[6] Compared to the A330's Trent 700, the 68,000–72,000 lbf (300–320 kN) engine doubles the bypass ratio to 10:1 and halves emitted noise.

The engine was then planned to be disassembled, examined and reported by the end of September, for an ETOPS certification in time for the year-end introduction.

Full ETOPS required an EASA approval plan with a 3,000 cycles validation test plus three simulated diversions followed by disassembly and examination before the end of December.

The 68,000–72,000 lbf (300–320 kN) engine doubles the bypass ratio and halves emitted noise compared to the Trent 700.

[20] The overall pressure ratio is increased due to Trent XWB core compressor technology, improving thermal efficiency.

This is associated with a 200 °C (360 °F) increase in internal temperatures; Thermally-coated high-pressure turbine blades are used instead of the more expensive ceramic matrix composites, which are used in the next Rolls-Royce engine generation, Ultrafan.

Despite the additional weight and the extra drag resulting from the wider diameter, Rolls-Royce reported fuel consumption would improve by 11%.

The engine features active turbine clearance control providing the optimal level of cooling air for different phases of flight.