He is going for free press at this time. He knows that the laws will currently not allow it. But also sooner or later computers will be fully able to fly and land a plane, they pretty much can already do it now under standard situations. Then 1 pilot for emergencies would be enough.
Here is a longer article from businessweek :
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine...4058006755.htm
He is in general right, the public does not expect much comfort as long as the price is better. Most of the flying public would probably even stand if you give them 30$ rebate for it.