The analysis of alternatives did nothing more than endorse the very concept of the obvious.

These guys are basically taking oil money and trying to convert it into a long-term value-added business. That's not dumb.

You're putting a lot of Canadian content in this plane, which means if it fails, much of Canada's aerospace industry really feels that pain, and perhaps fails with it.

The requirement is strong. The budget dismal. That adds up to possible but not likely.

Both sides can claim victory. It looks like a reasonable compromise.

Reinforcing their traditional businesses -- regional jets and corporate jets -- makes a lot of sense. It's familiar turf, they know the customers, and there's much less risk than trying to attack a market that's got two entrenched competitors.