In 1962, discussions between the British Aircraft Corporation and Sud Aviation began, regarding the possibility of a supersonic transport aircraft.

That year Sud-Est merged with Sud-Ouest to become Sud Aviation, but the original SE naming was retained.

(Nord Aviation and Sud Aviation would merge in 1970 to form Aérospatiale) .

By the end of 1961, French and British governments were ready to direct BAC and Sud Aviation to formulate a joint project.

The design was first built by Sud Aviation, and later by Aérospatiale.

In 1957 SNCASO was merged into Sud Aviation.

In 1961, Sud Aviation revealed their plans for the Super-Caravelle at the Paris Air Show.

The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France, and continued to be produced by Aérospatiale.

In 1960 Douglas signed a two-year contract with Sud Aviation for technical cooperation.

Design work began in the second half of the 1960s as a joint venture between Sud Aviation and Nord Aviation.