European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulators have approved the Airbus A330 for extended-range twin-engined operations (ETOPS) with the newly-developed Rolls-Royce Trent 772C powerplant.
The 180min ETOPS approval follows EASA’s recognition that the engine is a close derivative of the Trent 772B which already powers A330 aircraft.
While it has the same 72,000lb (320kN) rating as the Trent 772B it is able to provide greater take-off and maximum continuous thrust at higher altitudes – above 8,000ft (2,500m) – and at higher air temperatures.
Airbus says that these characteristics will generate “improved aircraft performance” under these conditions.
Air China will take delivery of the first aircraft fitted with the new Trent 772C engines by the end of May.