CFM Open Fan Engine to Test in Singapore; SAFCo Launches Corporate Procurement Trial
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
CAAS, Airbus, and CFM will make Singapore the world's first airport testbed for the Open Fan engine, while SAFCo launched a key corporate SAF procurement trial.
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus, CFM International, and CAAS partnered to make Singapore the world's first airport testbed for the Open Fan engine, targeting a 20% fuel efficiency gain.
- •The Open Fan trials at Changi or Seletar airports will co-develop a 'readiness framework' for the engine's global integration into airport operations.
- •SAFCo launched a voluntary SAF procurement trial with nine corporate partners, including Singapore Airlines and Google, to test the national SAF purchasing system.
- •The SAFCo trial precedes Singapore's world-first SAF levy, which begins in October 2026 with a 1% SAF uplift target for all departing flights.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has solidified its role as a global aviation innovation hub. This was confirmed by two major announcements made during the recent Changi Aviation Summit and Singapore Airshow. These initiatives focus on both next-generation aircraft propulsion and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) procurement.
Singapore Becomes Open Fan Testing Ground
Airbus, CFM International, and the CAAS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement establishes Singapore as the world's first airport testing ground for CFM’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technologies. The primary focus is the CFM RISE Open Fan engine architecture.
The Open Fan design is a radical shift in next-generation aircraft propulsion. It removes the traditional engine casing, or nacelle, to use a much larger fan. This design aims to significantly improve propulsive efficiency. CFM International, a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran, targets a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. This is compared to today's most efficient commercial engines.
Developing the Global Readiness Framework
The trials will be conducted at Singapore's Changi or Seletar airports. The goal is to study how the Open Fan engine impacts airport operations. This includes practical considerations like noise characteristics and ground safety. It also covers aircraft parking clearances and maintenance procedures.
The Airbus CFM CAAS partnership will co-develop a "readiness framework." This framework is essential for integrating the Open Fan into existing global airport operations. The work done in Singapore could serve as a global blueprint for airlines, airports, and regulators. The Open Fan is being developed to power future single-aisle aircraft. These jets are expected to enter service in the mid-2030s.
SAFCo Launches Corporate Procurement Trial
In a separate but related aviation decarbonization effort, the Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company Ltd. (SAFCo) launched a SAF procurement system trial. SAFCo is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CAAS. It was created to centrally procure SAF for the Singapore air hub.
This voluntary trial involves SAFCo and nine corporate partners. The partners include Singapore Airlines and its low-cost unit Scoot. Other major corporate partners are Changi Airport Group, DBS Bank, Google, OCBC, Temasek, Boston Consulting Group, and GenZero.
Testing the National SAF System
The SAFCo voluntary procurement trial is a crucial first step. It is designed to test the complete operational, commercial, and accounting processes. This is needed for a national-level SAF procurement and environmental attributes (EAs) allocation system.
This effort supports Singapore's national SAF policy. Singapore plans to impose a Singapore SAF levy on all departing flights. This world-first levy is set to begin on October 1, 2026. The initial target is a 1% SAF uplift for departing flights.
- The trial allows corporate partners to access SAF and associated EAs.
- It leverages aggregated demand for greater procurement certainty.
- This helps build confidence and capability in Singapore's SAF ecosystem.
By aggregating regulated and voluntary SAF demand, the goal is to grow a robust and efficient SAF ecosystem. This will help achieve a more resilient and affordable fuel supply for the aviation sector. The strong commercial interest highlights the industry's commitment to sustainability goals.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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