After recently finalizing a large order for Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 aircraft, Rolls-Royce and Turkish Airlines have followed up with the signing of a joint statement to explore maintenance and supply chain services related to the engine.
The April 29 announcement was made at the flag carrier’s Istanbul headquarters to announce the Strategic Türkiye Enhanced Program (STEP) cooperation, implemented by Turkish Airlines, Rolls-Royce and Airbus. STEP will target the further development of Turkey’s aerospace industry and contribute economic value over the next 15 years.
During the announcement, Rolls-Royce and Turkish Airlines stated their intention to explore the potential development of building an MRO capability for the Trent XWB in Turkey along further supply chain sourcing. For its supply chain activities, Rolls-Royce says it will work with multiple suppliers to investigate expanding its sourcing activities in the country.
The joint statement follows Turkish Airlines firming up an order for 80 A350 aircraft, signed in late 2023, along with an order for 150 A321neo aircraft. The widebody deal makes Turkish Airlines the world’s largest operator of the Trent XWB and includes an order for 120 Trent XWB-84 engines and 40 Trent XWB-97 engines, excluding options and spares.
“We now look forward to working with Turkish Airlines and our partners to use our extensive aerospace engineering experience to benefit the Turkish economy, grow the country’s skills base, and expand its role in the energy transition,” says Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of UK-based engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce.
Meanwhile, Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines’ chairman of the board and the executive committee, adds that the recent Trent XWB acquisition is a key milestone for the airline and its partnership with the OEM. He says the new partnership will offer “a mutually beneficial strategy” for Rolls-Royce and the Turkish aerospace industry.
