A better future is a key focus for all manufacturers in the aviation industry, and every manufacturer is working toward that solution in their own way. Austin Major, Group Vice President of Business Development and Global Support at Parker Aerospace, highlights what this approach means in a conversation.

Q. Recently, Parker joined the consortium to advance aviation liquid hydrogen – can you tell us more?

A. Together with Marshall, GKN and Academic Partners, Parker is embarking on the HyFive project, the goal of which is to develop and implement scalable hydrogen fuel propulsion systems for aircraft ranging from small regional to single aisle. This initiative aligns with our commitment to next-generation technologies and our sustainability strategy. 

The consortium focuses on five areas related to supporting hydrogen-electric propulsion and hydrogen combustion powertrains: filtration, sensing and monitoring, transporting, fuel gauging/indication, and thermal management.

We believe these hydrogen fuel propulsion systems will be critical as our industry works toward net zero emissions and a sustainable future.

Q. How have the last couple of years been for the company? Recently, Parker Hannifin also adjusted its forecast for more profit.

A. We have experienced significant growth and an expanded portfolio with the acquisition of Meggitt. We have a positive outlook on the future of Parker Aerospace in large part due to our innovative technologies, passionate team members who make a difference every day and our comprehensive Win Strategy that guides everything we do. 

Parker is in a leading position in the global Motion and control industry. Across Parker Hannifin, we offer a broad portfolio of interconnected technologies that allow us to offer the best solutions to our customers. 

Q. How has the progress been on Alice since its first flight? What is the status of the project from Parker’s perspective?

A. The first flight of Eviation’s Alice all-electric commuter aircraft in September of 2022 began a new era in aviation. We are proud to be a partner in this incredible achievement. 

Eviation continues to make progress, as demonstrated by the completion of a formal Conceptual Design Review with wind tunnel testing in April. We are working with them closely on state-of-the-art technology for Alice by developing technologies for the future that will help bring more people together across the world in an accessible, responsible way.

Q. A lot of the focus in the commercial aerospace sphere is on electric and sustainable options today. What is Parker doing in that sphere?

A. Electrification is anticipated to be a key component of the expansion of the aviation industry. Not only is this important for our environmental responsibility, but it will reduce the cost of flight and allow for more regional and local opportunities.

We are proud to be part of this future. Parker currently has the biggest and broadest portfolio of electric technologies, and we offer other solutions like lighter weight technologies that enable more sustainable aircraft. Parker has extensive hydrogen solutions, and we have developed an extreme temperature range sealing solution that is compatible with traditional fuel and SAFs – these innovations, and a number of other green technologies, demonstrate our commitment to supporting our customers as they work toward their sustainability goals.

Q. How do Parker products contribute towards a safer environment?

A. Safety, unparalleled reliability, and zero defects are embedded in everything we do, and they are at the core of Parker’s operational philosophy. But our focus extends beyond quality and includes advanced safety systems.

At the show this year, we will be showcasing some of these technologies. This includes Verdagent, the first non-halon fire suppression agent developed and qualified in the world. We are also sharing our e-brake technology, a proprietary system that eliminates hydraulics from braking systems and is a safe, smart solution for the future. We also have a solution that addresses sealing for SAF, which can be used in a number of ways – including aircraft, engines and airports looking to develop ways to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Responding to the call for decarbonizing aviation, fuel providers are blending SAF with conventional jet fuel in ever-increasing amounts. As the composition of current and future SAF formulations may vary significantly, compatibility of all types of SAF with some traditional seal materials is a concern.

Q. What are the key product innovations that Parker has done in recent years? 

A. We are proud to offer a broader, deeper and more interconnected portfolio than we ever have in the past, and we can do this because of our focus on innovation and the combination of Parker Aerospace and Parker Meggitt.

In addition to the products I already mentioned, we are excited to share more exceptional advancements we have made at Parker. This includes an impressive suite of solutions that help solve challenges with thermal management systems and are complete, cost-effective and efficient. 

