Stupid ideas abound worldwide.
In this case, the real question isn't the validity of the concept which is self-discrediting but which airlines signed "confidential contracts" to align themselves with it.
If the allegation is accurate, who are these airlines ?
There's little chance this could be kept "confidential". If they intended to keep it quiet, why is the guy who hatched this plot talking to the media ?
None of this adds up.