Banning laptops at secure airports won’t keep aircraft safe from terror attacks
The ban on electronic devices in cabin luggage overlooks the airports that would be least likely to detect a bomb.
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Articles on Air travel
Displaying 1 - 20 of 26 articles
Heathrow 2.0: a ‘sustainable airport’ that pretends no one has to choose between planes and pollution
Those backing Heathrow's proposed new runway want to depoliticise the issue entirely. But hard choices are inevitable.
Airport privatisations have put profit before public safety and good planning
Airport operators enjoy the privileged position in Australian planning law of being able to decide their own futures. Their exemption from state planning rules threatens orderly planning and safety.
It’s time to wake up to the devastating impact flying has on the environment
Most passengers have no idea how bad air travel is for the environment.
Perth to London non-stop: great for travellers, but little help for emissions
Qantas's new non-stop route from Perth to London might be a watershed for travel times between Australia and Europe. But super-long-haul routes won't do much to cut aviation's greenhouse emissions.
How much should air traffic controllers trust new flight management systems?
The FAA's NextGen system should bring safety and efficiency to American air travel, but its users need to understand it clearly.
The real future of supersonic flight doesn’t depend on Richard Branson – but it might depend on Trump
The president-elect's taste for private jets could be just what the aviation industry needs.
Melbourne Airport outpacing Sydney in aviation’s Asian century
New aircraft and growing business and tourist links are helping Melbourne outpace Sydney in attracting Asian visitors.
Airly’s private plane service adds new layer of elitism to Australian skies
The profitability of the airline industry is fragile at best, but that doesn't mean Australia can't make room for another airline.
André Turcat: the test pilot who took Concorde supersonic
The renowned aviator's name became synonymous with Concorde and the era of supersonic flight.
Big is beautiful: why the A380 could still have a bright future
Demand for the A380 appears to have stalled, but it's still the best Very Large Aircraft out there.
The rise of the whiny air passenger
Everyone loves to complain about airline travel, leading to what the airline industry has called the "entitled passenger".
How to protect planes and passengers from explosions on the surface of the sun
A rare but dramatic solar storm could have a damaging effect on aircraft systems crucial for safe flight. New technology can help us avoid serious consequences.
Without a global deal, US curbs on airline emissions are hot air
Greenhouse emissions from the aviation industry are still largely unregulated. The prospect of regulations for US flights sounds like progress, but it won't happen without an elusive international consensus.
In an iconic airport terminal, the last vestiges of a bygone era
With air travel no longer possessing the romantic allure it once did, the structure is slated to become a hotel.
British Airways isn’t chasing the rainbow with its Aer Lingus bid
The bid by British Airways’ owner, IAG, to buy Aer Lingus is yet another step towards the establishment of the three dominant network carriers in the EU airline market. The Aer Lingus board is currently…
Air rage: bad behavior at 30,000 feet
People do disgusting and disruptive things on airplanes. They show little regard or patience for fellow passengers and their needs. Inconsiderate behavior on the part of passengers can make air travel…
Oil prices have nosedived – why aren’t airfares doing the same?
Oil prices are down almost 50% from their peak this year, and jet fuel has plunged 33% since last December. Given energy costs consume almost a third of airline operating expenses, shouldn’t we expect…
The science of airport bomb detection: mass spectrometry
You’ve probably had your hand luggage swabbed after walking through the metal detector at the airport. Whatever molecules were picked up by the swab have been separated using gas chromatography. So how…
The science of airport bomb detection: chromatography
As the holidays draw near, many of us will hop on a plane to visit friends and family – or just get away from it all. Some will be subjected to a swab at the airport to test clothes and baggage for explosives…
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