Rolls-Royce has confirmed that US Airways has chosen Trent 700 engines to power up to 30 Airbus A330-200 twinjets. The value of the new business is approximately $2 billion and includes two long-term TotalCare services agreements for the Trent 700 and RB211 engine fleets. The A330 order comprises engines for 15 firm and up to 15 additional aircraft.

This is the latest in a series of engine orders placed by US Airways since mid-2007. In June the airline announced firm orders for 22 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft powered by Trent XWB engines with a value of approximately $1.8 billion, including a TotalCare agreement.

In December, the airline selected the V2500 engine to power up to 153 Airbus A320 family aircraft. Rolls-Royce is a leading shareholder of International Aero Engines, the manufacturer of V2500 engines, and its share of the V2500 order is approximately $400 million.

Mark King, President, Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said: “This decision further establishes Rolls-Royce as a true engine partner with US Airways. Trent engines will power future widebody aircraft at US Airways, providing the best performance and value generation for their international route expansion. This Trent 700 order demonstrates their ongoing confidence in our products and our relationship.”

The Trent 700 delivers outstanding levels of performance and the highest available thrust on the A330, resulting in increased operational flexibility. Latest technologies fed into the engine as a performance improvement package have delivered better fuel burn, which translates into lower emissions.

The airline currently operates a fleet of 43 Boeing 757s equipped with RB211-535 engines and 94 A320 family aircraft powered by V2500 engines.

US Airways is the 52nd customer or operator to select the Trent 700 for the A330 and will take delivery of its first Trent-powered A330 in 2009. The order is contingent upon execution of definitive agreements, which are expected in the coming months.

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com, www.usair.com