Home > Resources > Articles > Inside NASA’s New Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Program

Inside NASA’s New Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Program

Apurva Pathak | July 15, 2022 | 6758 views | Read Time : 01:00 min

Inside NASA’s
NASA is known for developing and launching spacecraft that have a significant environmental impact. However, the space agency is fully on board with the net-zero movement. NASA supports the White House's Aviation Climate Action Plan. It is helping fund several aviation projects that aim to reduce the aviation industry’s damage to the environment.

NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Program

NASA focuses on technologies for single-aisle aircraft, which are the powerhouses of many airline fleets and account for nearly half of global aviation emissions. NASA's Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project aims to reduce carbon emissions and keep the US competitive in the design of single-aisle commercial airliners, which are in high demand.

"Since its creation, NASA has worked with industry to develop and implement innovative aeronautics technology and has shared it with the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Now, with this ambitious new project, we're again joining with US industry to usher in a new era of cutting-edge improvements that will make the global aviation industry cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable."


NASA Wants to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Commercial Aircraft

The program’s goal is to build, test, and fly a large-scale demonstrator. NASA hopes to find a business partner for a Funded Space Act Agreement with its Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, by the beginning of 2023.

The agreement would draw on private-industry knowledge and experience, with an awardee developing a suggested technical plan and committing considerable cash to the project. Under this agreement, NASA would not purchase an aircraft or any other hardware for its missions. The mission of NASA is to develop new and innovative technologies and capabilities.

NASA will collect data on the ground and in the air. Agency and industry teams can use it to test the airframe configuration and related technologies.

Moving Away From Space

NASA's technologies are typically cutting-edge. However, as with many high-end items, the benefits and applications frequently filter down to the masses. NASA's specialized technology and research frequently has civil aviation applications. It's interesting to see how NASA seems to be moving away from space and going after planes that fly closer to Earth.

Spotlight

SkyTeam

You travel, we make your journey smoother, simpler, we make it seamless. With a global coverage of over 16,270 daily flights to 1,057 destinations in 179 countries, the SkyTeam network offers you more destinations, more connections and an ease of travel through the world's best airports.

OTHER ARTICLES
AIR TRANSPORT

What 2019 Taught Us About the U.S. Airline Industry

Article | December 27, 2021

For U.S. airlines, the fourth earnings season is now complete. And as is customary these days, all players produced solid profits. Collectively, Delta, American, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Allegiant reached a double-digit operating margin, topping 10 percent on nearly $46 billion in revenues. For all of 2019, they earned 11 percent on $184 billion. The year before: 10 percent on $175 billion. No other country has an airline industry so stable and profitable. What were the highlights of the final quarter of the final year of the decade? Here’s a review:

Read More
AIR TRANSPORT

What’s Interesting About 2019’s Busiest International Routes?

Article | July 6, 2022

Have you ever thought about which routes around the world see the most traffic? What would your guesses be? Every year, the organization OAG (Official Airline Guide) puts out a publication detailing the world’s busiest routes. Their 2019 report had some interesting findings. Here’s what it revealed.

Read More
AIR TRANSPORT

Why The Airbus A220 Is The Plane Of The Future

Article | December 10, 2021

The Airbus A220 isn’t really a new aircraft. Bombardier first flew the CSeries in September 2013, with its entry into service in July 2016. And yet, the A220 seems to be answering problems that we’re not quite having yet. Airbus predicts a need for 7,000 A220s over the next two decades, and that’s probably not too overoptimistic. Here’s how the A220 is the plane of the future, today. The landscape of aviation is changing. In the past, airlines operated on hub and spoke models, passengers were happy to fit around schedules and the price of jet fuel was so low that efficiency wasn’t a huge consideration. Clearly, aviation today is very different.

Read More

Why Does Aegean Want To Buy Croatia Airlines?

Article | February 10, 2020

Croatia Airlines is on sale, and Aegean Airlines expressed an interest to buy it. Why did the Greek flag carrier do this, and what plans could it have for Croatia Airlines? For several years now, the government of Croatia has been trying to sell Croatia Airlines. The national airline is loss-making and has not launched a single new route in 2019.

