Toward sustainable aviation

Did you know that some of the most advanced composite parts in the world are made right here in New Hampshire? And did you know that materials science in advanced composites is pivotal in helping the aerospace industry reach its goals for sustainable aviation?

At Albany International and Albany Engineered Composites, we have been working here in New Hampshire and with our partners globally to advance innovation and sustainability in aerospace, as well as focusing on our own operational sustainability and community engagement.

In 2013, we built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with our partner Safran in Rochester, to co-develop and design components for the LEAP engine, a game-changer in the single-aisle aircraft market, setting new standards for efficiency and energy savings across Airbus and Boeing platforms.

The LEAP program uses Albany’s proprietary 3D carbon fiber composite weaving capability, which was developed based on our 130 years of experience weaving industrial textiles. Our 3D composite parts help make the LEAP engine significantly lighter and more durable, resulting in approximately 15% better fuel efficiency, saving cost and environmental impact.

Our advanced 3D technology is used on the GE-9X engine, and is being developed for the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, which aims to develop an open rotor engine that reduces carbon emissions by at least 20% compared to current commercial engines.

Albany also designed and manufactured a 3D woven rib demonstrated on the Airbus Wing of Tomorrow Program, which is focused on reducing aviation emissions and demonstrating the importance of large-scale industry collaboration to achieve that goal.

Albany continues to lead the way in developing 3D composite technology and advancing sustainable aviation through the replacement of metallic parts — just how much of an aircraft could be built with lighter weight and more fuel-efficient carbon fiber versus traditional, heavier metals such as aluminum and titanium?

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a cutting-edge transportation ecosystem that includes electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and urban air mobility (UAM) platforms. Albany is at the forefront of the AAM revolution, playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of urban transportation.

As the world seeks more sustainable transportation solutions, AAM’s electric and hybrid-electric aircraft promise to reduce congestion, emissions and travel times. In this dynamic landscape, our expertise in advanced composite solutions and commitment to innovation is enabling optimal performance, efficiency and sustainability.

To support our growth, Albany will be recruiting new employees in Rochester over the coming years in engineering, fabrication, machining and assembly. New Hampshire has cultivated a strong pool of aerospace talent, and Albany provides unique growth opportunities to attract new workers while providing the training necessary to enhance the regional workforce.

Finally, to underscore our commitment to the Granite State, we’ve recently announced that we are moving all our corporate employees to a new global headquarters in Portsmouth, while retaining our manufacturing and R&D capabilities and workforce in Rochester. We have used this as an opportunity to become even more active in the local community, working through our Community Outreach Council to support local organizations across our pillars of STEM, military, environment, social/community and culture/human arts.

Learn more about our work at www.albint.com, and we hope to see you in the neighborhood!

Anna Yates manages strategic sustainability projects at Albany International that benefit the business, the environment and Albany’s stakeholders. In addition to implementation of sustainability initiatives, this includes development of a comprehensive data collection and management system as well as an efficient governance structure and strategy. New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility produces “Sustainability Spotlight” monthly for NH Business Review.