TIDMRR.
October 30, 2009
ROLLS-ROYCE WINS $720M ORDER TO POWER TEN
VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRCRAFT
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has won an order for Trent 700
engines worth $720m, at list prices, to power ten Virgin Atlantic Airbus
A330 aircraft. The contract includes long-term TotalCare® service support.
The Trent 700, the only engine specifically designed for the aircraft, has won
more than 70 per cent of new orders over the last three years.
Trent 700 engines will power six A330s ordered by Virgin Atlantic and four
provided by aircraft leasing company AerCap, increasing the total number of
AerCap Rolls-Royce powered A330 aircraft to 23. Deliveries will start in 2011.
The order continues a strong relationship with Virgin Atlantic, which first
ordered Rolls-Royce engines in 1997. The Trent 500 made its entry into service with
Virgin Atlantic in 2002, powering an Airbus A340; the Trent 900 will power its
Airbus A380 aircraft; and the Trent 1000 will power up to 43 of the airline's
Boeing 787s.
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive, said: "Our engine selection was
based on both cost and environmental benefits, and the Trent 700 was our choice
on both grounds. Our engine order also signals our commitment to flying a
modern fleet with the most fuel efficient technology available. Now is the
right time for leading businesses to be placing orders like this so that
companies, vital to the British economy, can protect jobs, grow and thrive in
the future."
Mark King, Rolls-Royce President - Civil Aerospace, said: "This order continues
a long and successful relationship and we are pleased that Virgin Atlantic is
again turning to Trent engine technology. We remain committed to delivering
competitive advantage and fuel-efficient power to support their environmental,
operational and economic requirements."
The Virgin Atlantic A330 aircraft will feature an enhanced performance version
of the Trent 700, which improves engine fuel burn by a further 1.3 per cent -
confirming its position as best for fuel burn, emissions, thrust and noise on
the A330.
Notes to Editors:
1. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use
on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global
markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. In each of
these sectors, Rolls-Royce offers value-added long-term service agreements
for customers and operators.
2. In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested GBP885 million on research and
development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the
environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of
emissions.
3. Annual underlying revenues were GBP9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent
came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book stood at
GBP57.5 billion at 30 June 2009, providing visibility of future levels of
activity.
4. Virgin Atlantic is one of the world's leading long-haul airlines, carrying
over six million passengers a year. It flies to 30 destinations worldwide
from its main bases at London Heathrow and London Gatwick. There are 38
aircraft in its fleet, comprising Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340-600s and
Airbus A340-300s.
5. AerCap Holdings N.V is an integrated global aviation company with a market
presence in aircraft leasing, trading and parts sales. The company provides
aircraft management services and performs aircraft and engine maintenance,
repair and overhaul services and aircraft disassemblies through its
certified repair stations. Twenty three of AerCap's 30 A330 aircraft are
Rolls-Royce powered.
For further information please contact:
Mark Alflatt
Director of Financial Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7227 9285
mark.alflatt@rolls-royce.com
Nicky Louth-Davies
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7227 9232
nicky.louth-davies@rolls-royce.com
Web www.rolls-royce.com
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