ABSTRACT
Designing, developing and building aircraft is a long-winded process, and one that moves at a slower pace than the dynamic world of the airline business. The American civil aircraft suppliers had the field to themselves when Jean Pierson was telling his staff in the Airbus canteen that they could become the number one manufacturer. Engine manufacturers, just like the airframe manufacturers, constantly improve their existing designs through upgrades. The Japanese Mitsubishi Regional Jet, or MRJ, has already broken through the perception barrier, having secured credible orders from Trans States Holdings in the United States, as well as All Nippon Airways in Japan. Aircraft designers and producers are the most motivated, energetic and optimistic people have ever met in aerospace business. Aircraft sales teams are relentlessly driven to place their products with customers and have achieved astounding success. The decisions by Airbus and Boeing on replacement of their highly successful A320 and 737 families are most fundamental manufacturers have ever faced.
