Emirates confirms multi-billion pound deal for Rolls-Royce engines

Rolls-Royce has landed a huge £12.3bn engine order with airline Emirates, it has been confirmed.

The Middle Eastern airline has confirmed an order it first announced in February for 50 A350-900 aircraft powered by Trent XWB engines, which will be built in Derby.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates chairman and chief executive said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.

“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

Sheikh Ahmed added: “This US$ 16 billion deal reflects our confidence in the future of the UAE’s aviation sector, and is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s strategy to be a global nexus connected to cities, communities and economies via a world-class and modern aviation sector.”

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce, president – civil aerospace, said: “We are very proud that Emirates has chosen to enhance its fleet with the A350-900 powered by our Trent XWB.

“We appreciate the trust placed in us by Emirates, which reflects the confidence they have in the performance of this engine.

“We look forward to this order further enhancing our partnership for decades to come.”

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