Life Cycle Assessments: The key to a greener future?

In February of this year, the Brazilian government sank a retired aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean. Scrapping the rusting hulk had became difficult and prohibitively costly, the Brazilian government decided, in part because hazardous materials like asbestos used in the boat's construction had pushed up disposal costs.

The episode is an extreme example of a common problem: how can we better understand the overall environmental impact of construction, operation and disposal of big, complex machines like ships and aircraft? Life Cycle Assessment is a research tool that's been common in other industries for years but is now enjoying a surge of interest in aviation. In the latest episode of Hamburg Aviation Green, our #sustainableaviation #podcast, we talk to Antonia Rahn , a researcher at DLR Institute of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul in Hamburg. Join us for an enlightening conversation about LCAs and their potential to reduce aviation's ecological footprint in the coming generations of aircraft.

Listen to the latest episode here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wishing you a great Friday!

Finnja Czacharowski, Angus Baigent and the Hamburg Aviation Team

Icelandair orders Airbus A321XLR, to be produced in Hamburg

Icelandair and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 13 Airbus A321XLRs with purchase options for 12 additional aircraft. Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2029, but Icelandair - who currently operate only Boeing aircraft on international routes - plans to begin operations with Airbus aircraft in 2025 and is currently in advanced negotiations to lease four Airbus A321LRs for this purpose. Further additions are expected in subsequent years. With the acquisition of the Airbus aircraft, Icelandair is moving to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing 757s. Read more.

German Aerospace Center establishes new Institute of Air Traffic

The German Aerospace Center ( German Aerospace Center (DLR) ) has launched a new Institute of Air Transport, which officially started work on 1 April 2023 with around 50 employees. The new institute combines skills and expertise and will function as a point of contact for businesses, policymakers and the wider public. Read more.

Event Tip: 3rd Cross-Cluster Conference "Pathways to the Hydrogen Economy in Hamburg's Industrial Clusters"

Hamburg has set itself ambitious goals in building a hydrogen economy. The next crucial step: finding a path from innovation to economic viability, and building the foundations of a green hydrogen economy to unlock H2's potential as a real alternative to fossil fuels. Experts from mutiple industries and clusters are coming together on 2 May 2023 at this one-day conference in Hamburg to discuss the next steps on Hamburg's path to a green hydrogen hub. Read more.

Airbus "Take Off" 2023: Fasten your seatbelts, take off and network

How can today be connected with tomorrow? This question was discussed by around 150 business partners and political guests at the invitation of the German management of Airbus in Hannover in March. #AIRzubis, apprentices and dual students of Airbus, shared their personal experiences in the Group and their impressions of the aviation industry as very special hosts. Read more.