Rolls-Royce dispatches first Trent XWB for entry into service

Rolls-Royce dispatched the first production Trent XWB that will power the Airbus A350 XWB’s entry into commercial service with Qatar Airways later this year. The Trent XWB, the most efficient aero engine and specifically designed for the A350 XWB, is the fastest-selling civil large engine ever, with more than 1,600 already sold to 40 customers. Qatar Airways has ordered 80 of the aircraft (43 A350-900s and 37 A350-1000s). The engine powered the A350 XWB’s first test flight in June 2013 from Toulouse, France. Since then the aircraft has carried out a variety of test flights, including high altitude testing in Bolivia, hot weather testing in Al Ain, UAE, and cold weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada. The engine also powered the A350 XWB’s visit to the Singapore Airshow in February 2014.