Positive sign for Beechcraft Denali as FAA approves GE Aerospace Catalyst engine
The new GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop engine has been given the seal of approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following extensive evaluation involving over 23 engines and more than 190 component tests.
On February 27, 2025, GE Aerospace announced that the Catalyst engine was the “first turboprop engine to be certified to the latest standards, which include more than 20 significant new requirements”.
During the certification process, the test engines completed more than 8,000 hours of operation demonstrating and achieved its key performance targets.
Riccardo Procacci, President and CEO, Propulsion and Additive Technologies at GE Aerospace, said: “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: “We are now fully committed to supporting the production ramp-up of the engine towards the entry into service in support of our customers.”
GE Aerospace The new engine will be introduced on Textron Aviation’s upcoming Beechcraft Denali turboprop, which is expected to enter service next year.
The Catalyst engine was designed, developed and manufactured at GE Aerospace sites in Europe, including Avio Aero in Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.
Paul Corkery, Catalyst General Manager at Avio Aero, said: “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.”
According to GE Aerospace, the Catalyst engine will “bring a radical change” to market, thanks to its 16:1 overall pressure ratio that “enables up to 18% better fuel consumption and up to 10% higher cruise power, compared to competitors in the same engine class”.
A GE Aerospace spokesperson said: “Catalyst introduces two stages of variable stator vanes, cooled high-pressure turbine blades, and features components made by using additive manufacturing.”
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The new GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop engine has been given the seal of approval by the Federal Aviation…
The post Positive sign for Beechcraft Denali as FAA approves GE Aerospace Catalyst engine appeared first on AeroTime.
