
Sustainability and innovation for the future
Introducing the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program
Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program accelerates innovation by taking promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to solve real-world challenges for airlines, passengers and the environment. A different airplane is used each year as a flying test bed to evaluate projects that improve the entire aviation ecosystem. Projects range from technologies that enhance safety and reduce fuel use, emissions and noise... to cabin amenities that make flying more enjoyable for passengers... to features such as smart galleys, seats and lavatories that increase airline reliability and the efficiency of their fleets and crews.
Collaboration with industry partners is foundational to the ecoDemonstrator program to support the constant evolution of new ideas and advance aviation. Boeing is partnering with Etihad Airways on the 2020 program and is using one the airline’s new 787-10 Dreamliners to test projects that can reduce emissions and noise. This collaboration builds on a strategic sustainability alliance Boeing and Etihad formed in the fall of 2019.
Other key partners on the 2020 program include NASA and Safran Landing Systems.
A handheld ultraviolet light wand and antimicrobial coating that can help sanitize airplane cabins and flight decks are being tested.
Flight tests involving over 200 microphones attached to the airplane and nearly 1,000 on the ground will enable Boeing and NASA to improve noise prediction capabilities, validate ways for pilots to reduce noise and inform future quiet aircraft designs.
Two test flights are using digital communications that simultaneously connect pilots, air traffic controllers and airline operations centers to enhance safety, optimize routing efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
A timed-arrival management tool is being tested as part of the airspace efficiency project to further reduce CO2 emissions.
Every ecoDemonstrator flight flies on a blend of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel.
Nose and main landing gear that have been modified by Safran Landing Systems to reduce noise are being tested.