By Edward James/Singapore

SINGAPORE (February 22, 2000) - General Electric was bullish about the future of their GE-90-115B for the 777X program, saying that development was on target.

On the subject of exclusivity and lack of competition, GE's executives said that there is plenty of competition in the form of the A340-500 with another exclusive engine - the Rolls Royce Trent 500.

GE says that they are offering complete service and spares packages to eliminate the engine exclusivity problem for some carriers.

However, Rolls Royce's Sir Ralph Robbins confirmed that both Airbus and Rolls have been discussing the A340-500 with American Airlines, after that airline complained about the GE engine on the 777X.