This is an idiotic article. First, to suggest that padding comes at the expense of operational improvement is wrong; well-applied padding is operational improv

This is an idiotic article. First, to suggest that padding comes at the expense of operational improvement is wrong; well-applied padding is operational improvement. Second, some of those time losses are due to the move from turbojets (which are fast, screamingly loud, and inefficient) to high-bypass turbofans (which are slower, quieter, and much more fuel efficient). More time is lost as planes usually have to fly complex noise-abatement profiles and navigate more crowded and complex airspaces before they get to cruise.