Rolls-Royce has received a major boost after US authorities approved the use of the company's flagship Trent 800 engine on long-range flights on twin-engined airliners.
The decision was taken by the Federal Aviation Administration.
It means it is confident the wide-bodied Boeing 777 airliner can fly "in the worst case scenario" for up to three hours on just one engine to the nearest available airport. The decision for the Trent 800, which the firm's Barnoldswick site manufactures wide chord fan blades and bearing housings for, is regarded as highly significant for the UK group. Phil Hopton, director - Trent Engines, commented: "This is the latest achievement in what has consistently proved to be the company's most successful engine development programme."
Trent 800-powered aircraft entered service with Thai Airways International in April, since when Cathay Pacific and Emirates have also taken delivery of the Rolls-Royce-powered planes.
Other customers include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise and International Lease Finance Corporation.
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