Rolls-Royce Invests in the Future of the National Air and Space Museum

WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Rolls-Royce, a world leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has donated $2 million to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. This is the largest gift ever made by Rolls-Royce in North America and underscores the company's commitment not only to the aviation/aerospace industry but to the region as well.

In recognition of this donation, for the next ten years the Welcome Center at the Museum's flagship building on the National Mall in Washington D.C. will be known as the "Welcome Center sponsored by Rolls-Royce". New signage went up late last month.

James M. Guyette, President & CEO, Rolls-Royce North America Inc. said: "The National Air and Space Museum is an American icon recognized and admired the world-over and we're delighted to help secure the future of this extraordinary institution. This gift is the largest we've ever made in the United States and demonstrates our desire to celebrate and preserve our industry for future generations, here at home and around the world."

The National Air and Space Museum houses many of the icons of flight including the original 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis", Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1 and John Glenn's Friendship 7 spacecraft. Since opening in 1976, it has become the world's most popular museum facility, welcoming more than 250 million visitors to date.

Rolls-Royce has played a significant role in the history of flight. The company's engines powered a number of the Museum's artifacts, such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Boeing 747 and the Concorde. Several of the company's most well-known engines, including the Rolls-Royce Merlin, RB211 and Dart, are also part of the Museum's collections.

In recent years, the company has supported a number of projects at the National Air and Space Museum and Mr. Guyette currently serves on the Museum's Board of Directors.

  Notes to editors:

  1. Rolls-Royce and the National Air and Space Museum have partnered on a
     number of high profile projects over the years including: the
     Milestones of Air and Space Gala Dinner celebrating the Museum's
     anniversary in September 2006; the opening gala at the Museum's Steven
     F. Udvar-Hazy Center in December 2003; and production of "Straight Up;
     Helicopters in Action" a large-format IMAX film which opened in 2003
     and continues to tour the world.  In addition, the Rolls-Royce Aviation
     Heritage Trophy, awarded to the winner of the annual National Aviation
     Heritage Invitational, is displayed at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

  2. Rolls-Royce, world-leading provider of power systems and services for
     use on land, at sea and in the air, operates in four global markets -
     civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.  Annual sales
     total more than $13 billion, of which 53 per cent are services
     revenues.

  3. The company has a broad customer base including 600 airlines, 4,000
     corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed
     forces, more than 2,000 marine customers including 70 navies, and
     energy customers in 120 countries.

  4. A significant and growing industry player in North America, Rolls-Royce
     employs nearly 8,000 people at more than 66 US locations in 26 states
     and seven sites in six Canadian provinces.  Annual sales in North
     America exceed $3.5 billion and the company's total U.S. investment is
     nearly $1 billion.  U.S. interests hold 25 per cent of Rolls-Royce
     shares.  More  Rolls-Royce engines are built in the United States than
     anywhere else in the world.

  5. Rolls-Royce North America is a socially responsible corporate citizen
     and a good neighbor.  The company and its employees actively support
     their local communities.  In 2006, the organization contributed more
     than $1.1 million to philanthropic organizations and activities in the
     region.

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