Airbus, CAAS, and CFM International Designate Singapore as the World’s First Airport Testbed for RISE Open Fan Engines

Airbus, CAAS, and CFM International Designate Singapore as the World’s First Airport Testbed for RISE Open Fan Engines

(IN BRIEF) Airbus, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and CFM International have signed an MOU to make Singapore the world’s first airport testbed for CFM’s RISE Open Fan engine technologies, aiming to create a global readiness framework for integrating next-generation propulsion into real airport operations. The partnership will examine aircraft design, infrastructure, safety standards, and regulatory procedures, while also planning real-world trials at Changi or Seletar Airport. The RISE programme targets more than 20 percent fuel efficiency gains, lower emissions, reduced noise, and compatibility with future hybrid-electric systems. Senior leaders from CAAS, CFM, and Airbus emphasized that the collaboration leverages Singapore’s advanced aviation ecosystem to accelerate the safe and practical deployment of sustainable propulsion technologies for future commercial aircraft.

(PRESS RELEASE) SINGAPORE, 2-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — AIRBUS has entered into a strategic partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and CFM International through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Singapore as the world’s first airport-based testing environment for CFM’s next-generation Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technologies, with a particular focus on the innovative Open Fan engine architecture. The agreement, signed at the 3rd Changi Aviation Summit on 2 February 2026, sets out a joint commitment to assess how these advanced propulsion concepts can be integrated into real-world airport operations and to develop a globally applicable readiness framework for future aircraft, airports, and airlines.

The MOU was formalized by Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, David Dufrenois, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Singapore signing on behalf of CFM International, and Mr Rémi Maillard, Executive Vice-President of Engineering for Commercial Aircraft Business and Head of Technology at Airbus. The collaboration brings together regulatory, industrial, and technological expertise to bridge the gap between engine innovation and operational deployment at major international airports.

The RISE programme, led by CFM International, is a long-term technology initiative aimed at transforming commercial aircraft propulsion through breakthroughs such as the Open Fan architecture. Unlike conventional turbofan engines, the Open Fan design removes the outer casing and allows for a significantly larger fan diameter, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving overall efficiency. The programme targets more than a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with today’s in-service engines, while also focusing on lower emissions, reduced noise, and compatibility with future hybrid-electric propulsion systems. This positions Open Fan as a key enabler for the next generation of fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft.

Under the terms of the MOU, Airbus, CAAS, and CFM International will jointly develop a comprehensive readiness framework to support the future integration of Open Fan engines into existing airport environments. This work will cover aircraft design considerations, potential infrastructure adaptations, revised operational procedures, safety standards, and regulatory approval processes, ensuring that airports and airlines can prepare effectively for new propulsion technologies.

The partners will also leverage Singapore’s advanced aviation ecosystem as a collaborative platform for sharing technical and operational expertise across airport design, safety management, regulatory frameworks, and day-to-day operations. This exchange of knowledge will inform the development of the readiness framework and help establish globally relevant best practices.

In addition, the agreement includes plans to conduct real-world operational trials of RISE Open Fan engine demonstrators at either Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. These tests will assess practical feasibility, validate the readiness framework, and evaluate how the technology performs in a live airport environment, from ground handling to maintenance and flight operations.

Mr Han Kok Juan highlighted that the partnership reflects Singapore’s strengths as a leading aviation hub with robust regulatory capabilities and world-class infrastructure, making it an ideal location for testing and scaling next-generation aerospace technologies.

Mr Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, described the agreement as a major milestone for the RISE programme, emphasizing that real-world demonstrations at a major international airport will be critical in building confidence among airlines and passengers in the safety, durability, and efficiency of Open Fan engines.

Mr Rémi Maillard of Airbus underlined that the collaboration represents an important step in advancing sustainable aviation technologies toward practical deployment. He noted that Singapore’s cutting-edge aerospace ecosystem provides an ideal environment for validating future propulsion systems against real operational requirements, reinforcing Airbus’s commitment to pioneering cleaner and more efficient air travel.

About Airbus

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. For more information, visit: https://www.airbus.com/en

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore’s success. CAAS’ roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.

About CFM International

A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. For the future of air transport, CFM’s RISE program is accelerating development of new propulsion technologies that will pave the way for the next generation of aircraft. For more information, visit www.cfmaeroengines.com.

Contacts for the media

Aaron Chong
AIRBUS | Asia-Pacific
+65 9387 3886
aaron.chong@airbus.com

Amelia Wong
CAAS | Corporate Communications
+65 96126255
amelia_wong@caas.gov.sg

Chelsey Levingston
CFM International | RISE program media relations
+513-720-6458
chelsey.levingston@geaerospace.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS