The British-based Messier-Dowty unit of French state-owned firm Snecma, would build the Boeing jet's landing gear, a substantial and expensive part of any aircraft.
Other companies include Messier-Dowty, which has a base in Gloucestershire, Somerset's AgustaWestland, GKN Aerospace in Redditch, Worcestershire, and the ADS group which has its HQ in London and a show centre in Farnborough.