Went to see one of the Boeing leaders talk specifically about the dreamliner's development a few years ago at a Georgia Tech symposium.
He made a point to mention how many different international suppliers were involved and how that was a huge challenge. e.g. They had to custom modify several 747s to increase the cargo hold to fit some of the sub-assemblies.
He gave the impression that part of why there were so many different sub-contractors is to appease foreign governments--especially since many airlines are nationalized. The corporate equivalent of pork-barrel spending.
He made a point to mention how many different international suppliers were involved and how that was a huge challenge. e.g. They had to custom modify several 747s to increase the cargo hold to fit some of the sub-assemblies.
He gave the impression that part of why there were so many different sub-contractors is to appease foreign governments--especially since many airlines are nationalized. The corporate equivalent of pork-barrel spending.