Will Power Its Fleet Of A350-900s

Rolls-Royce announced Tuesday that Finnair has become the first airline to select the Trent 1700 to power its fleet of nine Airbus A350-900s, in addition to four options. The deal is worth $470 million at list prices, with deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2012.

Finnair, a new large engines customer for Rolls-Royce, becomes the 53rd airline or leasing company to choose versions of the Trent engine series. The A350s will replace Finnair’s current long-haul fleet of MD-11s.

"The Trent 1700 offers us the best operating economics as we continue to grow our business with the best modern technologies," said Jukka Hienonen, Chief Executive Officer at Finnair. "Our selection criteria was based on cost and performance, and the Trent 1700 is a great match for these requirements."

The Helsinki-based airline intends to use its Trent-powered A350s to support its business growth strategy. The aircraft will be operated on its expanding long haul services -- particularly to the Far East, as the airline attempts to position Finland as the Asian gateway to Europe.

"The addition of Finnair to our list of Trent customers in the face of a strong incumbent supplier is a true endorsement of the Rolls-Royce pedigree," said Nick Devall, Executive Vice President, Civil Large Engines at Rolls-Royce.

FMI: www.rollsroyce.com, www.finnair.com