In a groundbreaking development, Lufthansa Cargo has become the first airline to transport a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine on a Boeing 777. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, expanding transport options for Airbus A350 engines.
The Historic Achievement
The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine was transported as a commercial load for the first time in early September. This was made possible by a new transport stand developed by Rolls-Royce, which allows the Trent XWB engine to be divided into modules. These modules can then fit into the hull of a common cargo aircraft, such as the Boeing 777.
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The Significance
This development is particularly significant as it provides a quick and cost-effective method to transport the massive engines of the A350 to any destination worldwide. Previously, only specialized freighters such as the Airbus Beluga, Boeing C-17, or Antonov An-124 could transport the engine commercially. The Trent XWB is one of the most advanced turbofan engines and exclusively powers the Airbus A350 family. Each Trent weighs seven tons or 14,000 pounds and has a total length of 5 meters or 16 feet. Due to its size, transporting this engine posed a significant challenge.
The Collaboration
This achievement was made possible through collaboration between Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik, and Rolls-Royce. In 2016, Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik successfully test-loaded a Trent XWB on a Boeing 777F through a split transport. This test laid the groundwork for this historic achievement.
Looking Ahead
This development is strategically important for Lufthansa. The Airbus A350 has become a beacon of hope for passenger airlines worldwide due to its impressive range and efficiency. With this new method of transporting engines, Lufthansa Cargo is poised to offer essential service infrastructure for this aircraft on a global scale. This milestone marks an exciting chapter in aviation history. It not only showcases the innovative spirit of these companies but also their commitment to enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. As we look forward to more such advancements in the future, one thing is clear - the sky is truly the limit!