DECARBONISATION | AIR TRAVEL The teams first project, the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, comes under the UKIR Future Flight Challenge, and aims to demonstrate real-life mobility scenarios in the southwest of the UK. It involves demonstrating the eVTOL ecosystem in the region to showcase key use cases and address challenges such as integration with existing traffic and ground support. Were enthusiastic about our role in this project, collaborating with partners such as Vertical Aerospace, Virgin Atlantic Sky Port, and various airports, including Heathrow and London City. Were continuously learning, progressing, and moving towards the outcomes funded by Innovate UK, Caughey says. Andrew Quere, associate at Atkins, has been collaborating with Atkins eVTOL partners on the innovative projects, and with county councils, helping them to establish transport hubs in park and ride Our shared goal is clear: achieving truly sustainable, emission-free aviation while preserving the essential connectivity that aviation provides facilities. The focus is on developing air mobility solutions with a range of up to 100 miles, connecting various places, such as airports, eVTOL hubs and venues, he says. The infrastructure needed to support these new transport systems is also something Queres team has explored. Rapid charging facilities are essential to ensure commercial viability and efficient passenger movement between hubs. The emphasis is on enhancing the passenger experience, using modern construction methods, and optimising energy efficiency in hub design. Multimodal connectivity is crucial too; theres no sense in everyone driving diesel cars to an airport parking lot that negates the progress of decarbonising, Caughey said. Caughey is keen to stress, however, that the zero carbon vision for aviation isnt just about hydrogen jet planes and drone taxis, but about the improvement to existing buildings and infrastructure. Its important to inject a dose of reality when working with clients to create a roadmap for their developments, he says. Our shared goal is clear: achieving truly sustainable, emission-free aviation while preserving the essential connectivity that aviation provides. CJ TAKING HEALTHCARE TO NEW HEIGHTS Atkins Future Flight team is supporting the infrastructure component on a project led by AGS Airports to deliver vital medical supplies via drones. Project Caelus (Care & Equity Logistics Unmanned Air Systems) is a partnership with NHS airports in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton. Already operational, it looks at how drones can be used to transport blood tests from GPs to hospitals and deliver cancer therapies to patients in remote locations. Infrastructure development is a key challenge, particularly the creation of specialised housing for the drone fleet operating within the network. This involves the testing and development of next-generation systems to support the network effectively. A variety of drones are already operational across different distances in Scotland. Climate-controlled units are also being designed to securely house these systems. The goal is to use drones to eliminate the need for individuals to take lengthy ferry rides or taxi journeys to access essential medical treatment. If we can safely deliver medications while adhering to pharmaceutical parameters, its an avenue worth exploring, says Andrew Caughey. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf (centre) visits the Project Caelus drone project Unrivaled Accuracy in Airow & Pressure Differential Measurement Accurate and stable measurement down to still air for HVAC No onsite calibration is required Thermal dispersion technology #1 specied airow measurement device in the world cooperward.co.uk +44 118 971 4971 enquiries@cooperward.co.uk 32 September 2023 www.cibsejournal.com