Read More
AIR TRANSPORT

The Rise Of Green Travel – How We Will Be Able To Fly In A Sustainable Way By 2022

Article | December 27, 2021

For U.S. airlines, the fourth earnings season is now complete. And as is customary these days, all players produced solid profits. Collectively, Delta, American, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Allegiant reached a double-digit operating margin, topping 10 percent on nearly $46 billion in revenues. For all of 2019, they earned 11 percent on $184 billion. The year before: 10 percent on $175 billion. No other country has an airline industry so stable and profitable. What were the highlights of the final quarter of the final year of the decade? Here’s a review:

Read More
AIR TRANSPORT

A Peek into The Future of Piloting Airplanes

Article | July 6, 2022

Have you ever thought about which routes around the world see the most traffic? What would your guesses be? Every year, the organization OAG (Official Airline Guide) puts out a publication detailing the world’s busiest routes. Their 2019 report had some interesting findings. Here’s what it revealed.

Read More
AIR TRANSPORT

Drones in Supply Chain: Are They Advantageous or Troublesome?

Article | December 10, 2021

The Airbus A220 isn’t really a new aircraft. Bombardier first flew the CSeries in September 2013, with its entry into service in July 2016. And yet, the A220 seems to be answering problems that we’re not quite having yet. Airbus predicts a need for 7,000 A220s over the next two decades, and that’s probably not too overoptimistic. Here’s how the A220 is the plane of the future, today. The landscape of aviation is changing. In the past, airlines operated on hub and spoke models, passengers were happy to fit around schedules and the price of jet fuel was so low that efficiency wasn’t a huge consideration. Clearly, aviation today is very different.

Read More

Why Does Aegean Want To Buy Croatia Airlines?

Article | February 10, 2020

Croatia Airlines is on sale, and Aegean Airlines expressed an interest to buy it. Why did the Greek flag carrier do this, and what plans could it have for Croatia Airlines? For several years now, the government of Croatia has been trying to sell Croatia Airlines. The national airline is loss-making and has not launched a single new route in 2019.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

SkyTeam

You travel, we make your journey smoother, simpler, we make it seamless. With a global coverage of over 16,270 daily flights to 1,057 destinations in 179 countries, the SkyTeam network offers you more destinations, more connections and an ease of travel through the world's best airports.

Related News

AIR TRANSPORT

Starburst Announces Expansion Into Washington, DC With New Office

PRnewswire | March 30, 2023

Starburst, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, today announced its expansion into Washington, DC. With a new office and the addition of Rob Ganim, who has joined Starburst's DC office as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development, Starburst is developing deeper relationships within this significant region. These new routes of engagement with the US government and the greater entrepreneurial community strongly positions Starburst to continue leading innovation efforts throughout the industry. The US Aerospace and Defense industry's wide-ranging activities, which include commercial aviation, national security, and space exploration, are critical to the economic health and strength of our nation. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, the industry's workforce generated $892 billion in combined sales in the past few years and is continuing to grow. The US government invests heavily across aviation, space, defense, and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but there are many challenges today that threaten existing systems. "To continue to meet the demands of today and rise to the future, it is imperative that we build new channels for the government to adopt cutting edge technologies from non-traditional sources, specifically startups," says Starburst's US Managing Director, Elizabeth Reynolds. Given the fast rate in which the market is moving, sincere collaborations between startups and the government must keep pace in order to stay competitive and maintain a high level standard of readiness in defense. Government support of innovative A&D companies that capitalize on new emerging technologies will ensure economic growth and prosperity in addition to national security. Starburst bridges the critical gap of emerging technologies through their continuous and consistent efforts of tackling different components within the innovation life cycles using their accelerator programs and investments. Starburst helps entrepreneurs who are building novel technologies have success within commercial industries and in government contracts. Starburst plans to continue to develop government relationships with the new hire of Rob Ganim, based in Washington, DC. "Bridging the gap between startups and the US government brings forth the best technology and ultimately propels the flywheel of innovation in aerospace and defense on a macro scale for both the economic health and national security position for the entire nation," Reynolds adds. Robert Ganim is a national security policy and business professional, bringing to Starburst over 13 years of experience rooted at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics. Throughout his career, Rob has worked on an array of topics within the national security policy portfolio in the US Senate, at the US Department of Defense, and as a government relations consultant and startup executive. Rob is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds certificates from the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. "In an era of great power competition, the United States' robust innovation ecosystem is a key competitive advantage. Starburst's accelerator programs put it in a prime position to leverage this advantage to help DoD deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter and address broader national security needs. I am excited to work with the Starburst team to develop and grow its partnerships with government and industry leaders," says Ganim. About Starburst Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 15,000+ startups in our network. Starburst's flagship accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

