Rolls-Royce to power largest Airbus A330 order in history with new engine

15th Dec 2014 15:54

Rolls Royce will provide engines to power 10 Airbus A330ceo and 55 Airbus A330neo planes ordered by Asia's largest low-cost airline, AirAsia X.The deal has Rolls Royce taking care of the aircraft engines as well as supplying a long term support package worth $6.2bn.Co-founder and director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said: "We are making a significant fleet expansion with A330ceo and A330neo aircraft and it is great to have Rolls-Royce on board for both."On Monday, AirAsia X officially announced that it has made a record-breaking order for 55 Airbus A330neo aircraft, five more planes than the company originally requested in July 2014.These planes will all be powered by the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 engine, which was launched earlier this year, and should be delivered in 2018.The new planes will include new cabin features and aerodynamic enhancements as well as these new engines to "make the aircraft the most cost-efficient in its size category", according to AirAsia X.The budget airline has projected "a reduction in fuel consumption of 14% per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 400 nautical miles and the lowest possible maintenance costs".Rolls-Royce president of civil large engines, Eric Schulz added: "This is a significant decision from a customer that continues to grow and look to the future."