Engineers look to embrace technologyAirAsia engineers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have begun a programme of attachment with Williams Toyota to bring the airline closer to the technology of F1.
The chosen engineers, including representatives from AirAsia’s
Academy which trains Malaysian Engineering graduates from all walks of life, spent time at Williams F1’s factory with some of Williams F1’’s top engineers, talking about the technology behind Formula One including:
Similarities and differences between aviation and Formula One including the use of composite material, the importance of aerodynamics and weight
The key points about aerodynamics and how Formula One leads the way in making cars lighter and faster
Reduction in the weight of vehicles with carbon fibre technologies (reducing fuel consumption)
Through the programme, AirAsia are looking to embrace some of Formula One’s advance technologies and share the lessons learnt with their aviation programme. Particular emphasis will be placed on making transport more environmentally friendly in terms of fuel consumption, emissions and noise, while still responding to today’s global economic need for transport.
The AirAsia engineers were also joined by students from select British universities currently studying engineering, who were offered the chance to join the programme.
The students were also given the chance to experience the team’s Pit Stop Challenge, an opportunity to heighten understanding of the team-work and dedication behind Formula One.
Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia
“Our rationale to sponsor AT&T Williams is to associate our AirAsia brand with Formula One as it is the epitome of technology. We share the same values as Williams F1, namely quality of product, technological precision, world class performance and efficiency. I am delighted that we have begun to pro-actively learn from the sport with the view to improving our technology.”
Tom McCullough, Williams Track Engineer
“It was great to meet the guys from AirAsia in what was a very informative day for both us and them. I look forward to continuing our programme of cross-learning schemes with AirAsia over the next few years."
Source Mos Espa
