The Most Popular Jet Engine, Ranked

Choose the jet engine you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 6, 2024 07:15
In a world dominated by fast-paced travel, the efficiency and reliability of a jet engine can make or break the aviation experience. Pilots and passengers alike depend on the peak performance of these engines to ensure safe and timely flights. By ranking the most popular jet engines, we highlight those that stand out in terms of performance, innovation, and user satisfaction. This ranking is dynamic, shaped by the votes and opinions of seasoned experts and everyday air travel enthusiasts. Each vote helps others make informed decisions about which engines are leading in the aerospace industry today. Your participation will not only reflect current trends but also influence future advancements in jet engine technology.

What Is the Most Popular Jet Engine?

  1. 1
    50
    votes
    CFM International CFM56
    David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0

    CFM International CFM56

    CFM International
    This engine powers many popular aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. It is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
    The CFM International CFM56 is a highly popular jet engine that powers various commercial aircraft. It is a product of CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric (GE) Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines. The CFM56 has been in service since the late 1970s and has gained a reputation for its reliability, efficiency, and performance.
    • Engine type: High-bypass turbofan
    • Thrust range: 18,500-34,000 pounds
    • Bypass ratio: 5.9:1 to 6.9:1
    • Overall pressure ratio: 32:1 to 37:1
    • Fan diameter: 61-80 inches
    CFM International CFM56 in other rankings
  2. 2
    46
    votes
    General Electric GE90
    David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0

    General Electric GE90

    General Electric
    This engine is the largest and most powerful in the world, powering the Boeing 777. It is known for its high thrust and fuel efficiency.
    The General Electric GE90 is a high-bypass turbofan aircraft engine that is widely considered one of the most popular and successful engines in the aviation industry. It is utilized primarily on wide-body airliners and has a proven track record of reliability and performance.
    • Thrust: Between 76,500 and 115,540 lbf
    • Bypass ratio: 5.5:1
    • Thrust-to-weight ratio: 5.77:1
    • Fan diameter: 128 inches
    • Compressor: Twin-spool, axial flow, 14-stage high-pressure compressor
    General Electric GE90 in other rankings
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Rolls-Royce Trent 1000
    Mdlustig18 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This engine powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.
    The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 is a cutting-edge turbofan jet engine designed for wide-body aircraft. It is a member of the Trent engine family, manufactured by Rolls-Royce, a renowned British aerospace company.
    • Thrust: 64,000 to 78,000 pounds
    • Bypass Ratio: 10:1
    • Fan Diameter: 112 inches
    • Dry Weight: 7,432 to 8,860 pounds
    • Overall Pressure Ratio: 50:1
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Pratt & Whitney PW4000

    Pratt & Whitney
    This engine powers the Boeing 747 and is known for its reliability and efficiency.
    The Pratt & Whitney PW4000 is a high-thrust aircraft engine designed for large commercial aircraft. It is a popular choice among airlines for its reliability and performance.
    • Thrust: 52,000 - 98,000 lbf
    • Bypass Ratio: 5:1 - 6:1
    • Fan Diameter: 87 - 94 inches
    • Length: 170 - 213 inches
    • Dry Weight: 8,400 - 10,000 lbs
    Pratt & Whitney PW4000 in other rankings
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    International Aero Engines V2500
    Alan Radecki · CC BY 2.5
    This engine powers the Airbus A320 and is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
    The International Aero Engines V2500 is a high-bypass, two-shaft turbofan aircraft engine that is widely recognized as one of the most popular jet engines in the world. It is designed for use in narrow-body commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family and provides excellent performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
    • Thrust: 22,000 to 33,000 lbf
    • Bypass ratio: 4.2 to 5.8
    • Maximum diameter: 70.7 in
    • Length: 137.4 in
    • Dry weight: 5,970 to 6,520 lb
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Pratt & Whitney PW1000G
    Bin im Garten · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This engine powers the Airbus A320neo and is known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.
  7. 7
    1
    votes
    General Electric GEnx
    Georges Seguin (Okki) · CC BY-SA 3.0

