Fuel Savings

[EconomyClass]

Heard so much about how new airplane technology saves money. Guess this story confirms it. Which probably is really good news for the airplane manufacturers. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/...07693313317838

[EconomyClass]

Can't find stats going to 2012, but year 2000 fuel consumption was 20 percent higher than 2010. Wonder if its all the new planes replacing old.

[Highkeas]

Newer aircraft and engines certainly improve fuel efficiency but other factors include improved weather forcasting and air traffic management. See here for other factors:

http://www.enviro.aero/Content/Upload/File/ATAG_EfficiencyGuide_REPRINT_web.pdf

[Highkeas]

From today's AIAA newsletter:

Fuel-Efficient Engines Behind “Eye-Popping” Aircraft Deals.

AFP (11/24) reports that engine manufacturers have been behind recent “eye-popping” aircraft deals, specifically the fuel economy gains made by these companies. Airlines have sought competitive advantage by “acquiring new-generation models that promise savings on fuel,” an important factor in the face of continuously high oil prices.

[EconomyClass]

From today's AIAA newsletter:

Fuel-Efficient Engines Behind “Eye-Popping” Aircraft Deals.

AFP (11/24) reports that engine manufacturers have been behind recent “eye-popping” aircraft deals, specifically the fuel economy gains made by these companies. Airlines have sought competitive advantage by “acquiring new-generation models that promise savings on fuel,” an important factor in the face of continuously high oil prices.

Just wondering if things like the Bakken oil strike will have any effect. Or have high fuel costs bashed bottom lines so thoroughly that trading in inefficient planes for efficient ones is a foregone conclusion. Other fact am wondering about. As the world tries to recover from the Financial Crisis, interest rates have been suppressed so many places that loans for rebuilding fleets could be historically low. Maybe airline corporations want to avail themselves of this pause in high loan costs to gear up for the future.

[TeeVee]

one factor that cannot be overlooked is that airlines have forced people to pack lighter by imposing bag fees. a large percentage of flyers do not check bags. while that may allow airlines to carry more cargo, i don't see much non-baggage cargo being loaded onto domestic flights, so planes are generally lighter.

speaking of lighter, wtf is with the ridiculously heavy trays boeing puts on its aircraft??? the trays in biz class weigh about ten pounds each. totally unnecessary.

[EconomyClass]

"Trays"? You talking about what comes out of the seat back? Which Boeing plane has them. Maybe I just haven't been on it.