SpeedBird and Northern Jet Management to Merge, Becoming One of The Top 20 Private Jet Operators in the United States

PRnewswire | March 31, 2023

SpeedBird, a leading luxury private air travel provider based in Orlando, Florida, is excited to announce its forthcoming merger with Northern Jet Management (NJM), the Midwest's largest and most trusted provider of private jet services. This move brings together two talented teams and increases the combined company's fleet to accelerate expansion to more destinations throughout the United States and internationally. The pending transaction, which will close in second quarter 2023, brings the combined company's revenue to more than $110 million. With this announcement, the combined company will have 209 employees, including 98 pilots, and a fleet of 37 aircraft with dedicated customer terminals in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; and Naples, Florida., and additional offices in Milwaukee and Chicago. "Through this combination with Northern Jet, we are now positioned to become one of the top 20 private jet operators in the United States," said Chris Bull, founder and chief executive officer of SpeedBird who serves as CEO of the combined company. "We are excited to collaborate with the teams that Northern Jet has in its Grand Rapids headquarters, as well as in Chicago, Milwaukee and Naples. Northern Jet has been a leader in private air travel for business and leisure for more than 30 years, and our collective commitment to superior client service and safety are well-matched. Their extraordinary team, aircraft fleet and facilities are significant milestones forward for us and will continue to elevate our clients' experience." "It was important for us to find a company that shared the same values and commitment to putting our clients first and providing sophisticated and safe service to airports throughout the country and abroad," said Chuck Cox, who has led Northern Jet Management since 1995 and becomes chairman and a shareholder of the combined company. "We found our cultural match in SpeedBird, and we are now collectively positioned to serve our mutual clients with even more opportunities for business and leisure travel." With access to 37 aircraft – including Cessna Citation CJ3s, Learjet 40/45/70/75s, Citation Xs, Challenger 300/350s and Challenger 605s – and a team of 209 total employees, including 98 pilots, the combined company will continue to provide the absolute best in luxury private air travel for clients, all while being an award-winning leader in the industry. The Orlando Business Journal named SpeedBird among its Best Places to Work in 2021. Northern Jet is regularly recognized for its best-in-safety performance rankings from organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association, Air Charter Safety Foundation, Argus International, and in 2020 it was named among "Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch" by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The combined company now has 30,000 square feet of hangar space in Grand Rapids, 24,500 square feet in Naples and 32,500 square feet in Orlando. Logging more than 20,000 flight hours annually, it is one of the busiest private aviation companies in the United States. "Among post-pandemic developments is the vibrant economic outlook for companies like SpeedBird and Northern Jet, whose innovative approach to private air travel reflects what we see as an immense opportunity for long-term growth in key markets," said Josh Ollek, managing director, aerospace at global investment banking boutique William Blair, which facilitated the merger. About Northern Jet Management Northern Jet Management provides a premier jet travel experience to customers who seek the flexibility, convenience and comfort that private jet travel promises. We maximize our customers' time with uncompromised quality, service and safety through our focus on total customer satisfaction and absolute professionalism. The Company Jet Fractional Ownership Program, Aircraft Management Services and Private Advantage Card Program make Northern Jet Management the premier private jet operator in the Midwest, with bases in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Naples, Florida. About SpeedBird Personal. Private. Authentic. From takeoff to touchdown, SpeedBird offers a bespoke private air travel experience for the most discerning clients. SpeedBird's elevated experience provides clients with unrivaled comfort and reliability, including a wide selection of luxury private aircraft available on demand. To learn more about SpeedBird, please visit www.flyspeedbird.com.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One A320neo to Spirit Airlines

