GE Aerospace expects to deliver more CFM International Leap turbofans this year than previously predicted and has raised its 2025 financial guidance to reflect a healthier supply chain and roaring demand for aftermarket services.
The Ohio engine maker now anticipates 2025 Leap deliveries will increase more than 20% year on year, changed from a previously expected 15-20% rise, GE chief executive Larry Culp said on 21 October during the company’s third-quarter earnings call.
CFM – a joint venture between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines – handed over 1,407 Leap turbofans last year, meaning a 20% rise this year would equate to 1,688 deliveries.
The Leap-1B is the sole powerplant available on the Boeing 737 Max, while the -1A is an option on Airbus A320neo-family jets where it competes against the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.
CFM made significant progress toward the full-year goal by handing over 511 Leaps during the third quarter, 40% more than in the same period of 2024. In the first nine months of this year, it shipped 1,240 Leaps, a 21% year-on-year increase.
“This quarter clearly marked another step forward,” says Culp. “We are well positioned to ramp further as we go into 2026.”
GE turned a $2.2 billion third-quarter profit, up 17% year on year, with revenue surging 24% year on year to $12.2 billion.
The company’s commercial engines and services business exceeded some analysts’ expectations, generating $8.9 billion in revenue, a 27% year-on-year jump, and a $2.4 billion operating profit, up 35% from the same period last year.
“Given the strong year-to-date performance and the trajectory leading into the third quarter, we are raising our guidance across the board,” says chief financial officer Rahul Ghai.
The company now anticipates its 2025 adjusted revenue will increase year on year in the “high-teens” percentage range, up from a previously estimated “mid-teens” gain. GE expects to turn a $8.65-8.85 billion 2025 operating profit, up from a previous $8.2-8.5 billion estimate.
Executives specifically call attention to the health and ongoing growth of GE’s commercial aviation services business. That division’s revenue jumped 28% year on year, with revenue from spare parts sales up 25%.
“Improved material availability is driving higher volume,” says Ghai. “The demand environment continues to be strong.”
