Rolls-Royce has secured approval for 330min extended twin-engined operations (ETOPS) for the Trent 7000 engine which powers the Airbus A330neo.
The approval features in a revision of the European Aviation Safety Agency certification document for the powerplant.
EASA had previously conditionally cleared the initial A330neo variant – the A330-900 – for 180min ETOPS, imposing a cycle limitation for the engine.
This limitation had been enforced because Rolls-Royce had not, at the time, completed the series of inspections required for full ETOPS approval.
EASA had set an end-December deadline for Rolls-Royce to demonstrate the necessary compliance, else the conditional ETOPS clearance would be withdrawn.
The regulator states, in a certification update, that the Trent 7000 has been approved for ETOPS capability including 330min diversion time at maximum continuous thrust.
EASA adds that the approval is restricted to engines incorporating work outlined in specific service bulletins.
Airbus delivered its first A330-900, to TAP Portugal, towards the end of November.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
