Rolls-Royce has secured a deal with Qantas to upgrade its fleet of RB211-524 turbofans to the new -524G/HT standard and a further $1 billion worth of Trent 500 engine orders from Emirates and International Lease Finance (ILFC).
The Qantas order covers modernising airline's fleet of 18 RB211-powered Boeing 747-400 with the Trent 700's "04" module. The order follows the Australian carrier's -524G/HT powerplant order in June for three new 747-400s
The deal with the Australian flag carrier is one of several announcements by the UK engine maker at the show. Emirates has also placed a $640 million order with R-R for new Trent 500 engines to power its six new A340-500s with another 10 aircraft on option. ILFC has similarly ordered the 60,000lb-thrust (265kN) engine to power its 10 newly purchased -500s. The company now has engine orders for 120 A340-500/600s.
Meanwhile, R-R has expanded its team of Trent 500 risk-sharing partners to six, which together hold a collect stake of 24%. Previously announced partner Marubeni of Japan is joined by FiatAvio, Hamilton Standard, Industria de Turbo Propulsores, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Lucas Aerospace.
US subsidiary Allison has also won $685 million worth of orders for AE3007 engines to power the Embraer RJ-135/-145 regional jets. The new business includes a $500 million deal with American Eagle covering 75 firm orders for ERJ-135s and a similar number of options.
Continental has ordered more AE3007 powerplants for 25 additional ERJ-145s, while smaller carriers Flandre, Luxair and National Jet System have all placed engine orders for another nine of the 37-50-seat regional jets.
The Japan Air Self Defence Force has placed initial $24 order for Allison 250-B17F turboprops to power its newly selected Fuji KM-2F/T-7 primary trainer aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2000.
Source: Flight International
