Rolls-Royce (RR) has celebrated the first run of the Trent XWB, the latest member of its Trent aero engine family. The Trent XWB is the fastest-selling Trent engine programme ever, accordingto RR, with more than 1,000 ordered.

The engine’s first run on 17 June meets programme commitments set out in 2006. The engine, which will power the Airbus A350 XWB family of aircraft, is the sixth Trent family member. Specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB family, the Trent XWB is the most fuel efficient and environmentally sensitive large engine design available today, with 28 per cent better fuel efficiency than pre-Trent generation engines, the UK-based engine manufacturer said.

The first run starts the most extensive pre-flight programme in Trent history, before the start of flight tests on an Airbus A380 testbed next year and A350 XWB flight tests in 2012.