Aviation News Jan 29: Medical Surveillance at Tan Son Nhat Airport Amid Nipah Virus Risks

Medical surveillance at Tan Son Nhat Airport against the threat of the Nipah virus and a partnership between Toshiba and Airbus to develop hydrogen-powered superconducting engines are the highlights of today’s Aviation News.

Simultaneously, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases has been requested to remain ready to receive suspected cases and organize professional training on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control for local medical facilities. Hospitals and clinics are reminded to strictly adhere to personal protective measures, especially for cases of acute encephalitis with unknown causes.

For individuals returning from affected areas, health authorities recommend self-monitoring for at least 14 days, contacting medical facilities immediately if symptoms appear, and avoiding self-treatment at home. Travelers to affected regions should avoid contact with bats, pigs, or animals showing signs of illness and refrain from consuming food that may be contaminated with bat waste.

According to the World Health Organization, the Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments; therefore, early detection and strict medical surveillance at aviation gateways are considered key preventive measures.

Toshiba and Airbus Partner to Develop Superconducting Engines for Hydrogen Aviation

As the aviation industry accelerates toward its net-zero carbon goal by 2050, technological breakthroughs in sustainable fuels and propulsion systems are becoming increasingly urgent. One promising direction is Toshiba's superconducting electric motor, which offers a compact, lightweight, and high-power solution for aviation electric propulsion.

Compared to traditional motors in the 2 MW class, Toshiba’s superconducting motor weighs and measures less than one-tenth as much—marking a significant turning point for the aviation industry, where every kilogram directly impacts efficiency and flight range. Recognizing the potential of the prototype first announced in 2022, Airbus (the world's largest aircraft manufacturer) launched a research partnership with Toshiba in 2024 to develop and scale this technology.

The formal partnership was announced at the 2024 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition, reflecting the shared commitment of both corporations to drive aerospace innovation. Drawing on Toshiba’s 50+ years of expertise in superconducting technology, this collaboration aligns with Airbus's aircraft electrification programs and hydrogen propulsion development, paving the way for zero-emission flights.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are expected to fundamentally transform air transport by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy. Hydrogen can be used by burning it in turbines or converting it into electricity via fuel cells. The latter is more efficient as it enables a CO₂-free electric propulsion system. Toshiba’s superconducting motors operate at ultra-low temperatures with almost zero electrical resistance, optimizing energy efficiency. Liquid hydrogen, stored at -253°C, serves as both fuel and coolant, creating an optimal synergy between performance and weight.

Sources: Tuoi Tre, Fuel Cells Works, Bao Dau Tu