GE Catalyst Engine Receives FAA Approval
GE Aerospace’s new Catalyst turboprop engine has earned FAA certification after a rigorous evaluation that involved testing over 23 engines and more than 190 component assessments. On February 27, 2025, GE Aerospace announced that the Catalyst engine is the first turboprop certified to the latest standards, incorporating over 20 significant new requirements.
During its certification process, test engines accumulated more than 8,000 hours of operation, successfully achieving key performance targets. Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO of Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace, highlighted the milestone: “The certification of the Catalyst engine is a significant milestone for our company and a proud moment for all our team members who have dedicated their efforts to the design, development, and testing of this brand-new European turboprop engine.” He added that GE Aerospace is now fully committed to ramping up production as the engine prepares for entry into service in support of its customers.
The Catalyst engine is set to power Textron Aviation’s upcoming Beechcraft Denali turboprop, expected to enter service next year. Designed and manufactured at GE Aerospace sites across Europe—including Avio Aero facilities in Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany—the engine promises a radical change in the market. It achieves a 16:1 overall pressure ratio, which enables up to 18% better fuel consumption and up to 10% higher cruise power compared to competitors in the same engine class.
Paul Corkery, Catalyst General Manager at Avio Aero, commented on the certification process, stating, “Catalyst has been through a rigorous certification and testing process. We are pleased with the performance of the engine throughout its ground and flight test campaigns, and we remain fully focused on supporting Textron Aviation as they complete the certification process and prepare for entry into service of the Beechcraft Denali.”
In addition to its impressive efficiency and power, the Catalyst engine features two stages of variable stator vanes, cooled high-pressure turbine blades, and components produced using additive manufacturing. These innovations are expected to set a new benchmark in turboprop engine performance and reliability.
With the FAA’s stamp of approval, GE Aerospace is poised to transform the turboprop market and drive forward advancements in fuel efficiency and power output for future aircraft.
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