Flying into cleaner skies

Engine efficiency saves money, trims pollutants.

Energy conservation has been a part of flying since the days of the pterodactyl, but conserving fossil fuels has taken on added significance. Engineers designing the aircraft that will replace inefficient planes are coming up with creative designs that improve fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.

Sky-high oil prices grounded many airplanes this year, prompting designers of the largest jetliners to small private planes to focus more sharply on techniques for saving fuel. Though fuel costs have not yet become a significant limiting factor slowing the sale of private planes, engineers are keeping customers satisfied by improving fuel economy.