Rolls-Royce PLC (LON:RR.) is to step up the number of inspections it carries out on the Trent 1000 jet engines, leading to additional disruption for customers and higher costs.
In a statement, the FTSE 100-listed engineer noted that some Trent 1000 engines have needed unscheduled maintenance as the turbine blades have worn out faster than expected.
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The group said that there are 380 Package C engines currently in-service with airlines.
It added that the new inspection regime does not impact Trent 1000 Package B engines or Trent 1000-TEN engines.
Rolls-Royce said it would reprioritise its spending to mitigate the incremental cash costs and its guidance for free cash flow remained unchanged for 2018 at around £450mlm plus or minus £100mln.
Minimise disruption to airlines wherever possible
Warren East, Rolls-Royce’s CEO commented: "Our focus is on supporting our customers and doing all we can to minimise any impact on their operations.”
He added: “We sincerely regret the disruption this will cause to our customers and our team of technical experts and service engineers is working around the clock to ensure we return them to full service as soon as possible.
“We will be working closely with Boeing and affected airlines to minimise disruption wherever possible."
In a note to clients, analysts at Liberum Capital commented: “The greater number of inspections will increase cash costs above previous guidance this year. Management are reprioritising ‘various items of discretionary spend’ in order to maintain Company-defined FCF guidance at the Group level of £350m-£550m this year.”
They added: “We continue to value Rolls-Royce on a FCF yield of 5% in 2020, where consensus is seeking £1bn in FCF.”
Liberum Capital reiterated a ‘hold’ rating and 875p target price on Rolls-Royce shares.
In early morning trading, Rolls-Royce shares were 1.8% lower at 865p.
-- Adds broker comment, share price --