The CEO of Airbus expresses optimism regarding new engine technology, yet acknowledges that the final verdict is still pending.

Airbus’ Chief Executive Officer, Guillaume Faury, expressed cautious optimism regarding the viability of the novel open-rotor technology being tested by CFM International.

While acknowledging its potential for efficiency gains and emission reductions, Faury emphasized the need for further evaluation to determine its commercial feasibility.

During a press briefing at the Global Aerospace Summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Faury also addressed the ongoing delays in deliveries of the current generation of LEAP engines produced by CFM International.

He conveyed the company's concern over these delays and indicated that CFM had not provided an immediate response to inquiries on the matter.

In July, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer issued a profit warning and revised its target for aircraft deliveries downward by 30 units to 770 aircraft, citing supply chain disruptions affecting components such as engines and cabin interiors, particularly delays related to LEAP engines.

CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran of France, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest jet engine manufacturer in terms of sales volume. Notably, its LEAP engines power the entire fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and approximately half of the competing A320neo aircraft produced by Airbus, where they engage in direct competition with Pratt & Whitney for airline contracts.

GE Aerospace’s Chief Executive Officer, Larry Culp, emphasized the company’s proactive collaboration with its top 15 suppliers, as these entities are experiencing the majority of the supply shortages.

“We’ve made tremendous progress over the last six months going into these facilities, helping them identify and break constraints,” he told the conference.

CFM International, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, is currently evaluating a range of innovative technologies that have the potential to revolutionize aircraft engine design.

The company’s RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) demonstrator program is exploring the feasibility of an open rotor engine concept that features a larger and more prominent main fan. This design aims to increase airflow and achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption, potentially reaching up to 20%.

However, industry sources have indicated that Boeing, a key partner of CFM, holds a more cautious stance regarding the immediate viability of certain aspects of the RISE demonstrator technologies. Recent reports from Aviation Week suggest that Boeing is leaning towards a more conventional engine configuration for the near future.

“We’re still in the process of testing the open-rotor and validating noise, vibration, performance … We have not come to the conclusion that the open-rotor will make it. We hope it’s going to be the case, because it has the potential to be by far more fuel-efficient,” Faury said.

During his address at the conference, Faury reiterated Airbus’s intention to initiate the development of a novel jet by the end of the current decade.

Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce of Britain are actively engaged in the design and development of innovative engines incorporating geared technology, employing either traditional engine housings or nacelles. This divergence presents the potential for Airbus to collaborate with a single supplier, deviating from the current practice of engaging with two suppliers.

Faury expressed his aspiration for additional engine manufacturers to join CFM in exploring open-rotor designs, thereby fostering increased competition within the industry.

While not explicitly dismissing the possibility, Faury did not unequivocally endorse the notion of partnering with a single supplier.

“We will need from (CFM) a contract, an offer that works on the long term. If this is the case, we will be happy to go with them. If it’s not the case, we might be back to more traditional technologies, where two manufacturers compete with each other. I would say the jury’s out on how this is going to play out.”

The upcoming decisions regarding engine architecture will have a profound and lasting impact on the air transport industry for the foreseeable future. As Airbus and Boeing embark on the task of modernizing their best-selling medium-haul aircraft, the emergence of China as a formidable competitor in the jet market poses a significant challenge to the existing duopoly.