Rolls-Royce wins Saudi engines deal

Trent engines, selected by the airline for the first time, will power up to 12 (eight firm and four option) Airbus A330 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2010. The Trent 700EP (Enhanced Performance) features reduced fuel burn and emission levels.

Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines – North Asia and Middle East, said: “This important order marks another stage in the development of our relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The superior technology in the Trent 700EP, backed up by a comprehensive TotalCare service package, will deliver significant benefits for Saudi Arabian Airlines.”

Ali Milaat, Managing Director Technical Services Strategic Business Unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines have an excellent reputation and we are pleased to bring them onto our new fleet. Maintaining efficiency and performance in a highly competitive market is vitally important and Rolls-Royce technology and TotalCare service will enable us to reach our targets.”

Currently, Saudi Arabian Airlines operates a fleet of 14 Boeing 747 –100, -200, -SP and –300 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce has secured more than 70 per cent of the A330 market over the last three years and eight of the nine Middle East A330 operators have selected Trent 700 engines to power their fleets. This combination is particularly suitable for Middle East operations, where outstanding performance in hot and high altitudes/locations enables operators to fly further with more passengers.