Technology & Innovation
GE Aerospace Updates 747 Test Bed with New Livery and Advanced Capabilities
GE Aerospace unveils a new livery for its 747-400 Flying Test Bed, enhancing its role in jet engine testing and aviation innovation.
More Than a Makeover: The GE Aerospace 747 Flying Test Bed Sports a New Look
In the world of aviation, progress is often measured in thrust, efficiency, and cutting-edge materials. Yet, sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can signify a transformation just as profound. This is the case with GE Aerospace’s Boeing 747-400 Flying Test Bed, a critical asset in jet engine development, which recently received a new livery. This isn’t merely a cosmetic update; it’s a visual declaration of a new era for GE Aerospace, which became an independent, publicly traded company in 2024. The new design reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and its pivotal role in shaping the future of flight.
The marvel of air travel is built on a foundation of relentless testing and innovation, much of which occurs out of the public eye. At GE Aerospace’s facility in Victorville, California, a unique team is tasked with pushing new engine models to their absolute limits. Their primary tool is this specially modified Boeing 747, a veritable laboratory in the sky. By replacing one of its four standard engines with a test model, engineers can gather invaluable data in real-world flight conditions, a process essential for certifying the engines that power global air travel. This airborne workhorse has been instrumental in the development of industry-defining engines, and its new look heralds a busy future of continued innovation.
A Legacy of Testing and a Vision for the Future
The current Flying Test Bed, a former Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 registered as N747GF, was acquired by GE in 2010. It stepped into the formidable role previously held by a legendary Boeing 747-100, an aircraft that started its life with Pan American World Airways in 1970. That predecessor, known as the Clipper Ocean Spray, was instrumental in testing over 11 different engine models, including the powerful GE90. When it was retired, it was one of the oldest 747s still in active service. The transition to the more modern 747-400 platform brought enhanced capabilities and more advanced integrated systems, allowing GE to continue pushing the boundaries of engine performance.
The new livery is a direct reflection of GE Aerospace’s new chapter as a standalone company. The design features a clean white fuselage that transitions into a striking “Atmosphere Blue” on the tail, bisected by a sharp diagonal line. The iconic GE Monogram is proudly displayed on the rudder. For the team in Victorville, this was more than a routine paint job. Renji Thomas, a site leader, sees it as “a visual representation of the ways in which the company has evolved.” It symbolizes a renewed identity and purpose as the company prepares for an anticipated increase in testing activities over the next decade.
This aircraft is far more than a flying billboard for the new brand. Inside, where up to 660 passengers might have once sat, the space is now filled with sophisticated computers and data acquisition systems. This flying laboratory allows engineers to monitor thousands of parameters in real-time, from engine pressures and temperatures to stress loads and vibrations. This capability was crucial for the certification of major engine programs like the CFM LEAP and the record-breaking GE9X. Since 2010, the 747-400 has logged over 1,500 flight hours dedicated solely to advancing engine technology.
“Everyone here is really energized by the new look. It was a different experience outside our normal operations here, but definitely a unique and exciting one.”, Jon Ohman, Chief Test Pilot for GE Aerospace
Pushing Boundaries in the Sky
The primary function of the Flying Test Bed is to create a controlled environment where new engines can be tested under the most demanding conditions imaginable. The stability and power of the four-engine 747 platform allow test pilots to safely push a single test engine to its operational limits and beyond. This includes high-altitude stalls, extreme weather encounters, and other scenarios that would be unthinkable on a commercial flight but are essential for ensuring safety and reliability.
Retired chief test pilot Phil Schultz, reflecting on the capabilities of the previous 747-100 test bed, noted its incredible efficiency, stating, “We can run five or six objectives in one flight and not come down and have to change everything between tests.” This ability to conduct comprehensive, integrated systems testing in the air is what makes the Flying Test Bed such an invaluable asset. It allows for the refinement of everything from fuel efficiency to control systems in a dynamic, real-world setting that ground tests simply cannot replicate.
The mission of the test bed is also evolving beyond engine certification. In a recent collaboration with NASA, the aircraft played a key role in the Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) project. This research involved a NASA aircraft flying behind the 747 to study the formation of contrails, the ice crystal clouds that form in an engine’s wake, using advanced LiDAR technology. By creating three-dimensional images of these contrails, scientists hope to better understand and potentially mitigate the environmental impact of aviation, demonstrating the platform’s versatility in addressing the industry’s future challenges.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Continued Innovation
The new livery on GE Aerospace’s 747 Flying Test Bed is a powerful symbol of a company embarking on a new journey. It represents a fresh identity built on a long legacy of engineering excellence. This aircraft is not just a piece of history; it is an active and essential tool that is paving the way for the next generation of aviation technology. From certifying the world’s most powerful commercial jet engines to contributing to vital environmental research, the test bed is at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
As the aviation industry moves toward a more sustainable future, the role of platforms like the Flying Test Bed will become even more critical. The expected uptick in testing over the next decade points to a period of intense innovation, likely focused on enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions, and exploring alternative propulsion systems. The fresh look of N747GF serves as a reminder to the entire industry that GE Aerospace is not only ready for this future but is actively building it, one test flight at a time.
FAQ
Question: Why does GE Aerospace use a Boeing 747 for engine testing?
Answer: The Boeing 747’s four-engine design is ideal for flight testing. It allows engineers to replace one of the standard engines with a new engine for testing while relying on the other three for safe operation. Its size, power, and stability also allow for a wide range of flight conditions to be tested safely.
Question: What is the new livery on the 747 Flying Test Bed?
