Rolls-Royce gets $2B engine orders for Airbus jets

DUBAI: Rolls-Royce says it has reached $2 billion worth of deals to sell aircraft engines that will power new Airbus jetliners for Air China and Ethiopian Airlines.

The British engine maker announced the orders on Sunday; the first day of the Dubai Airshow.

The Air China order covers Trent 700 engines to power 20 A330 aircraft being delivered starting in 2011. Rolls-Royce says the deal is worth $1.5 billion at list prices.

Ethiopian's order covers Trent XWB engines for 12 A350 XWB planes that will begin service in 2017. Rolls-Royce says that deal is worth $480 million.