Rolls-Royce eyes return to narrowbody market backed by UK government

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Rolls-Royce eyes return to narrowbody market backed by UK government

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Tufan Erginbilgiç CEO of Rolls-Royce | Rolls-Royce

By Sky Industry News

Jul 4, 2025

British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce is planning a return to the narrowbody aircraft engine market after more than ten years. This move comes as the company shifts its focus from long-haul aircraft engines to short-haul segments, viewing it as a significant opportunity. The company's Chief Executive, Tufan Erginbilgic, confirmed this strategic consideration in an interview with The Sunday Times, highlighting the UK government's backing.

The UK government aims to secure its position in single-aisle engine manufacturing as part of its industrial strategy. It has expressed support for Rolls-Royce's endeavors in this sector. "Gas turbines are critical to UK national and economic security," said the government last week, emphasizing the potential growth that companies like Rolls-Royce can bring.

Rolls-Royce is exploring partnerships with various industrial and engineering entities and considering reviving its joint venture with Pratt & Whitney. Discussions about taxpayer support for developing new jet engines are also underway between Rolls-Royce and the government.

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Erginbilgic stated: “Given the technology we have, given the credibility we establish in the industry, and the financial strength we have and the engineering capability, we are actually saying we can play in the narrowbody [market]."

Historically focused on widebody engines over the past decade, Rolls-Royce was once active in producing narrowbody engines like those for Boeing 757s and Fokker 100s. It was also involved in developing engines for Airbus A321ceo through a previous partnership but exited that venture in 2011.

In April, Rolls-Royce launched its UltraFan geared turbofan engine demonstrator aimed at re-entering this market segment. Ground testing is slated for 2028, with potential service entry in the early 2030s. Industrial collaborations could play a crucial role in supporting this program.

“We are saying we have the engineering capability," Erginbilgic told The Sunday Times while suggesting that partnerships might be beneficial for achieving their goals. Potential partners include Pratt & Whitney, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, MTU Aero Engines, and Hyundai.

Rolls-Royce's re-entry would place it against major competitors such as Pratt & Whitney and CFM International—currently dominant players powering most single-aisle aircraft globally. Success would require not only competitive engines but also securing deals with major airframers like Airbus or Boeing.

Airbus has plans for an A320 series successor by mid-2030s focusing on efficiency improvements possibly through innovative technologies like open-fan designs being explored by CFM; however no final decisions regarding engine suppliers have been made yet giving room potentially still available for newcomers including possibly even now once again resurgent brand name such as seen here today via latest initiative coming directly out headquarters situated right back home across pond so-to-speak where original foundations were first laid down long ago when everything began all those many years ago...

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