This report, though, spells bad financial news for Rolls-Royce, said Wheeldon.

"Clearly the stock has already suffered, it came back on a positive front Friday after the announcement. I think we are going to see some drift here until the day comes that they can tell us that this is firmly behind them."

A Rolls-Royce would not comment on how long repairs would take, as it would depend on how a specific airline wanted repairs to proceed. The company also would not comment on whether this would delay delivery of A380s expected to go into service in 2011.