Quantcast

CFM56 engine: key player in aviation history since its debut

Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Aviation sector faces steeper losses in FY26; passenger growth slows amid headwinds: ICRA - The Times of India
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
FAA EMAS: Proven Safety Wins Since 1996
Air Canada flight attendants try to build on US gains on unpaid work
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
Clear intentions, cloudy path: aviation's ongoing ESG challenge
Turkish Airlines is preparing binding offer for Spain's Air Europa, executive says
Air Canada flight attendants approve strike mandate
US criticizes use of AI to personalize airline ticket prices, would investigate
Ethiopian Airlines' annual revenue rises as it draws more passengers, adds routes
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
JetBlue, United partnership gets go-ahead from U.S. Transportation Department
United-JetBlue partnership gets US DOT approval
The aviation industry just got exactly what it wanted from Trump's EU deal
Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Heathrow Chief Defends £50–60 billion Third Runway Amid Rising Costs Debate
New UK airline with cheap US fares is ‘parked’ after just TWO flights – with people fearing it’s been scrapped for good
US carriers shamed in surprising new list of the world’s ‘cleanest’ airlines
Air Force Pilot Wasn't Alerted to Collision Course with Passenger Jet Before Scary Near Miss, Says Official
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
CFM56 engine: key player in aviation history since its debut
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The CFM International CFM56 engine, also known as the F108 in U.S. military variants, is a high-bypass turbofan engine developed by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. The engine has been widely used across several aircraft programs, notably the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

General Electric was responsible for manufacturing the engine's high-pressure systems, while Safran produced the low-pressure turbine and other components. Additional parts were supplied by Avio of Italy and Honeywell from the United States, with final assembly taking place in Ohio and France.

First running in 1974, the CFM56 struggled to secure orders initially but found success when Delta Air Lines and United Airlines selected it for their Douglas DC-8 aircraft. It entered service in 1982 and became a key powerplant for the Boeing 737 Classic series due to its improvements in fuel efficiency and noise reduction. The engine also gained popularity with Airbus A320 operators amid challenges faced by competing engines like the IAE V2500.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Over time, more than 32,000 CFM56 engines have been produced. The engine is noted for its reliability, helping airlines reduce maintenance costs. It powers various aircraft models including Airbus A318 through A321, multiple Boeing 737 variants, E-3 Sentry, E-6 Mercury, KC-135 Stratotanker, and Douglas DC-8.

By 2016, over 30,000 units had been delivered with production continuing until 2020 due to high demand. According to estimates from CFM International, some engines exceed an average of 30,000 hours on wing before requiring overhaul.

Despite winding down production by 2019 for commercial aircraft like Boeing 737NGs and Airbus A320ceos, limited production continues for military applications until its expected conclusion in 2024.

The CFM56's success is attributed to its timing and specifications that matched well with popular aircraft models such as the Boeing 737 Next Generation family and Airbus A320ceo family. Its versatility allowed eight different variants to enter the market over time.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025