Rolls-Royce welcomes airline’s order for extra engines

Rolls-Royce has welcomed a decision by Virgin Atlantic to place an order for extra engines to power seven new passenger jets.

The airline is ordering 14 additional Trent 7000 engines to power seven Airbus A330neo. The Trent 7000 is the exclusive engine for the aircraft.

The additional jets will enter service in 2027 and adds to the existing Virgin Atlantic fleet of Trent 7000-powered A330-900s.

Ewen McDonald, chief customer officer for Rolls-Royce – Civil Aerospace, which is based in Derby, said: “Virgin Atlantic is an existing Trent 7000 customer, and we are delighted that they have elected to return for seven Airbus A330neos – confirming their confidence in the Trent 7000 and A330neo combination.

“We look forward to supporting these new aircraft as they enter service.”

Corneel Koster, chief customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said: “Ordering another seven of these beautiful, carbon and fuel-efficient aircraft, powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine, completes our fleet transformation and will ensure that our customers can continue to enjoy our award-winning experience in the sky.”