Saudi jet engine deal

has secured a deal worth up to $900m (£612m) to power

aircraft using its

700EP engines.

The deal follows an order by Saudi Arabian Airlines for 12 Airbus A330 aircraft, for which Rolls-Royce will supply engines by the beginning of next year.

Ali Milaat, managing director of the technical services strategic business unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: ‘Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines have an excellent reputation and we are pleased to bring them onto our new fleet.

'Maintaining efficiency and performance in a highly competitive market is vitally important, and Rolls-Royce technology and Totalcare service will enable us to reach our targets.’

Over the past three years, Rolls-Royce has secured over 70 per cent of the A330 market, performing particularly well in the Middle East.

According to the company, this is due to the engines' effectiveness in hot and high altitude locations.

This will be the first time Saudi Arabian Airlines has selected the Trent engine, which features reduced fuel burn and emissions levels compared to previous models.

Phil Harris, Rolls-Royce senior vice-president of airlines to North Asia and the Middle East, said: ‘This important order marks another stage in the development of our relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

'The superior technology in the Trent 700EP, backed up by a comprehensive Totalcare service package, will deliver significant benefits for Saudi Arabian Airlines.’