Lessors Select Rolls for Boeing 787s

International Lease Finance Corporation has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines worth a potential $600 million to power up to 20 Boeing 787s from 2010. Lessees of the aircraft will be offered comprehensive “lifetime” TotalCare engine service-support agreements. Another U.S. leasing firm, Pegasus Aviation Finance Co., has acquired six Trent-powered 787s. The engine deal with Rolls-Royce, which also includes a long-term TotalCare services agreement, is worth more than $300 million.

Three Trent 1000s are being tested, with a further three being built. Engine certification is expected in mid-2007, about a year before the aircraft enters service. Other Trent 1000 customers are Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Icelandair, lessor LCAL, LOT Polish Airlines and Northwest Airlines.