Welcome to the real world...this happens in every sphere of business the world over,not just aviation;
Anyone around Blagnac or Seattle can tell you about this over the last 20 years and more...
In my time have come across numerous 'cash backs' including cost of 'introduction to service'...several million in cash returned to a client airline for 'reprinting commercial material', deals financed 100% by banks and guaranteed by EXIMBANK, COFACE HERMES etc.
All parties seem to have very 'creative' terms from what I have seen offered in Eastern Europe and NIS...
Original Virgin A340's are an interesting case in point if the rumours of $4 million back in cash are true...
This is not unique to aviation but widespread across all business whether liked or not.
One could mention the long running Boeing appointed 'agent' in Russia who was ex dept. head of GSGA (Russian CAA) and belived to be mother of boss of Transaero...who suddenly became a Boeing operator!
It's not just Airbus, they are all at it!!
Last edited by Boss Raptor; 15th Jun 2003 at 03:21.