Page 94 - World Airnews September 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL NEWS DIGITAL

MEET UAE’S FIRST HOME-GROWN ROLLS-ROYCE AND NORWEGIAN

AVIATION DOCTOR AIRLINE IN ZERO EMISSIONS

RESEARCH

Climate and Environment, Ola Elvestuen, turbines and encouraging the development
who has on several occasions put forward of sustainable aviation fuels.
Leading industrial technology company the suitability of the Norwegian STOL “This project will further build on our
network as a test bench for the develop- global electrical capability, which was
Rolls-Royce and Widerøe, the largest ment of zero-emissions aircrafts. recently boosted by the acquisition of
As the UAE’s first Emirati regional airline in Scandinavia, have Widerøe management have been travel- Siemens eAircraft business and comple-
woman to specialise in aviation launched a joint research programme on ling the world to partner with suppliers that ments the electrical work we are princi-
medicine, Dr Nadia Bastaki is a zero-emissions aviation. can build the zero-emission aircraft they pally doing in the UK and Germany, whilst
The programme is part of the airline´s
pioneer in her own right. ambition to replace and electrify its need to replace their Dash8 fleet. building on the knowledge gained through
“While studying Family regional fleet of 30+ planes by 2030. “We are aiming to have emission-free the ATI supported E-Fan X programme.
Medicine, I was inspired by His This was announced at the Clean commercial flights in the air by 2030. Rolls-Royce has a high-tech electrical re-
Highness Sheikh Mohammed Aerospace event at the British Embassy in Partnering with Rolls-Royce for this search facility based in the Norwegian city
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- Oslo, Norway. research programme puts us one step of Trondheim aimed at finding solutions for
President and Prime Minister closer to reaching that goal,” said Andreas emission-free aviation and they will be part
of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who The aim of the programme is to develop Aks chief strategy officer Widerøe. of this initiative.
always encouraged Emiratis to an electrical aircraft concept, not only Rolls Royce director Aerospace “Britain and Norway share a long history
be ‘the first’ and ‘be different’. I to fulfil the Norwegian ambition of Technology and Future Programmes Alan of successful partnerships. Our facility in
spent many months researching zero-emissions by 2030, but also to replace Newby said, “We’re delighted to be part of Norway enables us not only to be present
different programmes across a The most interesting aspect of the job, whether by air, car, bus, or train, can be at Widerøe’s legacy fleet of regional aircraft this electrical aircraft research programme in Scandinavia but to leverage Norwegian
variety of universities, constantly searching according to her, has been space medicine. risk of blood clots.” world-wide. and applaud the high level of ambition that competence in high power electrification
for that something that would give me the In partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rolls-Royce will use its in-depth electrical Norway is adopting toward zero-emissions from the Marine sector, which will
spark I was looking for. When I came across Rashid Space Centre, she also participated She said blood clots can form in the deep and systems design expertise to help advise aviation. Rolls-Royce has a long-standing undoubtedly be a critical component in
aviation and aerospace medicine, all of a in conducting medical tests for the team veins (veins below the surface that are not on all elements of the project. history of pioneering innovation, from helping us to achieve our goals,” said Sigurd
sudden I knew this was my dream,” she told chosen to work in the UAE Astronaut visible through the skin) of your legs while The initial phase, which involves powering early flight to building the world’s Øvrebø, managing director at Rolls-Royce
Gulf News in an exclusive interview ahead Programme. sitting still in a confined space for long operational studies and concept proofing, most efficient aero engine flying today, the electrical Norway.
of Emirati Women’s Day on August 28. “Learning about space medicine has periods of time. is already underway, with expert teams Trent XWB; we relish the opportunity to The joint programme has received
She said, “The course description aligned provided me with an insight into how not “The longer you are immobile, the in Norway and the UK working closely solve complex problems that matter. support from Innovation Norway, the
perfectly with my personality while at the only the physiology of the human body greater your risk of developing a blood clot. together on a daily basis. “Now more than ever, we acknowledge governmental innovation support fund and
same time, combined with my passion changes with altitude but how a different Many times the blood clot will dissolve on The Norwegian government has that society’s greatest technological is expected to last for two years.
to be a doctor in a clinical practice. I level of fitness is required in order for a its own. However, a serious health problem announced ambitious goals for the aviation challenge is the need for lower carbon “The development of electric aviation
spoke with the founders at the university pilot to function at optimal performance. can occur when a part of the blood clot industry, aiming for emission-free domestic power and we have a crucial role to play looks promising, but we need to progress
and followed their guidelines to a tee to It was fascinating to learn about these breaks off and travels to the lungs causing aviation by 2040. in creating cleaner, more sustainable and faster. We are therefore pleased to
ensure my dream would become a reality. differences and how both commercial and a blockage. This is called a pulmonary Widerøe’s research is being supported scalable power for the future. This includes have the world’s most renowned engine
Fortunately for me, through Kings College military pilots and even astronauts deal embolism, and it may be fatal.” both by the Norwegian government and the electrification of flight, in addition to manufacturer onboard with us on this
London, I was headhunted by Etihad with these challenges. The more I learnt, The good news, however, is there are Innovation Norway and the Minister of increasing the fuel efficiency of our gas pioneering green journey” said Aks. Q
Airways in 2006.” the more I wanted to explore, to the things you can do to protect your health
Learning about space medicine has extent that I registered myself into a flying and reduce your risk of blood clots during a
provided me with an insight into how not school. I wanted to truly understand what long-distance trip, she added.
only the physiology of the human body pilots feel and experience in their working
changes with altitude but how a different conditions to enable me to offer the MEDICAL GUIDELINES
level of fitness is required in order for a highest level of medical care to them.” Dr Bastaki said the biggest challenge for air
pilot to function at optimal performance. medical teams is that passengers do not
Now the vice-president for medical and COMMON IN-FLIGHT PROBLEMS disclose their medical information or health
well-being services at the Etihad Aviation Dr Bastaki said there are no particular status before a flight.
Group, she oversees the medical services illnesses associated with flying either “Airlines have clear medical guidelines
on behalf of Etihad employees and its flight before, during or after take-off. which should be read prior to travel to
crew. “However, some may experience ensure any necessary medical clearances
anxiety before a flight or have travel can be obtained in advance. Some
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES confined space phobia. In some instances, guests require special assistance such as
Dr Bastaki’s success has not come without passengers may have a history of motion oxygen, stretcher, wheelchair or certain
its share of challenges. sickness therefore may feel nauseous medications. These can all be cleared and
“Aerospace and Aviation Medicine and experience vomiting. When it comes supported by Etihad’s medical aviation
presented many challenging but rewarding to long-haul flights, as the body crosses specialist team in advance to ensure a
smooth, safe journey and to prevent a
experiences. I had to go through a myriad multiple time zones, some passengers may medical emergency. We are also contracted
programmes, including a land and sea feel more jet-lagged than others.” with Medlink which grants us 24 hour
survival course, an injury accident investi- But what about deep vein thrombosis? access to doctors on the ground that crew
gation programme for ejected pilots and a “Blood clots, also called deep vein can connect with anytime during the flight
helicopter ditching exercise, none of which thrombosis (DVT), can be a serious risk for to ask them to review medical information The Airbus/Rolls-Royce/Siemens E-Fan X is a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator
was easy — particularly the latter as we some long-distance travellers. However, being developed by a partnership of Airbus, Rolls-Royce plc and Siemens.
were put inside a centrifuge,” she recalled. anyone travelling for more than four hours, remotely,” she added. Q

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