The European Union has initiated a significant investment in sustainable aviation technology, dedicating EUR100 million to the development of an innovative open-fan jet engine. This funding aims to accelerate the transition towards cleaner air travel across Europe by supporting the TAKE OFF project--short for Technology And Knowledge for European Open Fan Flight--which brings together leading industry and academic partners to pioneer next-generation propulsion systems.

The project is spearheaded by Safran Aircraft Engines, a subsidiary of the Safran Group. It forms a consortium of 25 partners, including major aerospace companies such as Airbus, Avio Aero, and GKN Aerospace, along with distinguished universities and research institutes. Backed by the EU's Clean Aviation program, TAKE OFF is designed to demonstrate the viability of open-fan, or 'naked', jet engines on commercial aircraft.

Driving Innovation in Sustainable Flight

The primary goal of this initiative is to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector. By the next decade, the project seeks to achieve a 20% increase in fuel efficiency for new engine generations. The broader ambition is to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% compared to 2020 levels, aligning with the European Green Deal's targets for climate neutrality by 2050.

To reach these objectives, the project will focus on integrating sustainable aviation fuels capable of delivering up to a 90% net reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. There is also a continued drive to explore hydrogen as a potential energy source, aiming for zero-carbon operations in the long term.

Milestones and Industry Collaboration

As part of TAKE OFF, a demonstrator engine will be developed, assembled, and installed on an Airbus A380. The project encompasses the full lifecycle, from engine assembly and integration to in-flight testing and comprehensive post-flight analysis. The first test flight of an Airbus A380 equipped with the open-fan engine is scheduled for 2029, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of commercial aircraft propulsion.

The open-fan concept has been under investigation for several years, including as part of the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace under the CFM International partnership. More than 350 tests have already been conducted as part of this initiative, with over 2,000 engineers involved in refining the open-fan technology. Since 2022, Airbus and CFM International have been actively engaged in flight test programs involving the A380 platform.

Supporting the Transition to Climate-Neutral Aviation

Clean Aviation, the EU's principal research and innovation program for decarbonizing flight, is facilitating this transformation. The program's strategy includes replacing three-quarters of the world's civil aviation fleet with more sustainable alternatives by 2050. The collaboration between industry leaders, academic experts, and research entities under the TAKE OFF project is expected to mitigate industrial risks and accelerate the commercial deployment of open-fan engines, particularly for short- and medium-haul aircraft.

This concerted effort not only advances technical innovation but also reinforces Europe's commitment to environmental stewardship in the aviation sector. By investing in cutting-edge propulsion systems, the EU aims to set a new standard for sustainable air travel, contributing to the global fight against climate change while maintaining the competitiveness of its aerospace industry.