British-built Rolls-Royce engines are to fitted to El Al planes.

The Israeli airline has chosen the UK manufacturer’s Trent 1000 engines to drive 15 of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Rolls-Royce chief customer officer Dominic Horwood said: “We are proud that such a valued customer as El Al has selected the Trent 1000. This continues a long and close relationship with El Al and we are delighted they have recognised the economic advantages the Trent 1000 delivers.”

David Maimon, El Al’s chief executive officer,, said: “We have selected Rolls-Royce after thorough evaluation of our engine choices. We look forward to continue working with Rolls-Royce as we make this important step forward in our fleet development strategy.”

Nathan Tsror, the head of the Israeli embassy in London’s economic and trade department, welcomed the deal.

He said: “This latest partnership between such a quintessentially British firm and Israel’s flag carrier demonstrates how working together can generate power for economic growth, enabling both nations to reach new heights.

“The growing symbiotic relationship between the UK and Israel reflects the necessity to remove any barriers and restrictions that can impede the economic growth of both countries.”

The relationship between Rolls-Royce and El Al first started more than 50 years ago, when Rolls-Royce powered the Boeing 707 aircraft and later the Boeing 757 carrier.