Derby-based Rolls-Royce (www.rolls-royce.com) has won a £693 million order from Virgin Atlantic to supply Trent XWB engines for the airline’s fleet of 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The package, announced at the Farnborough Airshow, includes the aerospace manufacturer’s TotalCare after-sales agreement.

Assembled in Derby, the Trent XWB engine is Rolls-Royce’s fastest-selling wide-body engine, with more than 1,600 already sold to 42 customers. Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger said: “The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people; it also confirms the strength of our business. The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet program-me; with the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, it is helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest and ‘greenest’ fleets in the sky.”

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce president (civil aerospace), said: “Virgin Atlantic is a great customer that has shown a continued commitment to our Trent engine family, and we look forward to the Trent XWB delivering outstanding economics and performance.

“Successes such as this engine are the result of decades of investment in fundamental technologies, R&D and manufacturing infrastructure to bring world-beating products to market. The Trent family of engines benefitted from UK investment in each of these stages, including innovations in materials, aerodynamics, noise, control systems and manufacturing technologies.”

In one of his last engagements before stepping down as Prime Minister, David Cameron said: “I welcome the news of Virgin Atlantic’s investment. As well as being good news for passengers, it’s great news for jobs in the UK. The fantastic Airbus A350 is built in the UK, with Rolls-Royce engines and suppliers across the country. It’s an investment in the UK itself and our aerospace industry.”

Almost half of the value of the Trent XWB engine consists of parts made in the UK by Rolls-Royce and its suppliers. Rolls-Royce plants at Ansty Park, Barnoldswick, Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Hucknall, Inchinnan, Nuneaton, Rotherham, Sunderland and Washington have all contributed to the project.