Originally Posted by
SMT Member
Think it needs pointing out that it wasn't Boeing buying exclusivity on the -110/115B engines, it was GE buying exclusivity on the -200F/LR/-300ER series.
Airbus didn't have then, and don't have now, any use of a 110-115K lbs engine; the A350-1000 is 'only' in need of around 95-100K, and that aircraft wasn't even on the drawing board when Boeing launched the 777-200LR/F/-300ER.
But the key question is........Has this exclusivity for the -115 prevented Airbus from developing a direct competitor to the 777 due to the lack of an engine available to power it. The A-350 may have had success but is that the size that Airbus really wanted. After all, the 787 should hold its own and the 777X will once again be in its own category pumping in the no competition dollars while the A-350 sells at a nice (although typical) Airbus discount price.
If so, it would explain the so-called Airbus jealousy and finally get the previous poster to stop annoying us with head banging.