Rolls-Royce is testing new technology in Derby in a bid to prevent sand and dust damaging its jet engines.
The issue has affected airlines operating across the Middle East, which is one of the company's most important markets.
Sand and fine dust which are ingested during take-off can enter the hottest parts of an engine, causing it to corrode, and can make the engine even hotter when coolant holes become blocked.
The issue does not affect flight safety, but it reduces efficiency and increases the frequency of maintenance, as the coating around the engine parts can wear out quicker.
Pat Hilton, Rolls-Royce's head of test facilities, said: "The dust can penetrate the hottest parts of the engine and wear that part out at a quicker rate than it would if it wasn't flying through sand."
