Sir - I refer to the article "Competition rules" (Flight International, 29 November-5 December 1995, PP28-29). I find it strange that the SBAC Strategy Initiative series of Competitive Challenge, while including skills, finance, marketing, collaboration, etc among the subjects for discussion, does not includes products or production definition.
Surely, to be competitive, it is necessary to have the right product for the market. Poor marketing or poor financial arrangements (although important) are not the primary reason for not making more sales.
Perhaps the very fact that these two factors are not seen as being relevant is a major reason why there has been a steady reduction in the relative importance of the UK aerospace industry.
DUNCAN LOFT
Manchester, UK
Source: Flight International