Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed a letter of intent with the Japanese airline Skymark Airlines to provide Trent 900 engines to power six Airbus A380 aircraft, including TotalCare® long-term engine service and support. The aircraft will enter into service in 2014.

Skymark is a new customer for Rolls-Royce, and the airline is the first in Japan to order the Airbus A380. Trent 900 engines powered the very first A380 to enter service in 2007 and have now been selected by 11 of 16 airlines who have ordered the aircraft.

Skymark will benefit from the commitment of Rolls-Royce to continually improve the performance and dependability of its engines. The Trent 900s it has ordered will incorporate enhancements in design and materials that will yield almost a two per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with those in service today.

Shinichi Nishikubo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Skymark, said: “Skymark has been evaluating the engines for the A380 since it decided to order the A380 in Nov 2010. As a result, Skymark came to the conclusion that the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 has superior fuel burn, reliability, economic efficiency and aftermarket support. This is why Skymark concluded that the Trent 900 is the most suitable engine for its operation.”

Jim Sheard, Rolls-Royce Senior Vice President – Civil Aerospace, said: “Skymark is a new customer for Rolls-Royce and we are very pleased that they have put their trust in our leading edge engine technology and TotalCare support. This latest order, from a new customer, confirms the Trent 900 as the true market leader and engine of choice for the majority of A380 operators.”

Rolls Royce press release