New York, Jan 27, 2026, 11:52 (EST) — Regular session
Shares of GE Aerospace edged up 0.6% to $296.88, bouncing between $294.69 and $300.41 during the session.
Investors are weighing short-term engine service needs against longer-term wagers on cleaner propulsion. GE’s latest update clearly falls into the latter category.
Here, hybrid-electric refers to a jet engine capable of transferring power using electric motor-generators instead of depending solely on the turbine and gearbox. The focus is on single-aisle, “narrowbody” planes, which handle the majority of short-haul flights worldwide.
GE announced it has completed the first ground test of a commercial hybrid-electric engine demonstrator. The test used a modified Passport engine as part of a NASA project at GE’s Peebles Test Operation in Ohio. “Hybrid electric propulsion is central to how GE Aerospace is redefining the future of flight,” said Arjan Hegeman, vice president of future of flight. He noted the design operates without the need for batteries. (Geaerospace)
NASA announced the test was the first to run a fully integrated hybrid-electric system, not just isolated parts, producing data now under review. “There is no hybrid-electric engine flying today. And that’s what we were able to see,” said Anthony Nerone, who led NASA’s HyTEC project at Glenn Research Center throughout the engine’s development. (NASA)
GE’s real cash generator remains the aftermarket — the maintenance and parts business supporting engines already in use — where margins outpace sales of new engines. Last week, the company projected adjusted EPS of $7.10 to $7.40 for 2026, alongside expected low-double-digit growth in adjusted revenue. CEO Larry Culp described the start of 2026 as having “solid momentum.” (Reuters)
Tuesday brought steady activity in the sector. RTX posted better quarterly sales driven by robust engine demand and ongoing aircraft repairs. The company now forecasts adjusted sales between $92 billion and $93 billion for 2026, underscoring that shop visits and maintenance are still strong areas. (Reuters)
That said, the engine aftermarket is now a sore spot for airlines, which complain that shortages and lengthy repair delays have driven costs sharply upward. Global airlines have pushed CFM International — the joint venture between GE and France’s Safran — to extend a pro-competitive maintenance deal through February 2033, IATA confirmed this month. (Reuters)
But hybrid-electric work remains in early stages, with the real challenge being how to turn test data into certified products without derailing schedules or budgets. Culp has pushed back on airlines’ complaints about engine makers’ pricing power, highlighting hefty annual R&D budgets. Suppliers are also grappling with parts shortages and reliability issues that can ground planes. (Reuters)
Traders are eyeing fresh order updates and tech news at the Singapore Airshow, set for Feb. 3–8. GE plans to unveil its next-generation aerospace technologies and services there. (Geaerospace)
