Singapore to establish world’s first airport testbed for next generation propulsion technologies

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, CFM International and Airbus signed a MOU to establish Singapore as the world's first airport testing ground for operations of CFM’s next generation Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines 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. 

RISE is a technology demonstration programme by CFM to advance next generation commercial aircraft engine technologies, including the innovative Open Fan architecture that removes the traditional casing, allowing for a larger fan size with less drag. The RISE programme prioritises safety, durability, and efficiency, targeting more than 20% better fuel efficiency compared to commercial engines in service today. Beyond propulsive efficiency, 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.

Under the MOU, the parties will:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Plan to conduct operational trials of the RISE programme’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.

Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, commented: “CFM International’s and Airbus’s partnership with CAAS to establish in Singapore the world’s first airport testbed for next generation propulsion technologies is testament to Singapore’s offering as an integrated air hub with strong regulatory expertise where companies can testbed technologies and develop real-world protocols for deployment at scale globally.” 

Gaël Méheust, President & Chief Executive Officer of CFM International, stated: “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.”

Remi Maillard, Executive Vice-President Engineering for the Commercial Aircraft business and Head of Technology Airbus, said: “We are excited to be partnering with CAAS and CFM to take new propulsion system technologies to the next level of maturity by testing them against future operational requirements. And what better place to do it than in Singapore where we can rely on a state-of-the-art aerospace ecosystem. Airbus is committed to pioneering sustainable aerospace, and this partnership is a testament to that.”