This article is based on an official press release from Safran Aircraft Engines.

Safran Launches “TAKE OFF” Project to Flight Test Open Fan Engine by 2029

Safran Aircraft Engines has officially launched “TAKE OFF” (Technology And Knowledge for European Open Fan Flight), a major European research initiative designed to validate the viability of the Open Fan engine architecture. According to an official press release issued on March 5, 2026, the project aims to mature the technology required for a flight demonstration aboard an Airbus A380 by the end of the decade.

The initiative is funded by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, which has allocated €100 million to the effort. The total project cost is estimated at €139 million. Safran will lead a consortium of 25 partners, including major aerospace manufacturers and research institutes, to execute the program over the next four years.

This development marks a critical step in the broader CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program, which targets a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for the next generation of single-aisle aircraft expected to enter service in the mid-2030s.

Project Scope and Consortium Details

The “TAKE OFF” project focuses on the complete demonstration chain required to put an Open Fan engine into the air. This includes engine design, assembly, instrumentation, and integration onto the aircraft. The program officially began on March 5, 2026, and is scheduled to culminate in a Test-Flights campaign in 2029 using an Airbus A380 flying testbed.

A Pan-European Effort

While Safran Aircraft Engines leads the project, the consortium represents a broad cross-section of the European aerospace industry. According to the press release, the 25 partners include industrial giants such as Airbus, Avio Aero, and GKN Aerospace, as well as research organizations like ONERA (France), DLR (Germany), and NLR (Netherlands).

Notably, while GE Aerospace is Safran’s partner in the CFM International joint venture, as a U.S. company it cannot directly receive EU funding. However, the research report indicates that GE’s European subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, and Poland are involved and have been allocated approximately €14.5 million of the project funding.

Funding Breakdown

The financial structure of the project relies heavily on public-private partnership. The European Union’s Clean Aviation initiative is providing €100 million of the total €139 million budget. This funding is intended to de-risk the development of radical propulsion technologies that are essential for the aviation industry to meet its net-zero carbon emissions goals by 2050.

Technological Goals: The Open Fan Architecture

The core objective of “TAKE OFF” is to prove the real-world viability of the Open Fan architecture. Unlike traditional turbofan engines, which enclose the fan blades in a heavy nacelle, the Open Fan design features exposed, counter-rotating blades. This allows for a significantly larger fan diameter, which increases the bypass ratio, the primary driver of propulsive efficiency.

Performance Targets

Safran and its partners aim to demonstrate that this architecture can deliver a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to current state-of-the-art engines, such as the LEAP. The system is also designed to be fully compatible with SAF. The flight tests in 2029 will be crucial for validating not only the efficiency gains but also the acoustic performance and aerodynamic integration of the engine.

“TAKE OFF embodies the European Union and aerospace industry’s shared ambition to make aviation more sustainable. Project synergies will pave the way for a full-scale Open Fan engine flight demonstration, showcasing the competitive benefits of such architecture in terms of energy efficiency and acoustic performances.”

, Pierre Cottenceau, VP Engineering, Research & Technology at Safran Aircraft Engines

Integration with Other Programs

The “TAKE OFF” project does not exist in isolation. It operates in tandem with other Clean Aviation initiatives, such as OFELIA (focused on component maturity) and COMPANION (focused on flight test vehicle integration led by Airbus). Together, these projects support the overarching CFM RISE program launched in 2021.

“TAKE OFF must now demonstrate the viability of the disruptive Open Fan engine concept at a higher maturity level, in line with the flight test campaign expected for 2029.”

, María Calvo, Head of Unit Project Management at Clean Aviation

AirPro News Analysis

We view the launch of “TAKE OFF” as a definitive signal that the European aerospace sector is committed to the Open Fan architecture as the likely successor to the turbofan for the next generation of narrowbody aircraft. By securing substantial EU funding and aligning 25 partners, Safran is effectively locking in the industrial base required to support the CFM RISE timeline.

The choice of the Airbus A380 as the testbed is pragmatic; its size allows for the carriage of heavy instrumentation and the mounting of the large-diameter Open Fan engine without the ground clearance constraints that would affect smaller aircraft. If the 2029 flight tests are successful, it will clear a major hurdle for entry-into-service in the mid-2030s, potentially giving CFM International a significant technological edge in the single-aisle market.

