CFM International, a global leader in aircraft engine manufacturing, hosted a highly anticipated media briefing on the eve of the Singapore Airshow 2024, to unveil its latest advancements in engine technology for narrowbody aircraft. The event featured comprehensive presentations from key executives including Arjan Hegeman, General Manager of Advanced Technology at GE Aerospace, and Pierre Cottenceau, VP of Engineering, Research & Technology at Safran Aircraft Engines.

CFM International showcased its unparalleled expertise and track record as a world-leading engine supplier, highlighting the exceptional performance and reliability of its CFM56 and LEAP engines. With over 33,000 engines delivered and a backlog of 10,500 LEAP engines, CFM International continues to dominate the market, powering a vast fleet of Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919 family aircraft worldwide.

The company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainability, unveiling groundbreaking advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Noteworthy achievements include a remarkable 40 per cent reduction in fuel consumption since the introduction of the CFM56 engine, underscoring CFM International’s relentless pursuit of efficiency excellence.

THE RISE PROGRAMME

The CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) programme is a groundbreaking initiative, poised to revolutionise the aviation industry. Designed to embody the principles of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, the RISE programme represents a significant leap forward in engine technology, with a focus on next-generation engine architecture. This initiative aims to revolutionise engine design, targeting lower noise levels and achieving 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certification. The company is committed to developing cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of sustainable aviation.

• The Technology Behind RISE: At the core of the RISE programme lies a suite of cutting-edge technologies aimed at redefining the future of aviation. Leveraging next-generation architecture and engineering prowess, RISE engines boast a step-change in efficiency compared to traditional ducted fan engines. One of the most notable advancements is the incorporation of an open fan, low bypass design, which enables a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. CFM International’s RISE engines represent a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly air travel.
• Status of the Programme: The RISE programme has made remarkable progress since its inception, with extensive testing and development efforts underway. CFM International has completed a series of rigorous tests to validate the performance and reliability of RISE engines, including comprehensive aerodynamics and acoustics evaluations. Major milestones, such as fan blade tests, wind tunnel tests, and turbine tests, have been successfully completed, demonstrating the readiness of RISE technologies for ground and flight testing.
• Schedule: CFM International is on track to conduct ground and flight tests of RISE engines throughout the current decade. The programme timeline includes early part-level testing in the mid-2020s, followed by ground tests and flight tests in the 2030s. With a robust conceptual design review completed in 2022, CFM International is well-positioned to accelerate the development and deployment of RISE engines in the coming years.

The RISE programme embodies CFM International’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. Through relentless research, development, and collaboration, CFM International aims to pave the way for a greener, more efficient future of air travel.

INVESTMENT IN ALTERNATIVE FUELS

CFM International reiterated its commitment to exploring alternative fuels, with a particular focus on hydrogen propulsion. The company is actively developing next-generation compressor technologies and materials to optimise the performance of hydrogen-powered engines. Through strategic investments and partnerships, CFM International is driving the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and advancing the industry towards decarbonisation.

Arjan Hegeman, General Manager of Advanced Technology at GE Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for CFM International’s groundbreaking initiatives, stating, “CFM International is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Our commitment to sustainability and efficiency drives us to develop groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future of air travel.”

Pierre Cottenceau, VP of Engineering, Research & Technology at Safran Aircraft Engines, echoed Hegeman’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of collaboration and innovation in realising CFM International’s ambition towards decarbonisation. “We are proud of the progress we have made in realising our ambition towards decarbonisation,” said Cottenceau. “Through collaboration and innovation, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable aviation industry.”

CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aviation, a division of General Electric Company, and Safran Aircraft Engines, a subsidiary of Safran Group. The company is a leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines, powering more than 600 airline customers worldwide. It’s state-of-the-art testing facilities and collaborative efforts with industry partners underscore its commitment to safety and innovation.