The only new generation high thrust engine in service

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The only new generation high thrust engine in service

Just over five years ago, passengers, journalists, and the entire aviation industry eagerly awaited the first Trent XWB-97 powered Airbus A350-1000 revenue flight from Doha, Qatar, with launch customer Qatar Airways.

The Trent XWB is the world’s most efficient large aero engine in service and is the exclusive engine for the Airbus A350. The Trent XWB-97 is the highest thrust member of the Trent XWB family and has been in revenue service for five years. In that time, it has accumulated more than one and a half million engine flying hours and is projected to accumulate more than four million by the end of 2025.

As we celebrate five years in service, we look at why the Trent XWB-97 is the aviation industry’s next best thing.

Powering the toughest missions

Aircraft operators are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of aircraft and engine capability to maximise their potential and enter new markets. The Trent XWB-97 exclusively powers the A350-1000 reliably and efficiently across a wide range of missions from short hops to ultra-long-range operations.

Its versatility is used today on flights of 45 minutes and up to more than 16 hours – for example Hong Kong to Washington and Doha to Los Angeles. Looking to the future, the Trent XWB-97 is the power behind what will be the world’s longest scheduled route when passengers will be able to fly non-stop from Sydney to London, a mission lasting around 20 hours.

Engineered and optimised for the A350-1000 & A350F

The Trent XWB family approach maintains nacelle shape and size, meaning there are many similarities between the high thrust Trent XWB-97 engine and its lower thrust sister the Trent XWB-84. However, it is also very different in the advanced technologies it employs to produce the extra thrust and optimum aircraft performance for the A350-1000 and A350F.

From a pilot and line maintenance engineers’ point of view there is deliberately significant commonality, meaning very little visible difference and harmony in maintenance and operating procedures. Though, look inside the Trent XWB-97 and the changes are notable. The engine core has been scaled up in size to cope with the increased airflow, and the combustor and turbine sections have been strengthened with advanced technology to increase their temperature capability. The result is a highly capable engine that powers the toughest missions in civil aviation.

Following the industry leading benchmark set by Trent XWB-84

With a three-year head start on the Trent XWB-97, the Trent XWB-84 has accumulated more than 10 million engine flying hours of experience. During this time, it has demonstrated a step change in maturity and reliability, setting new industry benchmarks for large aero engines from day one.

The Trent XWB-97 is no different. In the last five years, it has followed in the footsteps of its sister, matching it step for step. Most significantly it is delivering better than 99.9% dispatch reliability.

To learn more about the Trent XWB family, click here.