Are airlines doing enough to protect the environment?

[AB Asks]

Boeing have unveiled a new plane, the 787 Dreamliner, which is said to be more fuel efficient than its competitors and produces considerably less carbon dioxide. It is made mostly of carbon fibre, rather than aluminium and is said to be the most environmentally friendly jet yet built. Are airlines doing enough to address their effect on the climate? Would you like to see them do more?

[Gromit]

I suspect the air plane makers' motives in building fuel efficient aircraft have little to do with saving the planet. Quite simply they will sell more products if they are cheaper to run than their rivals.
I am confused by your question 'Are airlines doing enough...'. Airlines are in business to carry as many passengers as they possibly can, and make as much profit from that activity as possible. If by buying aircraft that are cheaper to run, they will themselves make more money, then they will invest in fuel efficient aircraft. Saving the planet will not come into it.

[kwicky]

On another posting recently I questioned how a plane and its occupents were able to cope with lightning. The answer was that it uses the Faraday effect. I assume Boeing would be aware during the design phase of any likely problems but when you hear of people being struck while under a tree I might take some convincing with this new carbon fibre material.

[Gromit]

Kwicky,

they think of everything...

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5175665.html

[kwicky]

Thanks Gromit but its not yet tried and tested in a real environment. The De Haviland Comet prototypes show how easily problems can occur. Better to leave the pioneering stuff to others.

[kwicky]

Many planes especially on the long haul flights are underutilized. More competition only exacerbates the problem. A solution might be pool the resources of rival carriers and make full use of the seats.