ROLLS-Royce has won the first order for its Trent 1000 engine, which will power Boeing's 200-passenger 7E7 Dreamliner plane.

Air New Zealand has chosen the Trent 1000 for its two Dreamliners and has also ordered Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines for its eight Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.

"We are delighted by Air New Zealand's decision to become a first-time Trent operator," said Charles Cuddington, managing director of Rolls-Royce's airlines division.

''Not only have they set the pace with their 7E7 engine selection, they have also placed a significant vote of confidence in the Trent programme overall with their engine choice for the 777s."

Rolls-Royce has a facility in Sunderland employing 400 people who make disc components for engines.

Air New Zealand chief executive and managing director Ralph Norris said: "Our decision to power the new 7E7 aircraft with the new Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 is a clear signal of where Air New Zealand is positioning itself - as innovative, efficient and committed to delivering the best product to our customers."

Rolls-Royce is currently in the preliminary design stage of the Trent 1000, which is due for completion by the end of this year.