Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 durability upgrade a major relief for Ethiopian Airlines

June 14, 2025 in Companies, Science and Technology, Trade & Industry, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Rolls-Royce this week launched a long-awaited durability upgrade for its Trent 1000 engine, offering major relief to Boeing 787-8 operators such as Ethiopian Airlines. The airline has had at least two of its Dreamliners grounded since 2020 due to issues linked to the engine’s premature wear.

“The Trent 1000 is an important engine for us, and today marks a new chapter in its story,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic. He cited the successful deployment of similar upgrades on the Trent 7000 engine, where Time on Wing—how long an engine operates before needing scheduled maintenance—has more than tripled in some cases. “We’re confident our customers and their passengers will benefit from increased durability,” he added.

Certified on June 12, the new enhancement marks the first of two Durability Enhancement Packages (DEPs) for the Trent 1000, and is expected to more than double its Time on Wing. For operators, this means improved aircraft availability, better maintenance planning, and reduced operational disruption.

Rolls-Royce began installing the enhancements on new engines in January 2025. With certification now complete, retrofit kits will be dispatched to maintenance facilities worldwide, enabling upgrades to engines already in service. The entire Trent 1000 fleet is expected to be updated within two years.

The upgrade builds on technology proven in the Trent 7000, which powers the Airbus A330neo. Enhancements include a redesigned high-pressure turbine blade with 40 percent more cooling, refinements to the combustion system and fuel spray nozzles, and updated engine control software—all aimed at extending durability and reducing in-service issues.

Erginbilgic noted that the roll-out reflects Rolls-Royce’s wider transformation into a more competitive and resilient business. The Trent upgrade forms part of a £1 billion programme to improve durability across its modern engine family, which also includes the Trent XWB series.

Meanwhile, testing is underway on the second phase of the DEP at Rolls-Royce’s Derby facility in the UK. This next package promises an additional 30 percent boost in Time on Wing and will introduce advanced thermal coatings, redesigned turbine components, and technology transferred from the Trent XWB-84. These upgrades are scheduled to enter service from early 2026.

The Trent 1000’s durability problems have been a persistent issue for Rolls-Royce, denting both operator confidence and long-term customer value. The latest upgrade package marks a significant shift, not only in technical performance but also in the company’s posture—one of resolution, accountability, and long-term commitment to its airline partners.

For Ethiopian Airlines and others grappling with grounded Dreamliners, this fix restores confidence, unlocks capacity, and strengthens the viability of long-haul operations built around the Boeing 787.