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their 777's, came as a considerable disappointment to Rolls Royce, because of the wrong signals it might send to other prospective buyers of the 777s. In addition to the engines, CPA generally put far more British equipment on most of their aircraft than other airlines, and up to US$40-50
million out of the total cost of about US$120 million for
each 747 went to UK companies. The same is hoped for the
777s.
4. This is clearly very good news for Rolls Royce and for
this important segment of British industry. Sir Adrian
Swire called on the Secretary of State in February to
underline the importance of Cathay to the UK economy, and I
recommend that it would be appropriate for him to send a short note expressing his thanks. The DTI will be writing
to Sir Adrian and Mr Gledhill of Cathay Pacific. Because of
the current sensitive discussions with the Americans on
large civil aircraft, including Airbus, we have deliberately omitted any reference in the note to Cathay's policy of
buying other British aircraft equipment when possible.
MVSAFC/2
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Vicbalts
PF Ricketts
15/10