Wanted to get your thoughts.... I heard somewhere that some operators of above aircraft/engine combination, e.g. SQ, EK, CX, KA, require their pilots to use climb derate as much as possible. If so, what effect if any does this have on climb rate compared with full climb thrust and likelihood to obtain your preferred altitude? I heard that operating aircraft above certain climb derate settings would incur a penalty by the airline to Rolls-Royce?
I can't speak for company specific requirements however engines are still more expensive than fuel so as large a derate as possible is always favourable (windshear and the obvious conditions exempted...).
Obviously with less thrust the rate of climb is less but I doubt that has any impact on preferred altitude.
Contracts with leased engines and RR will vary widely I'm sure but one factor to lower costs is to use the engine lightly.