Dassault's grand experiment with the Boeing 7E7 is just getting started, so it's too early to point to results.

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Boeing claims the 7E7 would cut fuel burn by 20 percent over current aircraft and save airlines 10 percent on overall operating costs, citing new, fuel-sipping engines and lightweight materials that will also cut maintenance costs.

CNN: Airlines warming to Boeing 7E7 jet

During the meetings, airlines have made it clear they want at least two engine options on the 7E7, bristling at the suggestion that Boeing could sign an exclusive deal with one of the three main powerplant manufacturers to save money.

CNN: Airlines warming to Boeing 7E7 jet

"All the details are aware of all the details around them, " explains Frank Statkus, a Boeing vice president in charge of the technology for the 7E7.

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Boeing won't let first-tier suppliers collaborate on the 7E7 unless they, too, invest in Dassault's software.

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Boeing is hoping, for example, that the software will allow its multitude of 7E7 partsmakers to collaborate seamlessly.

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Boeing is again using Catia software for much of the structural design of its new 7E7 jet, but it is using Thinkid for the plane's cabin plans because of the software's flexibility in making changes.

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