Who Owns GE Aerospace?

GE Aerospace traces its origins to 1917 when General Electric established its aviation division to develop aircraft engines for World War I. The division's first major success came with the development of the Liberty aircraft engine, which was produced in large quantities during the war. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, GE Aviation continued to innovate, developing turbosuperchargers that significantly improved aircraft performance at high altitudes.

During World War II, GE Aviation played a crucial role in developing and manufacturing aircraft engines and propulsion systems for military aircraft. The company's expertise in jet engine technology grew significantly during this period, laying the groundwork for post-war commercial aviation developments. In 1942, GE Aviation developed the first American jet engine, the I-A, which marked the company's entry into the jet propulsion age.

The post-war period saw GE Aviation become a leader in commercial jet engine development. The company introduced the J79 turbojet engine in the 1950s, which powered military aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II and B-58 Hustler. In the 1960s, GE Aviation developed the TF39 high-bypass turbofan engine, which powered the C-5 Galaxy military transport aircraft and demonstrated the potential of high-bypass engines for commercial aviation.

The 1970s marked a pivotal moment with the formation of CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture with France's Safran Aircraft Engines. The CFM56 engine became one of the most successful commercial jet engines in history, with more than 30,000 engines delivered. This partnership established GE Aviation as a dominant force in commercial aviation propulsion.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, GE Aviation continued to innovate with engines like the GE90, which powered the Boeing 777 and set new standards for thrust and efficiency. The company expanded its portfolio to include engines for both commercial and military applications, as well as comprehensive aftermarket services.

The 2000s and 2010s saw GE Aviation develop advanced engines like the GEnx for the Boeing 787 and 747-8, and continue its leadership in the CFM LEAP engine program for next-generation single-aisle aircraft. The company also invested heavily in additive manufacturing and digital technologies to improve engine performance and manufacturing efficiency.

On April 2, 2024, GE Aviation became GE Aerospace, an independent publicly traded company following General Electric's three-way breakup. This transition allowed the aerospace business to focus exclusively on aviation propulsion and related technologies, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company's century-long history of innovation in aerospace propulsion.