The US sends newest stealth fighters to Europe

Business Aviation

Article | December 28, 2021

Drones may be troublesome at some points in the supply chain. It can cause many hurdles and safety hazards. But what about the vast potential that drones carry to assist and even improve safety? The topic of discussion in this blog revolves around drones in the supply chain. Are these advantageous or troublesome? The blog showcases both sides of the coin. According to the global commercial drone market’s study, drones are expected to witness growth of 26%. It is going to reach a value of $10,738m by 2022. Aren’t these figures impressive? While the pandemic has forced industries and businesses to increase touch-less mechanisms, the increasing demand for contactless deliveries has given drones a wide-ranging opportunity to be reliable. Did you know that over twenty thousand drones are registered for commercial use with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today? Many of which are already being used in the supply chain process. A study by MarketsandMarkets indicates the drone package delivery market might surge from $528 million in 2020 to $39 billion in 2030 at a rate of 53.8%. Similarly, Gartner estimates that drone delivery will reduce delivery costs by 70%. These show a promising future for drone technology to hover industries and would significantly affect customers across the globe. How Exactly are Drones Changing Supply Chain Processes? Automation is becoming a comprehensive solution in the distribution industry. A report by the Brookings Institute mentions that over 70% of jobs may be automated. In that case, drone technology is the main focus today. On the other hand, some view automation as a threat. But with the help of automation, drones would make manual jobs redundant and destroy industries like aviation, transportation, production, and others involved throughout the global supply chain. However, several defenders of automation note that drone technology rarely replaces manual work. Instead, it tends to free up workers from a challenging workforce, reduces workloads and increases efficiency. As a result of this, companies become more productive. In the realm of the supply chain process, drones offer the chance to completely change inventory management ways and shipping methods. And thus, companies can operate quicker and errorless management. “As drones prove to be the next automation technology within the supply chain, businesses globally would do well. But to incur drone technology to their operations, they need to start investigating strategies to see if they would suitable their business model. My advice is to start looking for help from experts to understand the technological challenges, facts, and boundaries of using drones as part of your supply chain processes before going all-in too quickly.” - Trish Young’s, UK Head of Business Consulting – Retail, Consumer Goods, Travel & Hospitality at Cognizant. Let’s get into the advantages of drones that supply chain companies and industries are already reaping. Advantages of Drones Monitoring Supply Chain Delivery Courses Drones in the supply chain assist in monitoring supply chain courses for barriers. Therefore, it could positively impact the entire delivery process via transport carriers . In addition, drones are used for monitoring road conditions and other hazards in the delivery process. In this way, a delivery operator can quickly select an alternative shipping process and make efforts to achieve a faster or on-time delivery. Drones in Warehouses Drones in warehouses can be used for inventory counting, improving safety before the supply process starts. Warehouses are full of products kept for supply or shipping to different locations via different modes of transport. In this case, using drones, the scanning of products and data will be faster by having barcodes. In addition, as drones are much safer, they eliminate the need for workers to scale up monitoring and thus save time. Here are some other ways drones can help warehouses in: Providing better accuracy Reducing human labor costs Reducing workplace injuries Streamline inventory tasks Realistic Applications for Drones in Supply Chain Skyward Skyward is involved in developing the digital airspace infrastructure around industrial drones. In