Originally Posted by
WHBM
The surprising thing about the Aero engine market is not how GE did so well, as much as how Pratts lost it.
You may also remember that in the mid 80's Rolls-Royce almost went the same way. It had just developed the -535 which became quite successful and had discussed a position with GE that RR would not compete with GE in the big Fan sector while that company would not compete with RR in the mid size sector. Fortunately, RR withdrew from that understanding and developed the highly successful Trent family.
You may recall that prompted the head of GE (who's name escapes me for the moment) to coin the phrase 'we don't get mad we get even.
Part of that led GE to acquire BA engine repair facilities at Nantgarw.
Clearly that decision has had a massive effect on RR business and was undoubtedly extremely brave at the time.