Rolls-Royce plc has chosen SKF to be the primary supplier of main shaft bearings and related com-ponents for its latest engine programme, the Trent 1000. In addition, SKF will partner with Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan in producing components for the compressor section of the Trent 1000.

The Trent 1000 is the launch engine on Boeing’s latest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner. SKF Aeroengine Bearings UK, which will be the primary manufacturer of the bearings, is already a supplier to Rolls-Royce for bearings for Trent 500, Trent 700 and Trent 800 engines.