Etihad Airways Selects Rolls-Royce Trent Engine for its Fleet of Airbus A350 XWB

Released on Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Rolls-Royce said today that the potential value of the Etihad Airways' order for up to 50 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft powered by Trent XWB engines, with a long-term TotalCare® support agreement if selected, is $4.5 billion.

The aircraft order, announced at the Farnborough Airshow on Monday, comprises firm orders for 25 firm A350 XWBs, with options for ten more aircraft and purchase rights for a further 15 aircraft.

James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways said today: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Rolls-Royce. The Trent family is helping us develop a state-of-the-art fleet to support the airline's contribution to the growth of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates."

Mark King, President � Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said: "The Trent XWB represents the latest technology available to the industry. TotalCare is a highly valued, tailored, aftermarket service and will enable Etihad Airways to continue to pursue its ambitious growth plan. We are pleased to be able to support its objectives."

The first Trent XWB is scheduled to begin ground testing in 2010 and will make its maiden flight on the new Airbus twinjet in 2012.

The Trent XWB, the sole engine currently available for the Airbus A350 XWB, is available in a range of thrusts from 74,000 to 92,000 lb. A single engine type will power all versions of the A350 XWB. By the time the Trent XWB enters service, Trent series engines will have accumulated more than 75 million flying hours.