After fixing its engine problems, Rolls-Royce is turning to its next big challenge

After fixing its engine problems, Rolls-Royce is turning to its next big challenge as it seeks UK government support to re-enter the large narrowbody jet engine market. In its Derby, England factory, technicians overhaul Trent engines amid efforts to address durability issues that previously included cracking in turbine blades, which led to disputes with airline customers and hurt the company’s shares. Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç had called the situation a “burning platform” on taking over in 2023, but the article says underlying profits for 2025 rose 40% to £3.5 billion and its share price is above £13, around ten times the level three years ago. The update comes as the industry gathers at Farnborough this week, 30 miles west of London. Erginbilgiç says £1 billion was allocated to improving Trent durability and expanding maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity. The Trent line powers widebodies such as Airbus A330/A350/A380 and Boeing 787 and 777. Beyond engine reliability, Rolls aims for next-step growth in a competitive narrowbody segment, while also benefiting from defense spending and demand for AI datacentre generators.