It is always unpleasant to see facts get in the way of a good session of Airbus bashing… but could we put to rest the misconceived notion that the V2500 engine is manufactured by Airbus, in Toulouse, clumsily assembled by nonchalant, garlic scented workers, fully equipped with « bérets » and « baguettes »?
The V2500 is made by IAE International Aero Engines AG, a Swiss-based joint venture between Pratt & Whitney United States, Pratt & Whitney Switzerland, Japanese Aero Engine Corporation of Japan and MTU Aero Engines of Germany. Sad, I know.To add insult to injury, as “Slacktide”put it diplomatically in post #267: “With all due respect, the faulty parts (are) not designed or built in Toulouse. They are designed in Chula Vista, California, and assembled in Foley, Alabama using latch components from Placentia, CA.” Ooops… Freedom fries anyone?
Furthermore, A319 operators are free to choose between various IAE engines or CFM power plants…
So the likelihood to see Airbus “redesign” on its own initiative engine cowls developed by IAE and manufactured by the finest of the U.S. industry is pretty slim indeed. And, no, any comparison with the infamous DC-10 cargo door is not “good” but totally baseless.