SR Technics and Rolls-Royce have reached agreement on the formation of a Trent engine overhaul joint venture to serve operators in Europe and Africa. The pair had been discussing the move for over a year, but had struggled to agree a structure for the organisation.
Under the deal, Zurich-based SR Technics will overhaul Trent 500s and 700s, while R-R will handle work on the larger Trent 800 at its Derby, UK, factory. Ownership of the venture will be split equally. SR Technics has traditionally serviced Pratt & Whitney big-fan engines, but plans to begin Trent overhauls to take advantage of the type's growing operator base.
Fellow SAirGroup subsidiary Swissair is to become a major Trent 500 user from 2002, when delivery of up to 19 A340-600s begins.
The Trent 700 and 800 are offered on the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, respectively, with the -700 widely used by operators in Europe and the Middle East.
R-R has been contracted to support the Trent 800 for British Airways, which became its first European operator when it recently took delivery of the first of its 16 R-R-powered 777-200ERs due from the US airframer.
Source: Flight International
