BOSSES at one of East Lancashire’s leading aerospace firms predict a bright future after celebrating its deal with a world-leading aviation company.

Representatives from around the world descended on Aircelle in Burnley after staff turned out their 700th thrust reverser for Rolls-Royce’s Trent 700 engine.

The Trent, which is used in Airbus A330, is one of the world’s best selling jet engines, clocking up 180,000 air hours every month.

And Aircelle leaders have predicted its popularity will keep the firm’s sprawling Bancroft Road site busy for years to come, helping to secure 750 highly-skilled jobs.

The company delivered its 100th thrust reverser to Rolls-Royce in 1999, with Aircelle workers turning out four units per month as recently as three years ago.

However, the creation of more than 200 extra jobs in 2008 has allowed staff to more than treble productivity, now sending 14 high-tech reversers to Rolls-Royce every month.

Managing director Andrew White said: “This has enabled us to meet increased volumes for the Trent 700 programme.

“The investment in our facility, including support from the North West Development Agency, has also enabled us to build in a sustainable business agenda, making sure we focus on carbon-neutral technologies and the most environmentally-friendly approaches to the processes here on site.”

Mr White said the popularity of the Trent 700 engine in Airbus A330s, which are used by the likes of Air France and Emirates airlines, should mean French-owned Aircelle eventually produces around 1,500 units for Rolls-Royce.

That would ensure Aircelle’s Burnley plant remains busy for years to come.

The company’s lavish Trent 700 celebration included visits from Rolls-Royce bosses and Vincent Mascre, chairman and chief executive of the Aircelle group, who praised the company’s East Lancashire workforce for its efforts.

In 2008, Aircelle announced plans to take on 200 new workers, a boost which saw it scoop a Lancashire Telegraph Business Award for company of the year.