Rolls-Royce reports 40% profit rise after fixing Trent engine durability issues
9 reported
Rolls-Royce has reported a 40% increase in underlying profits to £3.5bn for 2025, following efforts to fix durability problems with its Trent engines, according to a report from The Guardian. The company’s share price has risen to above £13, ten times its level three years ago. Chief executive Tufan Erginbilgiç, who described the company as a “burning platform” upon his arrival in 2023, allocated £1bn to improving Trent durability and expanding maintenance capacity. The fixes included changes to the pattern of tiny holes in turbine blades to increase cooling by 40% and trimming weight from the blade tops. Rachel Walker, Trent 1000 engine programme director, said the changes would allow the company to triple the engine’s time on aircraft wings. Just short of half of the Trent 1000 engines have received the new blades, with a target to replace all by next June. The company is also developing two UltraFan engines, including a narrowbody version aimed at building and testing by 2028, and is seeking UK government support for investments.
What’s reported
Rolls-Royce’s underlying profits for 2025 rose 40% to £3.5bn.
Share price is above £13, ten times what it was three years ago.
CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç allocated £1bn to improving Trent durability and expanding MRO capacity.
Fixes included changes to blade hole patterns to increase cooling by 40% and trimming blade top weight.
Rachel Walker said changes would triple engine time on aircraft wings.
Just short of half of Trent 1000 engines have received new blades; all to be replaced by next June.
Celine Bouas said upgrades were delayed due to certification slowdown after Boeing 737 Max crashes.
Two UltraFan engines in development: a widebody version (80,000 lbs thrust) and a narrowbody concept (30,000 lbs thrust, aim to build and test by 2028).
Rolls-Royce is pushing for UK government support for investments.
Key figures
Tufan Erginbilgiç, chief executive of Rolls-Royce
Rachel Walker, Trent 1000 engine programme director
Celine Bouas, senior vice-president for customers at Rolls-Royce
Rob Watson, president for civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce
Sources: The Guardian