Sources

Sources: Safran Group Press Release, FlightGlobal, MarketScreener, Aviation Week

This article summarizes reporting by the Orange County Business Journal.

Supernal Reduces Workforce by 80% in Major Strategic Pivot

Supernal, the advanced air mobility (AAM) subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has executed a significant workforce reduction, laying off nearly 300 employees as of late February 2026. The move signals a dramatic shift in Strategy for the South Korean automaker’s aviation ambitions, moving away from aggressive commercialization targets toward a leaner operational model.

According to reporting by the Orange County Business Journal, the company let go of 296 employees on February 27, 2026. This reduction impacts approximately 80% of Supernal’s total staff, leaving a “skeleton crew” of roughly 70 to 80 employees to maintain basic operations and limited design continuity.

Details of the Restructuring

The Layoffs were concentrated primarily at the company’s headquarters in Irvine, California, and its research and development facility in Fremont, California. The decision follows a period of executive turnover, including the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and other key C-suite leaders in the months leading up to the announcement.

In a statement cited by the Orange County Business Journal, a company spokesperson indicated that the downsizing was necessary to “stabilize the company” and “shape a new business model.” While specific details of this new model remain limited, the scale of the cuts suggests a departure from immediate manufacturing and certification goals.

Financial Pressures and Parent Company Strategy

The restructuring appears driven by the high capital costs associated with developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Data indicates that Supernal accumulated losses of approximately 1.73 trillion won (roughly $1.3 billion USD) between its 2021 inception and the third quarter of 2025. Hyundai Motor Group had invested an estimated $1.7 billion into the project.

This financial strain coincides with a broader strategic realignment at Hyundai. Reports suggest the parent company has removed Advanced Air Mobility from its core mid-to-long-term growth pillars, opting instead to focus resources on sectors with clearer near-term returns, such as robotics, autonomous driving, and Hydrogen mobility.

The Broader eVTOL Industry Context

Supernal’s contraction reflects a wider trend of consolidation within the electric aviation sector, often referred to as the “eVTOL shakeout.” As capital becomes more expensive and Certification timelines stretch, the industry is seeing a divergence between well-capitalized leaders and struggling challengers.

While U.S. competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation continue to advance through the FAA certification process, other major players have faced insolvency. European competitors Lilium and Volocopter, for instance, encountered severe financial hurdles in late 2025 and early 2026.

Regulatory Compliance

The layoffs at Supernal triggered compliance requirements under the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. Under new state Regulations effective January 1, 2026, the company was required to provide 60 days’ notice and specific information regarding support services, such as food assistance and workforce development resources, to affected employees.

AirPro News Analysis

The retention of approximately 75 employees suggests that Hyundai Motor Group is not abandoning the sector entirely but is rather placing Supernal into a “hibernation” mode. By keeping a core team, the company preserves its intellectual property and design data, potentially allowing for a restart if market conditions improve or if the technology becomes ripe for licensing.

However, this reduction effectively ends any realistic prospect of Supernal launching commercial flights by 2028, a target previously eyed for the Los Angeles Olympics. The “Valley of Death” between prototype and certified product requires immense, continuous capital flow, which Hyundai appears no longer willing to sustain for this specific project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supernal shutting down completely?
No. The company is retaining a small team of approximately 70–80 employees to continue limited operations, though it has paused its aggressive push toward commercial manufacturing.

Why did Hyundai reduce funding for Supernal?
The decision is attributed to high cumulative losses (approx. $1.3 billion USD) and a strategic shift by the parent company toward sectors with more immediate profitability, such as robotics and autonomous driving.

How many employees were affected?
296 employees were laid off, representing about 80% of the workforce.

Sources: Orange County Business Journal

This article is based on an official press release from Odys Aviation and Motion Applied.

Odys Aviation and Motion Applied Partner to Deliver “Closed-Loop” Hybrid Propulsion

In a significant move to accelerate the commercialization of regional vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, California-based developer Odys Aviation has announced a strategic engineering collaboration with Motion Applied. According to the joint announcement, the partnership aims to integrate Motion Applied’s high-performance silicon carbide (SiC) inverter technology with Odys Aviation’s proprietary generators to create a flight-ready, hybrid-electric propulsion system.

The collaboration focuses on a “closed-loop” architecture designed to power both Odys’ uncrewed cargo aircraft, Laila, and its planned regional passenger airliner, Alta. By combining mechanical and electrical components into a unified control stack, the companies intend to de-risk the certification process and expedite the timeline to commercial delivery. Initial operations for the cargo platform are targeted for 2026.

