The difficult transition of the former Soviet Union to a market-driven economy is exemplified by the commercial aviation industry. With a wealth of technical expertise and production facilities, there were aspirations in the former Soviet aeronautical community for it to be at the forefront of the country's export drive. The reality has been very different; with little export success for the indigenous industry and the national airlines looking to acquire western-built equipment to improve economic performance. The transformation has been very difficult although, given the lead-times required to develop and produce a new commercial airliner, the aircraft manufacturers are perhaps facing the greater challenge. As well as adapting commercial thinking, the manufacturers have had to contend with conforming to western certification requirements. However, the airlines face a difficult enough task.
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