Rolls-Royce has secured an order from Atlas Air Worldwide for 40 Trent XWB-97 engines to power 20 Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, marking the first such delivery to a customer in the Americas. Announced on March 16, 2026, this deal represents the largest order to date for Trent XWB-97-powered A350Fs and Atlas Air’s biggest aircraft acquisition.
The engines will operate under Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service program, providing health monitoring and maintenance support. Deliveries of the A350Fs are scheduled to begin in 2029 and complete by 2034, complementing Atlas Air’s current fleet of 113 Boeing 747s, 777s, and 767s. As the world’s largest widebody freighter operator with about 13% market share, Atlas Air aims to modernize its fleet for cargo and charter operations.
The Trent XWB-97 has logged over four million flying hours in eight years, with two of three durability enhancements implemented; the third, entering service in 2028, will extend on-wing time. Rob Watson, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace President, stated, “This announcement is another endorsement of the Trent XWB-97’s proven reliability.” Michael Steen, Atlas Air CEO, noted, “We are proud to become the first customer of the Trent XWB-97 powered Airbus A350F in the Americas.”
The A350F features the industry’s largest main-deck cargo door, over 70% advanced materials for lower weight, and compliance with ICAO CO2 standards effective 2027.