A greener flight path

‘Eco-efficient Innovation Leading the Future of Aviation’ is the theme of SAE's 2011 AeroTech conference to be held Oct. 18-21 in Toulouse, France.

Among the developments buffeting today's aviation industry are volatile fuel prices and imminent aircraft emissions limits. And so now, more than ever, “Future aircraft can only be competitive through a significant reduction of costs, weight, drag, and environmental impact,” said Axel Krein, Senior Vice President Research and Technology at Airbus.

Krein offered that statement to Aerospace Engineering for this preview article on the SAE 2011 Aero-Tech Congress & Exhibition slated for Oct. 18-21 in Toulouse, France. It is the first time SAE's marquee aerospace event has been held outside the United States, and Airbus is hosting the event in the city that is home to its headquarters and some of its assembly facilities (tours will be conducted).