The efficiencies in air travel don't come from the airplanes. They come from optimizing routes, eliminating competition, and cramming far more people on an airplane.
That saves a lot of money, and despite complaining people seem to accept the tradeoff of cheaper flights for an unpleasant experience. That comes from using basically the same technology as a half-century ago, with more customers.
This is just factually incorrect. Yes, business efficiencies have come from all sorts of tactics, but this being HN: the engine on the 737 MAX uses >30% less fuel at cruise than the JT8D from the 1970s-era 737s.
Not to mention airframe improvements in both aerodynamics and materials.
That saves a lot of money, and despite complaining people seem to accept the tradeoff of cheaper flights for an unpleasant experience. That comes from using basically the same technology as a half-century ago, with more customers.