Category: Environmental News (Page 16 of 49)

Alstom and RAILPOOL sign a contract for 50 Traxx Universal locomotives

July 24, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

July 24, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and RAILPOOL, one of Europe’s leading rail vehicle leasing companies, have signed a contract for 50 Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives. The contract is valued at up to 260 million euro.

The Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives can be operated for freight and passenger corridor services. Characterised by both high reliability and flexibility in combination with an optimised power consumption, the locomotives are a proven solution for efficient cross-border operations. Extended maintenance intervals allow for less interventions to ease operational planning, reduce costs and increase availability. The locomotives will cover operations in eight countries, namely Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Poland.

The engineering of the locomotives will be done at the Alstom site in Mannheim, Germany, while final assembly is planned to take place in Kassel, Germany. Other sites involved are Wroclaw, Poland (carbody shell production), Siegen, Germany (bogies production), and Zurich, Switzerland (project management).

Stadler wins a contract for green battery powered rail transport in Austria

July 22, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) has awarded Stadler (Swiss: SRAIL) a framework agreement for up to 120 battery- powered trains. The FLIRT Akku vehicles are designed to replace the current diesel fleet and will enable sustainable operation on lines that are only partially electrified. The signing of the framework agreement and the initial order for 16 FLIRT battery is expected to take place in autumn 2023. This contract and the recent successes in the USA, Germany and Italy once again confirm Stadler’s leading position in battery and hydrogen green propulsion technology.

The new trains are FLIRT Akku vehicles – the battery-powered version of Stadler’s best-selling FLIRT model, which has already sold over 2,500 units worldwide. They are intended for use in the eastern region in Austria, where they will replace the current diesel fleet. The FLIRT Akku model allows sustainable rail operation on non-electrified line sections by charging the traction batteries while travelling under an overhead contact line.

Rail transport is the most sustainable mobility solution of all. Shifting passenger and freight transport to rail therefore plays a central role in combating climate change. However, the rail networks in many countries are only partially electrified or not electrified at all – as is the case in Austria. Stadler has consistently expanded its alternative propulsion portfolio in recent years and is currently assisting rail operators worldwide with the decarbonisation of rail transport. Depending on the area of application, Stadler offers its customers tailor-made solutions with battery, hydrogen or even hybrid propulsion.

Volvo Cars Q2 results shows transformation proceeding full speed ahead

July 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Volvo Cars (OTC: VLVLY) today reports a 39 per cent increase in operating profits, excluding joint ventures and associates, to SEK 6.4 bn and a corresponding EBIT margin of 6.3 per cent for the second quarter of 2023. The result came despite a SEK 0.9 bn, non-recurring item related to the redundancy programme announced in May, part of securing a more efficient and sustainable cost base for the future. Without this item, the underlying EBIT margin, excluding joint ventures and associates, was 7.2 per cent in the second quarter. This illustrates that the solid underlying performance momentum from the first three months of the year continued during this past quarter.

Click the link below to read the entire press release!

https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/en-gb/media/pressreleases/316863/volvo-cars-q2-results-full-speed-ahead-in-transformation-with-a-solid-business-performance

Eve Air Mobility and Embraer Announce First eVTOL Production Location in Brazil

July 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil – July 20, 2023 – Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX) and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) announced today that the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) production facility will be located in the city of Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Subject to the final authorities’ approval, the manufacturing plant will be situated on a designated portion of land within Embraer’s existing unit in the city that will be expanded.

The site benefits from a strategic logistical location, offering easy access via two highways and close proximity to a railroad. Another significant advantage is the region’s proximity to Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos and Eve’s engineering and human resources team, which will facilitate the development and sustainability of new production processes, enhancing Eve’s agility and competitiveness.

In May 2022, Eve announced a partnership with Porsche Consulting to define Eve’s eVTOL global manufacturing, supply chain and logistics macro strategy. The two companies have since worked together to research advanced manufacturing and innovation concepts and used their combined aeronautical and automotive expertise to design a concept of industrialization for eVTOL aircraft based on high safety, quality, efficiency and customer focus.

Eve continues to progress in developing its eVTOL. The company also focuses on creating a comprehensive portfolio of agnostic solutions, including a unique Urban Air Traffic Management (Urban ATM) software to optimize and scale Urban Air Mobility operations worldwide.

Cabo Verde Airlines Debuts Its First Boeing 737 MAX

July 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Praia, Cape Verde, July 20, 2023 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cabo Verde Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX jet with a special event at its home base with officials and employees. As part of its new “take-off” rebranding, the airline’s 737-8 will reconnect the Cape Verdean diaspora and boost tourism for the island nation from Africa, Europe, North America and South America.

Cabo Verde Airlines connects four continents with non-stop flights from its hubs in Praia and Sal. The 737-8 is part of the airline’s new “take-off” relaunch strategy. It aims to renew its fleet and expand its network to previously operated routes following the pandemic.

The 737 MAX airplane family delivers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance and increased passenger comfort to the single-aisle market. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to airplanes it replaces.

Akiem & Alstom sign new framework agreement for 100 Traxx locomotives

July 17, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

17 July 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and Akiem European rolling stock leasing company have signed a framework contract for 100 Traxx Universal multi-system (MS3) locomotives. The firm part of the order includes 65 locomotives. The total amount of the framework agreement is up 500 million euros. Akiem confirms its leadership on the leasing European market and its ambition to contribute to the rail market’s accelerating activities, with major investment on corridors from France to 12 other European countries.

