Rolls-Royce strengthens freighter market position by powering first A350F flight | Rolls-Royce

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Rolls-Royce strengthens freighter market position by powering first A350F flight

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Tuesday 29 September 2026 14:43 PM

Rolls-Royce strengthens freighter market position by powering first A350F flight

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) is proud to power the A350F, which has completed its first test flight with Trent XWB-97 engines.

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) is proud to power the A350F, which has completed its first test flight with Trent XWB-97 engines.

The Trent XWB-97 has proven its versatility over eight years of service and more than 4.5 million engine flying hours. Trusted by operators to power the longest and most demanding passenger operations in the world, the engine brings a track record of proven in-service performance to the large widebody freighter sector.

Adam Davies, Director Commercial Aviation, Trent XWB, Rolls-Royce, said:

For nearly a decade, our largest engine, the Trent XWB-97, has powered some of the world’s most demanding routes. Its proven in-service performance gives freight operators opportunities for increased payload and network expansion, unlocking exciting possibilities offered by this new freighter.

“We are delighted to be part of the next generation of air freighters, and ready to support our customers’ aspirations in this area. Congratulations to Airbus and all partners on achieving this important step towards bringing the A350F into service.”

The Trent XWB-97 has received the first two of its three durability enhancement packages, enabled by Rolls-Royce’s transformation programme. The third phase, which will enter service in 2028, doubles time on wing in challenging environments and provides 50% improvement in benign conditions.

It is certified to operate on a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend today and has been proven to be compatible with 100% SAF for the future.

Rolls-Royce has a growing presence and relevance in the widebody freighter market. The trust in the proven Trent XWB-97 maturity and value for customers has helped secure over 100 A350F orders.

The A330 is a popular aircraft for freighter conversions, with Rolls-Royce capturing almost 90% of all A330ceo conversions over the life of the programme.

Over the next 20 years there, there is an expected demand for 1600 widebody freighter aircraft.

Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce, said:

Rolls-Royce is proud to be at the forefront of the freighter market, a position underscored by this week’s milestone test flight of the new A350F. With over 100 A350F orders to date, our customers’ confidence in the Trent XWB-97 is clear. We also continue to be a trusted partner in the freighter conversion market, where our Trent 700 powers the majority of A330 passenger-to-freighter conversions worldwide.

“As demand for widebody freighters expands over the next two decades, Rolls-Royce is uniquely positioned to deliver industry-leading technology and service. We remain dedicated to supporting efficient and sustainable growth for cargo operators across the globe.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).

www.rolls-royce.com

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