CAPA Fleets: Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine directive implications

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power the 787 are back in the news due to an airworthiness directive requiring more frequent inspections, as well as applying a reduced ETOPS rating.

The Trent 1000 powers 39% of 787s so far delivered while the remaining are powered by GE, which is not impacted. Most Rolls-Royce engines for the 787 are under scrutiny, although the newer version - the Trent 1000 TEN - is not impacted. The latest development concerns Package C Trent 1000s.

ANA, LATAM, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly the greatest number of aircraft with Package C power plants. The number of faulty engines is unclear: Norwegian has identified one problematic engine, while LATAM has stored one aircraft and Virgin Atlantic has stored two. As airlines wait for a solution due next year, they are seeking interim lift capacity.