Rolls-Royce has been confirmed as the first engine supplier for the Airbus Industrie A3XX airline following selection of the Trent 900 engine by Singapore Airlines for its new fleet of up to 25 aircraft.

Rolls' Barnoldswick plant makes fan blades for the engine.

SIA will be the first operator of the A3XX in early 2006. The deal is potentially worth £1.02 billion.

The airline's chief executive officer, Dr Cheong Kong, said: "Having put all the relevant factors in the melting pot we decided Rolls-Royce had the edge."