First Joint Project Will Explore Advanced Filtration Technology To Improve Air Quality In Commercial Airplane Cabins

Boeing and Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey’s leading aerospace engineering and technology institution, have announced a new collaboration in aerospace research to benefit the flying public. Boeing Turkey President Bernard Dunn and ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karaca held a signing ceremony at the university campus to celebrate an agreement to launch joint research and development programs. The event was attended by Turkish Airlines Executives Dr. Temel Kotil and Dr. Ismail Demir. Dr. Kotil is the Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines and former chair and associate Dean of the University’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. Dr. Demir is the Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Technic and a graduate of ITU.

In addition, Boeing and ITU announced their first joint project: a one-year effort to research and develop an advanced air-filtration system to enhance air quality for passengers in commercial airplane cabins. "We are very pleased to establish a new research partnership with Istanbul Technical University, one of Turkey’s finest institutions of higher learning,” said Dunn. “Boeing is defined by its technological edge, and we believe our collaboration with ITU will bring innovative ideas to our company and support Turkey’s goals for economic and technology development.”

“Today marks the start of a strong partnership between Boeing and ITU on innovative design and research for the aerospace sector,” said Prof. Dr. Karaca. “We are very pleased to have not only Boeing, but also our national flag carriers Turkish Airlines and Turkish Technic on board as strong supporters and partners of such cutting-edge R&D for civil aviation.”

The environmental control system in today’s commercial airplanes minimizes concentrations of chemical contaminants to extremely low levels. In their research, Boeing and ITU will explore the effectiveness of specially treated nano-fibers to further remove volatile organic compounds from the airplane cabin. “This project is an example of how Boeing is continuously working to improve the commercial airplane passenger experience,” said Mike Friend, senior technical director of Global Research and Development Strategy for Boeing Research & Technology. “We look forward to working with the talented faculty and students at ITU, which has a strong research program in nano-materials for aerospace applications.”

Boeing has maintained a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey for nearly 70 years. It currently provides aircraft and services to Turkish commercial and defense customers and is a significant and trusted partner of the Turkish aerospace industry.

FMI: www.boeing.com