Boeing 787

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting that the Boeing 787 might be going wheels-up for the first time before July 1.
Let’s hope so. The 787 has the potential to change travel for the better. I’m not just talking about its fuel economy, which is still a great step forward. I’m not talking about its higher cabin humidity and bigger windows, which will make travel more comfortable.
I’m mostly thinking of the sum of its benefits. With its fuel economy, any company considering phasing out a bunch of older planes should really have a good think about the 787. Yes, it’s a big wide-body twinjet. But imagine replacing five 737-800s with three 787s-3s: Depending on the seating configuration, you’d carry more people with fewer planes.
Long term, I’d bet that adds up to fuel savings, more passengers moved, fewer gate fees and fewer planes clogging the taxiways and airways. On that last point: Southwest Airlines sends a never-ending stream of 737s from Phoenix to LA. Call me crazy, but why not fewer flights in more airplanes? That means paying fewer crew members, too. And it would free up some gates that airports could use to entice other airlines – like you, Phoenix Sky Harbor, that so dreadfully lacks international carriers to major international destinations (hint, poke, hint, hint).
That could mean fewer flight delays, resulting in happier customers (especially when you factor in the cabin enhancements).
I know I’m not alone here, as the always-wise Patrick Smith of Ask the Pilot fame confirms. I remember that, back in the “old [...]