While Airbus and the European industry are accelerating research and technology work to replace current aviation fuels with hydrogen, experts in atmospheric science and propulsion are debating the contrail potential of the zero-carbon fuel.
The research and technology effort in Europe toward the use of hydrogen in commercial air transport is in full swing, but the readiness level varies depending on the industry segment.
GE Aviation and Safran want to widen the field of possibilities as they have to meet the needs of two competing airframers—something CFM has consistently managed to do with one family of engines and customized versions.
CFM International joint venture partners GE Aviation and Safran have launched an aggressive technology development program to pave the way for a new generation of fuel-efficient unducted—or open fan—engines to enter service around the mid-2030s.
As Boeing is quietly beginning to work on what is now being called the -5X project—a small widebody aircraft derived from the new mid-market airplane (NMA) studies—things are getting serious for the three engine OEMs, too.
The company, which specializes in engines, cabin interiors and other aircraft equipment, released remarkable financial results, given the gloomy economic situation for the air transport industry.
Olivier Andries has to helm the super-Tier 1 manufacturer as it navigates a still-turbulent environment while longer term Safran will have to offer new concepts to decarbonize commercial aviation.
The heterogeneous health and safety requirements passengers face when trying to travel within Europe are badly hurting the entire commercial aviation industry, the CEOs of two major OEMs are saying.
Safran’s research and technology engineers are studying ways to improve fuel efficiency by 20% for an engine that would enter into service in 2035, says CEO Philippe Petitcolin.
While powerplant suppliers Safran and MTU Aero Engines posted expected drops in aftermarket revenues for the last quarter, executives from each company highlighted several trends that support a cautiously optimistic outlook.
An intermediate engine between the current LEAP turbofan and one that would enter service in 2035 with slashed greenhouse gas emissions is not in the cards, according to Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin.
