During the last couple of years, a certain level of necessity has driven American Airlines to create what could be viewed as unconventional

The 50-seat regional jet was a game changer in the early part of the current century. But the good times couldn’t last for small RJs.

The U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) has identified 313 aerospace businesses to be awarded $482.3 million in funding, with Spirit Aerosystems garnering the lion’s share at more than $70 million.