Promoting Sustainable Aviation in the Greater Seattle Region at the Farnborough International Air Show
Greater Seattle Partners joined over 60 delegates from Washington State (the largest delegation ever!) at the Farnborough International Air Show July 22-26, 2024. Our team engaged in one-on-one meetings with 15 international aerospace companies, where we actively promoted the Greater Seattle region as a leading hub for aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on sustainable solutions. By promoting the Greater Seattle region’s capabilities and commitment to sustainable aviation at international events, we aim to attract global partnerships and investments. This will not only bolster the local economy but also contribute significantly to the global push for greener, more sustainable aviation solutions.
A Sustainable Future for the Aviation Industry
At Farnborough, sustainability and the path to Net Zero are key drivers, bringing together global leaders to shape the future of aviation. In Washington, this commitment is reflected in decades of focus on sustainable practices, particularly in areas like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), where new facilities and legislative support make the state a leader. Research efforts are further bolstered by a partnership with Washington State University to establish an SAF R&D Center at Paine Field. The state is also pioneering the electrification of aircraft, with companies like Eviation and ZeroAvia leading innovations in clean aviation technologies. Additionally, Washington’s agricultural industry is being transformed by autonomous drones, and the state’s role in a U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Hub promises to advance hydrogen as a sustainable energy source for various transportation sectors. Boeing’s own sustainability efforts, as highlighted in their 2024 Sustainability & Social Impact Report, demonstrate steady progress towards a more sustainable future, including sourcing 39% of its energy from renewable electricity and expanding its focus on decarbonizing the aviation industry.
Flying Display
Daily flying displays, always a major highlight, give manufacturers a chance to showcase their latest innovations. While the lineup may not have featured many new aircraft, the B-52H Stratofortress Bomber from the US military was set to impress. The USAF’s F-35 Lightning II, a 5th generation aircraft, was in action. Additionally, the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) took to the skies its F-16s, known as the “Dannebrog” or “Danish flag.”
Boeing-produced products on display included:
- F-15QA fighter jet with two differently configured aircraft performing aerial demonstrations
- Qatar Airways 787-9 Dreamliner on static display
- In the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) corral, a U.S. Air Force F-15E, U.S. Army AH-64E Apache, CH-47F Chinook and U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon
Urban Air Mobility
As the industry targets carbon neutrality by 2050, the focus is shifting toward cleaner fuels and urban air mobility solutions. Companies like Hyundai-Supernal and Eviation Alice were presenting their mock-ups and prototypes at the show, offering a glimpse into the future. Wisk Aero, a wholly-owned Boeing subsidiary, exhibited its Generation 6 aircraft – the world’s first all-electric, autonomous eVTOL air taxi. The four-seat aircraft promises to bring safe everyday flight to all once certified and in service. Despite regulatory hurdles, this emerging segment is generating significant excitement.
Space Zone Theatre
The Space Zone Theatre at the show, though quite a small display, highlighted the cutting-edge companies driving the space industry’s future, showcasing the sector’s immense growth potential. In Greater Seattle, the space industry is booming, with established giants like Aerojet Rocketdyne and Boeing alongside newer players like Blue Origin and SpaceX. This industry, generating $4.6 billion annually, is rapidly expanding, particularly in satellite production, where Greater Seattle manufactures half of all low-earth orbit satellites. Research and innovation are fueled by top universities and private R&D teams, leading to new technologies like advanced propulsion systems at Aerojet Rocketdyne and space vehicle servicing by Starfish Space. Washington’s rich history of innovation and its talent pool in aerospace, AI, and telecommunications continue to drive new opportunities across the space sector. We hope to see Greater Seattle companies represented at next year’s Farnborough Space Show https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/.
Boeing Forecasts Demand for nearly 44,000 New Airplanes through 2043
Following the Farnborough International Air Show, Boeing released its second-quarter results, highlighting a strong total company backlog of $516 billion, including over 5,400 commercial airplanes. Boeing also forecasted a significant demand for nearly 44,000 new airplanes by 2043, driven by the doubling of the global passenger and freighter fleet over the next 20 years. Single-aisle airplanes are expected to account for 76% of these deliveries, with about half replacing older jets, enhancing sustainability. As air travel recovers and surpasses pre-pandemic levels, Boeing projects substantial growth, particularly in emerging markets, and anticipates a rising demand for commercial services and skilled aviation personnel to support this expansion.
| New deliveries (2024-2043) | |
| Regional Jet | 1,525 |
| Single Aisle | 33,380 |
| Widebody | 8,065 |
| Freighter | 1,005 |
| Total | 43,975 |
Boeing Deals at the Farnborough International Airshow
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing made several major announcements highlighting its strong global partnerships and commitment to sustainable aviation. Qatar Airways expanded its 777X order with Boeing, purchasing an additional 20 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet. Korean Air also committed to up to 50 Boeing widebody aircraft, including 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, further strengthening its long-haul fleet as it prepares for its merger with Asiana Airlines. Japan Airlines followed suit with an order for up to 20 more 787 Dreamliners, emphasizing the model’s efficiency and range for international routes.
In the narrowbody segment, Boeing secured orders from Macquarie AirFinance, Luxair, and Aviation Capital Group for its 737 MAX jets, with Macquarie placing its first direct order for 20 737-8s, Luxair ordering up to four 737-10s, and Aviation Capital Group expanding its 737 MAX portfolio with 35 additional jets. These orders reflect the growing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft as industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, Boeing announced a collaboration with Safran Electrical & Power for the X-66 NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, a project aimed at achieving net-zero CO2 emissions through innovative designs like the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW). Lastly, Boeing and Lufthansa Technik signed a license agreement making Lufthansa Technik the first Boeing-licensed Service Center for 787 Dreamliner cabin modifications, set to begin in 2025.
ZeroAvia Announcements
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Everett, WA-based ZeroAvia announced several key developments, including a collaboration with KLM for a zero-emission demonstration flight using hydrogen-electric engines by 2026, and ASL Aviation Holdings’ commitment to purchase 20 hydrogen-electric engines for its regional turboprop fleet. ZeroAvia also partnered with JEKTA to integrate fuel cell technology into the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft and secured a £10.5 million UK government grant to advance high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology. Additionally, Ecojet, the world’s first electric commercial airline, confirmed a purchase order for 22 ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines, with options for 40 more, marking a significant step towards carbon-free flights.
Chester Field Trip
Following Farnborough, a smaller delegation of Washington State representatives ventured to northwest England and Chester to further co-operation on trade, innovation and clean energy. Greater Seattle Partners was represented by its vice president of economic development, Robert Payne. Founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century A.D., Chester is a charming city that also serves as a nexus to world-class aerospace innovation.
The first day began at Electroimpact, which is an aerospace automation company with an exceptional concentration of engineers working on a wide range of projects include complete automation assembly systems for commercial aircraft wings, riveting machines and tools for wing panel and fuselage assembly, advanced fiber placement machines, robotic assembly systems, and spacecraft handling equipment.
The group proceeded just up the road to Broughton and the Airbus factory where the majority of its commercia aircraft wings are made. Adjacent to Airbus, the group also had the opportunity to tour the Advance Manufacturing Research Center (AMRC) that specializes in carrying out world-leading research into advanced machining, manufacturing and materials for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.
The day concluded with a roundtable discussion at HyNet Northwest where the group learned more about the UK’s ambitious plans for industrial decarbonization and hydrogen production.
A special thanks to the head of the UK Government Office in Seattle, Robin Twyman, Lord Mayor Razia Daniels, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and so many others for hosting the delegation. Everyone was exceedingly warm and welcoming.
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