Answer: The new design features a white fuselage with the tail section painted in “Atmosphere Blue,” separated by a diagonal line. The GE Monogram is featured on the rudder. This change was made to reflect GE Aerospace’s new branding as an independent public company in 2024.
Question: What kind of engines has this aircraft tested?
Answer: The current Boeing 747-400 test bed has been a critical tool for certifying engines like the CFM LEAP and the GE9X. Its predecessor, a 747-100, tested over 11 different engine models, including the GE90, GEnx, and CFM56.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Airbus A380 Flight Lab Unveiled for CFM RISE Open Fan Testing
Airbus and CFM International unveil A380 flight lab livery at Farnborough 2026 for CFM RISE Open Fan engine tests.
Airbus SE and CFM International unveiled the livery for the Airbus A380 flight lab dedicated to testing the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Open Fan engine architecture at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 21, 2026.
The presentation coincides with the completion of the first conceptual flight test design review. The joint program between Airbus and CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, aims to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent compared to current commercial engines.
Transitioning to flight test preparation
The designated testbed aircraft, an Airbus A380 identified as Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 114, departed a six-year desert storage in France on July 16, 2026. The aircraft relocated to Shannon, Ireland, to undergo painting and structural modifications. Engineers will eventually mount the open fan engine in the number 2 position on the inboard left wing for the Test-Flights campaign.
CFM International recently completed the preliminary design review for the compact core system, open fan, and outlet guide vanes. Arjan Hegeman, Vice President of Future of Flight Engineering at GE Aerospace, stated that this milestone allows the Manufacturing of parts for the grounded demonstrator to begin.
Prioritizing engine durability
While the open fan design removes the traditional engine casing to accommodate a larger fan and reduce drag, program leaders are placing equal emphasis on component longevity. GE Aerospace has completed over 350 tests and 3,000 endurance cycles on core components, which includes early dust ingestion testing.
“If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last years, it’s that durability matters as much as, if not more than, fuel efficiency,” Hegeman said.
Hegeman noted that the engineering teams are aiming to reach technology readiness level six by the turn of the decade.
AirPro News analysis
The explicit focus on durability during the early testing phases of the CFM RISE program reflects a broader industry shift. Current-generation narrowbody engines have faced well-documented time-on-wing and maintenance challenges, prompting Manufacturers to prioritize robust operating characteristics alongside fuel efficiency gains. By subjecting core components to 3,000 endurance cycles and dust ingestion tests years before the first flight, CFM International is working to ensure the open fan architecture can withstand harsh operational environments from entry into service. We expect this dual mandate of efficiency and reliability to define the Certification pathway for next-generation Propulsion systems.
Sources: GE Aerospace Press Release
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Toyota Form eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture
Joby Aviation and Toyota establish a joint venture to manufacture the S4 eVTOL, with Toyota holding a 51% stake.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) have formalized their nearly decade-long partnership by establishing a joint venture to manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new entity, named the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company, will focus on scaling commercial production of the Joby S4 Series eVTOL aircraft.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, following a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 8-K filing on June 29, 2026, the alliance combines Joby’s electric aviation technology with Toyota’s established production systems expertise. The joint venture will operate across locations in Santa Cruz, California, and Toyota City, Japan.
Joint venture structure and financial stakes
Toyota holds a 51 percent majority stake in the new manufacturing company, acquired through the purchase of 1.02 million shares for $1.02 million. Joby retains the remaining 49 percent stake, having purchased 980,000 shares for $980,000. The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board of directors, with three members designated by Toyota and two designated by Joby.
The agreement includes specific intellectual property licensing arrangements between the two parent companies. Joby will license certain aircraft-related intellectual property to the joint venture on a royalty-free basis. In return, Toyota will license manufacturing-related intellectual property to the venture, which includes certain royalty-bearing rights.
Scaling eVTOL production
The formal joint venture builds upon a foundation of significant financial and technical support from the Japanese automaker. Toyota has provided approximately $900 million in total capital to Joby to date. The automaker is already providing technical assistance as Joby establishes a series production line for the S4 eVTOL aircraft at a facility in Ohio.
In the June 30 press release, Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted the depth of the corporate relationship.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for Manufacturing our aircraft. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that the company views air mobility as a natural extension of its philosophy of providing mobility for all, expanding its focus from the ground into the sky to bring new value to society.
Certification progress and next steps
The manufacturing alliance aligns with Joby’s ongoing Certification efforts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the first quarter of 2026, Joby began flying its first FAA-conforming aircraft for type inspection authorization. This testing phase is a required step as the company works toward achieving full FAA type certification for the S4 Series.
With the joint venture now legally established, the two companies will begin integrating their engineering and manufacturing teams across the California and Japan facilities to prepare for high-volume aircraft production.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formalization of the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company as a critical de-risking event for Joby’s production ambitions. While designing and certifying an eVTOL aircraft presents significant regulatory hurdles, manufacturing these vehicles at scale with automotive-style efficiency is an entirely different challenge that has historically troubled aerospace Startups. By securing a majority-stake commitment from Toyota, Joby gains direct access to one of the world’s most proven manufacturing systems. Furthermore, the intellectual property arrangement, where Toyota retains royalty-bearing rights on its manufacturing processes, suggests the automaker sees long-term revenue potential in aerospace production beyond its initial capital Investments.
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
KBR Selected for Asia’s First Ethanol-to-Jet SAF Plant in Singapore
KBR will provide PureSAF technology licensing and FEED services for a 100,000-ton/year SAF facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.
PureSAF technology and project scope
The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”
The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.
Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates
The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.
Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.
AirPro News analysis
We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: KBR
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