Bangkok--29 Jan--Hill & Knowlton Rolls-Royce and Taiwan’s China Airlines have signed a contract for Trent XWB engines to power a fleet of 14 firm and 6 option Airbus A350 XWB twinjets. The potential value of the business, which includes a long-term TotalCare? services agreement, is US$1.3 billion (Baht 40.2 billion) at engine list prices. Deliveries begin in 2015. It is the first time Rolls-Royce has been chosen as an engine supplier by China Airlines and marks the debut of the Trent series in Taiwan. Chairman of China Airlines, Ringo K.S. Chao, said: “As the latest member of its impressive Trent engine family, we are very happy to have chosen the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB. Its advanced technologies and high operating efficiency will make it an outstanding addition to our fleet. This also translates into significant improvements in environmental performance, which will allow us to meet targets for reducing emissions”. Dan Pedley, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce (Thailand) said: "Rolls-Royce is delighted that China Airlines have committed to the Trent XWB. This signifies an important milestone in the growth of our relationship and we look forward to supporting the airline in its daily operations. I am also pleased to welcome China Airlines to the Rolls-Royce 'New Twins Symposium' in Bangkok this year, joining a number of other high profile Asian customers, including three airlines from Thailand." Announced orders for the programme, including spare engines, total over 800 Trent XWBs with 13 customers worldwide. The Trent XWB is available in a range of thrusts from 74,000 to 92,000 lb, and a single engine type will power all versions of the A350 XWB. Final engine configuration and selection of technologies for the Trent XWB are scheduled to be completed by mid-2008 leading to the start of ground-testing in 2010. A flying test bed programme will begin in 2011, followed by airworthiness certification and first flight on the A350 XWB in 2012. By the time the Trent XWB enters service, Trent series engines will have accumulated more than 75 million flying hours. TotalCare, tailored for individual operators, offers a range of services from Rolls-Royce covering all aspects of asset management in support of its civil aerospace products. Building on the company’s knowledge, experience and infrastructure, these services include elements such as predictive maintenance, logistics management and global repair and overhaul offerings. For further information: Tawn Chatchavalvong Account Manager Hill & Knowlton Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2627-3501 ext 118 Fax: +66 (0) 2627-3545 Email: [email protected]