GKN Aerospace has signed a long term agreement (LTA) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) to manufacture aero-engine casings for Rolls-Royce Trent engines which will power Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 aircraft. GKN Aerospace will be working for MHI's commercial aero engine business unit, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aero Engines, Ltd. (MHIAEL).

MHI is a leading Japanese heavy industry company which, through its subsidiary MHIAEL, participates in multiple Rolls-Royce programmes including Trent 1000, Trent XWB and Trent 7000 as a risk revenue sharing partner.

The LTA will include a term which is longer than typical MHI agreement terms. MHI has indicated this is a reflection of GKN Aerospace's competitiveness and extensive manufacturing expertise. Production will require complex machining and high quality levels due to the critical nature of this component which must sustain the higher overall pressure ratios for these engines. First deliveries will take place early next year.

Mike McCann, CEO, GKN Aerospace, Engine Systems commented: “This important first engine systems agreement for MHI and MHIAEL represents a milestone in an important new relationship with this leading industrial power in Japan. The agreement is founded on our strong, long term relationship with Rolls-Royce and on our extensive expertise in the manufacture of these product types - all of which means we will deliver a highly cost effective, low risk, long term production solution to our customer. We look forward to working closely with MHI throughout the next decade and to growing our relationship as we explore new opportunities.”

GKN Aerospace is already a key supplier to many Rolls-Royce programmes, manufacturing a number of major critical structures including the fan containment-, aft fan- and intermediate compressor cases as well as heat resistant structures for other OEM's such as compressor rear frames, diffusers, low pressure turbine cases and other turbine structures.