By Edward James/Singapore

SINGAPORE (February 22, 2000) - Rolls Royce and Airbus have refuted claims that engine problems with the Trent 500 and an increase in weight on the A340-500 were causing range concerns for the aircraft.

Some reports suggested the aircraft is 500nm off its contract guarantees.

However, while conceding that the A340-500 was up to 20,000lb heavier, Airbus says it will meet all guarantees on range, speed and fuel burn.

Rolls executives confirm that there have been a couple of bench test problems but claim they have been minor and fixes have been incorporated.

According to John Cheffins, managing director-airlines at Rolls-Royce, the engine had run at up to 70k, while the Airbus requirement was for 53k-56k.

The engine will be certified to 60k, he told AeroWorldNet, "There is plenty of extra power for any weight increase."

The first Trent 500 will be delivered in two weeks and will fly on a test bed aircraft in May. It will be certified in December for fitting to the first A340-600 early in 2001.