The world of regional aircraft - Challenges and opportunities

The regional air transport industry is slowly emerging from the ravages of a prolonged structural recession. Long term survival in an industry which has traditionally traded in one of the world's most aggressive market places, will impose enormous demands upon everyone involved. Those regional aircraft manufacturers and operators who are brave enough to take advantage of emerging technologies, adjust to new processes and develop highly-skilled and motivated people will be best equipped to meet the global demands of the marketplace in ever-changing world. The actions and achievements of Avro International Aerospace, a division of British Aerospace, with its Regional Avroliner family of aircraft provides an example through which to identify the key components in this process. The challenges facing the regional aircraft industry are identified, together with the resulting business opportunities and the significance of Government support, in order to draw appropriate conclusions with respect to the likely future of the industry.