of that there is zero doubt.
Sorry but I don't buy that. It isn't just a matter of the technology. You are ignoring the security issue, just because we and the computer industry are moving forward doesn't mean that the Mad Mullahs and their suicidal terrorist followers are, all the signs are that they are happily stuck in the seventh century.
it is also a fact that losses are caused by pilots
.
Another important fact being ignored, pilots, on a daily basis, save situations and the number far outweighs the losses.
Finally, you have not considered the insurance industry, not just the aircraft and their manufacturers, (Product Liability), the airlines, (Hull insurance, as well as pax and third party legal liability), and the airports themselves who have to carry billions of dollars of indemnity. Speaking to a leading underwriter of one of the major aviation syndicates at Lloyds, who enjoys PPRuNe very much, the attitude of the market is that cover will be so expensive as to preclude the possibility of pilotless aircraft. (
In 1983 the annual Product Liability premium for General Dynamics was $250million).