The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), CFM International and Airbus will team up to test the next generation of commercial aircraft engines, including open fan engine technology.
On February 2, 2026, the eve of the Singapore Airshow, CAAS, CFM and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore advanced propulsion technologies.
The group will establish Singapore as the world’s first airport testing ground for operations of CFM’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technologies, with a focus on open fan engine architecture.
“The partnership will study the impact of Open Fan and other RISE programme technologies on airport operations to develop a comprehensive readiness framework that serves as the global blueprint for airframers, airports, and airlines worldwide,” said a spokesperson for the project.
The MOU was signed at the 3rd Changi Aviation Summit by David Dufrenois, CEO of Safran Singapore, on behalf of CFM and Head of Technology at Airbus, Rémi Maillard, along with Director-General of CAAS, Han Kok Juan.
Open fan engine development is seen as a leading technology in aviation’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. Open fan architecture removes the traditional engine casing, allowing for a larger fan size with less drag.
The RISE program is targeting more than 20% better fuel efficiency compared to commercial engines in service today.
“Open Fan engine architecture is being developed to reduce emissions, lower noise, and ensure compatibility with future hybrid-electric systems, positioning it as a cornerstone technology for efficient air travel from the next generation of commercial narrow-body aircraft,” said the group spokesperson.
Under the MOU, the parties will:
- Co-develop a comprehensive readiness framework to integrate Open Fan engines for the next generations of aircraft, into existing airport operations, including aircraft system and design considerations, infrastructure modifications if any, operational procedure changes, safety standards, and regulatory procedures.
- Leverage Singapore’s aviation ecosystem to exchange technical and operational expertise across areas, including airport design, safety protocols, regulatory frameworks, and operational procedures to inform the readiness framework development.
- Plan to conduct operational trials of the RISE program’s Open Fan engine demonstrators at Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport to test and validate the readiness framework and assess operational feasibility of this new technology.
“This first-of-its-kind agreement is a huge boon for the CFM RISE development program. These technologies are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in fuel efficiency (and emissions) in a highly robust future product that can support demanding operations. 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,” said Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International.
