Even though demand for this jet and for Boeing’s 747-8 has been disappointing, many still say that growth will one day create a market.

Boeing has not won a single international KC-46 order thus far; the Airbus KC-30 now has 48 orders.

The jetliner supply chain might find itself the victim of someone else’s idea of success. As both Airbus and Boeing consider a further ramp-up of their A320 and 737 single-aisle jetliner families, everyone involved should consider the likely ramifications.