End of the Line for the 747, E-Commerce Invades the Chinese EV Space and Biden Infrastructure Plans Focus on the Environment

This Week in Engineering explores the latest in engineering from academia, government and industry.

On today’s episode, after half a century, the most iconic program in aerospace engineering history is drawing to a close. Atlas Air Worldwide has ordered four Boeing 747-8 freighters for delivery through October 2022, representing the last 747s to be built in the program.

With the success of Tesla and the rapid introduction of competing electric vehicles from mainstream auto manufacturers, it looks like there’s new competition coming from an unlikely source: e-commerce. Chinese heavyweight Alibaba Group Holding is launching a new electric sedan.

President-elect Joe Biden is days away from inauguration, and clean energy and infrastructure companies are enjoying notable gains on Wall Street in anticipation of the new administration’s programs. Biden plans to re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement, reversing the Trump administration withdrawal.

Interested in watching more episodes of This Week in Engineering? Check them out along with many other series on Engineering TV.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.