As the aviation industry prepares to descend on Le Bourget for the 55th Paris Air Show, all eyes won’t just be on new aircraft—engine makers are taking center stage in 2025. With no major airframe launches expected, propulsion technology will drive much of the narrative, particularly as the industry grapples with supply chain constraints, the need to increase environmental sustainability, and uncertainty over when more fuel-efficient engines will enter service.
For industry analysts covering the gas turbine engine segment—including turbofans, turboprops, turboshafts, and turbojets—there’s no shortage of storylines to watch.
The Open-Fan Revolution: CFM RISE
Perhaps the most anticipated engine storyline at this year’s show is the continued development of CFM International’s RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines). This open-fan demonstrator, co-developed by GE Aerospace and Safran, promises a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to current-generation LEAP engines.
RISE isn’t a single engine model in development; rather, it is a collection of technologies that CFM is testing as it moves towards developing a new engine. While any RISE-derived engine won’t enter service until the mid-2030s, it’s already shaping strategy at the top levels. Airbus and Boeing are reportedly holding off on launching next-gen narrowbodies until technologies like open-fan propulsion reach commercial viability. At Paris, expect CFM to showcase test progress, new SAF compatibility data, and updated flight test timelines (currently targeting 2026).
Turbofan Market: Incremental Gains and Aftermarket Expansion
While open-fan technologies steal headlines, today’s workhorse turbofans—particularly the LEAP and GTF families—continue to evolve. Expect announcements of incremental upgrades to thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and digital engine health monitoring. These improvements serve to extend the economic life of narrowbody fleets amid delivery backlogs and OEM hesitation on new programs.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) is also a major storyline. Safran recently committed €1 billion to expanding LEAP MRO capacity, including six new facilities by 2028, in response to an expected 5,000 shop visits annually. Similarly, MTU Aero Engines is eyeing aftermarket growth in 2025 after weathering a costly recall of 3,000 GTF turbine discs in 2024. Expect MRO capacity, resilience, and digitization to feature prominently in press briefings and tech demonstrations.
Green Engines: SAF, Hydrogen, and Environmental Compliance
The propulsion sector is at the heart of aviation’s decarbonization efforts. At the Paris Air Lab and across OEM pavilions, sustainability will be a central focus.
GE, Safran, and Pratt & Whitney are likely to update their hydrogen compatibility roadmaps. P&W’s HySIITE program—a geared turbofan concept designed for hydrogen combustion with steam injection—aims to reduce NOₓ and achieve near-zero carbon emissions. Look for announcements on test schedules or partnerships.
However, development of hydrogen-powered aircraft suffered a setback earlier this year when Airbus delayed its hydrogen aircraft program (ZEROe) by at least 5-10 years. The manufacturer believes technology development and creating the airport infrastructure needed to support hydrogen engines will take longer than expected. Airbus once hoped to introduce a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. Now the company expects the technology to be ready by the early 2040s at the earliest.
Additionally, SAF compatibility will be a theme not just for long-term engines like RISE, but for current platforms as regulators push toward mandates. New data on 100% SAF test flights and operational integration may be released at the show.
Noise reduction, a key hurdle for higher bypass engines, will also come into focus. Advances in acoustic liners and nacelle design for ultra-high bypass engines could appear in R&D updates or flight test disclosures.
Turboprops: Regional Aviation’s Workhorse Goes Green
Turboprops continue to hold a crucial niche in the global aviation landscape, particularly for short-haul and regional routes where jet aircraft are less efficient. At a time when sustainability and operating costs are top priorities, turboprops are experiencing a quiet resurgence—especially in markets emphasizing environmental performance and regional connectivity.
The ATR 72-600, jointly produced by Airbus and Leonardo, will be in the spotlight at Paris this year. ATR claims the aircraft emits up to 45% less CO₂ per trip compared to regional jets, and it’s poised to play a larger role as airlines seek to meet short-term emissions targets without waiting for all-new aircraft or engine platforms. ATR is also advancing its ECO-Design initiative, and is working with Pratt & Whitney Canada to increase the blend ratios of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its PW127XT engine.
Pratt & Whitney Canada is expected to discuss its hybrid-electric propulsion roadmap, including the regional hybrid-electric demonstrator project with De Havilland Canada and Collins Aerospace. The effort targets a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with a first flight possible by 2026. While the engine itself is a modified turboprop, the real story is in how hybridization could extend the utility of these platforms in future low-emissions fleets.
Elsewhere, GE Aerospace’s Catalyst engine—the first clean-sheet turboprop design in decades—may see marketing pushes tied to new regional aircraft or unmanned aerial systems. Certified in 2023, the Catalyst features 3D-printed components, FADEC control, and a 16:1 overall pressure ratio, offering improved efficiency and maintainability. While it has seen limited adoption to date (notably in Textron’s Beechcraft Denali), GE is expected to promote it more aggressively in civil and special-mission markets.
Overall, turboprops are no longer just legacy platforms for slow growth regions. With SAF-readiness, hybrid-electric demonstrators, and increasing interest from emerging markets and government programs, the segment is drawing fresh investment—and will be one of the more active corners of the engine market at Le Bourget.
Turboshafts and UAV Engines: Growing Market Niches
The turboshaft segment is expected to see stability through at least 2029, with the market driven by military fleet modernization and commercial rotorcraft demand. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) segment is not yet providing much demand for turboshafts; the massive demand for vertical flight UAVs centers on small, lightweight electric models.
Keep an eye on Baykar, the Turkish drone manufacturer, which is investing over $300 million to develop indigenous turboprop and turbofan engines for its drone platforms. Paris may see the debut of prototypes or development partnerships.
Supersonic & Specialized Segments
While turbojets remain a niche for defense and high-speed applications, there’s renewed attention around Boom Supersonic’s Symphony engine, developed in partnership with Florida Turbine Technologies. Boom is expected to showcase production-ready hardware or supply chain agreements for the Mach 1.7-capable engine, which will run exclusively on SAF. While far from commercial service, it signals how innovation continues across the propulsion spectrum.
Market Outlook: Resilience Over Disruption
With no new commercial airframes expected to launch, engine OEMs will be using Paris 2025 to signal readiness—not just to innovate, but to deliver reliably in a supply-constrained environment. Across all segments, from narrowbody turbofans to regional turboprops and turboshafts, the ability to support increased production and aftermarket demand is critical.
Geopolitical dynamics may also surface in engine deal-making, particularly with U.S.-China trade tensions and growing local content mandates in markets like India and Turkey.
Final Thoughts
At Paris 2025, engines aren’t just one part of the aircraft—they are the main event. The propulsion sector is now where the biggest questions in aviation—on climate, performance, and economics—are being answered. For engine makers, the show is a chance to show off new developments in a segment of the aerospace market that is often overshadowed by the aircraft they power.
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