The jet planes that we fly in
Have always been made of metal. Aluminum, to be exact, for the main structure. That changed in October of 2011, when the Boeing 787 started flying commercial passengers. The 787 is made of carbon laminate and other composite materials to save weight, increase strength, eliminate corrosion, and increase efficiency.
Carbon Composite Structures
Have been used in F1 race cars since 1981. A general rule of thumb was "Twice the strength of steel, and half the weight of aluminum." The stronger structure of the Boeing 787 allows the plane to have much larger windows. It also allows higher air pressures in the cabin, which can help prevent altitude sickness and headaches. The corrosion-proof structure also allows more humidity in the cabin. This can help prevent a range of symptoms associated with dry air, such as dehydration of the skin and mucous membranes, the increased risk of colds and viral infections, and of course allergies.
The European aerospace manufacturer Airbus
Initially rejected Boeing's claims that the 787 would be a serious threat. It did not take too long, though, for Airbus to start development of their own composite aircraft, the Airbus A350. It's first commercial flight was made on January 15, 2015.
It's tough to deny the efficiency advantages
of the new composite materials. Every pound saved on an aircraft is an extra pound of cargo, fuel, or passengers that can be carried, or can translate to extra range that can be flown. It seems that with these new materials proving themselves in the field, their usage will become more and more widespread as travel and technology march forward.
