Emirates moves A380 engine work in-house with new Rolls-Royce agreement

Dubai: Emirates has taken a major step toward building long-term maintenance independence for its Airbus A380 fleet, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The agreement will see the airline perform full Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul work on its Trent 900 engines from 2027, marking one of the most significant technical expansions within its engineering division. Emirates has also extended its TotalCare service agreement with Rolls-Royce into the 2040s.

Under the agreement, Emirates will build a new facility to support its A380 engine capabilities, with the first induction expected from 2027. The airline will carry out fan case repairs at its own site while Rolls-Royce will retain module repair capability within its global network. The move allows Emirates to internalise more of its heavy-engine work on a fleet it intends to operate well into the next two decades.

For Rolls-Royce, the deal reflects its strategy to widen its maintenance network as global A380 operators seek long-term support for the Trent 900.

Emirates continues to be the world’s largest operator of the A380, with 116 aircraft in service. The double-deck jet remains central to the airline’s long-haul strategy, supported by market demand for its signature onboard experience. Strengthening in-house engine capabilities is expected to extend the aircraft’s operating life and reinforce Dubai’s position as a growing centre for aerospace engineering and advanced MRO activity.

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