Rolls-Royce Signs International Contracts for 142 Aircraft Engines

Rolls-Royce Secures Major International Contracts for 142 Aircraft Engines

Rolls-Royce has finalized a series of significant contracts to supply 142 aircraft engines to airlines and leasing companies across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Announced at the 2025 International Paris Air Show, these agreements represent a substantial boost for the Derby-based engineering firm’s civil aerospace division, underscoring its continued prominence in the global aviation market.

Contract Details and Strategic Impact

The new orders comprise 90 Trent XWB-97 engines, 40 Trent 7000 engines, and 12 Trent XWB-84 engines. These powerplants will equip a variety of Airbus aircraft, including the A350F freighter, A350-1000, A350-900, and A330neo models. Among the key customers are AviLease and Riyadh Air from Saudi Arabia, Starlux Airlines of Taiwan, EgyptAir, and Vietjet Air from Vietnam.

Specifically, AviLease has ordered 20 Trent XWB-97 engines to support 10 Airbus A350F freighters, while Riyadh Air will receive 50 Trent XWB-97 engines for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Starlux Airlines has committed to 20 Trent XWB-97 engines for 10 A350-1000 widebody jets. EgyptAir’s order includes 12 Trent XWB-84 engines for six A350-900s, increasing its total Trent XWB-84 engine orders to 32. Vietjet Air will take delivery of 40 Trent 7000 engines to power 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft.

Ewen McDonald, chief customer officer for Rolls-Royce’s civil aerospace division, emphasized the importance of these contracts in securing employment and sustaining production in Derby. He noted the buoyant market conditions and expressed optimism about the long-term workload, with many orders extending into the 2030s.

Investment and Market Challenges

These contracts follow a £1 billion investment in the Trent engine family, aimed at improving engine durability and efficiency. This strategic investment is expected to stimulate demand as airlines increasingly seek reliable and cost-effective propulsion solutions for their fleets.

Despite the positive momentum, Rolls-Royce faces ongoing challenges, including global supply chain disruptions, tariff uncertainties, and intensifying competition in the midlife aircraft engine market. Industry analysts caution that competitors may respond by adjusting fleet strategies or prolonging the operational life of older aircraft to navigate cross-border trade complexities.

Nonetheless, Rolls-Royce’s recent enhancements to the Trent engine portfolio position the company well to meet evolving market requirements. McDonald indicated that additional orders from the Paris Air Show are forthcoming, signaling sustained growth prospects.

Through these contracts, Rolls-Royce reaffirms its role as a vital supplier in the aerospace sector, supporting jobs in Derby and contributing to the advancement of commercial aviation worldwide.