ABSTRACT
The introduction of wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 747 in the 1970s resulted not only in the lengthening of runways but also in the enlargement of terminals and access piers to accommodate the influx of passengers arriving in great waves. More recently, the growth in aircraft size has been curtailed not by technological possibility but environmental and operational factors – particularly noise in the neighbourhood of airports, and resistance from airport operators. It is feasible today to design and build aircraft capable of carrying 1000 passengers, but double-decker planes would require double-decked access piers, and greatly enlarged gate lounges and terminals. With rising construction costs and escalating land values, many airport authorities have discouraged plane makers such as Boeing from developing to the full technological potential. Instead, aircraft design in the 1990s has concentrated upon new safety levels, greater comfort, less noise and improved fuel energy performance. Such aircraft have stabilized at seating levels of about 450-550 (as in the Boeing 777) on the advice of airline companies and airport operators alike, though development is under way on the European Airbus A3XX, capable of accommodating 850 passengers and flying non-stop for 14000km.
