History: 5 Major Aviation Companies That Used To Make Regional Jets

Today, two companies hold the duopoly in widebody passenger aircraft manufacturing (Boeing and Airbus). Others, including Sukhoi and Embraer, primarily manufacture regional jets in the commercial space. Meanwhile, China's COMAC is attempting to break into the market. Yet, many others once made regional aircraft but have since fallen by the wayside. Developing new airliners is very expensive and risky – some projects end up being canceled (like Mitsubishi's SpaceJet), while others drive established companies to the edge of bankruptcy (as with Bombardier's C-Series).