Rolls-Royce to power Saudi Arabian Airlines in deal worth up to $900m

Notes and media contacts

1. The Trent 700 is the only engine on the A330 that has been specifically designed for the aircraft, resulting in better lifetime performance, reliability and maintenance costs. It has accumulated more than 10 million hours of operating service. The Trent 700EP further reduces engine fuel burn by 1.3%. The Trent is the world leader in the large turbofan sector.

2. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. In each sector, Rolls-Royce offer value-added long-term service agreements for customers and operators.

3. Rolls-Royce has recently established Rolls-Royce Saudi Arabia LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary with offices in Riyadh. This will enable Rolls-Royce to trade directly in Saudi Arabia for services and to bring the necessary people into the Kingdom. The organisation was formed in response to the Group's growing business interests in the Kingdom and to improve customer support.

4. In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested over £800m on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.

5. Annual sales were £9.1bn in 2008, of which 52% came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book at the end of 2008 stood at £55.5bn, of which aftermarket services represent 26%, providing visibility of future levels of activity.

Media contacts:

Mustafa Al-Sheikhly
Account Manager - Four Middle East
Four Communications Group
Office 707, Tower A
Business Central Towers
Dubai Media City
PO Box 502099
Dubai , UAE
T. +971 4 369 3542
F. +971 4 362 5358

Ian Bustin
Head of Communications - Civil Aerospace
Rolls-Royce plc
T. +44 1332 248288