South African Airways signs new TotalCare service order for Trent 700 engines

The order was announced as UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond visited the first of the new aircraft at Johannesburg Airport.

The aircraft are in addition to six A330s the airline already operates – all powered by the Trent 700 with TotalCare.

Musa Zwane, South African Airways, acting chief executive officer, said: “We have had a good operating experience with the Trent 700 and will always be on the lookout for wholesome packages, as in this case, to get full value for our money. TotalCare service is critical to us, ensuring our aircraft receive required high standard levels of service.”

A TotalCare service, means that all maintenance that needs to be performed (scheduled or unscheduled), all material and manpower costs needed for such maintenance are covered for the life of the engine under a rate per flight hour/or flight cycle.  The TotalCare also provides spare engine support; warrantees and guarantees; support during an Aircraft emergency breakdown situation no matter where the aircraft is in the world; etc. and it provides to the Operator a smoothing of the costs across the said years (which in SAA’s case will be for 12 years – which is how long the operating lease agreement are for these A330-300s).

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, President – Civil Large Engines, said: “The Trent 700 continues to deliver outstanding economic performance and we are grateful to South African Airways for selecting our engines and TotalCare once again.”

Philip Hammond said: “This order represents another example of the close business ties between the UK and South Africa. Rolls-Royce technology and services are supporting South Africa’s growth in transport, helping people and businesses connect both nationally and around the world.”