Singapore Airlines (SIA) has selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine to power its nine additional Airbus A380s.

These A380s were ordered in 2006 for delivery between 2010 and 2011, the airline said in a statement.

The order complements the first 10 Trent-900 powered A380s, of which deliveries have started, it added.

Singapore Airlines became the first airline in the world to fly the A380 in October last year, and currently operates two of the aircraft, with the third due for delivery in March.

Under the terms of the aircraft order with Airbus, the carrier had a choice from among two makes of engines available for the aircraft, said the SIA.

SIA signed a letter of intent on Friday with Rolls-Royce to provide engines, spares and maintenance.

Rolls-Royce will be responsible for the provision of off-wing maintenance, repair and overhaul of engines, as well as spare engine support.   

“Follow-on orders are a strong indicator of customer confidence in our products, services and our people. We’ve been working with Singapore Airlines for over a decade and have established a strong relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. This has grown into a valued partnership,” said Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Sir John Rose.

In addition to the two A380s currently in service, Singapore Airlines currently operates a fleet of 63 Rolls-Royce powered aircraft, including five Airbus A340-500s, 58 Boeing 777s, powered by the Trent 500 and Trent 800 respectively.

The airline has also selected the Trent 700 for its future fleet of Airbus A330s, due for delivery from 2009. – TradeArabia News Service