What began as a problem with the Trent 1000 Package C compressor and subsequent problems with turbine blades wearing out sooner than expected, has now seen Rolls-Royce ramp up the number of more rigorous inspections of the engine after liaising with authorities over a separate issue.
The engines have needed unscheduled maintenance due to parts wearing out more quickly than anticipated, and last month Rolls-Royce said it would take a hit of around £340m to cover the cost of repairs on existing engines. Boeing has indicated that approximately 25% of their Dreamliners are powered by the Trent 1000 engine Rolls-Royce has confirmed it will reprioritize spending to mitigate the additional costs, but intends to keep guidance for free cash flow at the £450 million (US$643 million) mark.
According to Reuters, a Rolls-Royce spokesman commented that aviation safety regulators would be issuing guidance to the airlines in the coming days. “We recognize that the application of these actions may cause additional disruption to our airline customers.”
380 of the engines in question are currently in service, with Rolls-Royce confirming that this new approach will not affect Trent 1000 Package B engines or Trent 1000-TEN engines.
Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East said the company was working with Boeing and airlines to minimize the disruption, saying that: “Our team of technical experts and service engineers is working around the clock to ensure we return them to full service as soon as possible.”
In December 2017, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered airlines to replace some Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines.
