NOVEMBER 2024AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19The article is based on an interview between Aerospace and Defense Review Europe and Bruno Cervia.Finally, one of the major developments in the aerospace industry is the emergence of sustainable fuels. This industry has been trying its best to reduce its carbon emissions. But the challenge is these alternative fuels are not yet competitive enough to substitute traditional aviation fuels completely. Hence, the need to increase their production and utilization, and hopefully, with the help of the government entities, we can successfully eliminate the traditional fuels to preserve the environment.What are your thoughts about these alternative sustainable fuels and technologies like electrification and hybrid vehicles?As I mentioned before, sustainable aviation fuel is the only realistic solution in the mid-term. Numerous studies are being conducted where some are confidential and private. Nonetheless, the need for substitute fuels is much needed. In that matter, I would say electrification is an exhilarating development. However, the key hurdle in the implementation of electrified vehicles is the current energy storage limitation. Most of the market available lithium-ion batteries offer storage capacities at battery pack level of 200 Wh/Kg. This will allow the development of aircraft with an operational range limited to 100 nautical miles. The alternative to electrification, i.e., the use of hydrogen fuel cells, comes with its own set of challenges as well. The logistics required to provide the hydrogen for refuelling cannot be underestimated. Hydrogen needs to be stored securely, which will be a challenge in many countries where technology is not advanced. At the same time, producing clean hydrogen is also one of the issues that need to be tackled. Currently, there are not many countries that can offer the amount of clean energy needed to generate hydrogen. We have to find means to produce clean hydrogen, and I think it will take more time and years to materialise it. Therefore sustainable aviation fuel will be the only realistic solution in the next 10 years for aviation transportation above 100 nautical miles range.TECHNOLOGIES LIKE DIGITAL TWIN, AUTOMATION AND 3D PRINTING ENSURE PRECISION AND SIGNIFICANTLY ACCELERATE THE TIME TO MARKET OF NEW PRODUCTSWhat are some of your advices to the coming generation of the aerospace industry?Like any other industry, aerospace also gives its primary focus to its customers. In fact, it is because the customers, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like us exist. My advice for new entrepreneurs will, therefore, be to serve your customer well. We should be able to understand the current and future requirements of the customers and equip ourselves to meet their demands. So as a leader, you should possess the skill to listen to your customer and predict future trends. This way, you will be able to fulfil your customers' needs whether it is the acceptance of a new product or the improvements they expect from us.On the other hand, we need to focus on the importance of a collaborative working environment, and that's what all the ventures in this landscape should follow. It is crucial that there is active and clear communication within the team. The goal and focus should align, and the team should work as an entity. There should also be clear communication with your customers, key suppliers, and other stakeholders involved. In this regard, being humble can take you a long way in this business. You need to possess the attributes of the right soft skills to effectively convey your message to everyone. This gives a chance for you to learn from everyone and teach them your insights too. Such an attitude will certainly contribute to the progress of your business as well. The complexity of this industry requires that sort of cooperation for a smoother workflow.
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