Airbus’s new regional version of the A330 will be powered by a reduced-thrust version of the Rolls-Royce Trent 700, to be branded the Trent 700 Regional.

Rolls-Royce says the powerplant will incorporate the new EP2 engine-performance package, which becomes available in 2015.

The manufacturer says the engine will feature a 1% efficiency improvement and will save operators $1 million annually compared with competing engines.

Airbus is developing the regional variant of the A330 for short-haul markets which do not need the maximum take-off weight capabilities or the standard thrust settings of the long-haul version.

Rolls-Royce confirmed the de-rated Trent 700 Regional engine during a symposium in China, which Airbus views as an important potential market for the twinjet.

“By providing the right amount of thrust at the right time, engine part life is extended and maintenance costs significantly reduced,” says Rolls-Royce.

Source: Cirium Dashboard