> [..] to design a low cost, 50-seat aircraft that can replace a significant portion of the ubiquitous single-aisle (e.g. Boeing 737)
If your marketing strategy is to frontally target one of the big 2, be prepared to suffer and be in a world of pain. From the stories I've heard, Boeing tends to take that very personally and will do anything in their power to see you fail. And although I have not directly heard similar stories from Airbus, it's possibly safe to assume that they are also not choirboys..
Honestly I'd rather they target the regional "puddle jumper" aircraft. Shorter runs would be an easier goal to achieve, and IMHO if there was a jet that allowed for more legroom/cargo space with less operating cost everyone would jump on it.
I'm close to two regional airports so 99% of my flying is a small jet to a hub and back again, and it's definitely the worst part of the trip.
If your marketing strategy is to frontally target one of the big 2, be prepared to suffer and be in a world of pain. From the stories I've heard, Boeing tends to take that very personally and will do anything in their power to see you fail. And although I have not directly heard similar stories from Airbus, it's possibly safe to assume that they are also not choirboys..
Nevertheless, cool approach. Good luck to you.