Rolls-Royce has welcomed Delta TechOps into its expanded service network as it begins work on its first Trent engine.

Delta TechOps began operations as a Trent Authorised Maintenance Centre, with the induction of a Trent 1000 engine module. The 127,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility will also carry out services on the Trent 7000 and Trent XWB.

Rolls-Royce has been responding with a range of activities to support customers experiencing disruption as a result of the requirement for increased inspections on Trent 1000 engines. These activities, which include an increase in maintenance capacity for affected engines, the introduction of a new inspection technique and the acceleration of a permanent fix for the issue, are all aimed at reducing the operational impact on customers.

The addition of Delta TechOps supports the growth of maintenance capacity and also supports Rolls- Royce’s wider services strategy to develop an increasingly capable, competitive and flexible CareNetwork.

Don Mitacek, Senior Vice President, Delta TechOps, said: “We are incredibly proud of our new facility and proud to be part of the Rolls-Royce CareNetwork. We look forward to supporting Rolls-Royce across three significant engine programmes starting with the Trent 1000, alongside our existing BR715 line.”

Tom Palmer, Rolls-Royce, Director of Services, Civil Aerospace, said: “It’s great to have Delta TechOps up and running and working alongside us. They have an important role to play both in helping us address our immediate Trent 1000 issue, and in the longer term as part of our network growth to service our expanding Trent fleet.”

The new facility, in Atlanta, Georgia, has been created by converting several large hangar bays. The workshop consists of areas for engine assembly and disassembly; kitting parts; engines work in progress; shop materials and supplies, life limited parts and repair and support. A new test cell will open later this year capable of testing engines to 150,000lb thrust.

Delta TechOps already carries out service support for Rolls-Royce BR715 regional jet engines.