FTSE 100-listed aerospace and defence giant Rolls Royce has been awarded engine type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for the Trent XWB that will power the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft.

The certification represents the last major milestone prior to the first flight of the Airbus A350 XWB later this year.

Rolls Royce reported that certification testing for the Trent XWB engine had commenced in 2010 and had involved 11 individual engines running for more than 3,100 hours.

Rigorous testing

Icing tests were conducted on the engine in Canada, hot weather tests were run in the United Arab Emirates and altitude and crosswind examinations were conducted in the US. Endurance and performance tests were also applied to the engine in Spain and the UK respectively.

Eric Schulz, President of Civil Large Engines at Rolls Royce, said: "We are very proud to have achieved this significant milestone on the road to the A350 XWB's entry into service."

He added: "Test results show we have produced the world's most efficient large civil aero engine and we now look forward to the first flight later this year."

Rolls Royce's share price was down 0.15% to 975.50p at 12:35 on Thursday.

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