Air New Zealand takes first Rolls-Royce Trent powered Boeing 777; adds to Trent 1000 order for B787
AUCKLAND (Rolls-Royce International) - Air New Zealand has taken delivery of the first of a new generation of aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce aero engines with the handover of its first Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, just days after doubling its fleet of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, also powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
The first 777-200ER powered by the Trent 800 was handed over at a ceremony at Boeing's headquarters in Seattle today. Another seven of the extended-range twinjets will be added to Air New Zealand's fleet over the next 18 months.
The airline, the first to select the Trent 1000 engine to power the Boeing 787, will now take four of the Rolls-Royce powered aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery in 2010 and 2011.
Bob Moore, the Rolls-Royce Regional Director for Australia, said: "The delivery of Air New Zealand's first Trent-powered aircraft marks the continuation of our long-standing, strong relationship. We are delighted to be contributing to the future success and continued expansion of the airline."
The 75,000lb to 95,000lb thrust Trent 800 is the market leader on the Boeing 777. In common with other engines in the Trent series, its low weight and high fuel efficiency delivers greater payload and revenue earning capability.
Since entering service in 1996, Trent 800s have accumulated over eight million flying hours with 13 customers worldwide.
Still in the early stages of development, the Trent 1000 will run for the first time on the test beds at Rolls-Royce in Derby, UK, early next year.
Star Alliance member Air New Zealand also uses Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/T engines on a number of its Boeing 747-400s. The airline's Airbus A320 series fleet is powered by the V2500 engine produced by the International Aero Engines consortium in which Rolls-Royce is a senior partner.
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