Why are airplanes better than ships?

Answer 1

They each have different roles and applications and for this reason neither is obsolete in toto, though there are all different types, it might be added seaplanes and amphibians are rare and in a sense commercially obsolete. the prime reason is the increased maintenance costs requiring what amounts to dry-docks and longshore type work. airplanes and ship perform different tasks entirely, for passenger transportation over long distances they have the edge in speed, which is obvious but for such things as bulk oil tankers, ships are the way to go. there are limits to carrying capacity to known aircraft, as should be known, it is a bit like comparing trains and trucks, one has the advantage of door-to-door convenience, trucks, and the other is better in heavy-duty long haul operations. there are niches for all major forms of transporation. I have not yet discussed the energy , or more accurately the power-consumption and economic angles.