European Aviation Safety Agency regulators have approved the enhanced Package B version of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powerplant, used on the Boeing 787.

Japan's All Nippon Airways, the first carrier to start 787 services, is to take initial delivery of the Package B engines, which are certified to 70,000lb thrust.

Rolls-Royce describes the EASA approval as a "significant milestone".

"As with all our programmes, we remain committed to continually improving engine performance as our technology advances," said Trent 1000 director Simon Carlisle.

Trent 1000 engines have been selected by 23 customers for the 787 twinjet.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news