Rolls-Royce Wins $100 Million Total Care Agreement as First Embraer Aircraft Is Delivered to South Africa

    CHANTILLY, Va., May 11 Rolls-Royce plc announced today a
long-term total support agreement with South African Airlink as the airline's
first AE 3007-powered Embraer RJ 135 regional jet was delivered to its hub in
Johannesburg.
    The $100 million ten-year engine package has an option to be extended for
an additional five years.  It covers South African Airlink's entire AE 3007
in-service requirements including the provision of spare engines and
accessories, ground support equipment, logistics handling, as well as
dedicated technical support.
    Charles Cuddington, Executive Vice-President, Airlines, said in
Johannesburg:  "Rolls-Royce is delighted to be playing an active part in South
African Airlink's expansion.  Our proven capability in the field of total care
engine maintenance will enable the airline to concentrate on building upon its
successful regional operation with its new fleet."
    The airline, which is part-owned by South African Airways, became the
first regional airline customer on the African continent for the Rolls-Royce
AE 3007 last December when it selected 30 ERJ 135 aircraft on firm order and
40 options.  Deliveries are scheduled at four aircraft per year through to
2008.  South African Airways also operates Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H-T engines
on its fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft.
    The AE-3007 turbofan is the sole engine for Embraer's 50-seat and under
regional jet family consisting of the ERJ 145, 140 and 135.  Nearly 1,300
aircraft have been ordered to date by customers in 18 countries.  By the end
of 2001, the AE3007 fleet will log more than 4 million hours in service.

    Rolls-Royce plc is a global company providing power on land, sea and air.
The company has established leading positions in civil aerospace, defence,
marine and energy markets.  Its core gas turbine technology has created one of
the broadest product ranges of aero engines in the world, with 55,000 engines
in service in over 150 countries. Customers include more than 500 airlines,
2,400 corporate and utility operators and 160 armed forces, using both fixed
and rotary wing aircraft.
    Rolls-Royce is the global leader in marine power systems with a broad
product range and full systems integration capability. Over 2,000 marine
customers and more than 30 navies use Rolls-Royce propulsion. The company is
investing in new products and capabilities for energy markets, which include
the oil and gas industry and power generation, and also develops its own power
projects through Rolls-Royce Power Ventures Ltd.
    Rolls-Royce employs over 8,500 people at more than 65 locations throughout
North America.
    Rolls-Royce pioneered gas turbine technology for aerospace, power
generation and marine propulsion and is involved in the major future
programmes in these fields.  These include the Trent aero and industrial
engines, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter combat engines, the
WR21 marine engine and leading edge water jet
propulsion systems.
    AE 3007 engine pictures are available on the Rolls-Royce website at:
http://www.rolls-royce.com or direct from Andy Siddons:  44-1332-248689, or
andrew.siddons@rolls-royce.com.
    Downloadable broadcast quality footage is available from TheNewsMarket,
http://www.thenewsmarket.com .  Register at The NewsMarket to find a wide
range of B-Roll and stock shots.  For other video material, contact Bulletin
International at 44-207-278-6070.

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