CFM International has announced the shipment of the first production LEAP-1A engines equipped with its innovative reverse bleed system to Airbus to be retrofitted into the existing fleet by airlines and overhaul shops.
CFM International, a renowned leader in commercial aircraft engines, has announced the shipment of the first production LEAP-1A engines equipped with its innovative reverse bleed system (RBS) to Airbus. This milestone paves the way for the entry of these engines into commercial service by mid-year. Additionally, the new RBS configuration hardware will be retrofitted into the existing fleet by airlines and overhaul shops. CFM also plans to introduce the RBS on the LEAP-1B engine.
The LEAP-1A engine with the new RBS system, aimed at mitigating carbon build-up on fuel nozzles, received certification from the FAA and EASA in 2023. This achievement is expected to significantly reduce the need for on-wing fuel nozzle replacement and associated maintenance, thereby alleviating operational burdens. CFM anticipates that fuel nozzle replacement will primarily occur during performance restoration shop visits once the RBS is fully deployed throughout the fleet. The installation of the hardware, which can be completed on wing in as little as ten hours, is slated for availability in the second quarter of this year.
“CFM has always invested in product improvements designed to meet customer expectations for our engines. The reverse bleed system is the latest example of that commitment. The reverse bleed system is the latest example of that commitment,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “It is a testament to the ingenuity of our technical and customer teams, who designed a solution that seamlessly integrates with existing aircraft systems. This RBS is part of a broader plan to improve engine durability, that will see additional upgrades introduced throughout the year.“ said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO, CFM International.
Installation training for the RBS is being offered at four CFM facilities worldwide, including the GE Customer Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Springdale, Ohio, the Safran Aircraft Engines Customer Training Center (CTC) in Montereau, France, the Aero Engine Maintenance Training Center (AEMTC) in Guanghan, China, and CFM Aircraft Engine Support South Asia (CFMAESSA) in Hyderabad, India.
The CFM LEAP engine family, known for its advanced features, offers a remarkable 15 to 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with significant noise reduction compared to previous-generation engines. Since its service debut in 2016, the LEAP engine has contributed to a reduction of over 32 million tons of CO2 emissions. CFM International takes pride in the success of the LEAP engine family, which has seen the fastest ramp-up of engine flight hours in the industry, surpassing 50 million hours and 20 million cycles in just over seven years.
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CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, has played a pivotal role in shaping commercial aviation since its establishment in 1974. Today, CFM remains a global leader in commercial aircraft engines, setting industry standards for efficiency, reliability, durability, and cost optimization. The company’s LEAP family of engines and support for LEAP and CFM56 fleets continue to serve operators worldwide, reaffirming CFM International’s position as a trusted partner in the aviation industry.