addition, the company is working on designing software for drones that will assist in the supply chain industries. “I can tell you this from an engineering background that it is now possible to deliver goods using drones under five pounds, which is 86 percent of Amazon’s inventory, within a 30-minute of radius,” - Jonathan Evans, the CEO of Skyward Drones in the supply chain in demand due to its capabilities. Skyward determines the practical application of this technology and develops it for future purposes. Amazon Amazon’s Prime Air is a new drone technology-driven pilot program. Amazon is currently focusing on smaller packages under the 5lb range under its supply chain process. Amazon drone delivery is one of the most innovative services, and other companies are getting inspired to develop their drone-enabled supply chain program. Walmart Walmart is also taking the approach and reaping the advantages of drones. However, it is going miles apart in terms of using the technology for its supply chain process. Walmart has partnered with some prominent drone companies like Flytrex and Zipline. Flytrex and Zipline are currently doing pilot programs for supply chains and deliveries. The Obstacles As drone technology has already taken to the skies and is already operational, it is yet to be seen how quickly regulatory agencies allow the technology to operate without legal restrictions. More than one million drones are ready to take to the skies by 2022. But hurdles like safety risks, privacy issues, and security interference cannot be ignored. In addition, the military and commercial aircraft industry is posing valid concerns about sharing airspace and air interference. There are challenges like the susceptibility to hacking or theft, collision, and high insurance costs that have become a hurdle regarding drones in the supply chain process. Further, the technology has many limitations that need to be highlighted. Limitations like limited battery life might restrict the operational duration. In addition, weather conditions also need to be taken into consideration. Whether drones can operate during high winds or rains. All these factors might impact supply chain management and may restrict the use of drones further. However, the role of drones by supply chain companies is only going to ascend in the future. R&D companies are working hard to overcome significant challenges. They are working to provide more and more opportunities above all obstacles to optimize supply chain operations efficiently. Frequently Asked Questions How can drones be used efficiently in the supply chain? Drones in the supply chain can be used efficiently to deliver at a low rate to rural areas. Also, it can eliminate the need for road transportation to save time, be more secure and faster. How will drones impact the supply chain? Drones in the supply chain will have a massive impact. Drones will improve service scenarios in industries and reduce costs, workforce, and capital. It can be helpful to manage and monitor inventory set up for products. What kinds of jobs can drones replace? Drones can replace five kinds of jobs. They are: Capturing difficult footage Enabling detailed monitoring Spotting errors and implementing an error-free workflow Assimilating huge data records { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How can drones be used efficiently in the supply chain?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones in the supply chain can be used efficiently to deliver at a low rate to rural areas. Also, it can eliminate the need for road transportation to save time, be more secure and faster." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How will drones impact the supply chain?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones in the supply chain will have a massive impact. Drones will improve service scenarios in industries and reduce costs, workforce, and capital. It can be helpful to manage and monitor inventory set up for products." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What kinds of jobs can drones replace?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones can replace five kinds of jobs. They are: Capturing difficult footage Enabling detailed monitoring Spotting errors and implementing an error-free workflow Assimilating huge data records" } }] }