We have CoolTherm technology that helps prevent overheating and improves reliability and performance for electric vehicles, including aircraft. We also have our smart fan technology on display. These smart fans are made using no permanent magnets meaning they are cost and energy efficient. Smart controls seen on the fans can also be applied to pumps and other components.  Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.

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Parker Aerospace is proud to continue supporting the pioneering Alice all-electric aircraft developed by Eviation. This partnership demonstrates Parker’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the future of aviation. Parker Aerospace has been a key supplier to this groundbreaking project, which brings zero emissions and incredibly efficient air travel closer to becoming a reality.

Electrification and Parker Aerospace’s commitment to a sustainable future

Alice first flew on September 27, 2022, a landmark event in modern aviation history. Alice, designed for both commuter and cargo markets, demonstrated the ability to perform short flights without producing carbon emissions. The successful flight marks a significant step toward more sustainable flight.

Eviation’s Alice is designed to revolutionize regional travel, and Eviation will be offering a viable solution for routes ranging from 150 to 250 miles with models including a nine-passenger commuter model, a six-passenger executive cabin, and an eCargo version.

Parker’s advanced engineering and state-of-the-art solutions have helped support the evolution of the Alice aircraft.

With the largest portfolio of technologies that support electrification, Parker is dedicated to building the future and supporting aviation industry leaders as we work toward a greener future. Alice, which operates with zero emissions and minimal noise, provides a sustainable alternative to conventional air travel. This initiative aligns with Parker’s Purpose to develop innovative solutions that benefit the environment and communities around the world.

Driving innovation in the aviation industry

Alice is a testament to the power of progress and collaboration. The aircraft features cutting-edge electric propulsion units and advanced battery technology. Parker’s contributions highlight a commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering.

For Parker, involvement in the Alice project is more than just a business venture; it reflects the company’s core values, which highlight the belief that the future of aviation lies in sustainable and revolutionary solutions. Parker’s work with Eviation on Alice exemplifies this, embracing engineering challenges that strive to create cleaner, more efficient flight for future generations.

Looking forward

Parker remains dedicated to advancing aerospace technology through sustainable practices. Our ongoing support for the Alice project demonstrates a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Parker is proud to be at the forefront of this pioneering project, helping to shape the future of aviation for the betterment of our world.

About Parker Aerospace At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Parker stands at the forefront of aviation technology with an expanded range of products and services that sit nose-to-tail across the entire aircraft. Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.

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In the changing realm of aviation, electrification is emerging as an advancement that offers a vision of more efficient, environmentally friendly and secure air travel. At Parker, we take pride in leading this shift using our engineering know-how, innovative mindset and broad portfolio to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Embracing innovation

Innovation is core to our Purpose. Our team members strive for excellence every day through cutting-edge technology and engineering breakthroughs that help deliver a better tomorrow. We believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As we focus on the challenges of the future and the technological advancements in electrification today, we are redefining the standards of performance and reliability. 

With the integration of Parker Aerospace and Parker Meggitt, our portfolio of technologies in this space is the broadest and most extensive in the industry. We continue to explore new technologies as new opportunities arise. Whether we are developing lightweight electric solutions or pioneering new technologies, we help our clients achieve their goals without compromising safety or performance.  

Across Parker, our teams are developing new ways to solve tomorrow’s challenges. Electric aircraft demand more power storage, and our modular lithium batteries enable higher energy densities and allow for fast and simple capacity changes. Our electrically powered hydraulic powerpacks utilize power-on-demand technology that can significantly reduce power consumption and automatically deliver smart power when and where it is needed. Our Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in navigation systems, based on MEMS technology, utilizes smaller and lighter apparatus. This solution is as accurate as other high-cost solutions like fiber optic gyros. Parker is also developing smaller electric braking solutions from our proven pedigree found on the A220. These solutions allow for greener, safer, more sustainable electric aircraft.

Commitment to safety

As we progress as an industry, Parker is unwavering in our dedication to upholding safety standards. Through stringent testing procedures and quality control measures, our team is working to guarantee that each component we manufacture surpasses industry safety standards.

The electrification sector poses new challenges, especially when it comes to managing energy systems. Parker engineers are creating and evaluating systems that are not just efficient but are built with an eye to safety and security. Whether it’s mechanisms or innovative thermal management solutions at the component or system level, safety is a top priority in all our electrification endeavors.

