A flight leaving London in the afternoon can reach New York while there are still several hours of daylight remaining.
This is one reason daytime westbound flights are so common.
The Aircraft Itself Has Changed
Long-haul aviation has also become much more efficient.
Modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner use advanced materials, efficient engines, and improved aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption compared with many older aircraft.
Other long-range airplanes, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, are capable of carrying large numbers of passengers and substantial amounts of cargo across oceans.
This makes nonstop transatlantic service much more practical.
For airlines, efficiency matters enormously because fuel is one of the largest operating expenses.
Even a small reduction in fuel consumption can become a significant financial saving when an aircraft flies thousands of hours every year.
The Wind Can Change the Economics of a Flight
There is another factor passengers rarely notice: high-altitude winds.
