The center, located at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, will focus on independent research to mitigate safety risks in aviation and aerospace including data analytics.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has announced to have received a $5.1 million donation from Boeing to establish the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. The center, located at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach campus, will focus on independent research to mitigate safety risks in aviation and aerospace. The research will include data analytics, runway safety, safety management systems, risk management, and the safe integration of new entrants into the global airspace system, among other topics.
The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety will be housed in a 13,000-square-foot building on Embry-Riddle’s campus, set to open in January 2024. The center will foster collaboration across academia, industry, and government entities, with graduate and undergraduate students gaining real-world exposure through hands-on research projects. The center’s findings will be shared with the broader aviation community to advance knowledge and practices across the industry.
“By its nature, aviation is self-correcting in that we must continuously apply lessons learned to keep all who fly as safe as possible,” said P. Barry Butler, Ph.D, President, Embry-Riddle. “The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle will provide an infrastructure for systematically investigating and reducing safety risks, from technological challenges to human factors. We are grateful to Boeing for supporting independent research in this field,” he further added.
The center will be headed by the Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, and Kristy Kiernan, Ph.D. An industry advisory board, including a Boeing representative, will direct, review, and ensure the relevance and integrity of the center’s activities.
The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle is the latest development in Boeing’s partnership with the university. Other initiatives include the Boeing Scholars program, internships through an Engineering Development Program, and Embry-Riddle’s participation in Boeing’s Engineering Accelerated Hiring Initiative and Career Mentoring Program, as well as a program to serve ROTC graduates.
“We continuously work to move the needle in strengthening the safety of the air transportation system,” said Michael Delaney, chief aerospace safety officer, Boeing. “We’re pleased to be a part of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle, because the best solutions to the important challenges our industry faces come to life when we work together with our partners,” he further added.
The center’s focus on advancing safety is a key priority for the aviation industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently highlighted the importance of safety in its industry outlook, noting that “safety is the foundation on which all other aviation benefits are built.” The IATA reported that in 2020, the global aviation industry had its safest year on record, with just one accident for every 2.5 million flights. The industry has made significant strides in improving safety, but ongoing research and collaboration are critical to continuing that trend.
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The Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle will play an important role in advancing safety in the industry. Its independent research and partnerships across academia, industry, and government entities will drive innovation and progress in mitigating known and emerging safety risks.
