The Safran/GE Aerospace CFM International joint venture takes center stage at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aerospace Summit
Safran and GE Aerospace were among the companies invited to speak during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, D.C. in September. With the theme: “Shaping the Future,” the summit brought together government leaders and industry experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments, trends, challenges and opportunities in both aviation and space.
During a discussion panel led by auto and airline industry reporter Phil Lebeau, a joint appearance of Safran CEO Olivier Andriès, and GE Aerospace Chairman & CEO Larry Culp highlighted the 50th anniversary of the two companies’ CFM International jet engine joint venture.
This was an opportunity to retrace the history of CFM International, which has become a leader through its focus on customers and technology. To date, CFM International has delivered more than 42,000 CFM56 and LEAP jet engines to 600+ operators worldwide, with these powerplants amassing more than 1.3 billion flight hours.
Sustainability was another focus of the Aerospace Summit panel, with an emphasis of the progress made over the years – which has led to the CFM International RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) technology demonstration program. Launched in 2021, RISE reflects the deep commitment that GE and Safran share for achieving ambitious goals for a sustainable future, with the target of accelerating the development of uncompromising new propulsion technologies to pave the way for the next generation of aircraft.
Attendees of the summit were able to see a scale model of the RISE open fan, which was on display in the innovation area. The RISE program’s ambitions include reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent when compared to the most efficient commercial aircraft engines in service such as the LEAP.
The two company leaders also used their presence at the Aerospace Summit to address ways in which the CFM International joint venture is addressing supply chain constraints and other challenges.
Another major highlight of the event was a display in Woodrow Plaza, allowing passersby to get a close-up look at the LEAP engine. The LEAP engine, which powers the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 MAX families, delivers 15-20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a significant improvement in noise when compared to previous generation engines.
- Maps are available under the Open Database Licence.
- © OpenStreetMap contributors.
- © Safran