Chapter 1059: What does extreme joy bring about sorrow?
The way Tim Purdy is acting right now, it sounds like he is very proud of himself. If it sounds bad, it sounds a bit like a villain.
However, Charles Champion no longer cared about such details.
As the chief operating officer of the A380 project, he was even more excited than Bodi after hearing that the Trent 900 could be delivered on schedule.
After all, the pressures faced by both sides are completely different.
As a "new century air cruise" with a take-off weight exceeding the Boeing 747, and even exceeding the An-225 in terms of volume, the A380 not only pins Airbus's expectation to completely suppress its old rival Boeing in the field of passenger aircraft, but also attracts the attention of public opinion around the world at all times. .
In most cases, especially at the beginning of a project, this focus is undoubtedly beneficial.
This model once received funding and resource investment beyond commercial rationality.
But the price of investing beyond commercial rationality is that expectations also exceed commercial rationality.
According to convention, the technical team will give themselves some room for maneuver when disclosing the research and development schedule to the outside world.
Because of such a large-scale project, even if the gods come, there is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong.
Just like the Trent 900.
Although Bodi said it would be delivered before March 2004, Champine was almost certain that the other party's internal timetable was at least a quarter earlier than this, or even more.
However, on the A380, publicity needs have overshadowed technical needs.
The public relations department bypassed the R&D team and directly disclosed the internal plan schedule.
And if it was just the media joining in the fun, it wouldn't cause any serious consequences.
The real trouble is that the overwhelming public opinion will eventually affect users who are ready to place orders——
There are rumors outside that the A380 will be put into operation in 2007. You and I are now Are you looking down on me if you say it will be delivered before 2008?
Therefore, the supply contract for the first user was also signed before the end of 2007.
In the end, Champien felt like there was a whip behind him lashing his butt almost all the time. As long as he made the slightest mistake, he would have to bear the double pressure from Party A's boss and external public opinion.
In the current situation, if the Trent 900 can really be delivered on time or in advance.
Let him call Bodie his foster father.
Of course, Airbus and Rolls-Royce are both well-known big companies in the industry, and aircraft engines are off-shelf products with special properties. They certainly cannot be traded like black market transactions. The managers on both sides can make a final decision after just blending in. make a deal.
Later, the past intention agreement must be upgraded to a formal supply agreement.
In particular, there is no room for negligence in details such as delivery deadlines and the technical status that the product must reach when delivered.
Otherwise, if something goes wrong in the future, you will just have to wait for a fight.
Fortunately, Bodi has a legal team with him, and he is obviously here to achieve results as soon as possible...
"Charlie, in order to improve efficiency, I suggest that you also come as soon as possible. Organize a technical team to go to the Rainsway factory to understand the situation while the negotiations are ongoing."
At the end of the meeting, Bodi suddenly suggested:
"This way. , even if there are any problems or differences during the meeting, they can be resolved through communication in the shortest time..."
The fact that the British can come up with such a "deviant" method shows that Rolls-Royce is well prepared and is bound to gain the power to win the first flight of the A380.
However, facing Party B who was suddenly so proactive that he began to push for changes in the opposite direction, Champine was a little uncomfortable:
"Uh... Timmy, this time you It came too suddenly. Today... or in the next few days, we will definitely not be able to start negotiations. We also need time to assess the situation and organize manpower..."
He replied with some embarrassment:
< br>"In short...I will hand over the information and reports you brought to the group level as soon as possible. Negotiations can definitely start before the end of next week at the latest..."
Bodi had already anticipated the efficiency of the French before coming to Airbus, so this answer was not surprising.
In fact, even the hotel room was booked directly for two weeks.
However, he still deliberately put on an expression of "This is very difficult for me". After hesitating for a long time, he reluctantly nodded:
"Okay, but it must be Hurry...The ground testing of the Trent 900 has entered the final stage, and we don’t want to delay the air testing..."
"..."
