Rolls-Royce wins US$2.6 billion Trent 1000 order from Virgin Atlantic

Rolls-Royce has received a $2.6 billion order for its Trent 1000 engines and associated services from Virgin Atlantic. The companies are also forming an environmental partnership to cut carbon emissions.

The Trent 1000 is the launch engine for all versions of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which enters service in 2009. Virgin’s order, which includes a full-life TotalCare services agreement, is for Trent 1000s to power up to 43 Boeing 787s and consists of 15 firm aircraft plus eight options and a further 20 purchase rights. Virgin Atlantic will take delivery of its first Trent-powered 787 in 2011.

The Trent-powered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will burn almost 30% less fuel than previous generation airliners, resulting in an equivalent reduction in carbon emissions per passenger. The environmental initiative between Rolls-Royce and Virgin Atlantic will aim to identify further opportunities to reduce aircraft fuel burn through enhanced engine performance. Actions will be managed within the framework of the TotalCare agreement, under which Rolls-Royce assumes full responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the Trent 1000 fleet.

James M. Guyette, President & CEO, Rolls-Royce North America, said, “This is a vote of confidence in the Trent family by Virgin Atlantic. We share a common agenda to address environmental issues, and the new environmental partnership will help speed up research and development into reducing carbon emissions.”

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