Airbus vs. Boeing in VLA market.

I. INTRODUCTION

In December 2000, Airbus formally committed to develop and launch a super jumbo plane known as the A380 at a launch cost of $13 billion. Prior to and after Airbus’ commitment, Boeing started and canceled several initiatives aimed at developing a “stretch jumbo” with capacity in between its existing jumbo (the 747) and Airbus’ planned super jumbo.

In addition to making the super jumbo one of the largest product launch decisions in corporate history, this figure represented 26% of total industry revenues in 2000 ($45.6 billion) and more than 70% of Airbus’ total revenues in 2000. The inherent risk associated with this major strategic commitment is magnified by the fact that Airbus must spend the entire amount before it delivers the first plane. History has shown that many firms including General Dynamics, and, more recently, Lockheed, have failed as a result of attempting such bet-the-company product development efforts. If, however, the launch eff...