Engineering excellence

Our success in electrification is built upon our team’s engineering skills. With a blend of knowledge and experience, we can take on challenges and deliver top-notch solutions in a collaborative work environment that nurtures innovation.

In addition, our aftermarket Services and Support Operations Team enhances the value we offer to our clients. We provide support and maintenance services to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of our electrification solutions over time. 

Sustainability: A core value at Parker

Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about the potential of electrification. We envision a future where electric aircraft, combined with other expansive, environmentally conscious solutions, set new standards in our industry. Our goal is to continue working with our customers to achieve more secure and sustainable results that redefine aviation. These developments will ultimately make green regional and long-haul flight more attainable by reducing weight, burning less fuel, and prioritizing safety and reliability.
At Parker, we are actively shaping the future of aviation. Through our dedication to progress, safety and sustainability, we encourage you to join us on this journey as we shift towards electrification and a greener tomorrow for the industry.

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What were you thinking about the last time you traveled on a plane? Your seat assignments, the weight of your suitcase or finding the right gate? Perhaps you were worried about takeoff or experiencing turbulence on your flight. But did you ever stop to wonder about the braking system, about if—or how—the plane would land and stop safely?

For the millions of passengers flying in and out of airports every day, it’s easy to take touchdown for granted. But for the team members in Parker’s Aerospace Group, braking has the potential to revolutionize air travel and pave the way for a better tomorrow.

“The hardest part is not making the airplane fly,” explains Grant Puckett, group chief engineer for electrification at Parker Aerospace. “We’re focused on making sure you land safely and continuing to provide the assurance society expects from the airplane industry.”

Now imagine boarding a plane where the brakes are as efficient and reliable as those in your electric car. While consumers may still be relatively early in their adoption of electrification technology, the aerospace industry has been working towards electric planes for decades, seeking ways to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. And Parker’s new electric braking system (Ebrake®) not only enhances safety and efficiency but also reflects progress toward greener, more sustainable air travel.

“Airplanes need to be able to stop when they land in all imaginable conditions,” says Puckett. “Our Ebrake uses electronic power to do that. This development is crucial because it provides electronic control for anti-skid algorithms and unique diagnostic capabilities, all while using less power and contributing to overall fuel savings.”

Traditional hydraulic braking systems are powerful but complex, and often require extensive maintenance. In contrast, the Ebrake’s electro-mechanical actuation is simpler, more reliable and more efficient.

“By eliminating hydraulic systems we reduce the plane’s weight, leading to significant fuel savings and easier maintenance,” Puckett adds. “This not only benefits airlines but also helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions​​.”

Indeed, Parker’s acquisition of Meggitt in 2022 has created a synergy of complementary technologies, particularly in electrification.

“The blend of Parker and Meggitt offers us the opportunity to think about vertical integration and draw on each other’s strengths to deliver superior solutions to our customers,” summarizes Jennifer Osbaldestin, general manager of Parker Aerospace’s Braking Systems Division.

The system’s successful implementation on the Airbus A220 is proof positive: “The Ebrake system is not only reducing maintenance needs but also enhancing safety by eliminating the need for hydraulic oils,” says Osbaldestin. “This innovation aligns with the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient aviation solutions​​.”

It also aligns with Parker’s Purpose, Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow. “Our Ebrake system is not just about efficiency; it’s about making a real impact on our environment,” emphasizes Puckett. “By reducing fuel consumption and emissions, we’re helping to create a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities on the horizon, with advancements in air mobility and sustainable technologies leading the way. Osbaldestin shares her optimism: “The advanced air mobility sector is booming, and Parker is at the forefront with our innovative Ebrake technology. We’re committed to providing smarter, easier-to-maintain solutions that support our sustainability goals.” By combining the strengths of Parker and Meggitt and focusing on innovative solutions, Parker is not only improving the efficiency and safety of air travel but also setting a standard for future technological advancements. This purpose-driven approach ensures that every engineering breakthrough contributes to a better, more sustainable world.

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