The increase in the number of strategic alliances in the aerospace industry shows a clear option of the aircraft manufacturers for a system integration model in which they can concentrate their focus on activities related to their core competences. Despite the importance of this industry and the fact that the major aircraft manufacturers in the world have adopted this model, the literature on this subject is rather scarce and fragmented. A qualitative and theoretical-conceptual research was carried out making use of the available literature and investigating the movement of the major aircraft manufacturers in the world to identify and understand the factors that have been motivating them to adopt this model. The following factors were identified: the interest in specialized technologies and companies, the offset agreements, and the great barriers and risks in the aerospace industry. Due to the system integration model, nowadays the aerospace industry is undergoing an aggressive vertical disintegration.
System integration model; Strategic alliances; Supply chain; Aerospace industry; Aircraft manufacturer