Trent 900 Update
12 November 2010
TRENT 900 UPDATE
Rolls-Royce is now in a position to provide an update on its statement of
8 November concerning the engine failure on the Trent 900 powered A380
Qantas flight QF32 on 4 November 2010.
Immediately following this incident a regime of engine checks was introduced on
the Trent 900s to understand the cause and to ensure safe operation. These have
been conducted in parallel with a rigorous examination of all available
evidence, including data from the damaged engine and its monitoring system,
analysis of recovered material and interrogation of the fleet history.
These investigations have led Rolls-Royce to draw two key conclusions. First,
as previously announced, the issue is specific to the Trent 900. Second, the
failure was confined to a specific component in the turbine area of the engine.
This caused an oil fire, which led to the release of the intermediate pressure
turbine disc.
Rolls-Royce continues to work closely with the investigating authorities.
Our process of inspection will continue and will be supplemented by the
replacement of the relevant module according to an agreed programme.
These measures, undertaken in collaboration with Airbus, our Trent 900
customers and the regulators have regrettably led to some reduction in aircraft
availability. This programme will enable our customers progressively to bring
the whole fleet back into service.
Safety continues to be Rolls-Royce's highest priority.
For further information please contact:
Investor relations:
Mark Alflatt
Director of Financial Communications
Rolls-Royce plc
Tel: +44 (0)20 7227 9237
[email protected]
Media relations:
Josh Rosenstock
Head of Corporate Communications
Rolls-Royce plc
Tel: +44 (0)20 7227 9163
[email protected]