U.S. airlines and their unions have joined forces to push the Federal Aviation Administration to let pilots do what was once unthinkable: sleep on the job.
Though the practice of nodding off midflight in the cockpit is now strictly forbidden by the FAA, U.S. airlines and pilot unions say there is reputable research supporting the notion that so-called controlled napping can enhance safety by making crews more alert during critical, often hectic descents and landings.
It is obvious that today's aircraft manufacturers have excellent opportunities to market new product designs; escalating fuel costs, rising demand and the need for more quiet and environmentally friendly aircraft. A quick scan of scientific literature, press releases and the internet, reveals numerous of ideas for new aircraft and associated technology. Obviously, many of these are promising, especially from and environmentalists point of view because these aircraft are expected to deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and noise emission. Question is whether any of these ideas can be taken seriously or could even be turned into a realistic product or operational prototype.
If we take a look into the future, it should be said that many of the technologies that can help make aircraft for example more noise sensitive, are already with us today. Others will have to be developed and introduced on the short term if they are to be delivering benefits on the short- to- mid-term.
Business travelers are seen as the most profitable customers an airline can accommodate. In fact, in the early 1980’s, American Airlines discovered that only 5% of its customers accounted for 40% of its business. This means that every business traveler, or frequent flyer, was more than 10 times more valuable than an occasional flyer. Obviously, questions were raised on how to keep luring these highly lucrative travelers to the product the airline has on offer and consequently build brand loyalty. One of the answers was Frequent Flyer Programs. The success of these programs is illustrated by the fact that American Airlines’ AAdvantage program had 28 million members, 15 years after its introduction.
Just like earning points at grocery stores in order to receive free products or discounts, a frequent flyer is rewarded with miles which are redeemable for free or discounted travel, car rentals, and other services. Recent research revealed that customers want to be rewarded for their loyalty expressed with repeat business.
