Singapore, 02 February 2026 – The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), CFM International and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Singapore as the world's first airport testing ground for operations of CFM’s next generation Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technologies, with a focus on Open Fan engine architecture. The partnership will study the impact of Open Fan and other RISE programme technologies on airport operations to develop a comprehensive readiness framework that serves as the global blueprint for airframers, airports, and airlines worldwide. The MOU was signed at the 3rd Changi Aviation Summit on 2 February 2026 by Director-General of CAAS, Mr Han Kok Juan, David Dufrenois, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Singapore, signing on behalf of CFM International and Executive Vice-President of Engineering for Commercial Aircraft Business and Head of Technology at Airbus, Mr Rémi Maillard.
CAAS, CFM International and Airbus sign MoU for Future of Flight
RISE Programme
RISE is a technology demonstration programme by CFM to advance next generation commercial aircraft engine technologies, including the innovative Open Fan architecture that removes the traditional casing, allowing for a larger fan size with less drag. The RISE programme prioritises safety, durability, and efficiency, targeting more than 20% better fuel efficiency compared to commercial engines in service today. Beyond propulsive efficiency, Open Fan engine architecture is being developed to reduce emissions, lower noise, and ensure compatibility with future hybrid-electric systems, positioning it as a cornerstone technology for efficient air travel from the next generation of commercial narrow-body aircraft. (....)