Today (6 September 2018), Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) and Rolls-Royce held an opening ceremony to launch the THAI and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine Research and Development Testing Program, the first collaboration of this kind in the world. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Arkhom Termpittiyapaisith, Minister of Transport, with the presence of Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, THAI Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Sumeth Damrongchaitham, THAI President, Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Senior Advisor, Mr. Surachai Piencharoensak, THAI Executive Vice President, Technical, and Mr. Dominic Horwood, Chief Customer Officer – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce Holdings Public Company Limited, at the Engine Test Cell, THAI’s Technical Department, Don Mueang Airport.
Mr. Surachai Piencharoensak, THAI Executive Vice President, Technical, said that the THAI and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine Research and Development Program or Trent XWB Development Testing 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, Don Mueang Airport. THAI made renovations to the engine test cell area to facilitate tests that will be conducted on Trend XWB Development Testing.
THAI’s Engine Test Cell at the Aircraft Engine Overhaul Department located at THAI’s Technical Department, Don Mueang Airport, is the first aircraft maintenance center that has received trust, confidence, and cooperation from Rolls-Royce for engine research and development testing that is conducted outside of the United Kingdom. This program is part of the strategic plan for 2018-2019 and is a revenue generating, collaborative project for the Company, whereby technology and skills gained will further strengthen Thailand’s aviation industry.
Mr. Dominic Horwood, Chief Customer Officer – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce Holdings Public Company Limited, said that Rolls-Royce and THAI have a long history of partnership for more than 50 years. Rolls-Royce is pleased to partner with THAI in 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.
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.
In 2020, THAI and Rolls-Royce will cooperate on Trent 700 engine maintenance and overhaul, making THAI the certified and authorized engine maintenance center for Rolls-Royce. This cooperative effort is another step forward for aircraft engine maintenance and positive development for the airline industry that creates revenue for THAI and Thailand.
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