Engineering a Unified Propulsion System

The core of this partnership is the integration of Motion Applied’s AMPEX MCU-600 inverter with Odys Aviation’s hybrid powertrain. Motion Applied, which rebranded from McLaren Applied in August 2025, brings extensive experience from high-performance sectors such as Formula 1 motorsport and mining. The companies state that this collaboration moves away from assembling disparate off-the-shelf parts in favor of a tightly coupled system.

Technical Specifications

According to technical details released by the companies, the new propulsion system leverages an 800V architecture and Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. Key specifications include:

• Efficiency: The system boasts a typical efficiency of greater than 97%, peaking at 99%.
• Switching Frequency: A variable range of 8–32 kHz allows for smoother power delivery and reduces the size of passive components like capacitors and inductors.
• Power Density: The system is designed for high power density, a critical factor for aircraft weight savings. Marine variants of the technology have reportedly delivered over 400kW in a package weighing approximately 6.4kg.

The “closed-loop” control system is designed to react instantly to the rapid power fluctuations required during the transition from vertical hover to forward flight. Furthermore, the system features “graceful degradation” capabilities, allowing it to isolate faults, such as a single winding failure, and continue operating safely rather than shutting down completely.

“Hybrid propulsion must be architected from the ground up as a unified system.”

, James Dorris, CEO of Odys Aviation

Scalable Platforms: From Cargo to Passengers

The propulsion technology developed through this partnership is scalable and intended for two distinct airframes currently under development by Odys Aviation.

Laila: Uncrewed Cargo

The first beneficiary of the new system will be Laila, an autonomous aircraft designed for logistics and defense applications.

• Range: Approximately 450 miles (725 km).
• Payload: Around 130 lbs (60 kg).
• Timeline: A pre-production prototype has been built, with flight testing scheduled in the United States followed by operational trials in Oman in the first quarter of 2026.

Alta: Regional Air Mobility

The technology will subsequently scale to power Alta, a larger aircraft focused on regional passenger transport and heavy cargo.

• Capacity: Designed for 9 passengers or approximately 3,500 lbs of cargo.
• Performance: The aircraft targets a cruise speed of roughly 345 mph and a hybrid range of 750 miles.
• Certification: Full type certification is currently targeted for approximately 2028.

AirPro News Analysis

This partnership highlights a critical shift in the eVTOL and regional air mobility sector: a move from pure airframe aerodynamics to a “propulsion first” certification strategy. By partnering with Motion Applied, a supplier with “production-proven” hardware heritage, Odys Aviation appears to be mitigating the development risks that often plague startups attempting to build proprietary electrical systems from scratch.

Furthermore, the focus on hybrid-electric-aviation propulsion distinguishes Odys from competitors like Joby or Archer, who are primarily focused on all-electric battery systems for short urban hops. The hybrid approach addresses “range anxiety” and infrastructure gaps, theoretically enabling flights between major regional hubs, such as Los Angeles to San Francisco, without requiring immediate charging infrastructure at every destination.

Strategic Context and Timeline

The collaboration comes shortly after Motion Applied’s rebranding from McLaren Applied in August 2025, signaling the UK-based company’s broader push into high-reliability industrial and aerospace sectors. For Odys Aviation, the deal follows a $26 million Series A funding round secured in October 2025 to accelerate flight testing.

Samir Maha, CEO of Motion Applied, emphasized the alignment of the two companies, noting that the partnership brings “absolute clarity of purpose” by integrating electrical, mechanical, and software teams early in the design cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of the AMPEX MCU-600 inverter?
The inverter uses Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology, which offers superior thermal handling and efficiency compared to traditional silicon. Its 800V architecture allows for thinner wiring, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.

When will Odys Aviation’s aircraft begin operations?
The uncrewed cargo aircraft, Laila, is scheduled for proof-of-concept operations in Oman in Q1 2026. The passenger aircraft, Alta, is targeting certification around 2028.

Why is Odys Aviation pursuing hybrid propulsion instead of all-electric?
Hybrid propulsion offers significantly longer range, making it suitable for regional travel (e.g., 750 miles) rather than just short intra-city hops. It also reduces reliance on ground charging infrastructure.

Sources: eVTOL Insights, Odys Aviation, Motion Applied