Derby-based Rolls-Royce has signed a £237 million deal with Middle East Airlines (MEA) to provide Trent 7000 engines and support to a new fleet of Airbus A330-900 aircraft.

The deal was signed when cabinet ministers met Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, at the inaugural UK-Lebanon Business Investment Forum in London last month.

Rolls-Royce chairman Ian Davis (www.rolls-royce.com) said: “We are honoured to sign this contract with a forward-thinking, customer that continues to develop the capability of its fleet.

“It marks another milestone in a strong relationship built up for more than 50 years.”