The Right Product at the Wrong Time: the Downfall of European Regional Aircraft Manufacturers

We investigate whether there are 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 50and 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 (on 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. Not the availability of technology determined the success of regional aircraft manufacturers, but the application of (suppliers’) technology in new products.