Based on the A330 design, the Beluga XL that was launched in late 2014 provides an additional 30 percent air transport capacity compared to the current Beluga.

Airbus looks forward to the Trent 700 powering the new Beluga as it has a good record on the A330 and suits the requirements of the new line, commented Bertrand George, Airbus senior vice-president, head of Beluga XL programmes.

Rolls-Royce likewise welcomes the decision of Airbus to use their engines, and Simon Carlisle, executive vice president at Rolls-Royce, strategy and future programmes—civil large engines, assured the engines would offer “outstanding performance in terms of fuel burn, reliability, emissions and noise.”

Over the last three years, the Trent 700 won more than 60 percent of new orders, and presently accounts for 90 percent of A330 freighters in service and on order.