Scandinavian budget carrier Norwegian is to acquire up to nine Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powerplant for the type.
The agreement underpins Norwegian's plans to launch long-haul services having expanded with a Boeing 737-800 fleet to become a major low-cost operator in Europe.
It will start introducing the 787s in late 2012 or early 2013.
Norwegian says the engine selection is part of a letter of intent with Rolls-Royce and envisions its taking "up to nine" 787s along with 18 Trent 1000s.
"The letter of intent is entered into as part of Norwegian's set-up for long-haul operations," says the carrier.
Norwegian fleet manager Tore Jenssen says the Trent engine "has demonstrated world-class fuel burn".
Rolls-Royce states that Norwegian would also receive a support package for the powerplants worth $450 million.
Norwegian takes to 21 the number of carriers choosing the Trent 1000 for the 787, says the aero engine manufacturer.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
