Using green technology and artificial intelligence to reduce emissions and costs
Through a partnership with Avinxt and its giant robot powered by green technology and artificial intelligence, Norse Atlantic Airways intends to reduce its cost and carbon emissions. Supported by Canrig and Siemens, Avinxt is building the world’s largest robot that will potentially replace the current manual and time-consuming processes for de-ice, wash, engine wash and technical inspection of aircraft.
Norse Atlantic Airways’ boasts a fleet of modern and eco-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and thanks to the airline’s high utilization and cabin configuration, it delivers one of the industry’s lowest per passenger emissions. Norse is continuously looking for ways to make its flights greener and more cost effective, and the partnership with Avinxt has the potential of reducing its carbon footprint by as much as 4 percent.
“The solution from Avinxt is one of several initiatives that can help us reduce our carbon footprint while at the same time reducing our costs. That is a win-win. At Norse Atlantic we are always keen to explore intuitive partners and find solutions to automise and streamline our operations allowing us to be more efficient, punctual and cost-effective, particularly during winter operations,” said Chief Operating Officer Thom-Arne Norheim at Norse Atlantic Airways.
“We are very pleased to partner with an innovative airline like Norse Atlantic Airways. Our first robots will be built at Oslo Airport, but through close collaboration with Norse, we aim to pave the way for launch at Norse’s hub at London Gatwick,” said CEO and Chairman Ove Trøen of Avinxt.
“There is no reason why airports, airlines, the air force and ground handlers should continue with manual, time-consuming and expensive processes, when we can do it faster, better, more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective by using new technology, said Trøen.
Regular exterior washing of aircraft results in less air resistance, consequently reducing fuel burn of up to two per cent. By regularly cleaning the aircraft, the fuselage is less subject to wear and tear, which in turn results in lower maintenance costs. Regular engine wash yields similar benefits. By using cameras and artificial intelligence to "scan" aircraft for damage to the fuselage, Avinxt can identify any damage to the airframe with extreme precision within a few hours, compared to current processes that take up to several weeks.
On-site recycling of toxic glycol
Today, the spoils of toxic glycol from airport operations represent an environmental hazard. Few airports have facilities for collecting and recycling of fluids used for de-icing and washing of aircraft, consequently leading to significant soil and ground water contamination. To meet this challenge, Avinxt will offer on-site collection and recycling of chemicals. Its facility can collect and recycle more than 80 percent of all water and chemicals. Also, by recycling on-site, the need for transportation of used fluids is eliminated.
“Recycling of liquids on site not only reduces the cost for airlines that need to de-ice their planes before take-off, but it also adds significant environmental benefits. Our calculations show that collecting and recycling all liquids used, you can save as much as 1,800 kilos of CO2 per de-icing of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner,” said Trøen.
Ready for launch
After several years of testing and development followed by a preliminary project together with Avinor Oslo Airport, Avinxt will start building the world's largest robot in 2024. The robot removes snow and ice from single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft, cleans the fuselage and engines, as well as conducts technical inspections of the planes. This is possible through Avinxt's proprietary artificial intelligence software and a collaboration with Siemens and Canrig.
Avinxt has signed a letter of intent with the airlines Widerøe and Norwegian regarding washing, de-icing and technical inspection of aircraft. Widerøe Ground Handling has signed an agreement to be the operator of the robot at OSL. The ground handler Menzies has also signed a letter of intent with the company. Avinxt has previously received funding by the EU Innovation Council, Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway.
Avinxt's robot is built to handle everything from larger passenger planes to smaller private planes. Military aircraft will also be able to use the robot.
Philip Allport
Senior Vice President Communications
media@flynorse.com
Norse Atlantic Airways is an airline that offers affordable fares on long-haul flights, primarily between Europe and the United States. The company was founded by CEO and major shareholder Bjørn Tore Larsen in March 2021. Norse has a fleet of 15 modern, fuel-efficient and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners that serve destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington, Boston, Jamaica, Barbados, Bangkok, Miami, Oslo, London, Berlin, Rome and Paris. The company's first flight took off from Oslo to New York on June 14, 2022.
