A tale of differing fortunes....
Boeing - a new staff survey revealed ongoing morale issues and a broad belief among employees that leaders should better communicate the company’s direction and take more action to address poor performance. In response to that survey, a new set of company values has been rolled out, intended to help recapture the “iconic culture that once defined Boeing as an aerospace leader”, CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a recent message to all employees.
He revealed the new values and the results of the survey during an all-employee meeting the same day. Culture change will take time, and it’s only possible if every one of us lives these values and embraces these behaviours. The first survey since 2019 found that only 67% of respondents reported feeling proud to work at Boeing. In comparison, 91% of respondents to the 2013 one reported feeling pride.
The survey also found that only 27% of staff would highly recommend Boeing as a place to work, while 54% reported feeling inspired by the company’s previous values. Additionally, 42% of respondents said they had “confidence in their senior leader’s ability to make decisions, communicate direction and respond to concerns raised by employees”.
The results revealed that Boeing lags other manufacturing companies in categories including employees feeling personal accomplishment at work, employees believing senior leaders adequately respond to concerns and employees feeling confident they can raise concerns without negative consequences. Workers want more interaction with leaders higher up the chain and they believed leaders do not adequately hold poor performers accountable.
Using the as a guide, a group composed of 40 employees from across Boeing developed five new core “values and behaviours”. Trust, ownership, innovation, people focus, and safety and quality.
“We can start today with leadership listening to their teams, understanding their challenges and making it easier for people to do their jobs,” Ortberg’s all-employee note said. “We need everyone from our factory floors to our engineering labs to continue sharing ideas and speaking up. Now let’s work together to live our values and behaviours, uphold them and return Boeing to the company that we all know we can be”.
The company reported that 82% of employees participated in the survey.
Airbus – in keeping with the company’s continuous development plans, there are reports of a revolutionary new single-aisle aircraft that pushes the boundaries of modern airplane technology. The design focuses on creating wings that work smarter, not harder. The new aircraft’s engines are designed to consume 20% less fuel compared to current models. The company is exploring hybrid and electric technologies to further reduce the aircraft’s carbon footprint.
Construction will use advanced materials that are both lighter and stronger than current options. Beyond physical design, Airbus is creating a smart system that integrates advanced automation. It promises to completely change how aircraft are designed, built and operated. Also setting the stage for a new era of aviation, where technology, efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.
Aircraft wing technology is being transformed through advanced aerodynamics and biomimicry. The company’s Wing Technology Development Centre at Filton UK is developing revolutionary wing designs that promise increased lift and reduced drag. A potential breakthrough includes a folding wing mechanism that enhances flight efficiency while maintaining airport gate compatibility.
Groundbreaking engine technologies are being investigated, to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) project with CFM aims to develop an open fan engine design, which could decrease fuel consumption by 20%. This approach represents a significant leap in propulsion system efficiency. Significant strides are also being made in electric and hybrid propulsion technologies. The EcoPulse demonstrator project explores lithium-ion battery applications, with ongoing research into solid-state batteries. These innovations could enable ground taxiing operations and power-critical onboard systems to run more efficiently.
Airbus is pioneering multiple approaches to decarbonize aviation. The next-generation aircraft will support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends up to 100%, potentially reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by 80%. Additionally, the company is exploring hybrid and electric propulsion technologies that can further reduce carbon emissions through battery and fuel cell integration.
Advanced materials are being developed to enhance aircraft performance and sustainability. Research focuses on biomass composites and thermoplastics that offer improved strength, reduced weight and enhanced recyclability. The Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator project giving promising results in using carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites.
A sophisticated digital platform for future aircraft systems is under development. The innovative design will incorporate advanced automation, artificial intelligence and connectivity to improve operational efficiency, maintenance processes and passenger experience. Enhanced digital technologies will provide real-time data processing and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Airbus revealed a comprehensive roadmap for pioneering commercial aviation’s next technological frontier during its 2025 Summit, detailing ambitious plans for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft, targeting service entry in the latter half of the 2030s. The event brought together industry leaders and visionaries, providing a platform for collaborative dialogue about the future of sustainable aviation. design and sustainability.
An aggressive technological strategy was outlined, aimed at delivering transformative advancements in aircraft. The technological advancements represent more than incremental improvements. They constitute a strategic response to the aviation industry’s decarbonization challenge, positioning Airbus at the forefront of sustainable aerospace innovation.
And finally….
Hunnu Air - taken delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2, the first E2 for a Mongolian airline. There are plans to add a pair to its fleet, enabling international expansion.
Ryanair – a friend recently discovered that there’s no Seat 1A on the low-cost carrier’s Max8-200 aircraft. Having selected and paid for when booking, he only discovered the error at bag drop. Not happy to be re-assigned 35F, the gate agent then moved him to 6C. A refund claim will be submitted. Thankfully, his return seat booking (1C) is available. We’ll add this info to the 737-800 issue of no window at Row 11!
Information courtesy of FlightGlobal, Aviation A2Z, FR24
Images courtesy of Airbus, FlightGlobal
©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers