Pakistan is set to revolutionize the aviation industry with the unveiling of the world’s first-generation contrail-free aircraft engine. This groundbreaking technology, developed by Pakistani scientist Dr Sarah Qureshi, aims to eliminate the negative impact of commercial air carriers on the stratosphere and combat global warming. The engine is expected to be ready between mid-to-late 2020, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly aviation.
Dr Sarah Qureshi, an environmentalist and aerospace engineer, has been dedicated to this project since 2018. Her mission is to address the environmental hazards caused by contrails, the visible white streaks of smoke emitted from jet engines during flight. These contrails significantly contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Dr Qureshi explained the harmful effects of contrails and her innovative solution. “The aviation industry has long ignored the development of eco-friendly technology, focusing instead on fuel efficiency for monetary gain,” she stated. “It’s time we prioritize the planet over profits.”
Contrails are formed when hot, humid exhaust gases from aircraft engines mix with the cold air in the upper atmosphere. This leads to the formation of ice crystals that appear as white streaks in the sky. These ice crystals can persist for hours, contributing to the greenhouse effect by trapping infrared radiation and warming the Earth’s surface.
ALSO READ: PIA Pilots Set World Record for Fastest Flight from London to Karachi in 1962
Dr Qureshi’s journey began at Cranfield University in the UK, where she pursued her PhD in Aerospace Engineering. Her academic research laid the foundation for this pioneering project. Driven by her passion for environmental conservation, she founded Aero Engine Craft alongside her father, Masood Latif Qureshi, a renowned physicist.
Aero Engine Craft is Pakistan’s first commercial airplane engine company, dedicated to creating environmentally friendly aircraft engines. Dr Qureshi’s invention features a unique pressure-based condensation mechanism that cools water vapours in the engine’s exhaust. This innovative technology allows the water to be collected and released as needed, preventing the formation of contrails.
The development of this contrail-free engine comes at a critical time. The global climate crisis is intensifying, with rising temperatures, melting ice sheets, retreating glaciers, and ocean acidification posing severe threats to the planet. Activists worldwide are raising awareness about these environmental hazards, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Launches First-Ever Online Air Taxi Service
Dr Qureshi’s work is a beacon of hope in this battle against climate change. By mitigating the environmental impact of aviation, her invention promises to play a crucial role in preserving Earth’s atmosphere for future generations.
Dr Qureshi’s groundbreaking work has not only garnered attention within the scientific community but has also sparked a broader conversation about the future of aviation. She challenges the industry’s current priorities, advocating for a shift towards sustainable technology. “Unless you have a confirmed ticket to Mars, which does not have a livable atmosphere, Earth is our best bet and must be saved,” she remarked, taking a dig at Elon Musk’s ambitious space exploration plans.
As the world eagerly anticipates the launch of the first contrail-free aircraft engine, the implications of this innovation are vast. If adopted widely, this technology could significantly reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility.
Dr Qureshi’s dedication to her work and her commitment to environmental conservation serves as an inspiration. Her pioneering efforts remind us that innovative solutions can emerge from unexpected places and have the power to change the world.
