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The Rolls-Royce story in China started in the 1960s, as the Dart-powered Vickers Viscount was selected in China in 1962. In the following years, Dart overhaul technology was transferred to China.
The Rolls-Royce RB 211-22B powered Lockheed L-1011 TriStar was delivered to Cathay Pacific in 1975, marking the beginning of Rolls-Royce’s presence in Hong Kong.
The RB 211 family of high bypass turbofan engines gained a foothold in China from the late 1980s throughout the 1990s. The RB211-535C engine entered into service with the B757 fleet of China Southern in 1987 and of China Southwest in 1991.
The RB 211-524H was selected by Yunnan Airlines for its B767-300.
RB 211-524 overhaul technology was transferred to China in 1993.
In 1995, the V2500 engine entered into service on A320 with Sichuan Airlines. Since then, Rolls-Royce’s joint venture International Aero Engines (IAE) continued to expand its business in China as China Southern selected the V2500 for its fleet of 20 A320 aircraft in 1996 and China Northern selected it for its fleet of 10 A320s in 2000.
Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd (HAESL) was established in 1997
Rolls-Royce’s first joint venture in mainland China – partnering with Xi’an Aero Engines – was created in 1996.
China Eastern ordered five Trent 500 powered A340-400s in 2000. Trent technology, particularly the Trent 700 engine which powers the A330, has since been a mission critical partner to the growing Mainland Chinese aviation market.
Rolls-Royce won a contract to provide gas turbines to power the West East Pipeline Project (WEPP). The 4,000 km pipeline transports natural gas from Xinjiang to nine provinces and municipalities including Shanghai.
Our 6,000 sq m factory was established in Shanghai in 2005, supporting China’s shipyards and shipowners. Shanghai is also the North East Asia headquarters of our marine business. A service workshop opened on the factory site in 2010.