Business Wire | March 24, 2023

Aviation Capital Group LLC (“ACG”) announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Spirit Airlines. Powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the first of four aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus. This is ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Airbus’ facility in Mobile, Alabama. “We are thrilled to be delivering our first new Airbus A320neo aircraft to Spirit Airlines, which also marks ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Mobile, Alabama,” said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. “We are also proud to partner with Spirit Airlines in working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future by investing in fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft that produce lower emissions, use less fuel and create less environmental noise.” About Aviation Capital Group Aviation Capital Group was founded in 1989 and is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 470 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of December 31, 2022, which are leased to approximately 95 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

Starburst Announces Expansion Into Washington, DC With New Office

PRnewswire | March 30, 2023

Starburst, the leading global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) startup accelerator and strategic advisory practice, today announced its expansion into Washington, DC. With a new office and the addition of Rob Ganim, who has joined Starburst's DC office as Director of Government Affairs and Business Development, Starburst is developing deeper relationships within this significant region. These new routes of engagement with the US government and the greater entrepreneurial community strongly positions Starburst to continue leading innovation efforts throughout the industry. The US Aerospace and Defense industry's wide-ranging activities, which include commercial aviation, national security, and space exploration, are critical to the economic health and strength of our nation. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, the industry's workforce generated $892 billion in combined sales in the past few years and is continuing to grow. The US government invests heavily across aviation, space, defense, and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but there are many challenges today that threaten existing systems. "To continue to meet the demands of today and rise to the future, it is imperative that we build new channels for the government to adopt cutting edge technologies from non-traditional sources, specifically startups," says Starburst's US Managing Director, Elizabeth Reynolds. Given the fast rate in which the market is moving, sincere collaborations between startups and the government must keep pace in order to stay competitive and maintain a high level standard of readiness in defense. Government support of innovative A&D companies that capitalize on new emerging technologies will ensure economic growth and prosperity in addition to national security. Starburst bridges the critical gap of emerging technologies through their continuous and consistent efforts of tackling different components within the innovation life cycles using their accelerator programs and investments. Starburst helps entrepreneurs who are building novel technologies have success within commercial industries and in government contracts. Starburst plans to continue to develop government relationships with the new hire of Rob Ganim, based in Washington, DC. "Bridging the gap between startups and the US government brings forth the best technology and ultimately propels the flywheel of innovation in aerospace and defense on a macro scale for both the economic health and national security position for the entire nation," Reynolds adds. Robert Ganim is a national security policy and business professional, bringing to Starburst over 13 years of experience rooted at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics. Throughout his career, Rob has worked on an array of topics within the national security policy portfolio in the US Senate, at the US Department of Defense, and as a government relations consultant and startup executive. Rob is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds certificates from the US Air Force's Air Command and Staff College and Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. "In an era of great power competition, the United States' robust innovation ecosystem is a key competitive advantage. Starburst's accelerator programs put it in a prime position to leverage this advantage to help DoD deliver critical capabilities to the warfighter and address broader national security needs. I am excited to work with the Starburst team to develop and grow its partnerships with government and industry leaders," says Ganim. About Starburst Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the Aerospace and Defense industry. They are the first and only global aerospace accelerator, connecting startups with corporates, investors and government, while providing strategic growth and investment consulting services for all. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, and Madrid, the team has built an ecosystem of key players with 15,000+ startups in our network. Starburst's flagship accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defense with access to the largest group of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private venture investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

SpeedBird and Northern Jet Management to Merge, Becoming One of The Top 20 Private Jet Operators in the United States

