News

Airbus Has Revealed Its CityAirbus NextGen Flying Taxi

During flight, the aircraft makes less than 65 decibels of noise, and the figure increases to just 70 decibels during landing.

Published

11 months ago

October 1, 2021

David Morelo

Airbus

Nobody likes to sit in traffic, especially not people who can afford to hire their own private jet, and that’s exactly who Airbus is targeting with its next-generation CityAirbus, an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) offering for the emerging urban air mobility (UAM) market.

The European multinational aerospace corporation has recently unveiled the new aircraft at its first summit on “Pioneering Sustainable Aerospace”. The CityAirbus NextGen incorporates lessons learned from the design and test operation of the original CityAirbus and the single-seat, tilt-wing Vahana.

airbus cityairbus nextgen side view

It has six electrically powered lifting propellers and two additional electrical propellers on its V-shaped tail for cruise flight, the phase of flight between climb and descent. Airbus claims that it can cover a distance of 80 kilometers (50 miles) at a cruise speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) while carrying up to four passengers. During flight, the aircraft makes less than 65 dB(A) of noise, and the figure increases to just 70 dB(A) during landing.

“The CityAirbus NextGen meets the highest certification standards (EASA SC-VTOL Enhanced Category),” states Airbus in the official press release. “Designed with simplicity in mind, CityAirbus NextGen will offer best-in-class economic performance in operations and support”.

Also Read: Mercedes Concept EQG Electric G-Class Revealed In Munich

Airbus is aware that far more obstacles besides those that can be solved with innovative technology will need to be overcome for the new urban air mobility market to flourish. That’s why the CityAirbus NextGen will initially be piloted by a real human pilot. Once the technology and operational framework for self-flying aircraft are established, Airbus would like the aircraft to operate autonomously.

How long that will take to happen is something even industry experts can’t reliably predict, especially not on a global scale. What’s certain is that flying across major cities won’t be something anyone besides one-percenters will be able to afford for a long time — and maybe never.

News

Emirates Airline To Invest $2 Billion On Major Upgrades

Emirates plans a huge retrofit on its fleet and an upgrade to the inflight experience.

Published

3 days ago

August 12, 2022

Nour Nasir

Emirates

Emirates Airline has just announced plans to improve its inflight experience for passengers. The carrier has budgeted $2 billion to refit the interiors of over 120 of its aircraft, aiming for a more modern aesthetic for cabins, along with better food choices, modern inflight entertainment options, and a significant service overhaul.

Emirates is well known for its premium service, so this overhaul is an ambitious decision, as many other airlines are trying their hardest to increase revenues and reduce costs.

emirates airline refurbished fleet 1

“Emirates is flying against the grain and investing to deliver ever better experiences to our customers. Through the pandemic we’ve continued to launch new services and initiatives to ensure our customers travel with the assurance and ease, including digital initiatives to improve customer experiences on the ground. Now we’re rolling out a series of intensive programmes to take Emirates’ signature inflight experiences to the next level,” says Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.

emirates airline refurbished fleet 2

The investment aims to ensure Emirates stays on top form, with many of the upgrades scheduled to materialize quickly. For the physical refit, aircraft are scheduled to enter the Emirates Engineering Center in November. So what can passengers expect once work is complete? The most significant change will be to aircraft interiors, where flyers of all classes will immediately spot new flooring, paneling, and reupholstered seats.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Reveals Plans To Build The City Of The Future

As well as a physical overhaul, the airline plans to upgrade entertainment systems, adding a “Cinema in the Sky” experience, complete with a bespoke app. In addition, better meal choices will reflect changing dietary preferences, including a new vegan menu and a nod to sustainability — though there will remain a strong luxury vibe to the proceedings, as the company has entered an exclusive agreement to offer Dom Perignon vintage champagne on board, as well as delicacies such as Persian caviar.

Though many of the improvements may seem trivial, Emirates is hoping that along with a huge cabin overhaul, their overall flight experience will continue to make travel a pleasurable experience, elevating their service above the competition.