A big new Rolls-Royce contract has helped secure Wearside jobs.
The firm manufactures parts for Trent air engines at its Pallion plant and has just put pen to paper on a $2billion deal with United Airlines to power its new fleet of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, Rolls-Royce's first large civil engine contract with the
company.
John Tague, President at United Air Lines Inc. said: "The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB offers the power and economical efficiency we expect while providing the performance and reliability our customers expect from one of the world's largest airlines."
Rolls-Royce's Mark King added: "This represents a significant endorsement of our Trent XWB technology and its operational advantage.
"We are delighted that United Airlines has put its trust in the long-term performance advantages of Trent technology and TotalCare."
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are specifically developed for the Airbus A350 XWB and have been designed to minimise the aircraft's overall environmental impact.
Firm orders for the Trent XWB engine total more than 1000 from 33 customers. The engine will enter into service in 2013, with current orders extending beyond 2020.
