- CFM International is the world’s leading commercial aircraft engine supplier, backed by a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines — a partnership now extended through 2050.
- The LEAP engine fleet has surpassed 60 million flight hours and maintains an industry-leading AOG ratio of just 1.2%, outperforming the competition by a measurable margin.
- IAE’s V2500 remains a reliable workhorse on the A320ceo family, but its production has ended — shifting the entire conversation toward long-term sustainment rather than growth.
- CFM’s open MRO ecosystem gives operators rare flexibility to choose their own maintenance provider, which has real cost and scheduling implications for fleet operators.
- The CFM RISE Program signals where next-generation propulsion is heading — and understanding it now helps operators make smarter long-term fleet decisions.
When airlines decide between engine programs, the choice rarely ends at purchase — it extends decades into service support, maintenance costs, and operational reliability.
CFM International, a joint venture that has shaped commercial aviation since 1974, powers more single-aisle aircraft than any other engine manufacturer on the planet. For operators evaluating CFM International versus International Aero Engines (IAE), the real differentiator isn’t just thrust ratings or fuel burn — it’s what happens after the engine enters service. CFM’s support infrastructure has become a competitive advantage in its own right, built over decades of operating the world’s most widely flown engine family.
The Basics: What CFM International and IAE Actually Offer
Both CFM International and IAE were created to power the narrow-body aircraft that form the backbone of commercial aviation. They took different structural approaches, and those differences still shape how each organization supports operators today.
CFM International: A 50/50 Joint Venture Between GE Aerospace and Safran
CFM International was established in 1974 as an equal partnership between GE of the United States and Safran Aircraft Engines of France. The arrangement split work cleanly — GE developed the core (high-pressure compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine), while Safran built the fan, low-pressure compressor, and low-pressure turbine. Final assembly happens at both partner facilities. This structure created a genuinely integrated manufacturer rather than a loose consortium, and it has produced two of the most successful engine families in history: the CFM56 and the LEAP.
Today, CFM markets an engine portfolio covering the CFM56-2, CFM56-3, CFM56-5A, CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, CFM56-7B, LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B, and LEAP-1C — a range that covers Airbus A320 family variants, the Boeing 737 family from the Classic through the MAX, and the COMAC C919.
International Aero Engines: The V2500 Consortium
IAE was formed in 1983 as a multinational consortium including Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation (JAEC), and MTU Aero Engines. Its sole product, the V2500, was designed specifically for the Airbus A320 family — competing directly against the CFM56-5 series. The V2500 entered service in 1989 and went on to power thousands of A320ceo family aircraft. However, unlike CFM which launched the LEAP to compete in the next-generation narrow-body market, IAE did not produce a successor engine. V2500 production has effectively wound down, with the focus now entirely on supporting the existing installed base.
Which Aircraft Types Each Engine Powers
The platform coverage between these two engine families tells you a great deal about their respective market positions. CFM engines are certified across a broader range of airframes, giving operators more flexibility in mixed-fleet environments.
- CFM56-5B / LEAP-1A: Airbus A320ceo and A320neo family (A318, A319, A320, A321)
- CFM56-7B / LEAP-1B: Boeing 737 Classic, NG, and MAX series
- LEAP-1C: COMAC C919
- V2500-A1 / A5: Airbus A320ceo family exclusively
CFM’s Global Service Support Network
Support infrastructure is where this comparison gets particularly interesting. CFM has built what is arguably the most comprehensive service network in commercial aviation, a system designed to keep engines on wing longer and get them back in service faster when they do come off.
250 Field Service Engineers Positioned Worldwide
CFM’s front line of customer support is its team of 250 field support engineers (FSEs) deployed directly with airline operators around the world. These aren’t call-center representatives — they are technically trained engineers embedded with customers to provide real-time guidance on troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and on-wing repair decisions. A cohort of these FSEs received specialized training on both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B before either engine entered commercial service, including participation in the flight test programs for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. That early involvement directly contributed to what CFM describes as its smoothest-ever service introduction for a new engine program.
