GE Aerospace is making significant strides in innovative aircraft engine technologies, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance design efficiency and improve predictability in engine maintenance. A pivotal force behind these advancements is the John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) in Bengaluru, India. Celebrating 25 years since its inception, JFWTC stands as one of GE Aerospace's largest integrated multi-disciplinary research and development hubs outside the United States, playing a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions.

According to Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer of GE Aerospace in India, every engine launched or certified by GE since the center's establishment bears the imprint of the Bengaluru team. He emphasized the company's considerable success in finding exceptional talent in India. The center boasts over 1,000 aviation technology patents and has contributed substantially to the design, development, and certification of major engines like CFM LEAP, GEnx, and GE9X, which power both wide-body and narrow-body commercial aircraft.

Nanda, who has been with the JFWTC since its founding in 2000, highlighted AI as a transformative 'game changer' influencing every aspect of their work. The deployment of AI spans a full spectrum, from the initial exploration of design spaces to comprehensive maintenance strategies. For instance, AI, combined with physics-based tools, is utilized to determine optimal engine maintenance intervals based on operational data and environmental conditions. This 'Analytics-Based Maintenance' (ABM) provides customers with crucial predictability. Furthermore, AI is actively integrated into advanced engine inspection technologies. The Bengaluru center's Aerospace Services Technology Lab (ASTL) is dedicated to harnessing AI to revolutionize aircraft engine maintenance.

On the 'upstream' side, AI is being employed to explore vast design spaces for engines, leading to enhanced optimization and innovation. Beyond AI applications, the engineers at the Bengaluru center are also deeply involved in developing hybrid electric propulsion systems and conducting extensive testing of alternative fuels, aligning with a broader commitment to sustainability. Their involvement extends to the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) technology development and demonstration program, an initiative by CFM International (a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines) that aims to boost engine fuel efficiency by over 20 percent.

Nanda passionately underscored the success in leveraging India's talent base, stating there is 'no better place than India to find talent.' He particularly values the team's 'enthusiasm,' noting their willingness to experiment and 'go the distance.' This special attribute has enabled the center to consistently generate meaningful patents, achieving the remarkable milestone of 1,000 patents within 25 years. To nurture future talent, JFWTC runs the Edison Engineering Development Programme (EEDP) and has recently launched GE Aerospace Foundation's Next Engineers, a college-readiness program designed to encourage young individuals to pursue engineering careers.

Looking ahead, Nanda's vision is clear: 'inventing the future of flight.' This commitment involves developing more sustainable engines and superior products for customers, all while embracing a continuous journey of innovation and discovery.