Rolls-Royce has announced it has received an order from Air India for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, plus options for 20 more. This is the biggest-ever order for the Trent XWB-97, which exclusively powers the Airbus A350-1000. Air India has also ordered 12 Trent XWB-84, engines, the sole engine option for the Airbus A350-900.
This is the first time that an Indian airline has ordered the Trent XWB and the deal will make Air India the largest operator of the Trent XWB-97 in the world. Financial details of the order are not being disclosed.
The Trent XWB will support Tata Group and Air India’s ambitious growth plans for the airline. It will provide reliability, flexibility and efficiency to its fleet as it takes on ultra-long-range routes. Moreover, the choice also reflects Tata Group’s vision for Air India to become the world’s most technologically advanced airline. Further, with a focus on service, competing on the world stage to deliver best-in-class customer experience.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce plc, said, “Today’s announcement marks an exciting and truly remarkable occasion for Tata Group and Air India. I congratulate them on taking this bold step towards becoming one of the world’s greatest airlines. Air India is the first Indian airline to order the Trent XWB. With a dynamic and growing aviation industry, India is a strategically important market for us.”
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Trent XWB offers a 15% fuel consumption advantage over the first generation of Trent engine. It goes further on less fuel, and offers leading performance and noise levels. It is also ready to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend.
Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India, said, “We are delighted to commence this partnership with Rolls-Royce. We are confident that they will provide us with the reliability and efficiency.”
The size of the Air India order reflects the increasing demand for air travel in India. The market is now the third biggest airline market in the world. The rise of aviation has been fuelled by continued business growth, favourable government policies, sustained infrastructure development, and rising disposable incomes. This makes India a strategically important market for Rolls-Royce as it represents enormous growth potential.
Rolls-Royce already has long-standing partnerships with the Tata Group. These include a strong supply chain commitment with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the manufacture of a significant number of parts for the Trent XWB engine in India. Further, several high-precision components for other Rolls-Royce civil aerospace engines. In addition, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) provides engineering services, particularly to support Rolls-Royce digital engineering and data innovation teams in India.
Moreover, Rolls-Royce has a rich history of partnership with India, spanning 90 years. It started with power for the first commercial aircraft of Tata Aviation in 1932. Today over 750 engines provide Mission Critical Power to the Indian Armed Forces. The company continues to develop its ecosystem of strategic partners, suppliers, diverse talent, digital solutions and service capabilities in India. Meanwhile, the new order from Air India will further build on Rolls-Royce’s presence in the country.
