CFM International
Franco-American aircraft-engine manufacturer and joint venture best known for the CFM56 and LEAP turbofan families.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
CFM International is a Franco-American aircraft-engine manufacturer established by General Electric and Snecma, now Safran Aircraft Engines, to develop, produce, market and support the CFM56 family of commercial turbofan engines. The partnership combines GE’s commercial-engine technologies, industrial capabilities and international sales organization with Safran’s propulsion expertise, manufacturing base and European aerospace presence. CFM’s name joins GE’s commercial-fan designation, “CF,” with Snecma’s project name, “M56.” The company was created in 1974 after several years of exploratory cooperation between GE and Snecma. Its immediate objective was to develop a roughly 10-tonne-class civil engine that would provide lower fuel consumption, reduced noise and lower maintenance costs than earlier-generation powerplants. Snecma brought substantial military-engine experience and European industrial resources, but sought a partner with deeper experience in high-pressure turbine technology, advanced compressor stages, high-temperature materials and global commercial marketing. GE was seeking a stronger position in the civil-engine sector, making the proposed partnership strategically attractive to both sides. The resulting CFM56 program faced a difficult commercial start. The engine’s first test run took place in 1974, but aircraft manufacturers were slow to commit to it. A decisive breakthrough came when Boeing explored the CFM56 as a re-engining option for the 707, followed by United Airlines’ 1979 decision to use the engine for DC-8 cargo-aircraft conversions. The CFM56 received simultaneous certification from French and United States aviation authorities in November 1979 and entered commercial service in 1982 on Delta Air Lines’ DC-8 Super 70 aircraft. CFM56 variants subsequently became major powerplants for the Boeing 737 Classic, Airbus A320 family and other commercial and military-derived applications. Its broad installed base, operating reliability and worldwide support network made CFM one of the leading suppliers of engines for single-aisle aircraft. By the 1990s, the family had achieved production milestones measured in thousands of engines and had become a central part of both Airbus and Boeing narrow-body programs. CFM later developed the LEAP, or Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion, family for the next generation of single-aisle aircraft. LEAP incorporates technologies such as advanced composite fan systems, higher-efficiency cores and additive-manufactured components. It powers the Airbus A320neo family, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 through the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B and LEAP-1C variants. The engine entered a new phase of ground and flight testing during the 2010s and became the successor to the CFM56 for many new-aircraft applications. In 2021, the partners announced a renewal and extension of their cooperation through 2050, including engine services. CFM has also pursued the RISE technology program, announced in 2021, to investigate open-fan propulsion and other technologies intended to support substantially lower fuel consumption and emissions for future single-aisle aircraft. The company remains focused on commercial aircraft engines, aftermarket support and the development of propulsion technologies for the next generation of aviation.
History
GE and Snecma began cooperating in 1969 on components for the CF6-50 engine used by the Airbus A300. The relationship created a foundation for a deeper civil-engine partnership. Snecma had been studying a new medium-thrust engine since the 1960s, seeking lower fuel consumption, less noise and reduced operating and maintenance costs. It also recognized that a major civil-engine program would require international cooperation because it had limited experience in some high-pressure turbine and compressor technologies, as well as a smaller global commercial-sales infrastructure. In the early 1970s, Snecma sought a partner for what became the CFM56. GE was selected as the principal partner, and the two companies agreed to share the program equally. Their final joint-venture agreement was signed on 24 January 1974; legal incorporation followed in September of that year under French law. CFM International was assigned responsibility for program management and marketing, while GE and Snecma divided design, development and production work. Final assembly, sales and support were handled through the resources of the two parent companies. The first CFM56 demonstration engine ran at GE’s Evendale facility on 20 June 1974 and soon reached its intended takeoff-thrust class. Testing also began at Snecma’s Villaroche site. Flight testing started in March 1977 using a modified Caravelle flying testbed. Despite the technical progress, the program initially struggled to secure an aircraft application. Boeing’s interest in replacing the engines on 707 aircraft and United Airlines’ 1979 selection of the CFM56 for DC-8 cargo-aircraft conversions provided the commercial opening the program needed. The engine was certified by the French DGAC and the U.S. FAA on 8 November 1979. This joint certification was an important validation for a transatlantic commercial-engine program. The first commercial flight took place in April 1982 on a Delta Air Lines DC-8 Super 70. The CFM56 then expanded into the narrow-body market, including the Boeing 737 Classic and Airbus A320 family. The Airbus application became particularly important, with the CFM56-powered A320 making its maiden flight in 1987. Production and deliveries grew through the 1990s and 2000s, establishing the engine family as one of the most widely used commercial turbofans. During the early 2000s, CFM began developing LEAP as a successor-generation engine. LEAP ground testing began in 2013 at GE’s Peebles facility and continued at Villaroche in 2014. The LEAP-1C became the first family member to enter flight testing, using a modified Boeing 747 test aircraft. The family was selected for the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 programs through distinct engine variants. LEAP’s technologies include advanced fan and core systems, composite components and additive manufacturing intended to improve efficiency and operating economics. The COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced commercial aviation activity and temporarily lowered engine deliveries and fleet utilization. CFM nevertheless continued supporting the installed CFM56 and LEAP fleets while developing future propulsion technologies. In 2021, GE and Safran renewed their partnership through 2050 and expanded its scope to include services. The same year, CFM announced RISE, a technology program aimed at major efficiency improvements through concepts such as open-fan propulsion. CFM International remains an active joint venture serving airlines, lessors and aircraft manufacturers worldwide.
