(May 13): Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc said it’s holding discussions with Boeing Co. about a new aircraft program, lending more weight to speculation that the U.S. planemaker is working on a jet that would plug a gap in its lineup.

“It is fairly well documented that Boeing is exploring the opportunity for a new aircraft,” Rolls Chief Executive Officer Warren East, said at its annual meeting on Thursday. “Like the other engine manufacturers, I am sure, we are in dialogue with Boeing about that.”