GE Aerospace is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) across various stages of aircraft engine development and maintenance, helping improve both design efficiency and service planning. A major part of this work is being carried out at the John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) in Bengaluru, which has been a key contributor to the company’s global research efforts for the past 25 years.
According to Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer for GE Aerospace in India, every GE engine launched or certified since the centre’s establishment in 2000 has had input from the Bengaluru team. The centre currently holds over 1,000 aviation-related patents and has played an active role in the development and certification of engines such as the CFM LEAP, GEnx, and GE9X, which are used in both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.
MrNanda said that AI is now being used throughout the company’s engine programmes — from early design phases to post-delivery maintenance. The Bengaluru centre has also set up a dedicated Aerospace Services Technology Lab (ASTL) to develop AI-driven solutions for engine inspection and servicing. For example, AI models combined with physics-based tools are being used to predict when engines require maintenance, based on operating conditions and usage history. This approach, known as Analytics-Based Maintenance (ABM), helps improve reliability and reduce unplanned downtime for airline customers.
On the design side, AI is being used to explore a broader range of design options, improving performance and fuel efficiency. GE Aerospace is also involved in the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) programme, led by CFM International — a joint venture between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines. The initiative, which includes contributions from the Bengaluru centre, aims to reduce fuel consumption by more than 20% in future engines.
In addition to core engine development, engineers at the Bengaluru facility are working on hybrid electric propulsion technologies and testing alternative fuels, as part of GE’s focus on more sustainable aviation. The company also invests in early-career talent through programmes like the Edison Engineering Development Programme (EEDP) and has recently launched the Next Engineers initiative in India to encourage students to consider careers in engineering.
Reflecting on the centre’s progress over the past two decades, Mr Nanda said the enthusiasm and willingness to experiment shown by the team in India have been key to its success. “We’ve seen strong talent here since the beginning. The team has contributed to every engine GE has delivered since the centre was set up. That speaks to the capabilities we’ve built,” he said.
Looking ahead, GE Aerospace says its focus remains on developing the next generation of aviation technology. “What’s next is inventing the future of flight — more efficient engines, better products for customers, and continued progress in how we design, build, and maintain aircraft engines,” Mr Nanda added.
GE Aerospace is a leading global provider of jet engines and aviation systems, specializing in commercial and military aerospace solutions. With a focus on innovation and advanced engineering, the company delivers high-performance products that enhance flight efficiency and safety. Headquartered in the U.S., GE Aerospace operates worldwide, including significant facilities in India, contributing to the growing aviation market.
