New York, Feb 12, 2026, 15:08 (EST) — Regular session
- Shares of GE Aerospace gained roughly 0.3% in afternoon trading following a Reuters report on next-generation engine development at CFM
- CFM, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, produces engines used on Boeing and Airbus aircraft
- Investors will keep an eye on Safran’s Feb. 13 results to gauge LEAP production and service demand.
GE Aerospace shares edged up 0.3% to $314.60 in Thursday afternoon trading as investors digested a Reuters report. The story says CFM International, the GE-Safran engine joint venture, is revisiting a backup design for its next-gen fuel-efficient engine. The stock saw a broad range today, from $312.47 to $324.77. CFM’s main bet remains the “open-fan” model, which uses exposed blades instead of a traditional casing and aims to slash fuel consumption and emissions by 20%. But sources tell Reuters the company is also exploring a more conventional “advanced ducted” design as a fallback. 1
This shift is crucial since choices in engine design can secure revenue streams for decades. Landing a spot on upcoming Airbus and Boeing models means years of ongoing parts sales and maintenance once the aircraft enter service.
This comes as airlines seek more than just new planes—they want certainty. Ryanair and CFM announced a 15-year deal Tuesday, where Ryanair will buy parts directly and lock in supplies for two upcoming engine maintenance facilities. The parts are valued at over $1 billion annually, Reuters reported. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary joked about the cost: “Beware the French bearing gifts; this is going to cost me,” he said. 2
The aftermarket covers everything that happens once the sale is done — spare parts, repairs, and ongoing service contracts. That’s usually where the profits lie. It’s also the area where airlines raise the most noise when parts run low or maintenance shops get backed up.
In a Reuters report on CFM’s long-term research, O’Leary pushed for maximum efficiency instead of caution: “I would take the fuel savings all day long. My biggest cost is fuel,” he told Reuters. Leasing giant AerCap has warned engine makers against prioritizing fuel burn improvements if it means sacrificing durability—a key issue in the industry’s debate over open-fan engines. 3
Aircraft manufacturers are divided on the tech front. Airbus has thrown its weight behind open-fan designs, but Boeing remains more reserved. Meanwhile, competitors like Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce are exploring alternative solutions.
Stress signals — and chances — continue to surface in the repair network. Pem-Air, an engine shop based in Florida, recently gained the ability to service CFM’s LEAP engines through a support license deal with CFM, Aviation Week reported Wednesday. 4
GE Aerospace has highlighted its strong service segment to investors. Back in January, it projected adjusted profit per share between $7.10 and $7.40 for 2026, driven by robust demand for high-margin parts and maintenance services as airlines face tight aircraft availability, Reuters reported. CEO Larry Culp described the company’s position entering 2026 as having “solid momentum.” 5
The long-range engine debate is dragging on. Open-fan designs offer a leap in efficiency but bring challenges—noise, durability, and certification hurdles. Delays could push back benefits, even as demand for near-term service remains strong.
Airbus plans to release its full-year results on Feb. 19, with investors eager for clues about the upcoming aircraft cycle and the pace at which manufacturers aim to roll out new propulsion technologies. 6
Investors are gearing up for Safran’s FY 2025 results on Feb. 13. They’ll be watching closely for updates on LEAP engine production, spare-part demand, and any signs that repair delays are starting to clear. 7
