Surging demand from airlines for new engines propelled Rolls-Royce's order book 15% higher to a record £70 billion as it reported a big jump in half-year profits.

The engineering giant said orders including a 4 billion US dollar (£2.6 billion) deal with Singapore Airlines to power 50 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft boosted demand for its civil engines 14% to £56.7 billion.

Underlying pre-tax profits leapt 34% to £840 million during the first six months of the year, lifted by more work and restructuring, as shares rose 3% to match a record high after the results beat City expectations.

Revenues were 27% higher to £7.3 billion, driven by surging sales across its civil, defence, marine and energy divisions.

Orders for Trent engines for large aircraft dominated Rolls' order book, helping it grow market share.

Rolls hailed a milestone with its most efficient Trent XWB engine when it powered an Airbus A350 jumbo jet for the first time in June. It has already booked 1,400 orders for the engine, which will help reduce jet emissions by 16%.

Underlying profits in its civil aerospace arm leapt 59% to £486 million, as engine deliveries increased 11% to 346.

It won orders from carriers including Air China, Hong Kong Airlines, United Airlines and British Airways owner International Airlines Group.