The performance in front of Champion put Bodie in a good mood.
After leaving Airbus, he quickly organized his staff and began to prepare for negotiations to begin next week.
It is said to be preparation, but actually there is nothing special that needs to be done.
In his view, and even in the view of the entire Rolls-Royce company, the Trent 900 has now made up for the last shortcoming in performance. Compared with its competitors, it only has high speed, which is during takeoff and climb. The noise control is slightly poor.
But this disadvantage is not worth mentioning in the face of the huge lead in fuel economy.
In addition, the basic design of the GP7200 is derived from the two engines of GE90 and PW4090. At best, this hybrid design can combine the advantages of both models, but on the other hand, it will also bring many technical problems. risk.
In short, it’s about performance, fame and risks.
The advantage is huge, I don’t know how to lose!
However, what happened next made Bodie quickly understand what it means to be extremely happy and sad...
……
On the first weekend after the Rollo-Royce team arrived in France, Bodi, who had nothing to do, took a few of his men out for a round of fun as usual.
When he returned to his residence, it was almost midnight. But several team members who stayed behind did not fall asleep, but gathered at the door of Bodi's room.
Obviously waiting for him to come back.
"Supervisor."
The team assistant came forward:
"Two hours ago, news came from the headquarters, saying that you should return to China as soon as possible, but we couldn't contact you just now, so we had to wait here."
This sentence directly made Bodie, who was already seven points drunk, tremble and wake up instantly:
"Me...or us?"
He shook his still dizzy head and confirmed immediately.
"Director Panos Watson specifically emphasized that you will return to China alone, and the remaining members of our team will continue to negotiate with Airbus in France, but..."
The other party paused for a moment, and then went further. Lowering his voice:
“Ask us to delay as much time as possible and not to reach a clear agreement with Airbus for the time being.”
If Bodi just woke up, now he is Cold sweat broke out.
As the deputy project director, it was actually nothing unusual for the headquarters to ask him to go back alone.
After all, many major decisions could not be made without his presence.
But at the same time, the negotiation team is asked to delay time...
Then I'm afraid there is only one possibility left -
There is a problem with the Trent 900.
And it’s not a small problem.
Because as Champine just guessed, the March 2004 delivery time actually left a three-month margin.
The sudden change in negotiation strategy shows that three months is not enough...
Podi feels a little headache.
Think about it, just two days ago I boasted in front of Champine, but in the end, my hips were stretched.
This wave is obviously bound to make a fool of itself.
But compared to the progress of the Trent 900, and even the future and destiny of this model, personal dignity seems to be insignificant.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down:
"When is the nearest flight ticket?"
"I checked, it will be 7 o'clock tomorrow morning."
The assistant replied:
"However, considering the weather in London, it may be faster to take the Eurostar."
European Star is a cross-sea railway train between London and Paris. There are about 6- 9 shifts.
In short-distance travel like England and France, it is often more convenient than flying.
This is especially true in harsh climate conditions.
It’s just that the environment is a bit worse.
"Then take the train... I hope they can be more punctual than the British and German railways..."
Pody made a quick decision:
"We will go to Paris now."
The Airbus factory is located in Toulouse, southwest France, about 700 kilometers away from Paris.
After saying that, he opened the door and started to pack his things while resisting the slight headache caused by alcohol.
"Director Bodi, if you haven't come back after the negotiations start next week and Airbus asks again..."
The assistant also walked in.
He didn't know exactly what happened at the headquarters, but after Bodi left, the entire team lost the person who could make decisions, and it was definitely impossible to negotiate normally.
If something really goes wrong, I, as an assistant, may end up being blamed.
However, Bodi himself was so distraught at this moment that he could not care about comforting others, so he immediately said what he was thinking:
"Just say that I suddenly feel unwell and am unable to preside over the negotiations... The headquarters may send another person to take charge, but if not, you will be responsible for a period of time..."
(End of Chapter)