Quote Originally Posted by Shaggy Hiker View Post
I heard what those ships are costing to operate. They've GOT The Very Expensive Machine.

By the way, I also heard a discussion about why there aren't any automated satellite reporting systems. Apparently, they are now standard on corporate jets, but not on commercial airlines. The reason is simply that it would cost money to add them. The cost is justified when it comes to corporate jets, but when it comes to commercial airlines, if there is enough room to add a satelite transciever, then there is enough room to shave off another inch of legroom per person and add another row of seats.
The two biggests US airlines spent $74 million on lobbying efforts in the US governent. If that doesn't speak volumes to that I don't know what does.