Different Answer Depending On The MetricThe short answer depends on how you define popular, but in the context of modern commercial aviation, the Trent 700 is Rolls-Royce’s most successful engine to date. Dominating The Widebody SectorCredit: ShutterstockWhen examining Rolls-Royce’s most popular engine, the most direct comparison lies with its primary competitors, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. Ultimately, the Trent 700 remains the most popular Rolls-Royce engine because it hit a sweet spot in aviation history. Mechanical And Economic RisksCredit: ShutterstockDespite the overarching success of the Trent family, the path to becoming Rolls-Royce’s most popular engine has not been without significant technical and operational hurdles. Designed To LastCredit: Port Authority of New York and New JerseyIn summary, determining Rolls-Royce’s most popular engine requires a distinction between historical ubiquity and future dominance.