36,000 Requests Handled Yearly Across Cincinnati, Paris, and Shanghai
Behind the FSEs sits a three-hub technical support structure operating out of Cincinnati, Paris, and Shanghai. Together, these centers handle approximately 36,000 customer requests per year — covering everything from routine technical queries to urgent troubleshooting on AOG situations. The geographic spread is deliberate: it ensures around-the-clock coverage across every major aviation market without operators waiting for business hours in another time zone.
GE Aerospace leads support operations across the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, while Safran Aircraft Engines takes responsibility for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This coordinated split has been in place since the CFM56 era, but with LEAP deliveries accelerating rapidly, both partners established a fully integrated On-Site Support (OSS) network to layer on-wing and quick-turn engine support directly at operator bases.
35 MRO Sites, Including 5 CBSA-Certified LEAP Facilities
CFM’s global MRO network spans 35 facilities worldwide. The majority of these sites are experienced CFM56 shops — organizations that have been maintaining that engine family for decades. But the five facilities operating under CFM-Branded Service Agreements (CBSAs) represent the leading edge of LEAP support capability. These CBSA shops are run by some of the largest names in aviation maintenance:
- Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance
- Delta TechOps
These facilities have met CFM’s requirements for tooling, training, and process standardization specifically for LEAP engine maintenance — a bar that not every experienced CFM56 shop has yet cleared.
The Open MRO Ecosystem: Why Operator Choice Matters
One of CFM’s more strategically important positions in the aftermarket is its commitment to an open MRO ecosystem. Unlike some engine programs that funnel operators toward proprietary maintenance channels, CFM allows airlines to select any approved facility — whether operated by GE Aerospace, Safran Aircraft Engines, or a qualified independent third party.
This matters in practice. Operators with established MRO relationships, geographic preferences, or cost structures that favor independent shops aren’t forced to abandon those relationships when they operate CFM-powered aircraft. The flexibility creates real competition among MRO providers for CFM work, which tends to keep pricing more competitive and scheduling more responsive than in closed ecosystems.
For fleet operators comparing CFM to IAE on total cost of ownership, the open MRO model is a factor that deserves serious weight — particularly for airlines managing tight turnaround windows or operating in regions where the nearest proprietary facility is hours away by freight.
How CFM Handles AOG Events and Engine Health Monitoring
An aircraft on ground event is one of the most expensive situations an airline can face. Every hour a revenue aircraft sits unserviceable, the costs compound — from passenger rebooking and crew repositioning to slot losses and reputational damage. How an engine manufacturer responds to AOG situations is one of the sharpest measures of its support capability.
CFM has built its AOG response around speed and proximity. The FSE network means there is almost always a technically qualified CFM representative within reach of a grounded aircraft, and the three technical support hubs in Cincinnati, Paris, and Shanghai operate continuously to ensure no customer waits through a time zone gap for engineering guidance. Parts availability, rapid diagnostic support, and coordinated logistics are all part of how CFM approaches an AOG event from the moment it is declared.
LEAP Fleet AOG Ratio Sits at Just 1.2%
The clearest single measure of CFM’s in-service support effectiveness is the LEAP fleet’s AOG ratio — currently sitting at just 1.2%. That figure represents a meaningful improvement over the already strong CFM56 performance baseline, and according to CFM’s own data, it also betters the competition by a measurable margin. For an engine family that has already surpassed 60 million flight hours across a rapidly growing installed base, maintaining a sub-1.5% AOG rate is a significant operational achievement.
Remote Monitoring and Diagnostic Systems That Catch Problems Early
CFM’s predictive maintenance capability has evolved considerably since the CFM56 era. Every LEAP engine is equipped with multiple sensors that continuously record temperature readings, pressure data, and vibration signatures throughout flight. That data feeds into remote monitoring systems that can identify developing issues well before they result in unscheduled removals. The shift from reactive to predictive maintenance on the LEAP program is a direct extension of more than a decade of data analytics experience built on the CFM56 fleet — and it gives operators a meaningful reduction in surprise events that disrupt operations.
