GEOFF THOMAS
Rolls-Royce announced yesterday at Farnborough that African Airline of the Year Kenya Airways has chosen Trent 800s for its three Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The order is worth around $100 million and deliveries begin in May 2004.
The airline's chairman Isaac Omolo said: "The recent announcement of our selection of the Boeing B777-200ER has completed our medium term fleet plans and today's announcement marks a major step towards delivery of those aircraft.
Excellence
"We are delighted – once again – to be working with Rolls-Royce, whose name is synonymous with excellence in engineering, as we strive for excellence in our business activities.
Rolls-Royce technical director Steve Clarke said the Trent had emerged as a clear winner following thorough evaluation and a close-fought competition.
"The engine's performance in hot and high conditions was certainly key to the outcome," he added.
The 92,000lb thrust Trent 892s will power the extended range 777s on international routes from the airline's main hub in Nairobi. Kenya Airways becomes the 12th customer for the B-777/Trent combination and the first in Africa.
The engine has a leading 44% share of firm and option engine business on the B-777 and it has accumulated more than 3 million hours since entering service in 1996.
The airline is currently celebrating its silver jubilee – and its links with Rolls-Royce began with Dart engines for Fokker F27s…moving more recently to RB211-535s on its Boeing B-757s.
Source: Flight Daily News
