Rolls-Royce takes advantage of Shein’s boom through the air cargo market

Rolls-Royce is capitalising on the rise in popularity of fast fashion brands such as Shein as it expands its presence in the air cargo market.

Demand for air freight capacity is rising as shoppers increasingly want clothing and other goods delivered from overseas in a matter of days rather than weeks.

This is creating more business for engine maker Rolls-Royce, which has traditionally been more associated with passenger jets or military aircraft.

Ewen McDonald, the company’s customer director for civil aerospace, said this “really strong market” was expected to accelerate. He added: “We’re looking at doubling over the next 20 years.”

He said there would be demand for 500 large aircraft during that period.

“We’re really fortunate to be getting into this at the right time,” he said.

In the past, the market has been dominated by US planemaker Boeing and engine maker GE, but Airbus is aiming to grab a slice of the pie with its A350F models powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

McDonald’s said its recent orders were outpacing Boeing’s.

He added: “It is a strong market, which is supported by e-commerce, and e-commerce is becoming increasingly stronger.”