With fuel prices skyrocketing, airplanes have been trying to figure out ways to lighten loads. Manufactures have taken the first step by constructing the planes with lighter material. According to the article, With fuel prices high, airlines lighten the load, "The pressure is immense to cut weight," said John Heimlich, chief economist for the Air Transport Association of America. "Every penny more per gallon adds $195 million to the industry's expenses per year. You simply cannot make all of that up with fare increases." In December 2007, 27 percent of operating expense was due to fuel. The airlines have been able to keep gas prices down by signing contracts with other companies. They have even changed first class silverware to something more light weight. The change includes using plastic instead of glass for cups. According to a survey issued to passengers, using plastic was not a top concern. According to Shamblin, "Twelve pounds is significant when you run anywhere from six to 35 carts on an airplane. The lighter carts will save the airline $1.7 million a year in fuel costs." The next step to conserving fuel would be cutting back in areas of service, flights, and seat spots. I believe that the airlines are headed in the right direction as being concerned about fuel prices and how it affects their company, but I think that they need to put a stop to it before it reaches the change of service and seat availability. Many airplanes as it is today already have full planes.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/03/31/airlines.lighter.plane.ap/index.html
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