AEROSPACE giant Rolls-Royce has been chosen by Delta Airlines to power its future purchases of Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

The American airline is the first in the US to select the Trent 800 for that class of jet. The Rolls-Royce site at Barnoldswick manufactures wide chord fan blades and front bearing housings for the Trent 800.

Last month Delta announced it had reached a long-term agreement with Boeing for firm orders and options for more than 600 aircraft including options to buy 10 Boeing 777s over the next 20 years.

Sir Ralph Robins, chairman of Rolls-Royce, said: "We are delighted to continue our long association with Delta and are particularly pleased that they are the first American customer for the newest and most powerful version of this family of engines, the Trent 892."

Delta is the eighth operator to select the Trent 800 for the Boeing 777, bringing the total number of firm orders and options to almost 300 engines for that type of plane.

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