02:30
Rolls-Royce, based in Derby, and Airbus have announced a major success with their latest deal with US carrier Atlas Air. The agreement includes a firm order for 20 A350F freighter aircraft, powered by 40 Trent XWB-97 engines supplied by Rolls-Royce. This accomplishment reflects significant advancements in aviation technology and marks Atlas as the first A350F customer in the Americas.
The firm order also permits options for an additional 20 aircraft, making it the largest order to date for the A350F. The aircraft is renowned for its fuel efficiency and innovative design features. The Trent XWB-97 engines, which have accumulated more than four million flying hours since their introduction in 2018, will power the new aircraft. This engine model is celebrated for its reliability and performance, having been manufactured in Derby.
Key features of the A350F include the largest main deck cargo door in the industry and a structure optimised for standard industry pallets and containers. More than 70% of the airframe consists of advanced materials, resulting in a reduced take-off weight by 46 tonnes compared to competing models.
The deal signifies a substantial advancement for both Rolls-Royce and Airbus in the competitive air freight market. Their partnership with Atlas Air represents an important milestone in providing state-of-the-art aircraft technology to the North American market.
Rolls-Royce and Airbus continue to be pivotal players in the aerospace industry, maintaining their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
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