Defense and Space

Article | June 8, 2022

Airplane travel is one of the most convenient means of transportation. Consequently, air travel is growing, and aircraft need to be more efficient. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the aviation industry appears to be committed to ensuring a sustainable airflight future. So, for this, aircraft need to be more efficient in production costs and fuel consumption. An aircraft design depends on three of the most critical aspects. The first is the factor of reliability. Aviation is the only industry where it is impossible to overlook, rectify, or investigate a failed flight mechanism on the spot. The second factor is the need to minimize the weight and volume of its components to withstand load and fluctuating temperatures. And, the third factor is that it shows extreme concern from an environmental perspective. Temperatures on the ground can reach 60 °C and even -80 °C in the stratosphere, with supersonic aircraft reaching temperatures of over 200 °C. As a result of these factors, the aircraft lubrication system and its requirements are critical. From an economic perspective, servicing and maintenance are a significant part of airlines' expenses after the purchase. In addition, the replacement of parts can cause airplanes to remain grounded for an extended period. Such circumstances can lead to a loss of time and money simultaneously. From a safety aspect, failures at every level should be avoided. Failures like the shutdown of engines or breakage of engine parts can lead to aircraft failures or even crashes. So, by knowing all these issues around air travel, you can easily understand the interest in aircraft engine oil. An Innovative Lubrication System for Aircraft Engine Aircraft turbines revolve at up to 18,000 rpm (revolutions per minute). Due to this, internal temperatures can rise compared to the ambient temperature outside. So, aviation engines need an efficient oil-based lubricant to less pollute the environment and sustain long-distance air travel. Recently, researchers in the EU-funded ELUBSYS project developed a novel way to use specified aircraft engine oil to promote efficiency and reliability. For this, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is in high demand. Moreover, the project's innovative oil production will also help reduce an airline’s operating and maintenance costs. In this way, Europe’s aircraft manufacturers are way ahead in supporting future aircraft engine development. “Aircraft engine turbines rotate at a very high speed with the help of the classic rubberized oil-seals used in the aircraft engine. The extremes of temperature and friction involved would destroy them. Yet aircraft engines need to stay lubricated.” -Vincent Thomas of Techspace Aero in Belgium Apart from this, the piston engine looks promising for the aviation piston engine industry. However, it seems like a piston engine holds an optimistic future in fuel economy. Now, with the inclusion of piston engines, there is more importance to using piston engine oil in the lubrication system for an aircraft engine. So, how piston engine will be the game-changer for aircraft? Piston Engine—A Game-Changer in Fuel Economy Numerous aviation firms are developing a new type of internal combustion engine. Such engines promise a notable boost in fuel economy while also plummeting greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, start-ups like EcoMotors, Achates Power, and Pinnacle Engines are building variations on piston engines with the help of specific piston engine oil. The engines serve as combustion chambers where fuel is ignited. That makes engines lighter in weight and faster in their operations with greater power density. In this way, piston engines result in less energy waste and thus operate more efficiently. “The technology is worthwhile. However, it is a completely different concept compared to conventional engines,” - Dean Tomazic, Vice President of FEV in Auburn. There are more success stories from the aviation piston engine industry. These stories predict that, indeed, aviation is going through a significant transformation. Another significant achievement comes from Pinnacle, based in San Carlos, Calif. It is developing a four-stroke, gasoline opposed-piston engine. The company’s founder, Monty Cleeves, invented a sleeve valve that ensures energy is used for propulsion instead of getting wasted after converting into heat. Functions of the Lubrication System for Aircraft Engine Oils What are the significant functions of lubricants in aviation oils and engines? It is the function that realizes the importance of things. Isn’t it? So, to realize the importance of aircraft engine oils, it’s crucial to show the potential of the aircraft lubrication systems. 1 Friction and Wear Reduction Lubricants reduce friction and wear in an aviation engine. The aircraft lubrication system deals with cooling, sealing, clearing, and fighting corrosion and rust in the engine. Airplanes that are used seldom need the thorough protection from rust and corrosion that good aviation oils can provide. Also, frequently flying airplanes need lubricants for smooth engine operations and functions to avoid failures. 2 Acts as a Cooling Agent But it is critical to use good aviation oils as lubricants. Oil is a heat-transform medium. Thus, a suitable oil should be used so that lubricants can keep the engine cool and smooth. 3 A life Saver of Aircraft Engines Lubricants help in extending the life span of an aircraft engine. If an aircraft uses good aviation oil, for example, SAF, biofuels, and more, then there are fewer chances of any engine repairs. In this case, piston engines are the best fit for aircraft with high demand. Piston engines use highly lubricant piston engine oils, which increase the longevity of aviation engines. Let’s look at some key takeaways from the market study of aircraft engine oil. Aircraft Engine Oil: Key Takeaways from its Market Study Commercial planes and business jets will likely witness high aircraft lubricant oil sales. According to IATA, mineral oil demand is expected to rise by 25% by 2030. Bio-based oils will dominate the aviation industry in response to soaring environmental concerns. Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) activities will emerge as crucial parts of aviation to drive the global aviation lubricant market. Lastly, what’s understood is that aircraft engine oil is the engine's lifeblood. Thus, the engine must function efficiently to encompass the length between overhauls. Frequently Asked Questions What does engine oil do in an aircraft? Engine oil functions as a coolant. Up to 40% of an aircraft’s cooling comes from engine oil. Oil creates a seal between the piston rings, which reduces wear and friction andprovides better compression with increased fuel efficiency. How is the engine oil lubricated? Engine oil is lubricated with seals using air, which holds back the oil. Air and oil need to be separated. The air eventually vents out in the form of heat. That is why good oil is necessary for aircraft for lubrication. What are the essential functions of engine oil? The essential functions of engine oil are: Minimizes friction and reduce wear Cleans the engine Transfers heat Prevents corrosion Forms a seal Cools the engine parts

