Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Rolls-Royce plc have signed a joint statement that clarifies the engine manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to an open and competitive approach to its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

The document was finalized after several months of productive and collaborative dialogue on industry best practice for engine MRO services.

Both organizations are aligned on four key principles that underpin the Rolls-Royce approach to the MRO ecosystem and are included in the official statement:

1. Rolls-Royce does not prevent the development of legitimate non-OEM parts or non-OEM repairs by MRO providers and independent parts manufacturers, as long as they are approved by the appropriate airworthiness regulator;

2. Rolls-Royce’s policy is to grant airlines, lessors and MRO providers non-discriminatory access to OEM parts, repairs and support (including access to Rolls-Royce Care);

3. Rolls-Royce does not discriminate against airlines, lessors or MRO providers that use non-OEM parts or repairs;

4. Rolls-Royce will not insist that airlines or lessors subscribe to Rolls-Royce services.

Among those expected to benefit are airlines, aircraft and engine lessors, and organizations wishing to provide MRO services for Rolls-Royce engines.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General said: “This statement is timely as the post COVID-19 restart will see an acute need to repair damaged finances while operating at the highest standards of safety and reliability.

“Rolls-Royce has taken a proactive approach in working with us on this commitment that will stimulate a more open MRO industry and have a long-lasting impact in the market.

“Competition spurs innovation and creativity while typically driving down costs, helping to keep air travel affordable. We look forward to other OEMs making similar commitments.”

Chris Cholerton, President Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, said: “We welcome this agreement that recognises our ongoing commitment to providing customers with a flexible, capable and competitive MRO offering.

“We appreciate that an open and balanced ecosystem of MRO providers allows airlines to have access to greater choice and competitive pricing.”

Read the IATA – Rolls-Royce Statement
Read the Rolls-Royce – IATA Statement Annex

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

• Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030 [excluding product testing] and joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, affirming our ambition to play a fundamental role in enabling the sectors in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
• Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
• Annual underlying revenue was £11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested £1.25 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.

Source : IATA Corporate Communications.