Hispano-Suiza, part of the SAFRAN Group, has been selected by Rolls-Royce as a partner to design, develop, produce and support the accessory gearbox package for the Trent XWB engine that will power Airbus's planned A350XWB long-range commercial jet.

Hispano-Suiza will supply a complete accessory gearbox package, including the accessory gearbox and its transfer gearbox, angle drive shaft, step aside gearbox, radial drive shaft, complete oil tank assembly and high pressure and radial drive shaft bevel gears.

Hispano-Suiza's accessory gearbox package is designed for the Trent XWB, the latest member of the Trent family of engines, featuring a unique, optimized design that meets the requirements of all versions of the A350XWB.

"We are very pleased to be selected by Rolls-Royce and to play an important role in the A350XWB", said Olivier Horaist, Chairman and CEO of Hispano-Suiza. "This contract win reflects the commitment of Hispano-Suiza to grow our power transmission business. Our extensive work has been rewarded by this contract, a mark of confidence in our long partnership with Rolls-Royce."

Ian Crawford, Rolls-Royce Director of Airbus Programmes commented: "We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Hispano-Suiza and look forward to working with them in making the Trent XWB on the Airbus A350XWB a world-class product ".

Hispano-Suiza has been working with Rolls-Royce since the 1990s. The company has already delivered 1,700 accessory gearboxes for the Trent family of engines, logging more than 28 million flight-hours on 552 commercial airplanes. Hispano-Suiza's collaboration with the engine-maker also encompasses the BR700 family of engines for business and regional aircraft. The most recent contract for this engine was at the end of 2006, when Rolls-Royce selected the Hispano-Suiza accessory gearbox package for its new BR725 engine, intended for the Gulfstream 650.