FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schaefer AG (Germany, an operating division of INA Holding KG, Germany) announced it has won the contract to supply Rolls-Royce plc (UK) with bearings for its next-generation jet engine, the Trent 900 series. Rolls-Royce is the world's second-largest jet engine manufacturer, behind General Electric.

The Trent 900 program, begun in 2001, is the next generation of high-output Trent series engines. Scheduled for type certification in 2004, Trent 900 is expected to have the lowest fuel burn rate and lowest noise level for its thrust of any jet engine ever developed. Its technology is based on the Rolls-Royce proprietary 3-shaft system and centers around a 116-inch fan diameter. The engine will be available with thrust ratings from 70,000 pounds to 76,500 pounds. In February, it completed a series of ground-rig tests.

Trent 800, currently the cornerstone of the Rolls-Royce engine line, is used in aircraft such as the Boeing 777, and has over 40% of the world jet engine market.

Specifically designed for the Airbus A380, due in mid-2006, Trent 900 will be the A380's standard engine. The A380 is a full two-level super jumbo aircraft, carrying 550 passengers. Airbus has already received over 150 orders for the A380, and 80% of the buyers have specified the Trent 900 engine.

The cargo version of the A380 is also designed to use the Trent 900 series.

FAG revealed the initial five-year supply contract is worth approximately € 20 million (USD $22 million). The contract's value, however, is also in long-term replacement parts sales. Rolls-Royce makes the majority of its profits from aftermarket parts sales, and the Trent 900 engines should have a service life of at least 25 years.

The bearings will be manufactured by Barden U.K., part of FAG's Aircraft and Super Precision bearing operation.