Gregory Polek has spent his entire career in aviation journalism with AIN, starting as a proofreader and assistant to then-managing editor Mary Mahoney in 1995 after serving an internship with&nbsp;New Jersey Monthly&nbsp;magazine and completing his B.A. degree in English/Writing at New Jersey’s William Paterson College. By 1997 Polek accepted a position as an associate editor, covering the regional airline beat for&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;in place of retiring industry veteran Don Anderson. The assignment took Polek across North America and Europe to profile regional airlines varying in size and mission from the likes of floatplane operators Kenmore Air and Chalk’s Ocean Airways to regional jet operators such as SkyWest and American Eagle. Today, in his dual role as Air Transport Editor and International Airshow Editor, Polek writes, edits, and manages AIN’s commercial aviation content while overseeing each of the company’s daily international air show publications in Paris, Farnborough, Singapore, and Dubai. Most recently Polek has assumed oversight of daily coverage of the Helicopter Association International’s annual Heli-Expo convention.

Senior Editor

Gregory Polek

Boeing’s 787 “ecoDemonstrator” flew its first test mission out of Boeing Field in Seattle on Monday, marking the start of a new round of environmental trials expected to last until mid-December. Boeing said the latest tests involve more than 25 new technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce noise.

 


Using 787 Dreamliner flight-test article ZA004, Boeing plans to evaluate software and connectivity technologies related to operational efficiency; remote sensors to reduce wiring; aerodynamic and flight control improvements for greater fuel efficiency, and “icephobic” wing coatings to reduce ice accumulation.

 


Plans call for ZA004 to test the NASA Airborne Spacing for Terminal Arrival Routes (ASTAR) to improve landing efficiency; new greenhouse gas sensors evaluated in collaboration with Japan Airlines and others; real-time turbulence reports generated in partnership with Delta Air Lines to mitigate moderate or greater turbulence events; instrument landing systems for new and older aircraft to optimize landings and reduce fuel use; on-board Wireless Sensor Network and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems microphones to reduce wiring and weight; and outer wing access doors made from recycled 787 carbon fiber to reduce material costs and factory waste. Supplier partners for ecoDemonstrator 787 technologies and flight tests also include Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, General Electric and Panasonic.

 


The 787 ecoDemonstrator completed flight tests in July for an acoustic ceramic matrix composite nozzle designed by Boeing to reduce weight and noise as part of the FAA Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program.

 


In 2011, the ecoDemonstrator Program tested 15 technologies with an American Airlines 737, including aspects of a new winglet expected to improve fuel efficiency by up to 1.8 percent on the new 737 Max. Plans for next year call for the ecoDemonstrator program to test more technologies on a 757 in collaboration with TUI Travel Group and NASA.

 


&nbsp;

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Boeing’s 787 ecoDemonstrator Takes Flight

Latest round of testing involves more than 25 new technologies.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Manufacturer is exhibiting this week at Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo

Brazil ANAC Approves Ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700

Curt Epstein

The annual event featured hundreds of exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors

NBAA Northeast Regional Draws Crowds to White Plains

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Agreement calls for orders of up to 200 of Joby's four-passenger vehicles 

Saudi Group Agrees to be Distributor For Joby's eVTOL Aircraft

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

AirVenture 2025 to host two of the company’s airships

Goodyear Blimp Celebrates a Century in Flight

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

First pilot-on-board flights featured conventional takeoffs and landings

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Aircraft

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin

Brazil ANAC Approves Ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700

Manufacturer is exhibiting this week at Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo

NBAA Northeast Regional Draws Crowds to White Plains

The annual event featured hundreds of exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors

Saudi Group Agrees to be Distributor For Joby's eVTOL Aircraft

Agreement calls for orders of up to 200 of Joby's four-passenger vehicles

Goodyear Blimp Celebrates a Century in Flight

AirVenture 2025 to host two of the company’s airships

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

First pilot-on-board flights featured conventional takeoffs and landings

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro Is a Trailblazer for Electric Aviation

Textron subsidiary Pipistrel is the first manufacturer that has certified an electric aircraft.

Citation: Cessna’s Revolutionary Jet

Cessna’s original Citation broke new ground for small business jets

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN