That added to delays since flights had to wait for space in the stream of planes and made it difficult for lots of flights to get on ideal tracks for winds, slowing flights and increasing fuel burn.

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He may be a fan of low-budget carrier Spirit Airlines, which made headlines this spring when it announced that it was installing "pre-reclined" seats on some of its planes as a space- and cost-saving measure.

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Some planes have space between the final row of seats and the wall so that the last row can recline slightly.

FORBES: Connect

It's a new radar setup that turns the helicopter into an all-seeing eye, capable of surveying the 360-degree space around it in order to direct fighter planes in combat.

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One of her tricked-out planes is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

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Both planes feature a quieter cabin and brighter lighting, designed to give the impression of more space.

BBC: Boeing and United Airlines announce $14.7bn deal