Last call for students to participate in the Airbus search for solutions to a greener future for aviation
(photo: Airbus)
Wed 24 Nov 2010 – Student teams wishing to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas (FYI) 2011 competition have just a week, until 30 November, to register their interest. Students of any nationality, gender or discipline – from engineering to marketing, business to science, philosophy to design – can take part in teams of three to five members. Project proposals must be submitted by 10 December, which can be on any stage of the ‘Environmental Life Cycle’ – an approach that Airbus uses to improve the environmental performance of an aircraft and its production process in five areas: design, supply chain, manufacturing, aircraft operations and aircraft end-of-life. Meanwhile, Airbus has announced its line-up of four outside judges, who will join senior Airbus representatives on the panel.
Airbus is challenging students worldwide to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry, with €30,000 ($40,000) going to the winning team nominated at the final in Paris next June.
Firstly, submitted proposals will be narrowed down to a second-round shortlist with those selected developing their ideas into more detailed submissions with support from Airbus staff. Five finalist teams will win a VIP trip to Paris to make presentations before the panel during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.
More than 2,350 students representing 225 teams from 82 countries entered the inaugural competition held two years ago, from which 86 teams were selected for the second round. The competition was won by a team from the University of Queensland in Australia for its project on the use of the castor plant to develop the first-ever single plant-based high performance composite materials for aircraft cabin components (see story).
The four judges selected for the 2011 competition include Professor Jan Woerner, Chairman of the German Aerospace Center (DLR); Andrew Parker, Senior Vice President, Public, Government and Environment Affairs of Emirates; Barbara Cassani, one of the low-cost airline pioneers in Europe; and Peter Horrocks, Director of BBC Global News.
Announcing the judges, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and FYI Patron Charles Champion said: “To have such high-profile figures involved in the Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge is testament to the importance of what we are trying to achieve. This is a unique opportunity for students to be part of our vision for an eco-efficient aviation industry of the future and to balance the increasing demand for air travel with a better environment.”