IAE’s Service Support Structure
IAE’s support model reflects its consortium structure. Pratt & Whitney has historically taken the lead role in V2500 customer support, with the other consortium members — Rolls-Royce, JAEC, and MTU — contributing through their respective areas of module responsibility. Because the V2500 is no longer in production, IAE’s support organization is now focused entirely on sustaining the existing fleet through its remaining service life. Parts availability and shop capacity for the V2500 are managed through Pratt & Whitney’s network and a range of approved independent MRO facilities, many of which have built deep V2500 expertise over the engine’s 30-plus years in service. For operators with large V2500 fleets still in active service, the immediate support infrastructure remains functional — but the long-term investment trajectory is fundamentally different from what CFM is committing to with the LEAP program and the RISE initiative beyond it.
Fleet Size and Longevity: Why It Changes the Support Equation
Raw fleet size isn’t just a market share metric — it directly determines the depth and responsiveness of an engine’s support ecosystem. A larger installed base means more MRO shops trained on the engine, more FSEs with hands-on experience, more parts in the supply chain, and more data available for predictive diagnostics. When comparing CFM to IAE, this dynamic is one of the most practically significant factors for any operator thinking beyond the next shop visit.
24,000 CFM56 Engines Still in Operation, 45% Never Shopped
- More than 24,000 CFM56 engines remain in active commercial operation worldwide
- 45% of those engines have not yet made their first shop visit — meaning the CFM56 MRO wave is still building, not receding
- CFM has recorded more than 50,000 engine orders across its full product history
- The CFM56 family entered service in 1982, giving the support network over four decades of accumulated experience
That 45% figure deserves particular attention. It tells operators that the global MRO infrastructure for the CFM56 is not winding down — it is entering what may be its busiest period. Shops that have invested in CFM56 tooling and technician training are going to be heavily utilized for the next 15 to 20 years, which keeps the competitive MRO market for these engines healthy and pricing relatively disciplined. For insights on how regulations impact aviation operations, you can explore FAA regulations that are crucial for aviation professionals.
For airlines still operating CFM56-powered aircraft, this is actually good news. A robust, competitive MRO market for their engine type means they retain negotiating leverage with maintenance providers and have access to a wide range of facility options. An operator in Southeast Asia has meaningfully different MRO geography than one in Europe, and the depth of the CFM56 network means both can find capable shops within their operational reach. For those interested in comparing different aircraft options, consider reading about Diamond vs Cirrus aircraft for flight training schools.
The longevity of the CFM56 also reflects something important about the engineering philosophy behind it. CFM has consistently prioritized on-wing life, interval extension between shop visits, and maintainability — characteristics that reduce lifetime cost of ownership beyond what the initial purchase price or even the service contract terms might suggest. For those interested in aviation insights, you might find FAA regulations insights beneficial.
LEAP Fleet Has Surpassed 60 Million Flight Hours
The LEAP engine family has accumulated over 60 million flight hours in commercial operation, reaching that milestone faster than any previous CFM engine generation. That pace of accumulation reflects both the scale of the LEAP installed base and the high utilization rates of the single-aisle aircraft it powers. It also means the predictive maintenance models underpinning LEAP support are being trained on an exceptionally rich dataset — which continuously improves the accuracy of diagnostic alerts and maintenance interval recommendations.
V2500 Fleet Size and Remaining Service Life
The V2500 powered a significant portion of the A320ceo family delivered between 1989 and the mid-2010s, giving it a substantial installed base that continues to fly active commercial routes. However, with the A320neo family now in full production — powered exclusively by CFM’s LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney’s PW1100G geared turbofan — no new V2500-powered aircraft are entering service. The V2500 fleet is a fixed and gradually declining population.
