADS Aerospace team, were invited to a private viewing at the Design Museum on 16 October in London. The theme of the exhibition was “Get Onboard: Reduce. Reuse. Rethink” and was designed and curated by PriestmanGoode, a leading London-based design consultancy which creates designs for aircraft interiors, high speed trains and public transport worldwide.
The aim of this art project is to raise awareness of the environmental impact of long-haul air travel, particularly on the amount of waste generated from single-use plastic. An estimated 2.2 lb. of waste is created per passenger per flight, contributing to around 5.7 million ton of cabin waste per year worldwide (think of earphones, meal trays and toiletries).
To encourage airlines and passengers to reduce, reuse and rethink the amount of waste produced, Priesteman Goode, aims to incorporate sustainable materials and earth-friendly alternatives in its designs. Starting with the meal service in flight, the firm has designed the tray from coffee grounds and husks, a side dish lid made from algae, coconut wood spork and soluble seaweed capsules for milk.
Reducing the impact that aviation has on the environment requires action from multiple parties – airlines, airports and aerospace manufacturers alike all have to play their part.
The UK aerospace industry is committed to becoming more sustainable and our world-leading manufacturers are investing heavily in green and sustainable technology. This investment in R&D is crucial to further improving the fuel efficiency of modern aircraft and in developing radical new technologies like electrification.
It is also important that wider aviation, not just aerospace manufacturers, such as airlines, airport operators and others all contribute too. To work towards this mutual goal, ADS is a part of a group called Sustainable Aviation where we all come together to work on a more sustainable future for the industry.
To read more about what the UK aerospace industry is doing to respond to the Climate Change Challenge, read our blog.
