Rolls-Royce wins $1.3bn contract

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is being unveiled in Seattle

Rolls-Royce has secured a $1.3bn (£646m) engine deal for Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner long-haul aircraft.

The order comes from the US's largest aircraft leasing company, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1,000 engines will power 40 of the 74 Dreamliners ILFC has on order.

The deal supersedes a previous agreement covering 10 aircraft announced during the Farnborough International Air show in July 2006.

The aircraft are due to be delivered between 2010 and 2017.

Environmental impact

Rolls-Royce chief executive Sir John Rose said: "This agreement involves a very significant number of ILFC's Boeing 787s and represents the largest single order we have received from them.

"It is evidence of the excellent relationship with ILFC, one of our most important customers.

"These aircraft will be placed with operators around the world, expanding the global footprint of the Trent operation."

Trent 1,000 engines have been developed specifically for the Dreamliner and are designed to minimise its environmental impact.

ILFC president John Plueger said: "Our customers want a new generation of aircraft and engine combination that presents an opportunity to improve their environmental impact without compromising their operation.

"The Trent-powered 787 will be a great asset to our lease fleet, ensuring we can meet these demands from the marketplace."

Growth sector

The Trent 1,000 is fitted to the first Dreamliner which will be unveiled in Seattle on Sunday.

Boeing has so far received 642 orders for the midsize, long-haul jet from 46 airlines and leasing firms.

The first flight is expected in August or September, with the plane due to go into service next year.

The first customer to get the jet will be Japan's All Nippon Airways, which is being rewarded for placing orders for 50 of the aircraft.

Boeing predicts that the future growth sector will be for additional medium-sized planes that can service more of the smaller airports unable to handle Airbus's forthcoming A380 superjumbo.