Aircraft have transformed the way in which we live; opening up for an ever‐increasing number of people the opportunity to explore new places and cultures, vacation in different climates and travel long distances on transport vehicles that are fast, efficient and comfortable. The refinement of aircraft design to improve the experience for all involved and decrease associated costs so that more and more people can enjoy it relies on a wide spectrum of subject matter experts, with few in the industry receiving exposure to the how a clean‐sheet aircraft design evolves. The principal author of this book (Ajoy) is one of those few, having accumulated a wealth of experience and seemingly very much enjoyed doing so along the way.

Since the first time I met Ajoy Kundu during the early 1980s, when we worked together in the Aerodynamics Department at Short Brothers PLC, Belfast, I have admired how he has mastered the fundamentals of many aspects of aircraft design and, with enthusiasm, wants to share this knowledge and experience with others. I find it sobering that, Ajoy, even though long retired from working at Shorts, invests long hours each day researching the subject matter that he loves. The effort he has made in writing this book has been a true labour of love, which I trust will be to the benefit for those who might care to study any aspect of the subject matter that is within this book.

I was very pleased when asked by Ajoy to join him and Mark in pulling this book together and since then have increasingly been proud to be associated with its content. The aerospace industry is most enjoyable to work in and continues to offer many challenges and experiences that I would encourage anyone with even a little interest to pursue. I am immensely grateful to those who have facilitated my career development within Bombardier and look forward to unabated enjoyment of the same in the years to come. My wife, Hazel, and two sons, Matthew and Jack, have, with gracious patience, permitted me to indulge in the job that that I love. I am truly appreciative of the love and encouragement shown to me by all three.

So in summary, for those who may be reading this book with a whole lifetime of opportunity to look forward to, make time to learn new things; ensure to enjoy what you do and never fail to recognise how much we rely on investments others make on our behalf.