30% of something is better than 100% of zero. Sound logic, on paper.

The only factor in a business success is the customer. C-Series has had none new for 18 months, long before the US Tariffs. This Airbus deal does not address the main weakness of C-Series - competitiveness.

The earlier C-Series sales were because of low Canadian $. The more it rose, the more unattractive C-Series became.

Embraer aside, on the horizon is Indian, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean regional jets in 100-150 seater range. Would Airbus mothball C-Series and use some of its components in a new program? This deal is liquidation by another name.

Airbus chose not to buy 50.01% C-Series with cash, or even its stock, but as a separate partnership with no liabilities. As says G&M's Eric Reguly - Bombardier has been taken to cleaners.