Rolls-Royce and Lufthansa Technik are to explore closer co-operation in the technical care of mature engines. The agreement follows a year-long pilot project intended to reduce the maintenance costs of mature Trent 500 engines, which power the Airbus A340-500/600 aircraft. Rolls-Royce's expertise as the engine manufacturer and Lufthansa Technik's experience as an engine maintenance provider were combined in a pilot project to determine how Trent 500 maintenance costs could be reduced through the mature phase of the life-cycle. The work plays a significant role in ensuring Rolls-Royce has the capabilities to introduce TotalCare Flex, a concept that addresses the service needs of customers with mature-phase engines, including the Trent 500. According to Rolls-Royce, joint efforts on several Trent 500 engines made it clear that tangible reductions in costs were achievable through systematic changes in workscope, improved use of materials, and optimizing processes in the workshops. "This successful pilot project shows that a close partnership between a manufacturer and a maintenance organization offers advantages for customers and both partners. Mature engines remain competitive for longer and the costs of operating them can be reduced," said Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, senior vice president engine services for Lufthansa Technik AG.