    General Electric GEnx

    General Electric
    This engine powers the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.
    The General Electric GEnx is a modern and efficient high-bypass turbofan jet engine that is widely used in the aviation industry. It is designed to power a variety of commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Boeing 747-8. The GEnx offers excellent fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced durability, making it a popular choice for airlines worldwide.
    • Thrust: 53,000 to 78,000 pounds
    • Fan Diameter: 111 inches
    • Length: 126 inches
    • Weight: 6,280 to 7,880 pounds
    • Bypass Ratio: 9.5 to 11.5
  8. 8
    8
    votes

    Rolls-Royce Trent XWB

    Rolls-Royce
    This engine powers the Airbus A350 and is known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.
    The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB is an advanced jet engine designed for large commercial aircraft. It is a member of the Trent engine family, developed by Rolls-Royce, which is renowned for its high-performance and fuel efficiency. The Trent XWB is specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB series, delivering exceptional performance and reliability.
    • Thrust: up to 97,000 lbf
    • Fan diameter: 118 inches
    • Length: 216 inches
    • Weight: 12,890 lb
    • Bypass ratio: up to 10:1
    Rolls-Royce Trent XWB in other rankings
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Pratt & Whitney JT8D
    KPWM Spotter at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Pratt & Whitney JT8D

    Pratt & Whitney
    This engine powered the Boeing 727 and 737 and is known for its reliability and durability.
    The Pratt & Whitney JT8D is a widely recognized and highly successful turbofan jet engine. It has been utilized for several commercial aircraft models and is known for its reliability and efficiency.
    • Type: Dual-spool, axial flow turbofan
    • Thrust: 14,000 to 17,400 lbf (62 to 77 kN)
    • Bypass ratio: 1.74 to 1.85
    • Length: 136 in (3.45 m)
    • Diameter: 49.0 in (1.24 m)
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    General Electric CF34

    General Electric (GE)
    This engine powers many regional jets such as the Embraer E-Jet and is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
    The General Electric CF34 is a high-bypass turbofan jet engine that is widely used in regional jet applications. It was designed and developed by General Electric (GE), an American multinational conglomerate. The CF34 is known for its reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency, making it one of the most popular jet engines in the industry.
    • Thrust: 13,360 to 20,000 lbf
    • Bypass ratio: 5.1 to 6.6
    • Compressor: Single-stage fan, 4-stage LPC, 6-stage HPC
    • Turbine: 2-stage HPT, 4-stage LPT
    • Length: 110 to 134 inches

Missing your favorite jet engine?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular jet engine

  1. Market Demand and Popularity
    The number of units sold, airlines and aircraft manufacturers using the engine model, and the longevity of the engine in the market are important factors in determining its popularity.
  2. Reliability and Performance
    The operational efficiency, durability, and overall performance of the jet engine are crucial factors. Engines with lower failure rates, longer service life, and better fuel efficiency are more popular.
  3. Environmental Impact
    Engines that produce lower noise levels and emissions, and meet environmental regulations are better options for airlines and manufacturers.
  4. Cost Efficiency
    A popular jet engine should have a competitive price, low operating costs, and cost-effective maintenance requirements.
  5. Technological Advancements
    Engines that incorporate the latest advancements in engineering and design are likely to be more popular due to their improved performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits.
  6. Compatibility and Adaptability
    A popular jet engine should be compatible with various aircraft models and adaptable to retrofit older aircraft types.
  7. Service and Support
    The availability of spare parts, global maintenance facilities, and strong support from the engine manufacturer play a role in ranking a jet engine's popularity.
  8. Safety Record
    A jet engine that has a strong safety record will be more appealing to airlines and manufacturers.
  9. Ease of Maintenance
    Engines that require less maintenance and have easily accessible components are more popular due to their lower operational costs and downtime.
  10. Manufacturer Reputation
    The reputation and track record of the jet engine's manufacturer may also influence its popularity. Companies with a proven history of producing reliable, high-quality engines are likely to have more popular models.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular jet engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2041 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular jet engine

Jet engines have revolutionized modern air travel, making it faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before. But with so many different types of jet engines available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. One way to measure popularity is by looking at the number of engines in use. According to recent data, the CFM56 engine, produced by CFM International, is the most popular jet engine in the world, with over 30,000 units in service. Developed in the 1970s, this engine is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. Other popular jet engines include the Pratt & Whitney PW4000, the General Electric GE90, and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. Each of these engines has its own unique features and advantages, making them popular choices for different types of aircraft and airlines.

Share this article