Taking technologies from demonstrator programs like UltraFan, Rolls-Royce aims to significantly improve the durability of its latest Trent widebody engines.
Aviation executives say the flight proves SAF can safely be dropped-in for jet fuel, while environmental campaigners say Virgin's world-first is greenwashing.
The engine-maker is pinning its hopes on the geared UltraFan as a low-fuel-burn contender for single- and twin-aisle airliners and reengining opportunities.
Poh Loh Goh, EVP/head of component services in the commercial aerospace MRO division at ST Engineering, talks about its recent LEAP-1A licensing agreement.
Propulsive efficiency gains could diminish for bigger turbofans unless nacelle drag can be reduced. Flight tests show promise from a short inlet design.
Rolls-Royce remains on track to roll out upgraded Trent 1000 TEN high-pressure compressor turbine (HPT) blades around mid-2021 and does not expect to see any more unplanned Boeing 787 groundings linked to the issue or other identified problems with the engines.
Rolls-Royce has discovered cracks in the intermediate pressure (IP) compressor blades of higher-time Trent XWB-84 engines during scheduled overhaul but said early detection will enable the speedy development of a fix.
Cathay Pacific Airways has agreed to temporarily take over its partner Air New Zealand’s (ANZ) Hong Kong flights, which will help ANZ cover for a shortage of international capacity.