Rolls-Royce has further strengthened its position in the Middle East following the signing on Tuesday of a deal with EgyptAir to supply Trent 700 powerplants for the airline's seven new Airbus A330-200 mid-range fleet.

The deal, which involves firm orders for seven twinjets, is valued at around $150 million by Rolls-Royce and deliveries begin in June 2004.

Powers

"EgyptAir becomes the fifth Middle East carrier to select the Trent 700 which now powers 80% of the A330s in the region.

The airline intends to use its new aircraft on routes throughout Europe and to South Africa.

Speaking at Le Bourget, Mike Terrett, Rolls-Royce president, civil aerospace, said EgyptAir had become the 26th customer for the Trent 700, the largest number of any engine maker on the A330. "We are delighted with this opportunity to introduce the Trent into EgyptAir's future fleet.

"It's a decision that underlines the strength of the engine in the Middle East and allows us to develop a new era of relationships between R-R and the airline."

Source: Flight Daily News