Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB sets efficiency benchmark for Airbus A350 long-haul fleet

There are two main variants: the XWB-84 for the A350-900 (producing 84,000 pounds of thrust) and the XWB-97 for larger versions like the A350-1000 (producing up to 97,000 pounds). Both maintain similar external designs but differ internally to accommodate higher thrust requirements. The most powerful version required an increase in fan speed by six percent and enhancements to withstand higher temperatures.

In addition to these variants, incremental improvements have been made. The company recently introduced an Enhanced Performance upgrade for the XWB-84 that reduces fuel burn by at least one percent.

Reliability has been another focus area. "Rolls-Royce says the Trent XWB had the smoothest entry into service of any large commercial engine, with the first units now reaching their initial planned overhauls." Airlines such as Finnair and Iberia report strong dispatch reliability rates—99.9% according to Rolls-Royce—with minimal operational interruptions since introduction.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is developing its UltraFan demonstrator technology aimed at further improving efficiency for future aircraft entering service in the next decade. UltraFan combines geared fan systems with advanced materials and promises even higher bypass ratios—up to 15:1—and scalable thrust levels between 25,000 and 110,000 pounds.

Despite these future plans, industry observers note that "for the foreseeable future, the Trent XWB will remain the company’s most advanced and widely deployed engine." With more than 600 Airbus A350s powered by these engines currently flying worldwide, operators continue to see strong performance metrics as scheduled maintenance cycles begin.

"Finnair... described the XWB-84’s entry into service as 'very successful from an operational perspective.' Sara Mosebar, then A350 program manager at Finnair... told Aircraft Commerce in 2020 that while a few individual components required attention, these issues did not compromise safety or reliability."

"As the UltraFan moves toward maturity," analysts suggest that "the Trent XWB will carry Rolls-Royce through the remainder of the decade... while also shaping expectations for what comes next."