Aviation Technology

Article | July 26, 2022

Whether you’re a small, newer airline looking to make a splash in the online world or a niche brand wanting to expand your customer base, you’ll need the right aviation marketing strategies in your arsenal. Similar to any other industry in today’s market, digital strategies are non-negotiable for brands in the aviation space who are hoping to connect with customers online and restore customer confidence in the aftermath of COVID-19. And if you’re looking to take your brand to the digital skies, you need impactful strategies that help you offer a seamless customer experience. Let’s look at five strategies you can use for your aviation marketing strategy. Aviation Marketing through Social Media Visibility is a hugely important goal to achieve for any business. After all, how can you hope to attract new customers if no one knows about you? This is especially true and important for smaller airlines or those not operating in the commercial space. For example, when the average customer thinks about traveling by plane, they probably aren’t considering private airlines. But if customers see content online about airlines, perhaps even highlighting that some private airlines fall in their price range, things can change. Once customers are aware of your company, you’re one step closer to securing a sale. The key is getting in the picture in the first place—something social media can do. In addition to visibility, use social media to keep your customers informed. Despite us seemingly living in a post-COVID world, uncertainty is still a big factor that customers and airlines alike have to consider. Positive coronavirus results or transmission outbreaks can throw a wrench in travel plans right up until check-in, but social media offers a way to keep customers informed with live information and updates. Airlines can use social media platforms like Twitter to post live updates on flights, including regular information on delays, but also more unexpected and yet super useful updates on things such as weather conditions at their destination. And if you’re looking for international aviation marketing strategies as a multinational company, social media is a great way to connect with customers across territories too, thanks to its global reach. Digital Customer Service Strategies We saw during COVID-19 how important it was to provide quick, accurate information to customers, with things like up-to-date websites, live social updates, and automated texts for flight changes. These strategies all helped to streamline customer service offerings, as well as free up helplines and customer service booths at airports, and they have helped establish a new benchmark when it comes to customer service. Having a solid customer service strategy in place is more important than ever—specifically, having one that’s responsive, flexible, and digital. This means offering smart chatbots that can assist with frequently asked questions, detailed guidance online addressing common challenges that customers face, and over-the-phone support in multiple languages that can enhance an international aviation marketing strategy. Customer service might not seem like it matches with airline marketing, but going above and beyond for your customers is essential in creating the right reputation for your brand. Establishing your company as a gold-star service provider will not just give you something to shout about online, but it will also keep customers loyal and engaged with you too. Mobile Solutions We all know that the future is mobile—and it’s no different for aviation companies, who have that same pressure to keep up with technological advancements if they want to provide the best service possible for their customers. Smartphones are an integral part of all of our lives, and they’re now just as important as ever, as people are taking their digital identification with them on their travels. Aviation companies must recognize the company they keep in the travel space, where mobile apps support customers on their journeys and trips—from navigation to weather and accommodation to ridesharing. Without an interactive app or fully mobile-friendly site, an airline’s strategy for marketing won’t be as impactful. Customers used to have to carry printed versions of their flight documents in order to board, including boarding passes and booking confirmations, but things aren’t so paper-based anymore. Digital wallets that keep boarding passes safe and apps that store customers’ flight information are the norm now. Mobile apps are also fantastic for driving loyalty programs. With an interactive app where customers can collect and cash in loyalty points, you not only provide an easy way for customers to enjoy their rewards, but also make flying more accessible and cost-effective. In a post-COVID market, there is even more of an emphasis on contactless travel—another area where mobile solutions can play a key role. Phones allow consumers to have all their information handy, and other contactless technology helps facilitate airport management. Content that Creates Real Connections Digital content has the potential to reach a wider audience and, more importantly, turn readers into customers, so it should be included in any airline marketing strategy. Showing customers exactly what your company can do for them, and how you do it, is crucial for establishing strong branding and customer relationships. It’s how airlines can differentiate themselves from their competitors and add value to their services. Meaningful content that your audience will trust includes user-generated content that offers real insights into what it’s like to be a customer of your company, such as honest reviews and feedback from real customers. You can deliver this content in a variety of ways—e.g., blogs, videos, social media, PR—but however you choose to do so, be sure to keep the story at the forefront of your narrative to create those all-important connections with customers. Omnichannel Digital Experiences Alongside social media, there are a slew of other digital channels that should be considered in your digital strategy. This is hugely important because of the myriad ways that consumers interact with the online world nowadays. If it’s not live Twitter updates, it’s check-in reminder emails. The point is that brands need to be present across different platforms and digital mediums in order to provide a competitive and effective experience for their customers. For airlines, it’s about making sure that no matter what device a customer is using, their journey is cohesive and streamlined. They should be able to switch seamlessly between your website on their laptop and emails on a tablet, with the right information easy and quick to find in a consistently branded way. It’s also worth considering that people tend to carry multiple devices with them while traveling, making it even more important for airlines and airports alike to offer omnichannel digital content to their customers. Conclusion Whatever part of your aviation branding or marketing you need support with, the team at TPT Digital can take your brand to new heights. The 2022 Aviation Festival is a great opportunity for learning, connection, and collaboration—come and say hello to us there! Also, get in touch if you’d like to discuss how TPT Digital can support your paid social media content. We’re happy to give you a free quote.

Article | April 20, 2020

With rescue flights crisscrossing the globe and passengers keen to get where they are going as soon as possible, will we see the end of hub to hub travel? Has this current aviation crisis signaled the decline of the current model of aviation we know today? One reporter at Simple Flying gives his opinion.