Rolls-Royce and Jiangsu A-Star have signed a new, long-term agreement for M250 turboprop engines as the Chinese company prepares its production line for the manufacture of Extra EA 500 aircraft.

The agreement includes orders for Rolls-Royce M250-B17F engines, with hundreds of engines expected to be delivered over coming years, primarily in aircraft for the fast-growing Chinese general aviation market. Jiangsu A-Star recently purchased the Type Certificate for the Extra EA-500 aircraft and has developed production facilities in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, near Shanghai. Engines for the aircraft will be assembled at Rolls-Royce facilities in Indianapolis, US, and shipped to Zhenjiang for installation in the aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2015. The agreement is valued in excess of $50 million US.

Rolls-Royce and Jiangsu A-Star are also in discussions on maintenance, repair and overhaul, and other new service capabilities to support the Chinese market, as well as training opportunities.

Jason Propes, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President, Civil Helicopters and Light Turboprop Engines, said, "Rolls-Royce is delighted to complete this long-term production agreement with Jiangsu A-Star for our reliable and proven M250 engines. This is the beginning of what we hope will be a long and productive working relationship between Rolls-Royce and Jiangsu A-Star."

Wang Hong Lu, Jiangsu A-Star, Vice President Operations, said, "EA-500 will be our starting point in the Chinese general aviation market. Jiangsu A-Star owns the Type Certificate and production rights of the composite EA-500. Together with our German design organization, we will continue our cooperation with Rolls-Royce, providing high-quality aircraft to customers, as well as efficient and affordable aftermarket service."

Jim Payton, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Civil Helicopters and Light Turboprop Engines – China, said, "These are exciting times for the General Aviation market in China as the projections for turboprop aircraft are very strong. Rolls-Royce is well positioned for this market with our family of proven M250 turboprop engines."

The M250 is one of the most dependable light gas-turbine engines in the world for light turboprop aircraft and helicopters. The engine line has amassed over 225 million flight hours, with 15,000 engines in service around the world today. More than 100 aircraft types have been powered by the M250 engine over the past 50 years.