UK: ENGINE TROUBLE - ROLLS ROYCE.

Rolls-Royce's fitness drive hasn't stopped speculation about its future and whether the 'big three' of the aero-engine industry could soon be the 'big two'.

On 6 June virtually identical stories appeared in almost every British newspaper. Aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce, they said, could get a slice of a multi-billion-dollar order for up to 50 aircraft that was about to be placed by Singapore Airlines, the world's most profitable carrier.