Think of it-for that kind of money he would have been selling military aircraft.

As the late 1940s' boom turned to bust, Skyways began selling aircraft and laying off staff.

"According to international regulations, every country that sells aircraft to other countries is required to sell its spare parts as well," he said.

But Brazilian arms companies also have a history of selling aircraft, tanks and other weapons to countries such as Iraq.

They successfully sold aircraft imported from Europe in the United States.

During the crisis, Braathens had sold several aircraft and started leasing them back to gain liquidity.

"Offsets" are increasingly required to sell arms and commercial aircraft, even in deals involving Western countries.

McDonnell was primarily a defense contractor while Douglas sold mostly civil aircraft.

Lockheed now sells aircraft and weapons to more than 40 countries.

The company has its own maintenance center and also sells aircraft and spare parts.