This is unfortunate. There are over three hundred reasons why this method of certification needs to be changed and yet their lives now were lost in vain. Sad, really.
Had a conversation with an Alaska pilot not long ago. Airbus planes fly higher and faster and are more comfortable. Given Boeing's failure with the MAX, I'm not sure this is a good idea, especially when the A321 Neo is proven and the MAX is still on the ground
The airlines have been spending their money buying back their own stock so that they can inflate the price and their company's value. The American public needs the bailout, not the corporations. If the public has no money, they won't fly when this is all over.
I find it interesting that everyone clamors for the capitalist model, but at the first sign of trouble people want to socialize corporations like airlines and cruise lines and hotels. But socializing help to the people - who need it most - is called out as being anti American.
I remember in the days of the DC-10 and the L-1011 when wide body planes were used domestically instead of trying to shove 200 people in a 737. It's too bad those days are over - if they used a 747 variant for domestic flight, it might make flying bearable again
