Rolls-Royce said it has effectively eliminated aircraft-on-ground (AOG) delays in its civil aerospace business after increasing engine maintenance and refurbishment work during the first half of 2026. The company linked the improvement to changes across its maintenance network and greater stability in its supply chain.
CEO Tufan Erginbilgic stated: "We have also effectively eliminated aircraft on ground, providing a significant operational benefit to our customers." An AOG case occurs when an airline cannot operate an aircraft because it is waiting for an engine, replacement part or maintenance work.
Rolls-Royce increased large-engine maintenance output by 13% during the six months ending June 30, 2026, while the number of large-engine refurbishments rose 35% from a year earlier. The Civil Aerospace unit completed 712 long-term service agreement shop visits, up 2% from 696, and major large-engine shop visits increased to 294 from 217.
The company delivered 279 new civil engines, up 18%, including 157 large engines and 122 engines for business and regional aircraft. On durability, nearly half of the Trent 1000 TEN fleet has received upgraded high-pressure turbine blades bringing those engines to the Trent 1000 XE standard, and nearly the entire Trent 7000 fleet has received the same upgrade.
Civil Aerospace revenue rose 29% to £6.19 billion during the first half, with operating profit increasing 31% to £1.57 billion and the operating margin reaching 25.3%. Large-engine flying hours increased 4%, reaching 113% of the level recorded in the first half of 2019.
Rolls-Royce raised its full-year forecast following the first-half results, now expecting underlying operating profit of between £4.7 billion and £4.9 billion, up from its previous forecast of £4 billion to £4.2 billion.
