20th Mar 2006 09:22
20 March, 2006 FINNAIR BECOMES FIRST CUSTOMER FOR ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT 1700 Finnair has become the first airline to select the Rolls-Royce Trent 1700 topower its fleet of nine firm, plus four option, Airbus A350-900s in a dealworth $470 million at list prices. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2012.Finnair, a new large engines customer for Rolls-Royce, becomes the 53rd airlineor leasing company to choose versions of the Trent engine series. The A350swill replace Finnair's current long-haul fleet of MD-11s.The Helsinki-based airline intends to use its Trent-powered A350s to supportits business growth strategy. The aircraft will be operated on its expandinglong haul services, particularly to the Far East, as the airline positionsFinland as the Asian gateway to Europe.Jukka Hienonen, Chief Executive Officer at Finnair, said: "The Trent 1700offers us the best operating economics as we continue to grow our business withthe best modern technologies. Our selection criteria was based on cost andperformance, and the Trent 1700 is a great match for these requirements."Nick Devall, Executive Vice President, Civil Large Engines at Rolls-Royce,added: "The addition of Finnair to our list of Trent customers in the face of astrong incumbent supplier is a true endorsement of the Rolls-Royce pedigree.Our combination of experience and innovation provides customers with a low riskoption that offers maximum benefits. We're obviously delighted to welcomeFinnair to our growing customer base."NOTE TO EDITORS 1. The 63,000 - 75,000lb thrust Trent 1700 is the sixth member of the three-shaft Trent engine series and is being developed specifically for the Airbus A350 twinjet. It is available for deliveries from mid-2011. 2. Final engine configuration and selection of technologies is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007, and parts manufacturing will begin in early 2008. The first Trent 1700 will be ground tested in the first half of 2009. Later that year the engine will make its maiden flight on a flying test bed, followed by airworthiness certification and first flight on the A350, both in 2010. 3. The Trent 1700 will be the only engine specifically developed and fully optimised for the 250-300 seat A350 and will utilise the latest available technology at entry into service. 4. By the time the Trent 1700 enters service, Trent series engines will have accumulated more than 60 million flying hours. 5. Finnair's links with Rolls-Royce date from the 1960s when its Caravelle airliners were powered by the Avon engine. It has also operated Dart-powered Fokker F27s. Finnair, one of the world's oldest operating airlines, was established in 1923. For further information contact:Annalie BrownCommunications Manager - Civil AerospaceRolls-Royce plcDerbyUKTel: +44 (0)1332 248704Fax: +44 (0)1332 269540Email: [email protected] GROUP PLCRelated Shares:
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