Boeing

ecoDemonstrator Overview

For the past decade, Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by taking promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment to solve real-world challenges for airlines, passengers and the environment. Eleven airplanes have served as flying test beds for the program since it began in 2012.

The latest ecoDemonstrator is a Boeing-owned 777-200ER that will test 19 projects that can make aviation safer and more sustainable.

Projects include technologies that improve sustainability and safety for the aerospace industry, including sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock and a fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF.

This year, the ecoDemonstrator program also added “Explorer” airplanes that will test specific technologies.

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Videos

ecoDemonstrator Feature Stories

Boeing’s newest sustainability testbed displays its novel Air Traffic Management approach across four countries.

Boeing’s newest sustainability testbed displays its novel Air Traffic Management approach across four countries.

June 19, 2023 in Environment

ecoDemonstrator Explorer marks ‘dawn of a new ATM system’.

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‘Explorer’ airplanes to broaden ecoDemonstrator testing

‘Explorer’ airplanes to broaden ecoDemonstrator testing

April 27, 2023 in Environment

Added platforms will focus on short-term technology testing aimed at industry goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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Shape shifting: The future of sustainable flight gets SMART

Shape shifting: The future of sustainable flight gets SMART

December 5, 2022 in Environment

The 2022 Boeing ecoDemonstrator tests the latest vortex generators using shape memory alloy technology.

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Boeing, NASA measure sustainable aviation fuel emissions

Boeing, NASA measure sustainable aviation fuel emissions

October 25, 2022 in Environment

Passing the sniff test: Boeing ecoDemonstrator program teams up with NASA to test sustainable aviation fuel emissions.

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Aviation Week ‘covers’ ecoDemonstrator

Aviation Week ‘covers’ ecoDemonstrator

October 17, 2022 in Environment

Get up close with the latest ecoDemonstrator as it preps for extensive flight test program.

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Boeing, Alaska Airlines advance climate modeling research

Boeing, Alaska Airlines advance climate modeling research

September 22, 2022 in Environment

Winning team boosts atmospheric greenhouse gas measurement, furthers climate science aboard 2021 ecoDemonstrator.

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EcoDemonstrator flying through clouds

Boeing unveils 2022 ecoDemonstrator

June 16, 2022 in Environment

This week Boeing unveiled its 2022 ecoDemonstrator airplane, marking 10 years of testing technologies through the program.

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Alaska Airlines aircraft in flight.

Boeing and Alaska Airlines partner to make flying safer and more sustainable

June 3, 2021 in Environment

The latest Boeing ecoDemonstrator program will flight test about 20 technologies on a new 737-9 to enhance the safety and sustainability of air travel.

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Etihad Airways aircraft in flight.

Boeing and Etihad Broaden Sustainability Alliance by Testing Innovations on ecoDemonstrator 787

July 20, 2020 in Environment

Partnership marks first use of a 787-10 on ecoDemonstrator program.

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Boeing Takes New Technologies Out of the Lab and Onto ecoDemonstrator Flying Test Bed

Boeing Takes New Technologies Out of the Lab and Onto ecoDemonstrator Flying Test Bed

July 1, 2019 in Environment

Program to test innovations to enhance safety, sustainability and the passenger experience.

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Boeing, FedEx Express to Collaborate on ecoDemonstrator Testing

Boeing, FedEx Express to Collaborate on ecoDemonstrator Testing

July 6, 2017 in Environment

Fifth generation of ecoDemonstrator features two industry leaders working together and flight testing aboard a 777 Freighter.

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Boeing, Embraer Unveil Newest ecoDemonstrator Aircraft

Boeing, Embraer Unveil Newest ecoDemonstrator Aircraft

July 7, 2016 in Environment

E170 airplane to test technologies to boost fuel efficiency, cut carbon emissions. First non-Boeing airplane used in ecoDemonstrator program will be powered by Brazil-based biofuel.

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Boeing, Embraer to Collaborate on ecoDemonstrator Technology Tests

Boeing, Embraer to Collaborate on ecoDemonstrator Technology Tests

June 30, 2015 in Environment

Environmental flight tests expand cooperation between U.S., Brazilian manufacturers.

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Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 Expands Testing to Improve Aviation's Environmental Performance

Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 Expands Testing to Improve Aviation's Environmental Performance

June 19, 2015 in Environment

Flying with U.S.-made green diesel, "energy harvesting" windows, 3D-printed flight deck component made with 787 carbon fiber.

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Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 Flight Tests Focus on Aerodynamic Efficiency

Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 Flight Tests Focus on Aerodynamic Efficiency

March 18, 2015 in Environment

Collaboration with TUI Group, NASA to reduce fuel use, carbon emissions. New technologies include active flow control, bug-phobic wing coatings.

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Boeing Named 'Eco-Company of the Year' by Air Transport World

Boeing Named 'Eco-Company of the Year' by Air Transport World

February 26, 2015 in Environment

Leading industry publication cites fuel-efficient airplanes, ‘collaborative, creative, innovative’ environmental strategy.

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Boeing Conducts World's First Flight with 'Green Diesel' as Aviation Biofuel

Boeing Conducts World's First Flight with 'Green Diesel' as Aviation Biofuel

December 3, 2014 in Environment

ecoDemonstrator 787 flies on sustainable fuel made from vegetable oil, waste animal fat. Testing supports industry efforts to approve widely available biofuel for aviation.

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Boeing ecoDemonstrator 787 Tests Innovations for More Efficient Air Travel

Boeing ecoDemonstrator 787 Tests Innovations for More Efficient Air Travel

November 17, 2014 in Environment

Testing digital technologies, remote sensors, icephobic wing coatings to reduce fuel use, emissions, noise.

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Boeing, American Airlines, FAA collaborate on 737 ecoDemonstrator Airplane

Boeing, American Airlines, FAA collaborate on 737 ecoDemonstrator Airplane

September 18, 2012 in Environment

Testbed jet to advance progressive environmental technology.

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Boeing, American Airlines 737-800 ecoDemonstrator Airplane Prepares for Flight Test Program

Boeing, American Airlines 737-800 ecoDemonstrator Airplane Prepares for Flight Test Program

July 10, 2012 in Environment

The airplane, known as the ecoDemonstrator, is being outfitted with advanced technologies and test equipment before it begins a month of intense flight testing in Montana.

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Boeing Unveils Plans for Advanced ecoDemonstrator Program

Boeing Unveils Plans for Advanced ecoDemonstrator Program

July 12, 2012 in Environment

Collaborative effort to help accelerate environmental technologies for aviation.

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