Easyjet challenged the UK’s next generations of engineers to design their vision for future flying – planes for travelling across Europe powered by a sustainable energy source. The results were amazing.
These seats were made of coconuts, one the strongest and longest-lasting natural fibres and power source available.
But it was Cerys, aged eight, from Norfolk, and Lara, aged 15, from Surrey, who were crowned the winners of easyJet’s Aircraft of the Future competition – thanks to ‘inspirational’ designs.
Lara Wong, aged 15 from Epsom and Cerys (left), eight-year-old from Norfolk, unveiled their zero emission passenger plane designs when they were named the winners of the easyJet Aircraft of the Future contest at Luton Airport.
Cerys’ winning design was based on battery power. It featured solar-powered wings, and cups that can be reused by passengers.
Lara was meanwhile looking at the use of pressurised hydrocarbons and fuel-cell stacks in order to produce electricity that would power her futuristic passenger airplane.
Lara’s aeroplane was also inspired by the animal kingdom. Material replicating fish scales were used for the fuselage to increase fuel efficiency and reduce drag.
Cerys’ winning design was based on battery power. It featured solar-powered wings, reusable cups made from processed banana leaves and reusable cup for passengers.
All entries were judged by the panel on the quality and interpretation of the theme. Innovation, creativity and practicality. But most importantly, the way the design considers sustainability and the environment.
Each design entry was evaluated by an ’eminent panel of world-class specialists in flight, sustainability, design, and zero-emission technologies’.
Jane Ashton (easyJet Director of Sustainability) joined Debbie Thomas, a Zero-Emission Aircraft Modeller and EasyJet Pilot, on the panel. Glenn Llewellyn of Airbus was also present. Jeff Engler, CEO at Wright Electric is working to develop a zero emissions short-haul airplane. Frank Stephenson is an auto transportation designer best known for his classic Mini and Fiat 500 designs, and more recent innovations in designing electric flying cars.
Each entry was judged on “the quality of its design, interpretation, creativity, innovativeness, practicality and, above all, the way it has taken into consideration sustainability and the environment.”
Debbie Thomas (EasyJet’s first officer) and judge said that there were many amazing entries. She is also an engineer and modeller of zero-emission aircraft. Cerys and Lara have inspired us all with their winning designs – we’d love to see them join easyJet as engineers one day, working on zero-emission aircraft of the future.’
Lara designed the aircraft using fuel-cell stacks and pressurised hydrogen to produce electricity.
Lara’s plane also took its inspiration from animals, and used material that resembles fish scales to make the fuselage. It was designed to reduce drag to increase fuel efficiency.
Frank Stephenson (designer and judge) said that he was blown away at the number of designs he had seen. It is amazing how children’s imaginations can spark ideas and creativity. We are so proud of Cerys, Lara and all that they have accomplished.
Glenn Llewellyn (Airbus Vice President Zero Emission Aircraft) and judge said that there is nothing more motivating than witnessing the enthusiasm of the next generation for sustainable flying. I’m thoroughly impressed by the innovative ideas – from fish scales to increase laminar flow to “bow” wings powered by hydrogen fuel cells – put forth by these future aeronautical engineers. They display curiosity and creativity, as well as a level of knowledge in aeronautical that surpasses their years.
Jeff Engler is the CEO and Judge of Wright Electric. He said, “It was extraordinarily inspiring to see what creative children did when they were designing their future sustainable aircraft.” It was amazing to witness the creativity and detail displayed in the designs.
Cerys and Lara have received a host of money-can’t-buy-prizes in the form of a 3D model and rendering of their design, produced and signed by Frank Stephenson, as well as an experience in an easyJet full-flight simulator and return flights to anywhere on the airline’s network for the winner’s immediate family.
Frank Stephenson is seen here with Cerys, who shows her design to him. Cerys and Lara have received a host of money-can’t-buy-prizes in the form of a 3D model and rendering of their design, produced and signed by Frank, as well as an experience in an easyJet full-flight simulator
Lara and Cerys are pictured with Martyna Snopek (Design Engineer at easyJet) and Frank Stephenson
Lara has also won the Secondary-School-Age category. She will be able to go behind the scenes with Airbus, and have a discussion on Frank Stephenson’s YouTube channel. Each runner-up will receive a signed rendering of their design.
The airline conducted research on 2,000 British kids and adults. It found that 83% of them would love to pursue a career in science or technology to fight climate change.
A staggering 95% of children agree that science and technology are important subjects. Additionally, 90% believe being an inventor or designer to help combat climate change would make a great career choice.
Easyjet explained that the company is committed to the development and operation of zero emissions aircrafts to help decarbonise aviation. It has been working closely with Airbus and Wright Electric in an effort to increase the speed of the advancement of zero-emission technologies. It is hopeful that customers will soon be able to fly on hydrogen-combustion or hydrogen-electric planes by the middle of 2030s.