The Traxx Multi-system locomotives benefit from optimised energy consumption and can run both Freight and Passenger operations at a speed of up to 160 kilometres per hour. They will cover operations in 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia. As a unique feature for multi-system locomotives, a part of them will be delivered with the last mile feature enabling to access ports, terminals or industrial sites without the need of a shunting locomotive.

All locomotives will be equipped with the leading signalling system ATLAS, Alstom’s onboard solution for the European Train Control System (ETCS). This system comes with the broadest coverage of countries and lines, both in ETCS as well as for legacy system operation, and superior two-out-of-three architecture.

Final assembly is planned to take place at the Alstom site in Kassel, Germany. Deliveries of the units are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2028.

DHL supply chain invests 500 million euros in focus on Latin America

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

In view of the global trend of omni-sourcing, DHL (OTC: DHLGY) Supply Chain, the world’s leading logistics company and part of DHL Group continues its strategic investments into emerging markets and fast-growing economies.

Today, DHL Supply Chain announces a landmark investment of €500 million into the strategically located Latin American markets. These investments made until 2028 are supposed to strengthen DHL’s operations in Latin America. Projects include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting its real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions intended to improve workplaces whilst at the same time making operations more effective, flexible and resilient for customers. The investment is part of DHL Supply Chain’s strategic investment plan to further strengthen logistics capabilities in high-demand sectors, such as: Healthcare, automotive, technology, retail, e-commerce, among others.

With the investment into its Latin America infrastructure the DHL Supply Chain is now complementing a long-standing history of strategic investments, acquisitions, and partnerships in the region. Not only the geographical proximity to large consumer markets in North America make the region a springboard to accelerate further growth, it is also the regions own booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo announces SAFc Program

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Virgin Atlantic Cargo has announced a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate (SAFc) program, designed to help freight forwarders and shippers manage their carbon emissions whilst demonstrating joint commitment to scaling the SAF industry.

Customers participating in the scheme will contribute to the airline’s purchase of SAF, receiving a SAF certificate for the associated scope 3 emissions reductions. Customers will also benefit from detailed insight into their Scope 3 air freight emissions via Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s own air freight carbon calculator. Developed in-house and independently certified, the calculator uses an industry recognised methodology and Virgin Atlantic’s actual flight emissions data to provide powerful insights to participating customers, enabling them to take action on their carbon footprint.

DB Schenker is the first to participate in the scheme with the purchase of over several thousand tonnes of scope 3 emissions reductions. The global logistics service provider is continuously expanding its SAF based air freight solutions.

The SAFc programme is driven by the airline’s commitment to 10% SAF by 2030 on the pathway to Net Zero 2050. The scheme creates a broader industry coalition that can provide further proof of the demand and support needed to scale a UK SAF industry which is key to decarbonising aviation.

Virgin Atlantic’s first UK SAF supply of 2.5 million litres of Neste Oyi neat SAF delivered into London Heathrow in 2022 is fuelling the programme. This is an important milestone as the airline scales it’s use and commitment to SAF in the UK.

Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Cargo are committed sustainability leaders. The airline operates one of the youngest and fuel efficient commercial fleets across the Atlantic and has over fifteen years of supporting SAF development, including ambitions to fly the world’s first 100% SAF transatlantic flight later this year.

Delta Air Lines discloses order for 12 additional A220 aircraft

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Herndon, USA/Mirabel, Canada – 13 July 2023 – Under its current agreement, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has disclosed an order for 12 additional A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline’s total firm order for A220’s to 131 aircraft – 45 A220-100’s and 86 A220-300’s. Throughout the years, Delta has reordered the A220 five times and is today the largest A220 customer and operator in the world.

In addition to its positive cabin experience, the aircraft plays an important role in helping decrease airline operating costs and environmental impact. Offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, the A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. Combining state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint and around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.

Delta took delivery of its first Airbus A220 in October 2018, and was the first U.S. carrier to operate the aircraft type. Delta currently operates a fleet of 433 Airbus aircraft, including 61 A220 aircraft, 280 A320 Family aircraft, 64 A330’s and 28 A350-900 aircraft.

Textron Aviation receives order for five Beechcraft King Air turboprops in support of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

July 12, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Wichita, Kansas (July, 11, 2023) – Textron Aviation (NYSE: TXT) today announced it has been awarded a contract by AvMet International LLC (AvMet), based in Fargo, North Dakota, for one Beechcraft King Air 360CHW (cargo door, heavy weight) and four Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft. The Beechcraft King Air fleet will support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology program for cloud seeding.

AvMet and its partners Weather Modification International (WMI) and Fargo Jet Center (FJC) will work collaboratively to equip the four King Air 260 aircraft with a Cloud Water Inertial Probe (CWIP), Data Logger with aircraft tracking, and cloud seeding equipment. The King Air 360CHW will be rigged with Cloud Seeding equipment, a research laboratory and an instrument package for studying cloud physics and aerosols.

The aircraft will be modified at WMI’s headquarters in Fargo with sister company Fargo Jet Center LLC (FJC). FJC’s Part 145 Repair Station, which is an authorized service facility for the family of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, teamed with WMI to certify the Federal Aviation Administration approved Supplemental Type Certificate modifications for cloud seeding and atmospheric research equipment. Together, Textron Aviation, WMI and FJC will provide the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology with the newest technologies in cloud seeding and atmospheric sciences instrumentation.

Endless Special Mission Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.

Archives