At World Aviation Festival, Andrew Chang, Managing Director, United Airlines Ventures (UAV) shared which technologies UAV is most optimistic about.
UAV was established in July 2021, to catalyse innovation around customer experience and decarbonisation initiatives. It invests in companies that shares the airlines “vision for the future” to help drive advancement in the industry.
Chang has a leading role in UAV, overseeing investment in innovative technologies and sustainable solutions, as well as supporting corporate development at the airline.
Speaking specifically on sustainability, Chang highlighted that 98 per cent of the industry’s emissions come from the consumption of jet fuel. Consequently, UAV is concerned with sustainable aviation fuel as the “most viable lowest cost solution” and is supporting the exploration of a number of pathways to advance the sustainable production of liquid hydrocarbons.
Speaking on near term vs long term solutions, Chang added:
“You need to coordinate aviation as a global market. Whatever solutions we pick need to be common and in place throughout the world. Electrification and advancements in battery density, power, and weight limitations could be opportunities, but that’s much further down the chain in terms of time and scope.”
Watch the full interview now.
Questions asked:
- What is your role with United Airlines?
- Why did United created United Airlines Ventures?
- What is the biggest challenge airlines face to reduce their emissions? What are you most optimistic about?
For more from World Aviation Festival 2024 see:
- Willie Walsh: The realistic cost of aviation’s transition to net zero
- The three key pillars of SAS’ post-Chapter 11 business plan
- What excites and concerns airline commercial leaders?