- 2021
Partnership extended through 2050
[1]GE and Safran renew and extend their CFM cooperation through 2050, including services.
- 2013
LEAP begins ground testing
[1]The first LEAP engine starts ground testing at GE’s Peebles, Ohio, facility.
- 1999
10,000th CFM56 delivered
[1]The 10,000th CFM56 is delivered at the Paris Air Show.
- 1991
5,000th CFM56 delivered
[1]CFM delivers its 5,000th CFM56 engine to Airbus Industrie.
- 1987
CFM56-powered A320 makes its maiden flight
[1]An Airbus A320 powered by CFM56-5 engines makes its first flight, expanding the engine family’s role in the single-aisle market.
- 1982
CFM56 enters commercial service
[1]The CFM56 makes its first commercial flight on a Delta Air Lines DC-8 Super 70.
- 1979
CFM56 receives civil certification
[1]The CFM56 is certified by the French DGAC and the U.S. FAA on 8 November, clearing the engine for commercial transport applications.
- 1974
CFM International is established
[1]The partners sign the final joint-venture agreement in January, and CFM International is legally incorporated later in the year to manage and market the CFM56 program.
- 1974
First CFM56 engine test
[1]The CFM56 demonstration engine runs for the first time at GE’s Evendale test facility and reaches its intended thrust class during initial testing.
- 1969
GE and Snecma begin cooperation
[1]GE and Snecma begin working together on components for the CF6-50 engine used on the Airbus A300, establishing the relationship that later supports CFM International.
Products and positioning
A global commercial-aircraft engine supplier positioned around reliability, fuel efficiency, broad airline adoption and worldwide lifecycle support.
Commercial turbofan engine · 1982
CFM56
The CFM56 is CFM International’s first major engine family and became one of the most widely deployed commercial turbofans. It powers multiple generations and variants of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, as well as converted and specialized aircraft. The program was designed around lower fuel consumption, reduced noise and manageable maintenance costs. Its large installed base and extensive global support network made it a foundational product for CFM and a major contributor to the company’s position in the single-aisle aircraft market.
Next-generation commercial turbofan engine
LEAP
LEAP is CFM’s successor-generation turbofan family for modern single-aisle aircraft. It uses a range of efficiency-oriented technologies, including advanced fan and core designs, composite components and additive-manufactured parts. The LEAP-1A powers the Airbus A320neo family, the LEAP-1B powers the Boeing 737 MAX, and the LEAP-1C powers the COMAC C919. The family is intended to deliver improved fuel efficiency and operating economics compared with earlier CFM56 versions.
Aircraft-engine variant
LEAP-1A
The LEAP-1A is the Airbus A320neo-family variant of the LEAP engine. It forms one of CFM’s principal production lines for new-generation narrow-body aircraft and is supported through the GE-Safran industrial and service network.
Aircraft-engine variant
LEAP-1B
The LEAP-1B is the variant developed for the Boeing 737 MAX family. Its configuration reflects the installation requirements of the 737 platform while retaining the LEAP family’s efficiency-focused architecture.
Aircraft-engine variant
LEAP-1C
The LEAP-1C is the variant selected for the COMAC C919. It was the first LEAP version to begin flight testing and extends CFM’s presence into China’s domestically developed commercial-aircraft program.
Future propulsion technology program · 2021
RISE
RISE is CFM International’s advanced technology program for future commercial-aircraft propulsion. Announced in 2021, it investigates concepts including open-fan architecture and other technologies intended to achieve significant efficiency gains over current-generation engines. The program is a technology-development initiative rather than a conventional production engine family.
Brand decisions
2021
Extend the GE-Safran partnership through 2050StrategyBackground
CFM’s long-term engine and service programs required a continued framework for cooperation between GE and Safran.
Action taken
The partners renewed and extended the CFM International arrangement through 2050 and broadened it to include services.
Aftermath
The extension preserved the joint venture as a long-term platform for engine production, support and future propulsion development.
2021
Launch the RISE technology programProduct launchBackground
Aviation’s need to reduce fuel use and emissions created demand for propulsion concepts beyond conventional high-bypass turbofans.
Action taken
CFM announced RISE to study open-fan and related advanced propulsion technologies for possible future aircraft applications.
Aftermath
RISE became CFM’s principal publicly identified future-propulsion research initiative, with potential application to aircraft entering service in the mid-2030s.
2000
Develop the LEAP engine familyProduct launchBackground
The growing market for new-generation single-aisle aircraft created demand for improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.
Action taken
CFM launched the LEAP technology and engine-development program as the successor to the CFM56 family.
Aftermath
LEAP was selected for the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 programs.
1974
Create a 50:50 civil-engine joint ventureStrategyBackground
Snecma needed additional commercial-engine technology and international market access, while GE sought a stronger position in civil aviation.
Action taken
The companies established CFM International to manage, develop and market the CFM56 program, dividing design, development and production responsibilities equally.
Aftermath
The partnership produced the CFM56 and became a long-running platform for cooperation between the two aerospace groups.
Recent events
Safran raises 2021 LEAP engine delivery guidance[2]
Reported:
Safran increased its guidance for 2021 deliveries of CFM International Leap-series engines, citing a stronger recovery than previously forecast and higher demand for spare powerplants.
GA Telesis Engine Services expands CFM International MRO partnership[3]
Reported:
GA Telesis Engine Services announced an agreement with CFM International to provide MRO support for LEAP-1A/-1B engines, expanding their partnership to LEAP engines.
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