Nordic airline, Norwegian, today become the 21st operator to contract with Rolls-Royce to provide the Trent 1000 engine to power its Boeing 747 Dreamliners. In addition to placing an order for nine engines, Norwegian has also entered into a further agreement to benefit from the Rolls-Royce ‘TotalCare®' package - a comprehensive support and monitoring engine servicing deal which is understood to be worth around $450 million.

Rolls-Royce developed and optimised the Trent 1000 for use in the 787 Dreamliner and was selected to power the first flight of the aircraft in 2009. Although Norwegian's Dreamliners will not take to the skies until 2012-13, All Nippon Air is expected to begin using the aircraft for passenger services later this year.

VP of Customer Business at Rolls-Royce, Dan Pedley, stated: "This order begins what I firmly believe will be a very strong partnership between Rolls-Royce and Norwegian. We are delighted the airline will be joining our family of Trent operators, selecting world-leading technology and support."

Norwegian's Fleet Manager, Tore Jenssen, was equally pleased about the partnership: "I am delighted that we will operate Trent technology. The Trent 1000 has demonstrated world-class fuel burn, and its proven Trent family performance retention delivers this benefit longer through life. In addition the TotalCare® long term service agreement will provide us with a comprehensive support and monitoring package, enabling us to better manage costs."

Author: Lee Marriott, Analyst