New Order

Rolls-Royce PLC
13 October 2000


ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT TO POWER SINGAPORE AIRLINES' A3XX FLEET

Rolls-Royce plc, the aerospace, marine and energy power systems group, has
been confirmed as first engine supplier for the Airbus Industrie A3XX
following selection of the Trent 900 by Singapore Airlines (SIA) for its new
fleet of up to 25 aircraft. SIA will be the first operator of the A3XX in
early 2006.

The decision means that the Trent 900 will be the lead engine for the joint
certification programme and will be the sole powerplant supplied for initial
production of the A3XX.

The order, potentially worth around US$1.5 billion, involves over 100
installed and spare engines. SIA has placed firm orders for ten A3XXs and has
options on a further 15 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through
to 2011. 

SIA Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Cheong Choong Kong said:
'Having put all the relevant factors in the melting pot we decided Rolls-Royce
had the edge.'
 
John Cheffins, President - Civil Aerospace, for Rolls-Royce plc, said: 'The
excellent in-service record of the Trent 800 on SIA's Boeing 777s was an
important factor in this decision. As the first airline to fly the A3XX, SIA's
engine selection is particularly significant.  They are recognised as an
innovator which operates to the highest industry standards, and Rolls-Royce is
proud to be chosen again to power their new generation widebody airliners.'
 
SIA will operate the A3XX on high density routes including Singapore to
London, Sydney, Hong Kong and New York. 


The A3XX will join SIA's fleet of up to 61 Trent 800-powered Boeing 777s on
firm order or option, 18 of which are currently in service.  SIA has also
ordered up to 10 Airbus Industrie A340-500s powered by the Trent 500 engine.

Rolls-Royce is also involved in the maintenance of Singapore Airlines' fleet
of Trent-powered aircraft through its partnerships with SIA Engineering Company,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the airline. The Trent maintenance joint venture,
Singapore Aero Engine Services Limited (SAESL), will open in 2002. The
component repair joint venture International Engine Component Overhaul (IECO)
commenced operations in 1998.

Notes to editors:

Trent 900
* Preliminary design of the Trent 900 is now virtually complete and, subject
to launch conditions being met, engine development will proceed with seven
engines expected to join the programme during its design and testing phases. 

* First engine run will take place in 2003 with flight testing scheduled to
begin the following year.

* The engine will be certificated at 80,000lb take-off thrust, though the
initial in-service rating of the Trent 900 engine will range from 68,000 -
75,000lb of thrust.

* By entry into service in 2006 the Trent 900 will draw on the experience of
an estimated 15 million flight hours accumulated by the Trent family in
service.   

A3XX
* In its current configuration, the A3XX will have capacity to transport 550
passengers more than 7,650 nautical miles non-stop. The A3XX will be the
largest passenger aircraft ever produced.

Note to broadcasters:

Material is available from:
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For more information please contact:
Martin Johnson                                   
Head of Communications - Civil Aerospace       
Rolls-Royce plc                                   
Tel:      [phone]
Fax:     [phone]                                                      
 
E-mail: [e-mail]           
Rolls-Royce web: www.rolls-royce.com

Chris Springham
Head of Corporate Media Relations
Rolls-Royce plc,  Buckingham Gate
Tel:      [phone]
Fax:     [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Rolls-Royce web: www.rolls-royce.com