Rolls-Royce, has been selected by Cathay Pacific Airways to provide Trent XWB engines to power 10 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The contract, which is subject to the approval of the Board of Cathay Pacific Airways, includes long-term TotalCare® service support.

In addition, the airline will convert 16 orders for Airbus A350-900 aircraft to A350-1000s. All 26 aircraft will be powered by the higher-thrust version of the Trent XWB engine.

The new higher-thrust variant will deliver 97,000lb maximum thrust, achieved by the inclusion of new high-temperature turbine technology, a larger engine core and advanced fan aerodynamics. This will help Airbus to offer increased range and capacity for the A350-1000 aircraft.

John Slosar, chief executive, Cathay Pacific Airways, said during the Farnborough International Airshow, "This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. It will also be a very popular aircraft with our customers and its improved payload and range will allow us to connect more and more important cities worldwide directly with Hong Kong. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have a total of 100 aircraft on order for delivery by 2020 comprising an aggregate investment at list prices of HK$218 billion."

Mark King, Rolls-Royce, president - civil aerospace, added, "We are delighted Cathay Pacific Airways has selected an engine that is already delivering world-leading levels of efficiency in its flight trials. Cathay's decision represents a vote of confidence in the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and the technology that has created the higher thrust version of the Trent XWB. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the airline."

The Trent XWB is specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB family and is the fastest selling Trent engine ever, with more than 1,100 already sold. The 97,000lb thrust version of the engine is the exclusive powerplant for the Airbus A350-1000 series aircraft.