UK-based engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has won a $1.5bn order for Trent 700 engines, which will power China Eastern Airlines’ 15 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Under the deal, Rolls-Royce will also provide long-term TotalCare engine support services.

Once completed, the 15 A330 aircraft to be equipped with Trent 700 engines will be added to the 51 Trent 700 powered A330 planes currently operated by China Eastern Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines executive vice-president Tang Bing said: “This aircraft and engine combination continues to be key to our expansion and competitiveness.

“I look forward to the Trent 700 continuing to deliver outstanding performance and efficiency for our operations.”

“This aircraft and engine combination continues to be key to our expansion and competitiveness."

The airline also has 20 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft on order. These are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine.

Rolls-Royce said that the Trent 700 engine consumes less fuel, and reduces emissions and noise performance than other engines.

More than 1,600 Trent 700 engine have so far been installed on A330s worldwide, with a market share of nearly 90% in Greater China.

In the last five years, the engine has won 70% of new orders.

Last month, Gulf Air awarded Rolls-Royce a $900m contract for Trent 1000 engines to power ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This also includes the option to buy the same engine to power Gulf Air’s six more Boeing 787-9s.

During the same period, Rolls-Royce also won another $900m order for Trent XWB engines and TotalCare long-term services to power Virgin Atlantic’s 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Image: China Eastern Airlines and Rolls-Royce executives at the deal signing ceremony. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce.