Rolls-Royce has launched the first of two durability enhancement packages for its Trent 1000 engines, a significant step in its transformation programme aimed at becoming a more resilient, competitive and growth-driven business. This upgrade will more than double the engine's time on wing—the length of time an engine can remain in service before requiring scheduled maintenance—offering customers considerable improvements in fleet planning, asset use, and reduced maintenance demands.
The first package, already integrated into new Trent 1000 engines since January 2025, is now being rolled out to global maintenance facilities for retrofitting into engines already in operation. Rolls-Royce expects the entire Trent 1000 fleet to be upgraded within two years. The improvements draw on proven technologies already in use since 2022 in the Trent 7000 engine, which has in some cases tripled Time on Wing. This success has given Rolls-Royce confidence in delivering similar outcomes for the Trent 1000.
The package is part of a £1 billion (US$1.35 billion) investment in the Trent fleet's durability, which includes the Trent 7000, Trent XWB-84, and Trent XWB-97 engines. Rolls-Royce recently raised its mid-term target from a 40% increase to an 80% increase in average time on wing across these engine types by 2027. Enhancements include a 40% improvement in cooling of high-pressure turbine blades, upgrades to combustion systems, fuel spray nozzles, and software for the engine's electronic controller.
The second phase of the enhancement is undergoing testing in Derby, UK, and is expected to enter service in early 2026. It will offer a further 30% Time on Wing improvement through updates such as advanced coatings for combustor tiles, weight reductions, and a redesigned combustor-to-turbine interface inspired by the Trent XWB-84 EP.
This development is a key example of Rolls-Royce's ongoing transformation efforts. By building on the Trent 1000's already strong reliability, the company is reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge, cost-effective and operationally efficient solutions for its global customer base.
