Technology & Innovation
Singapore First Airport Testbed for CFM Open Fan Engines
Singapore selected as the first airport testbed for CFM’s Open Fan engines, advancing sustainable aviation with trials at Changi and Seletar Airports.
This article is based on an official press release from CFM International, Airbus, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
In a significant step toward the next generation of sustainable aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), CFM International, and Airbus have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Announced on February 2, 2026, at the 3rd Changi Aviation Summit, the agreement designates Singapore as the first global airport testing ground for CFM’s “Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines” (RISE) program, specifically focusing on the integration of Open Fan engine architecture into commercial airport operations.
According to the joint announcement, the collaboration aims to develop the necessary infrastructure, ground safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks required to support aircraft powered by Open Fan engines. This initiative positions Singapore as a “living lab” for aerospace innovation, leveraging its status as a highly regulated and efficient air hub to de-risk the entry-into-service of these advanced propulsion systems.
The core objective of the MOU is to move the RISE program from technical development to operational reality. While engine testing often occurs in isolated facilities, this partnership focuses on how these distinct engines will interact with a busy airport environment. The signatories, including CAAS Director-General Han Kok Juan, Safran Singapore CEO David Dufrenois (representing CFM), and Airbus Executive Vice-President Engineering Rémi Maillard, outlined a plan to conduct operational trials at Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport.
These trials will inform the co-development of a “readiness framework.” This guide is intended to serve as a blueprint for airports worldwide, covering critical operational areas such as:
In a statement regarding the partnership, Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, emphasized the importance of real-world testing:
“This first-of-its-kind agreement is a huge boon for the CFM RISE development program… Now, having the ability to perform a real-world demonstration ‒ from ground handling to maintenance actions, to airport operations ‒ will give airlines and, hopefully, the flying public, confidence in the safety, durability, and efficiency of Open Fan.”
Launched in 2021 by CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, the RISE program targets the mid-2030s for the entry of a new generation of single-aisle aircraft. The program’s centerpiece is the Open Fan architecture, which removes the traditional engine nacelle (casing) to allow for a significantly larger fan size.
According to technical data released by CFM, this design increases the bypass ratio and propulsive efficiency, targeting a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s most efficient engines, such as the LEAP. The system is also designed to be fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and future hydrogen propulsion systems.
Rémi Maillard of Airbus highlighted the necessity of this partnership for maturing the technology: “We are excited to be partnering with CAAS and CFM to take new propulsion system technologies to the next level of maturity by testing them against future operational requirements. And what better place to do it than in Singapore where we can rely on a state-of-the-art aerospace ecosystem.”
While the aerodynamic and thermodynamic benefits of Open Fan architectures have been studied for decades, the operational logistics have remained a significant hurdle. Historically, open rotor designs raised concerns regarding noise and blade containment. The RISE program addresses the noise issues through advanced blade geometry and acoustics, aiming to meet Chapter 14 noise regulations.
However, the operational shift is equally profound. Current airport infrastructure is designed around tube-and-wing aircraft with enclosed engines. Introducing exposed rotors requires a complete rethink of ground handling procedures, from how catering trucks approach the fuselage to how passengers board via stairs. By securing Singapore as a testbed, CFM and Airbus are acknowledging that the success of the RISE program depends as much on airport logistics as it does on engine performance.
The agreement aligns with the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint, launched in February 2024, which sets a national target for net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, noted that the partnership validates Singapore’s role as an integrated air hub with the regulatory expertise necessary to develop protocols for global deployment.
The timeline for the project suggests that the “readiness framework” will be developed between 2026 and 2030, followed by physical trials involving ground runs and potential flight visits by demonstrators. This preparation is critical for meeting the mid-2030s target for commercial service.
An Open Fan engine is a propulsion system where the fan blades are not enclosed by a traditional nacelle (casing). This allows for a much larger fan diameter, which improves propulsive efficiency and significantly reduces fuel burn and emissions.
The RISE program targets the mid-2030s for the entry-into-service of aircraft powered by these technologies. The current phase involves technology maturation and ground/flight testing.
Singapore was selected due to its status as a major global air hub, its strong regulatory framework under CAAS, and its commitment to sustainable aviation through the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint.
Sources:
Singapore Selected as World’s First Airport Testbed for CFM’s Open Fan Engines
Establishing a Global Readiness Framework
The RISE Program and Open Fan Technology
AirPro News Analysis: Bridging the Operational Gap
Strategic Alignment with Singapore’s Sustainability Goals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Open Fan engine?
When will passengers fly on planes with these engines?
Why is Singapore the testbed?
CFM International Press Release
Airbus Press Release
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace