Queensland University takes off with Airbus prize
PARIS – A team of students from the University of Queensland has won the inaugural Airbus “Fly Your Ideas†challenge.
The “COz†team won for its project into the use of the castor plant to develop the first single plant-based high performance composite materials for aircraft cabin components.
The goal is to reduce dependency on non-renewable sources and improve end of life disposal thus contributing to a reduction of aviation carbon footprint.
They conducted a comprehensive feasibility analysis entailing fibre production and testing, demonstrating very encouraging mechanical and environmental properties.
The multinational “COz” team comprises team leader, Michael Heitzmann (27), of Swiss origin and Alex Ng (25), originally from Hong Kong, both PhD students in mechanical engineering, and third team member, Benjamin Lindenberger (26), from Germany, an aerospace engineering student who is undertaking his University of Stuttgart diploma thesis at the University of Queensland.
“We wanted to demonstrate that composite materials made entirely with castor plant fibre can reduce the aircraft carbon footprint and enhance environmental protection. We hope it will have a future in aviation.†said Heitzmann.
Tom Enders, president and CEO of Airbus, awarded the €30,000 winners’ prize to the University of Queensland team.
Second place and a prize of €15,000 went to the team from the National University of Singapore, “Solaire Voyagerâ€, for its proposal to use solar cell technology integrating photovoltaic cells aboard aircraft to generate electricity.
More than 2,350 students from 82 countries around the world entered the competition, which started nine months ago.
The students’ objective was to come up with innovative and eco efficient ideas to shape the future of aviation, and deliver a further reduction in the industry’s impact on the environment.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive