Lufthansa has selected Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines worth $1.5bn, including TotalCare® service support, to power 25 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline also has options for a further 30 of the aircraft.

The Trent XWB, the world’s most efficient engine flying today, is the fastest-selling member of the Rolls-Royce Trent engine family, with more than 1,400 ordered prior to its entry into service next year.

Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management, said: “Having followed the development of the Trent XWB, we have been impressed with the performance of the engine and are pleased it will be powering our new fleet. The Trent XWB and Airbus A350 make a powerful combination, enabling us to continue to deliver the highest levels of customer service.”

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Large Engines, said: “This is a significant order for the Trent XWB from a valued customer that has continued to use new Trent technology to develop its fleet. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with Lufthansa.”

The announcement continues a close relationship between Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa. Lufthansa has 60 Trent-powered Airbus A380s, A330s and A340s either in service or on order. Rolls-Royce is also a joint-venture partner with Lufthansa Technik AG in the N3 Engine Overhaul Services maintenance business.

The Trent XWB, specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB, powered the first test flight of the A350 XWB at Toulouse on 14 June this year.