PRnewswire | March 31, 2023

SpeedBird, a leading luxury private air travel provider based in Orlando, Florida, is excited to announce its forthcoming merger with Northern Jet Management (NJM), the Midwest's largest and most trusted provider of private jet services. This move brings together two talented teams and increases the combined company's fleet to accelerate expansion to more destinations throughout the United States and internationally. The pending transaction, which will close in second quarter 2023, brings the combined company's revenue to more than $110 million. With this announcement, the combined company will have 209 employees, including 98 pilots, and a fleet of 37 aircraft with dedicated customer terminals in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; and Naples, Florida., and additional offices in Milwaukee and Chicago. "Through this combination with Northern Jet, we are now positioned to become one of the top 20 private jet operators in the United States," said Chris Bull, founder and chief executive officer of SpeedBird who serves as CEO of the combined company. "We are excited to collaborate with the teams that Northern Jet has in its Grand Rapids headquarters, as well as in Chicago, Milwaukee and Naples. Northern Jet has been a leader in private air travel for business and leisure for more than 30 years, and our collective commitment to superior client service and safety are well-matched. Their extraordinary team, aircraft fleet and facilities are significant milestones forward for us and will continue to elevate our clients' experience." "It was important for us to find a company that shared the same values and commitment to putting our clients first and providing sophisticated and safe service to airports throughout the country and abroad," said Chuck Cox, who has led Northern Jet Management since 1995 and becomes chairman and a shareholder of the combined company. "We found our cultural match in SpeedBird, and we are now collectively positioned to serve our mutual clients with even more opportunities for business and leisure travel." With access to 37 aircraft – including Cessna Citation CJ3s, Learjet 40/45/70/75s, Citation Xs, Challenger 300/350s and Challenger 605s – and a team of 209 total employees, including 98 pilots, the combined company will continue to provide the absolute best in luxury private air travel for clients, all while being an award-winning leader in the industry. The Orlando Business Journal named SpeedBird among its Best Places to Work in 2021. Northern Jet is regularly recognized for its best-in-safety performance rankings from organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association, Air Charter Safety Foundation, Argus International, and in 2020 it was named among "Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch" by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The combined company now has 30,000 square feet of hangar space in Grand Rapids, 24,500 square feet in Naples and 32,500 square feet in Orlando. Logging more than 20,000 flight hours annually, it is one of the busiest private aviation companies in the United States. "Among post-pandemic developments is the vibrant economic outlook for companies like SpeedBird and Northern Jet, whose innovative approach to private air travel reflects what we see as an immense opportunity for long-term growth in key markets," said Josh Ollek, managing director, aerospace at global investment banking boutique William Blair, which facilitated the merger. About Northern Jet Management Northern Jet Management provides a premier jet travel experience to customers who seek the flexibility, convenience and comfort that private jet travel promises. We maximize our customers' time with uncompromised quality, service and safety through our focus on total customer satisfaction and absolute professionalism. The Company Jet Fractional Ownership Program, Aircraft Management Services and Private Advantage Card Program make Northern Jet Management the premier private jet operator in the Midwest, with bases in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Naples, Florida. About SpeedBird Personal. Private. Authentic. From takeoff to touchdown, SpeedBird offers a bespoke private air travel experience for the most discerning clients. SpeedBird's elevated experience provides clients with unrivaled comfort and reliability, including a wide selection of luxury private aircraft available on demand. To learn more about SpeedBird, please visit www.flyspeedbird.com.

Read More

AIR TRANSPORT

Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One A320neo to Spirit Airlines

Business Wire | March 24, 2023

Aviation Capital Group LLC (“ACG”) announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Spirit Airlines. Powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the first of four aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ACG’s order book with Airbus. This is ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Airbus’ facility in Mobile, Alabama. “We are thrilled to be delivering our first new Airbus A320neo aircraft to Spirit Airlines, which also marks ACG’s first aircraft delivery from Mobile, Alabama,” said Alan Mangels, Vice President of Marketing for ACG. “We are also proud to partner with Spirit Airlines in working towards a cleaner and more sustainable future by investing in fuel-efficient, new technology aircraft that produce lower emissions, use less fuel and create less environmental noise.” About Aviation Capital Group Aviation Capital Group was founded in 1989 and is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 470 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of December 31, 2022, which are leased to approximately 95 airlines in approximately 45 countries. ACG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

Read More

Events

TMAE 2023

Conference

TMAE 2023

Conference