In the summer of 2001, The Economist magazine ran an essay competition, Going faster, but where? on the future of transport. My entry was overtaken by the events of 11th September. Who, after those events, would find merit in an essay predicting the decline of business air travel that makes no mention of terrorism?

Now, as summer 2002 approaches, America has committed itself to vigorous action to root out terrorism. As we wait to see whether this will make things better or worse, a prediction for the decline of business air travel that is based on technology, not terrorism, gains in interest. If we believe that other technologies will displace business air travel, we know to sell our shares in Boeing and Airbus now, and not to wait on events in the Middle East. So I have placed my essay on my website, without updating it.