Airbus 2014 Annual Report Download - page 63
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Please find page 63 of the 2014 Airbus annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS
The Group is at the forefront of joint initiatives aimed at im-
proving the aerospace industry’s environmental perform-
ance. In 2014, it was given a leading role in Clean Sky 2, the
European public-private partnership that aims to speed up
eco-efficient technology breakthroughs. While Airbus will
lead research into technology for future passenger aircraft,
Airbus Helicopters will design a large-scale rotorcraft
demonstrator.
ELECTRIC PROPULSION
Electric and hybrid propulsion represents an important
focus of the Group’s early stage research. In 2014, a major
milestone was achieved with the first flight of the E-Fan elec-
tric flight demonstrator. The E-Fan 2.0 is set to enter into ser-
vice in 2017, primarily as a training aircraft for flight schools.
In the medium term, the technical and operational exper-
iences gained with E-Fan will serve as stepping stones for
improvements across the product range – for example for
hybrid helicopters and larger electric aircraft in general.
More electrical power on board will help to increase efficien-
cy and reduce noise and emissions.
In the space business, the company received an important
endorsement for its innovative work in the satellite field, with
major orders for its new all-electric telecommunications
satellite. Based on the reliable Eurostar E3000 platform, the
satellite uses only electric propulsion for initial orbit raising
and all on-orbit manoeuvres which enables a significant
reduction in weight and launch cost.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
Energy-saving initiatives are being introduced across
manufacturing sites, backed by certified environmental
management systems. In 2014, ISO50001 certification was
awarded to the Airbus Helicopters plant in Albacete and
Airbus Defence and Space sites in Ulm, Toulouse and
Newport.
Complementing the focus on innovation, the Group has
started a major drive to improve processes and quality. In
2014, the Quest initiative was launched, aiming to raise
quality across all businesses and functions, through
sharing of best practices from across Airbus Group and
other industries. The initiative is focusing on increasing
individual motivation in this area through incentive
schemes, introducing standardised quality tools and
enhancing professional skills and career paths in the
quality area.
For more detailed information,
please refer to the
Corporate Responsibility and
Sustainability Report 2014
ANNUAL REVIEW 2014
61
03 BUSINESS EFFICIENCY