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  • May 1991 (Revised October 1993)
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Collision Course in Commercial Aircraft: Boeing-Airbus-McDonnell Douglas--1991 (A)

By: David B. Yoffie
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:20
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Abstract

Describes the competitive situation that has arisen in the commercial aircraft manufacturing industry since Airbus entered in 1970. Having overtaken McDonnell Douglas for second place, Airbus announces plans to challenge market leader Boeing's last pocket of dominance. Industry and government officials have long complained about assistance that Airbus receives from its governments, and this new challenge threatens to spark a new battle between the governments. Pushes students to examine issues facing industry players--high risk, long-term investments; technological change; intense selling competition--and issues facing their national governments--fair vs. unfair trade; important national industries--in a highly visible time frame for players and governments.

Keywords

Transition; Trade; Ethics; Investment; Problems and Challenges; Business and Government Relations; Risk and Uncertainty; Sales; Competitive Strategy; Technology Adoption; Air Transportation Industry; Manufacturing Industry

Citation

Yoffie, David B. "Collision Course in Commercial Aircraft: Boeing-Airbus-McDonnell Douglas--1991 (A)." Harvard Business School Case 391-106, May 1991. (Revised October 1993.)
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About The Author

David B. Yoffie

Strategy
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Related Work

    • May 1991 (Revised October 1993)
    • Faculty Research

    Collision Course in Commercial Aircraft: Boeing-Airbus-McDonnell Douglas--1991 (A)

    By: David B. Yoffie
Related Work
  • Collision Course in Commercial Aircraft: Boeing-Airbus-McDonnell Douglas--1991 (A) By: David B. Yoffie
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