With the Asia-Pacific region representing around 30% of Rolls-Royce's firm orders for commercial engines, it's not surprising that the company has a large presence at Asian Aerospace 2000. Geoff Thomas interviews R-R's John Cheffins (managing director airlines) and he appears bullish about the company's prospects.

Q: How did the economic slow-down in the Far East affect Rolls-Royce?

We now have a market share of just under 40% on this aircraft and orders (firm and options) for 147 aircraft.

We're confident of continuing to do well with the -600 version too which Virgin will launch on the first of up to 18 aircraft in March 2002. Rolls-Royce has nine customers worldwide for 118 aircraft representing advance orders of more than $5 billion.

A similar 50/50 partnership has also been set up in Singapore between R-R and Singapore International Aircraft Engine called International Engine Component Overhaul (IECO). This company deals with re-working RB211 nozzle guide vanes and stator vanes.

We are also creating a new company in Singapore at Changi airport called Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL). This is another JV to deal with Trent engine re-work, this time a partnership between R-R, Singapore Airlines Engineering (SIAEC) and HAESL. This agreement was signed in March 1999 and the new company opens for business at the end of 2001.

This new strategy has resulted in R-R doubling its share of repair and overhaul of its own civil engines to more than 50%.

Source: Flight Daily News

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