Dreamliner engine order

recently announced a $2.6bn order for its

1000 engines and associated services from Virgin Atlantic. The company also said it is forming an environmental partnership with the airline to cut carbon emissions.

The Trent 1000 is the launch engine for all versions of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which enters service in 2009. This order, which includes a full-life TotalCare services agreement, is for Trent 1000s to power up to 43 Boeing 787s and consists of 15 firm aircraft plus eight options and a further 20 purchase rights. Virgin Atlantic will take delivery of its first Trent-powered 787 in 2011.

Rolls-Royce claims the Trent-powered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will burn almost 30 per cent less fuel than previous generation airliners. The environmental initiative between Rolls-Royce and Virgin Atlantic will aim to identify further opportunities to reduce aircraft fuel burn through enhanced engine performance.