Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and Rolls-Royce held an opening ceremony to unveil the launch of their collaboration on the Trent XWB Engine Research and Development Testing Program project.

The project is the first time the British company, one of the most recognisable brand names in the world as well as being an iconic company to both the aviation and automotive industries, has ever offered such a high level of cooperation on engine research and development testing outside of the United Kingdom and represents a significant coup for THAI and the nation’s aviation development.

“This underscores how important THAI is to Rolls-Royce”

As noted by Dominic Horwood (main image,centre right), chief customer officer of civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce Holdings Public Company Limited, when he said: “Rolls-Royce and THAI have a long history of partnership for more than 50 years. Rolls-Royce is pleased to partner with THAI in the Trent XWB Engine Research and Development Program which is the first time that Rolls-Royce will undertake engine development testing with a customer. This underscores how important THAI is to Rolls-Royce.

Horwood went on to say, “The partnership confirms that Rolls-Royce can undertake a full chain of aerospace activities in Thailand from manufacturing and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and development testing. We cannot have achieved this without the commitment of THAI.

Rolls-Royce invests about $100 million annually to support this significant manufacturing supply chain footprint in Thailand. We are proud to partner with THAI on this journey which is a part of the development of the aviation industry in Thailand.” Horwood added.

Surachai Piencharoensak (main image,centre left), THAI’s executive vice president of technical, said: “THAI and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine Research and Development Programme will take place over a two year period at THAI’s Engine Test Cell and was initiated with the main objective to conduct research and further develop Trent XWB-97 engines, which powers the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft that was launched in February.

In order to realize the engine’s limitations in usage, continual simulated engine tests are conducted in order that its flight hours may be more than the aircraft. Conducting these tests help to further develop product quality, in addition to scheduled checks and quality technical maintenance. Rolls-Royce has chosen to conduct tests on its engines at THAI’s Engine Test Cell, located at THAI’s technical department at Don Mueang Airport.”