More trouble for Rolls’ new engine

RoLLS-RoYCE has found problems with even more of its flagship Trent engines – leading to further disruption for airlines.

The engine maker is inspecting all 166 of its Trent 1000 Package B fleet after finding issues with compressors cracking in what is believed to be around three of about 30 tested.

Rolls is already scrambling to fix similar problems with the Package C version of the engine, of which 380 are in service. The engines are being used in Boeing 787s, flown by the likes of British Airways, Virgin and Norwegian.

The problems have forced many to fly different routes because safety authorities say they must stay closer to airports. Authorities are expected to order airlines to carry out checks in response to the latest problems. Rolls could also face hefty compensation bills from airlines.

The engineer, meanwhile, is expected on Friday to announce around 4,000 job cuts as it tries to reduce costs as part of a major restructuring under chief executive Warren East.