The more I look back at Boeing's history, the more I see an American company riding on its nation's status and the ability of its country's politicians to engage and do business with world leaders whilst offering arguably inferior aeroplanes (sweet talk, bribery, American charm, defense contract discounts). OK that's an exaggeration and I don't want to take anything away from the talented engineers (although they haven't done much engineering or have been prevented from doing it by decision makers since the 777/787) but the point I'm making is Boeing used to take business for granted. That's going to change from now on.