Pratt & Whitney was considering upgrading their JT8D to compete in the same class as the CFM56 as a sole venture, while Rolls-Royce dealt with financial issues that precluded them from starting new projects; this situation caused GE to gain the title of best partner for the program.
Pratt & Whitney estaba considerando actualizar o seu JT8D para competir na mesma clase do CFM56 en solitario, mentres Rolls-Royce tiña problemas financieiros que impedían o comezo de novos proxectos; esa situación causou que GE obtivese o título de mellor socio para o programa.