Qantas Selects Trent Engines

Rolls-Royce PLC
16 February 2001


QANTAS SELECTS ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT FOR A380

Rolls-Royce announced today (16 February) that Qantas has chosen Rolls-Royce
Trent 900 engines to power its new fleet of 12 Airbus Industrie A380
airliners. The Trent remains the only engine selected by A380 customers.

Qantas has placed firm orders for 12 A380s with deliveries to begin in 2006 as
part of a US$4.6 billion fleet programme. 

John Cheffins, President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: 'Qantas joins
the growing family of Trent customers and we look forward to playing our part
in establishing the A380 as the new flagship of the Qantas fleet.'

Qantas becomes the third airline to select Trent-powered A380s, following
previously announced decisions by Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.  A
total of 49 A380 aircraft are now ordered and on option, representing the
supply of nearly 200 Trent 900 engines. 

The Trent 900, which is offered with a range of in-service thrusts from 68,000
- 75,000lb, will be certificated at 80,000lb allowing margin for operational
demands and potential for growth. It will be the lead engine in the A380's
joint certification programme. Preliminary design of the Trent 900 is almost
complete and seven engines are expected to be used throughout the development
phase. 

Versions of the Trent family currently in service have accumulated 2.7 million
flying hours. The Trent 700 entered service on the A330 in 1995 followed by
the Trent 800-powered Boeing 777 a year later. 

The Trent 500, which achieved engine certification ahead of schedule in
December, is the sole engine for growth versions of the A340 and will make its
maiden flight on the A340-600 in Spring this year.

Another variant, the Trent 600, is being offered for future developments of
the Boeing 747 and Boeing 767. 
                                                                              
        

For more information please contact:
Martin Johnson
Head of Communications - Civil Aerospace
Rolls-Royce plc
Tel:  [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email:  [e-mail]
Rolls-Royce website: www.rolls-royce.com


A selection of Trent engine pictures is available on the Rolls-Royce website
at: www.rolls-royce.com/latestn/images/thumbnails.htm 

Or direct from Andy Siddons, Rolls-Royce plc, at:  
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]  

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