Riyadh Air Orders 50 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 Engines for A350-1000

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc announced on June 17, 2025, that Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has placed an order for 50 Trent XWB-97 engines. These engines will power 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in Riyadh Air's operational expansion plans. The agreement was accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Rolls-Royce's TotalCare service, which will manage the engines' maintenance and operational health.

The partnership aims to support Riyadh Air’s ambitious goal of servicing over 100 global destinations by the year 2030. Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, "We’re looking forward to supporting the significant growth ambitions of Riyadh Air in its launch year. The Trent XWB-97 is an incredible engine, and our TotalCare package will provide operational certainty across the fleet."

This order aligns with the aviation sector's increasing demand for advanced, efficient, and reliable aircraft engines. The Trent XWB-97 has already established its reputation, having logged over three million flying hours in service since its introduction. It is recognized for its versatility, capable of efficiently powering both short-haul and long-haul flights.

According to Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, the selection of Rolls-Royce as a partner is pivotal in developing Saudi Arabia into a leading aviation hub. He stated, "This MoU for 50 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines is hugely significant as it brings us closer to realizing our long-term vision of enhanced connectivity for Riyadh. Our goal is to deliver an unrivalled guest experience, linked to a world-class network."

Rolls-Royce is investing over £1 billion in the Trent engine family, which aims to enhance durability and operational efficiency. The investment includes a technology upgrade for the Trent XWB-97 that significantly increases the time between overhauls, making it one of the most reliable engines available in the market today.

The TotalCare service framework is designed to minimize operational risks by transferring maintenance cost responsibilities back to Rolls-Royce, thereby allowing customers to focus on their core operations. This service utilizes advanced engine health monitoring systems to provide customers with increased reliability and efficiency.

Riyadh Air, launched in March 2023, positions itself as a digitally led, full-service airline that emphasizes sustainability and safety. The airline aims to offer state-of-the-art features, including innovative cabin interiors and cutting-edge in-flight entertainment systems, to enhance passenger experiences.

As the global aviation industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, the collaboration between Riyadh Air and Rolls-Royce exemplifies a strategic move towards modernization and efficiency in air travel. This partnership not only signifies a commitment to technological advancement but also underscores the potential for growth in the Middle Eastern aviation market, which is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

In summary, the order of 50 Trent XWB-97 engines marks a pivotal development for both Riyadh Air and Rolls-Royce, highlighting their roles in the future of aviation, characterized by enhanced operational capabilities and passenger experiences.