From pioneering aviation technologies to forming deep-rooted partnerships across Europe, GE Aerospace’s history is marked by key milestones:

1942: Development of the Bell XP-59A Airacomet – the first practical jet engine in the U.S. and a breakthrough technology shaping European aviation.

1967: Launch of the CF6-6 engine, later adopted by Airbus for the A300, Europe’s first twin-engine widebody aircraft.

1974: Formation of CFM International with Safran Aircraft Engines in France, creating the world-renowned CFM56 engine family.

1980: The launch of the Boeing 737, powered by the CFM56 engine, reinforces its leadership in European aviation and strengthens its role in commercial and military sectors.

1988: First delivery of a CFM56-powered Airbus A320 aircraft family, underscoring growing partnerships with European aerospace manufacturers.

1997: Launch of advanced component manufacturing operations in Munich, supporting local talent and innovation.

1998: In Poland, GE Engine Services and LOT Polish Airlines unite to service CFM56-3 engines, pioneers of fuel efficiency and low emissions, driving progress towards a more sustainable future for aviation.

2000: Launch of the Engineering Design Center (EDC) in Warsaw, quickly evolving into a hub of innovation employing +1,300 experts to develop cutting-edge aviation, energy, and oil & gas technologies. Launch of the Türkiye Technology Centre (TTC), a key hub for the development of engines such as the GEnx, CFM LEAP, GE9X, and Catalyst, currently advancing aeroderivative technologies for marine and power applications.

2004: GE opens the Advanced Aviation Technology Center of Excellence (AAT) in Munich, Germany, dedicated to studying and developing cutting-edge commercial engine technologies aimed for entry into service between 2030 and 2035.

2007: Acquisition of Smith Aerospace in the UK, a supplier of integrated systems for aircraft manufacturers and components for engine builders.

2008: Acquisition of Walter Engines in the Czech Republic, enhancing small turbine engine capabilities.

2013: GE acquires the aviation business of Avio S.p.A., an Italy-based provider of civil and military aviation components and systems. Avio's aviation business has been renamed Avio Aero, retaining headquarters in Turin, Italy.

2016: Entry into service of the CFM LEAP-1A engine, developed with Safran, offering industry-leading fuel efficiency and emissions reductions.

2020: GE Aerospace is established as a distinct entity following a spin-off from General Electric (GE).

2021: GE Aerospace partners with European collaborators, launching the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Program to develop disruptive technologies like Open Fan engines, hybrid-electric systems, and advanced materials, for the achievement of carbon-neutral aviation by 2050.

2023: The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) selects GE Aerospace and Avio Aero to conduct the first propulsion study for NSPA’s next-generation helicopter requirements, cementing its leading role in military aviation.

2024: GE Aerospace is launched as an independent company.

GE Aerospace Foundation launches Next Engineers in Warsaw, its first new location to accelerate diversity and inspire 4,000 students over 4 years to pursue engineering careers through hands-on experience and scholarships.

As we look ahead, we continue to invent the future of flight and redefine aerospace’s possibilities, grounded in the history that has shaped us.