Rolls-Royce, has won an order worth $280m, at list prices, from Avianca, S.A. (BVC:AVA) of Colombia part of the AviancaTaca group, for Trent 700 engines to power four Airbus A330 freighter aircraft. The contract includes long-term TotalCare® services support.

The order confirms a memorandum of understanding announced in November 2011. The four A330s will be operated by AviancaTaca subsidiary Tampa Cargo, which will establish Tampa Cargo as the first A330 freight operator in Latin America.

The AviancaTaca group currently operates seven passenger Trent 700-powered A330s, with another three of the aircraft on firm order.

Fabio Villegas, president and chief executive officer, AviancaTaca, said: "The Trent 700 is the most fuel efficient, cleanest and quietest engine for the Airbus A330 and we are pleased to extend the engine's use to freight operations in the region."

Peter Turner, Rolls-Royce, Civil Aerospace vice president - customer business, said: "The Trent 700 continues to be the most popular choice for Airbus A330 operators who want a reliable and cost-effective engine solution. We look forward to building on our already successful relationship with AviancaTaca."

The Trent 700, the only engine specifically designed for the Airbus A330, is the market leader for the aircraft, with more than 1,400 in service or on order. More than 90% of Trent engine operators have selected TotalCare support.

In June AviancaTaca joined the Star Alliance airline network. Rolls-Royce powers 60 per cent of the Alliance's current and future widebody aircraft.