Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, will power new Gulf Air aircraft in an order worth $1.5bn at list prices. Trent 700EP (Enhanced Performance) engines will power 20 Airbus A330 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2012. The contract includes a TotalCare long-term service agreement. In addition, Gulf Air also renewed TotalCare on Trent 700s that power 10 A330s already in service. The Trent 700EP has the best performance, lowest emissions and lowest fuel burn on the A330. Rolls-Royce has secured more than 70% of the A330 market over the last three years and eight of the nine Middle East A330 operators have selected Trent 700 engines to power their fleets. The contract was signed at the Paris Air Show by Gulf Air Chairman Talal Al Zain and Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Sir John Rose.
Ismail Karimi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air, said: 'As Gulf Air progresses with its ambitious re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy, we need an engine to power our future A330s. After exploring a number of options, we have selected the Trent 700 as the one best suited to meet our future needs.' The Rolls-Royce engine offers the best deal for Gulf. Air technically, operationally, commercially and environmentally. 'Our new aircraft will offer improved customer service in terms of comfort and reliability and will also continue our drive to keep operating costs to a minimum. We have had excellent experience with our existing Trent 700EPs, both in terms of operational performance and the comprehensive TotalCare service package, which were important factors in our decision making on the new purchases and service renewal' he added. Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President Airlines - North Asia and Middle East, said: 'We are delighted that Gulf Air has selected our Trent 700 technology and TotalCare package to power its new aircraft. Rolls-Royce technology will enable the customer to achieve excellent technical performance and world-class service support.' Rolls-Royce has a leading 50% market share on modern, widebody aircraft, with more than 1,500 Trent engines in service on more than 550 aircraft and a further 2,500 on order. Each of the six members of the Trent family have either been the first or launch engine on the airframe, or have gone on to take the leading market share. |