CFM RISE-FULL SPEED AHEAD!

Three years into the programme, it is clear that various RISE technologies are steadily evolving from promising design concepts to functioning components and systems. And the pace of progress is accelerating.

- JOSEPH NORONHA

THERE IS A GROWING REALISATION IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY that it cannot possibly reach its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 by banking solely on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and incremental improvements in fuel efficiency. Revolutionary new engine designs and cutting-edge technologies are essential. And CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between two of the world's leading aerospace companies General Electric Aerospace (GE) and Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) has always been in the forefront of engine design and technological innovation.

CFM's very first product, the CFM56, was a high-bypass turbofan engine that entered service in 1982, and brought a significant jump in fuel efficiency over other jet engines of the era. It eventually became the most successful commercial aviation engine in history. Not content to rest on its laurels, CFM introduced the LEAP engine in 2016. Over the past eight years LEAP has done exceedingly well, delivering 15 to 20 per cent better fuel efficiency than the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines. In sales, it has left the competition far behind.

In fact, CFM's engines are the primary choice of single-aisle aircraft operators around the world. Currently CFM has about 39 per cent market share, which makes it the largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer in the world. But with climate change taking centre stage in practically every major forum, another step change in aero engine efficiency is urgently required. Enter the CFM RISE programme.

RISE'S BUILDING BLOCKS