Aircelle is reaching a major milestone in the company's role as a leading jet engine nacelle systems provider as it prepares the 700th engine nacelle package for Rolls-Royce Trent 700s used on Airbus A330 jetliners.

The 700th Aircelle-built thrust reverser for the Trent 700 was presented today at the company's production site in Burnley, England prior to being shipped to France – where it will become part of the complete nacelle system that is integrated on Trent 700 engines at Aircelle's Colomiers podding facility.

Aircelle is responsible for assembly of the "podded" engine, built up using the company's thrust reverser, along with the air inlet, cowl doors and common nozzle assembly – which are provided by other suppliers. Aircelle delivers the completed Trent 700 to Airbus' nearby final assembly line at Toulouse for installation on the twin-engine A330.

"The 700th Trent 700 marks an important step in our long relationship with Rolls-Royce, which is one of our most valued partners," said Vincent Mascré, Aircelle's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The Trent 700 is a shared success that results from our close cooperation, and I look forward to continuing this relationship in the future."

Aircelle's Trent 700 thrust reverser production represents a key element of the company's industrial activity at its Aircelle Ltd. factory in Burnley, which expanded in 2008 to meet the A330 program's increased demand. The growth included Aircelle Ltd.'s creation of a new 13,300-sq. meter manufacturing area, along with the further development of its clean room and composite manufacturing capabilities.

"This enabled us to meet increased volumes for the Trent 700 program, which have tripled over the last three years to as many as 14 units per month, and which were accompanied by the creation of more than 200 jobs," said Andrew White, the managing director of Aircelle Ltd. "The investment in our facility expansion would not have been possible without the support of our Aircelle parent company and the U.K.'s North West Development Agency. It also has enabled us to build in a sustainable business agenda, making sure we focus on carbon-neutral technologies and the most environmentally-friendly approaches to the processes here on site."

The Trent 700 utilizes the world's first large pivot door-type thrust reverser, and includes an innovative one-piece composite inner fixed structure. Aircelle delivered the first Trent 700 thrust reverser in 1993, and the initial A330 powered by this engine made its maiden flight in January 1994. Airline service began the following year, with Aircelle reaching its 100th delivery milestone for the Trent 700 reverser in 1999.