The Largest Engine Ever Installed on an Airplane

The Largest Engine Ever Installed on an Airplane

The Record-Breaking GE9X

Among the most awe-inspiring features of modern airliners are their jet engines, which vary widely in size and design. The largest engine ever installed on an aircraft, measured by physical dimensions, is the General Electric GE9X. Developed exclusively for Boeing’s forthcoming 777X model, the GE9X features a fan diameter of 134 inches, setting a new benchmark in engine size. Although the GE9X has powered multiple test flights since 2018, the Boeing 777X is not anticipated to enter commercial service until 2026. Consequently, as of 2025, no passenger flights are yet operated with this engine.

The Operational Giant: GE90

While the GE9X holds the record for size, the largest engine to have powered an operational aircraft is its predecessor, the General Electric GE90. Introduced in the 1990s, the GE90 has been the primary engine for Boeing 777 aircraft and remains a remarkable feat of engineering, celebrated for both its scale and performance. Its longstanding service underscores its reliability and significance in commercial aviation.

Challenges and Innovations in Engine Manufacturing

The production and deployment of such colossal engines come with considerable challenges. The aviation sector has recently encountered notable supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting CFM International engines in 2024. These delays have complicated engine deliveries and fleet management for airlines, intensifying competition for leased midlife engines as carriers seek to maintain operations amid prolonged overhaul schedules.

In response, engine manufacturers are accelerating technological advancements. The GE9X exemplifies this trend, incorporating cutting-edge materials and enhanced fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, competitors are investing in next-generation technologies, including adaptive-cycle engines designed for future combat aircraft, to sustain their competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

As the industry contends with these pressures, the pursuit of larger, more efficient engines continues to influence the trajectory of aviation. Both the record-setting GE9X and the operationally proven GE90 stand as enduring symbols of engineering innovation and the relentless drive for progress in flight.