Airbus is moving forward with plans to test a revolutionary "open fan" engine design as part of its efforts to develop a successor to the highly successful A320 family of jets. The new engine configuration is expected to deliver a 20-30% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to current models, contributing significantly to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The open fan design will be tested on a modified A380 aircraft, with flight tests scheduled for the end of this decade.
The open fan engine differs from conventional ducted fan engines by having visible fan blades, which rotate at lower speeds, resulting in a lighter engine. Airbus is working with CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, to develop this innovative technology. The new engine could play a key role in powering future aircraft that rely on sustainable aviation fuels, which are expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over their lifecycle.
Alongside the open fan engine, Airbus is also pursuing the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft, although plans for a hydrogen-powered plane have been delayed to ensure that the technology is commercially viable. While the company remains committed to exploring various technologies to reduce aviation’s environmental impact, Airbus has emphasized the importance of bringing new technologies to maturity before integrating them into future aircraft designs.
