Singapore Becomes World's First Airport for Green Jet Tests

The future of cleaner air travel just found its testing home, and it's making aviation history at Singapore's airports.

Singapore has partnered with aircraft giant Airbus and engine maker CFM International to become the world's first airport testing hub for open fan engines, a breakthrough technology that promises to cut fuel use by more than 20%. The deal was signed February 2, 2026, at the Singapore Airshow, bringing together the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, CFM, and Airbus.

Open fan engines look radically different from today's jet engines. They ditch the traditional outer casing, allowing bigger fans that create less drag and burn significantly less fuel.

These engines are part of CFM's RISE program, which stands for Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines. Beyond fuel savings, they're designed to produce less noise and work with future hybrid-electric systems, making them a cornerstone for the next generation of commercial aircraft.

Singapore's Changi Airport or Seletar Airport will host real-world trials where engineers can test everything from ground handling to maintenance procedures. This hands-on approach means airlines and passengers can trust the technology before it enters widespread service.

The partnership will develop a comprehensive readiness framework that airports and airlines worldwide can follow when these engines arrive. Singapore's aviation ecosystem brings together technical expertise, safety protocols, and regulatory know-how that will shape global standards.

"This first-of-its-kind agreement is a huge boon for the CFM RISE development program," said Gaël Méheust, CFM International's President and CEO. Real-world testing will give the flying public confidence in the safety and efficiency of open fan technology.

The Ripple Effect

Singapore's role extends far beyond its own runways. By creating the blueprint for open fan engine operations, the city-state is helping airports everywhere prepare for cleaner aviation technology.

The framework developed here will guide infrastructure modifications, operational procedures, and safety standards globally. Airlines from every continent will benefit from lessons learned at Singapore's airports.

This collaboration proves that sustainability breakthroughs happen when governments, manufacturers, and airports work together toward a common goal.

One airport's willingness to test tomorrow's technology today could help millions of passengers fly with a smaller carbon footprint in the years ahead.