TWO East Lancashire aerospace giants have signed a major deal off-ering services for Trent 900 engine parts on British Airways’ A380s.

The contract between Rolls Royce and Aircelle (Safran group) was signed at the Farnborough Airshow.

It involves a 25-year coverage period beginning in 2013, during which Aircelle will provide complete support on the nacelles it produces and supplies for the Rolls-Royce Trent 900s that power British Airways’ fleet of 12 A380s.

A spokesman from Aircelle said the agreement was good news for its Burnley facility, as A380 engine housing components are produced there.

Rolls Royce manufactures fan blades for all Trent engines at its plant in Barnoldswick, employing around 1,000 people.

Aircelle is the sole systems manufacturer and integrator for engine nacelles on the A380, providing a state-of-the art system that includes the first use of an electrical thrust reverser actuation system (ETRAS) on commercial jetliners.

Vincent Mascré, chairman and chief executive officer of Aircelle, said: "Aircelle is committing its resources to the relationship with Rolls-Royce, and the resulting global care coverage that supports British Airways will demonstrate the value we both can offer through our collaboration.”

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce's President, Large Engine Programs, said: “Airlines increasingly are seeking TotalCare® packages from the OEMs, and our new contract with Aircelle is a major element in Rolls-Royce's aircraft engine maintenance management program for A380 operators.”

As part of the agreement for British Airways, Aircelle will ensure the availability of nacelle components including thrust reverser, fan cowls, air inlet and exhaust system which are to be located at the airline's London Heathrow Airport technical base.

Aircelle also will position more than 130 line-replaceable unit part types at the technical base and provide maintenance, repair and overhaul coverage for the nacelle hardware.