Embry-Riddle Asia Campus Students Stand Out Again at Multinational Aviation and Aerospace Trade Show

For the second straight year, students from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia Campus made a stellar showing at the Future Travel Experience APEX Asia event, a major aviation and aerospace industry trade show that focused its 2023 theme on “Preparing for Tomorrow’s World.”

The students from Embry-Riddle Asia’s B.S. in Aeronautics, B.S. in Aviation Business Administration and Master of Business Administration in Aviation programs showcased seven different innovative and forward-thinking projects, presenting and discussing their work with trade show visitors who represented some of the top aviation and aerospace companies, government agencies and NGOs.

Being part of the massive two-day show, held Nov. 8 and 9 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, was a huge honor for the Asia Campus students. It offered them key professional experience and the chance to build stronger professional networks by connecting with top employers at one of the biggest trade events in the region.

“I was so impressed with our students and the quality of their research,” said Pablo Alvarez, Associate Vice-Chancellor of Campus Operations for Embry-Riddle Asia. “I was also inspired to see our students engaging with industry leaders and using the platform provided to share their innovative ideas and solutions.  It truly is remarkable to find an industry program that is inclusive of undergraduate and graduate students and their research. It underscores FTE’s awareness that you cannot fully address the ‘Future Travel Experience’ without including the observations and insights of the ‘Future Generation of Travelers.’”

Embry-Riddle researchers and Associate Vice-Chancellor Pablo Alvarez (back row, second from left) show off their Eagle pride at the FTE show. (Photo: ERAU Asia Photography Club)

Jointly hosted by Future Travel Experience (FTE) and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), the event aimed to show participants “how technology, innovation, hospitality and collaboration will redefine air transport.”

It also highlighted growing travel demand across the Asia Pacific region and offered strategies to make the aviation industry “more resilient, sustainable and efficient.” Those key themes sparked some inventive and pioneering research topics for Embry-Riddle’s student to pursue.

B.S. in Aeronautics major Hashem Hashem highlighted the onboard passenger experience in a presentation entitled “Noise Reduction Techniques in Commercial Aircraft Cabins.” Hashem’s project explored the advances in soundproofing using newly developed materials and other breakthroughs, including quieter engines, that have dialed down passenger cabin noise.

From cloud technologies and AI platforms that speed the flow of information to predictive maintenance programs that can help eliminate flight disruptions, Master of Business Administration in Aviation student Mohammad Owais Shaikh also concentrated on cutting-edge tools and applications aimed at making life easier for the flying public. Mohammad’s research centered on “Elevating the Passenger Experience - Reviewing the Latest Innovations in Air Travel.”

"Attending this event was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, immerse myself in the latest aviation trends and gain valuable insights into the future of the industry,” Mohammad said. “I was particularly inspired by my conversation with Javid Malik [Chair of the Advisory Board, Ink Innovation], whose expertise and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my vision for my aviation app. I am eager to implement his advice and continue developing my app with renewed enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose.”

Meanwhile, Master of Business Administration in Aviation student Bayan Begaliyeva investigated another aspect of commercial aviation with a direct and dramatic impact on passengers: How airline flights are scheduled.

Bayan analyzed the latest scheduling tools in a presentation called “Integrated Dynamic Airline Route and Schedule Optimization.”

Putting the spotlight on sustainability—another critical topic for tomorrow—was the goal of research conducted by Hursh Tarun Sanghavi and Vanessa Ng. Hursh and Vanessa, who are both Aeronautics majors, focused their efforts on “Utilizing Micro Satellites to Assess the Impact of Algae on Global Warming,” which aligns with current use of biomass like algae in the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

"Getting the opportunity to attend an event like the Future Travel Experience as well as to be able to present a personal project gave me a sense of satisfaction, almost like the last bite of a big meal,” said Hursh, who also is president of Student Government Association 8. “The chance to speak to industry leaders and different startups gave me the sense of how large the industry really is, and that will stick with me from now on."

Aeronautics major Keren Natha and her two partners, Aviation Business Administration majors Priya Rajendran and Sundar Selvaganesan, decided to tackle another issue now trending in aviation: The mental health of pilots.

Particularly, the trio decided to examine the demands of flight training that’s being ramped up to mitigate the ongoing pilot shortage with research into “Assessing Mental Health Awareness Amongst Aviation Undergraduates.”

Helping improve and enhance flight training was also squarely in the sights of Jo Lim Kwang Meng of V3, the Asia Campus student interest group that promotes the use of simulators for aspiring pilots. Jo, an Aeronautics major, explored how “Flight Simulation Technology for Enhanced Student Pilot Training” can help with both the speed and quality of preparation for those seeking a seat on the flight deck.

The final glimpse into the future of travel in the Asia Pacific region came from B.S. in Aeronautics graduate Denzil Neo. He delved into the rapidly expanding horizons of Uncrewed Systems and the nearly unlimited potential for their commercial use with a presentation called “Deploying and Utilizing Taxi-Robots.”

Being invited to such a large and prestigious trade show was a tremendous opportunity for Embry-Riddle Asia students, especially the undergraduates, and everyone who took part gained valuable practical experience and made important industry connections during the event.

“Student Success is at the core of our work at Embry-Riddle Asia and behind every student success story isan industry friend or partner who believed in you and your aspirations,” said Director of Student Success Kim-Chua, who was named to moderate a panel discussion during the expo. “The students are the future of our industry, and you must endeavor to introduce change and innovation in the field that you so love.”