This has real implications for long-term support dynamics. As V2500-powered A320ceo aircraft age out of mainline fleets and transition to lessors, regional carriers, or retirement, the economic case for continued MRO investment in V2500 capability becomes progressively harder to justify. Parts availability will eventually tighten, and the pool of shops actively maintaining V2500 competency will shrink over time — a structural challenge that CFM-powered operators simply do not face to the same degree given the LEAP program’s trajectory.
Cost of Ownership: CFM vs IAE
Engine purchase price is rarely where the real cost difference between programs is felt. For most commercial operators, the engine acquisition represents a fraction of total lifecycle cost — maintenance, parts, shop visits, and unscheduled removals are where the numbers truly diverge over a 20-plus year operational life.
CFM has structured its aftermarket offering around predictability. Operators can select from a range of service agreement options that convert variable maintenance costs into fixed per-flight-hour rates, giving finance teams the ability to model engine costs with considerably more precision than a traditional time-and-materials approach allows. The open MRO ecosystem also ensures that even operators not on a CFM-managed service agreement have genuine competitive options for shop visit pricing.
For IAE V2500 operators, the cost picture is increasingly shaped by the engine’s position in the product lifecycle. While experienced V2500 MRO shops can offer competitive pricing today, the shrinking fleet size will progressively reduce competitive pressure in the V2500 MRO market — a dynamic that typically moves pricing in one direction over time.
The LEAP engine also brings fuel burn improvements of approximately 15% over the CFM56 in comparable applications, which for high-utilization operators translates into cost savings that dwarf typical differences in maintenance contract pricing. While the V2500 was a fuel-efficient engine for its generation, it cannot match modern engine aerodynamics, materials, or thermal efficiency.
Cost Factor CFM (LEAP) IAE (V2500) Production Status Active Ended Fuel Burn vs Prior Gen ~15% improvement over CFM56 Mature technology, no successor MRO Market Competition Open ecosystem, 35+ sites Established but contracting AOG Ratio 1.2% (LEAP fleet) Not publicly benchmarked Long-Term Parts Availability Strong, growing installed base Declining fleet, finite supply Service Contract Options Flexible per-flight-hour structures Pratt & Whitney-led agreements
How CFM’s Flexible Service Contracts Are Structured
CFM offers operators a tiered approach to service agreement coverage. At the foundational level, operators can access technical support, FSE assistance, and parts supply through standard arrangements. More comprehensive agreements bring in performance guarantees, shop visit cost coverage, and defined response-time commitments for AOG situations. The structure is designed to match an operator’s risk appetite — airlines that want maximum cost certainty can get it, while those that prefer to manage maintenance in-house retain the flexibility to do so within the open MRO framework.
Importantly, the service agreement structure is not designed to lock operators into a single maintenance channel. Even under a CFM-managed agreement, an airline’s engines may be maintained at Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Delta TechOps, or another CBSA-certified facility — not exclusively at a GE or Safran shop. That portability is a meaningful differentiator compared to programs where the OEM’s service contract effectively requires use of proprietary maintenance channels.
Total Risk Coverage Options Available to Operators
For operators who want the highest level of cost predictability, CFM’s total risk coverage options convert virtually all engine-related maintenance costs into a single, fixed per-flight-hour rate. This includes scheduled shop visits, unscheduled removals, parts provisioning, and AOG response — removing the financial volatility that typically accompanies unplanned engine events. For airlines operating on thin margins in competitive markets, that cost certainty has real strategic value, independent of how the underlying per-hour rate compares to a time-and-materials estimate.
Which Engine Family Gets Better Long-Term Support Investment
Long-term support investment is where the gap between CFM and IAE becomes most pronounced. An engine program’s future isn’t just about the hardware already flying — it’s about the R&D spend, infrastructure commitment, and organizational depth that determines whether an operator will have world-class support in year 15 of an aircraft’s life just as reliably as in year one. On this measure, the two programs are moving in fundamentally different directions.
