New Chairman and President for EPI Europrop International GmbH

01 October 2007

EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI), the company responsible for the TP400-D6 engine programme, announced new leadership for the company, effective today, 1 October 2007, as agreed by the four Shareholders.

Snecma Chairman and Chief Executive Phillippe Petitcolin takes up the role of non-executive Chairman. Nick Durham, previously Director of Services and Picture of Nick Durham

Helicopters at Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, assumes the role of President of EPI, with full responsibility for managing the programme. Nick replaces José Massol, who has left the company.

These appointments reflect the increased role that Rolls-Royce and Snecma are taking to strengthen the management of the programme.

Phillippe Petitcolin said: "EPI benefits from European aero engine skills and expertise. Together, we will maintain and reinforce our current efforts to provide to Airbus Military the new generation TP400-D6 engine answering the challenging A400M transport aircraft."

Nick Durham commented: "I am looking forward to the challenge of leading EPI at a crucial time in its development. My former responsibilities have given me a great deal of experience in running successful European collaborative programmes. It has also taught me that each one has its own particular challenges and this experience will be invaluable in the important months ahead."

EPI Europrop International GmbH was created by four leading European aero-engine companies (Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma) to manage the TP400-D6 engine programme.

Designed to power the Airbus Military A400M military transport, the TP400-D6 will be the most powerful turboshaft engine to enter service in the West. It features a three-shaft configuration and will deliver a maximum power output of 11,000 shaft horsepower. More than 750 engines will be required for the 180 A400M aircraft ordered to date by the launch countries.

Notes for Editors

EPI Europrop International GmbH was created by four leading European aero-engine companies - Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma (SAFRAN Group) - to manage the TP400 engine programme.

Designed to power the Airbus Military A400M military transport, the TP400 will be the most powerful turboshaft engine to enter service in the West. It features a three-shaft configuration and will deliver a maximum power output of 11,000 shaft horsepower. More than 800 engines will be required for the 192 A400M aircraft ordered to date by nine countries.

For further information, please contact:
Nick Britton, Rolls-Royce
Tel: +44 117 979 59 43
Email: nick.britton@rolls-royce.com

Vincent Chappard, Snecma
Tel: +33 (0)1 69 87 09 29
Email: vincent.chappard@snecma.fr