Rolls-Royce wins $1bn Japanese airline contract

The airline has also signed a letter of intent for Trent 700 engines to power up to 10 leased Airbus A330s – the first A330s in Skymark's fleet. All the aircraft will enter into service in 2014. Skymark, a new customer for Rolls-Royce, is the only carrier in Japan to select both the Trent 900 and Trent 700. Bruce Blythe, Rolls-Royce senior vice president – civil aerospace, said: "We are delighted Skymark Airlines is putting its trust in our technology and support services. This latest order and letter of intent reinforces the market leading positions of these Trent engines." The Trent 900 has been selected by 11 of the 16 airlines that have made an engine selection for the A380. In Asia it has been selected by six out of seven operators. The Trent 700 is the only engine specifically designed for the A330 and remains the market leader for the aircraft, with more than 1,400 of the engines either in service or on order.