Engine Sent To Toulouse Where It Will Be Hung From The First A350 XWB That Will Be Delivered To A Customer

Rolls-Royce has shipped the first production Trent XWB that will power the Airbus A350 XWB's entry into commercial service with Qatar Airways later this year.

The Trent XWB, which Rolls-Royce says is the world's most efficient aero engine and specifically designed for the A350 XWB, is the fastest-selling civil large engine ever, with more than 1,600 already sold to 40 customers.

Employees and guests gathered to wave the engine off on its journey to Toulouse, where it will later be fitted to the first A350 XWB aircraft to enter service.

"This is an exciting moment for all of us, and marks the first of many Trent XWB deliveries for service," said Chris Young, Rolls-Royce, Trent XWB Program Director. 'When we reach peak production in 2017 we will be delivering a Trent XWB every working day."

Qatar Airways has ordered 80 of the aircraft (43 A350-900s and 37 A350-1000s).

The engine powered the A350 XWB's first test flight in June 2013 from Toulouse, France. Since then the aircraft has carried out a variety of test flights, including high altitude testing in Bolivia, hot weather testing in Al Ain, UAE, and cold weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada. The engine also powered the A350 XWB's visit to the Singapore Airshow in February 2014.

Rolls-Royce says the Trent XWB is 16 per cent more efficient than the first-generation Trent engines that entered into service in 1995.

(Image provided by Rolls-Royce)

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com