Common factors in the withdrawal of European aircraft manufacturers from the regional aircraft market

Johannes M.G. Heerkens, E.J. de Bruijn, H.J. Steenhuis

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Abstract

We investigate whether there were common causes for the withdrawal from the regional aircraft market of three established manufacturers (BAE Systems, Fokker and Saab), while competitors thrived. We focus on the markets for 50- and 100-seat aircraft. One cause concerning the 50-seat market was the introduction of a new class of aircraft, the regional jet, which pushed the less successful turboprop aircraft from the market. Turboprop aircraft that had been relatively successful before the introduction of regional jets survived. A probable reason for the withdrawal of BAE Systems and Fokker from the 100-seat market (in which Saab was not present) was that their products were ‘standalone’ aircraft, while those of their successful competitors were members of aircraft families, the larger members being far more successful. It was not the availability of technology that determined the success of regional aircraft manufacturers, but the application of (suppliers’) technology in new products.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65-80
JournalTechnology analysis & strategic management
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • METIS-265875
  • IR-96761

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