Rolls-Royce Secures Major Deal to Power Philippine Airlines' New Airbus Fleet
The agreement for 18 Trent XWB-97 engines is valued at hundreds of millions of pounds and includes a comprehensive maintenance package.
Rolls-Royce has finalized a significant agreement to supply engines for a new fleet of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for Philippine Airlines. The deal, worth hundreds of millions of pounds, will see the UK firm provide 18 engines and a long-term maintenance package for nine new long-haul jets.
This order strengthens the existing relationship between Rolls-Royce and Philippine Airlines, building on a previous order for nine Trent XWB-97 powered A350-1000 aircraft placed in 2023. The engines are designed to operate on a 50% sustainable aviation fuel blend, with future plans for them to run on 100% sustainable fuel.
The agreement was initially announced as a memorandum of understanding at the Farnborough International Airshow in July. The inclusion of a maintenance package means Rolls-Royce will be responsible for servicing and monitoring the engines throughout their operational life. This arrangement is expected to create high-quality jobs at Rolls-Royce's aerospace center in Derby. The manufacturing of the engines will be based at the company's Derby facility, while Airbus designs and produces wings for its commercial aircraft at its Broughton site in North Wales.
Government officials have welcomed the deal, emphasizing that it highlights the strength of British engineering and innovation on a global scale. The Trent XWB-97 engine is a key component in Rolls-Royce's civil aerospace portfolio, underscoring the company's commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technology. The deal is anticipated to support a significant number of jobs in both Derby and Broughton, positioning UK expertise at the forefront of flights for one of the world's rapidly expanding airlines.