Investment Indicator CFM International IAE / V2500 Partnership Horizon Extended through 2050 No equivalent commitment published Next-Gen Development RISE Program actively underway No successor program Fleet Growth Trajectory LEAP orders and deliveries growing Fixed, declining installed base MRO Network Expansion Active CBSA site additions Consolidating, not expanding Predictive Technology Investment Multi-sensor LEAP health monitoring Mature program, limited new investment
The contrast above isn’t a criticism of IAE’s engineering — the V2500 is a well-designed, well-supported engine for its generation. The issue is purely structural. When a program has no successor engine, no growing installed base, and no published long-term partnership extension, the investment logic for expanding its support infrastructure simply doesn’t exist. MRO shops, parts manufacturers, and training organizations all follow where the fleet growth is going — and that trajectory currently points firmly toward CFM.
For fleet planners and procurement teams, this matters in ways that don’t always appear in a short-term cost comparison. The availability of experienced technicians, the depth of tooling investment at MRO facilities, and the negotiating leverage operators have when multiple certified shops compete for their engine work — all of these advantages grow with the program’s installed base and erode as it contracts. Choosing an engine program is, in part, a bet on which ecosystem will remain most competitive over the life of the aircraft.
GE Aerospace’s $1 Billion MRO Investment Over Five Years
GE Aerospace has committed approximately $1 billion in MRO infrastructure investment over five years, directed at expanding shop capacity, upgrading tooling, and extending service capabilities across its global network. This level of capital commitment is significant in an industry where MRO infrastructure build-out is measured in years, not months. It signals confidence in the LEAP program’s long-term volume trajectory and gives operators meaningful assurance that the support ecosystem behind their engines is actively growing — not being managed into decline.
CFM Partnership Extended Through 2050 With RISE Program Launched
In 2021, GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines formally extended their CFM partnership through 2050 — a 29-year commitment that encompasses current LEAP support obligations and the development of next-generation propulsion technology under the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Program. RISE is targeting an open fan architecture with the potential to deliver more than 20% fuel efficiency improvement over current LEAP engines, along with compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen combustion.
The practical implication for operators is that CFM isn’t simply managing an existing product portfolio — it is actively investing in what comes next. That continuity of organizational commitment means the engineers, processes, and customer relationships built around the LEAP program will carry forward into the next propulsion generation, rather than dissolving when a program winds down. For airlines planning fleet strategy beyond 2030, that institutional continuity carries real weight.
CFM or IAE: Which Makes More Sense for Your Operation
For operators evaluating new aircraft orders on the A320neo family, this comparison is essentially resolved — the V2500 is not available on neo-family aircraft, so the CFM LEAP-1A and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G are the only options. Where the comparison remains live is for operators managing existing A320ceo fleets powered by V2500 engines, or for lessors and MRO investors making medium-term positioning decisions. In those contexts, the V2500 is a capable and well-understood engine with deep MRO knowledge in the market today — but every structural indicator points toward CFM having the stronger support trajectory, greater parts availability longevity, and more competitive MRO ecosystem over the next two decades. Airlines with V2500 fleets should be actively modeling the point at which parts availability and shop capacity constraints begin affecting their maintenance economics, and planning their fleet transition timeline accordingly. For further insights, you can explore FAA regulations insights for aviation professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions operators, lessors, and aviation professionals ask when comparing CFM International and IAE support capabilities.
What Does AOG Ratio Mean and Why Does a 1.2% LEAP Rating Matter?
An AOG — or Aircraft on Ground — ratio measures the percentage of an engine fleet that is grounded at any given time due to an engine-related issue requiring maintenance before the aircraft can fly. A 1.2% AOG ratio for the LEAP fleet means that at any snapshot in time, only 1.2 out of every 100 LEAP-powered aircraft are grounded for engine reasons. That figure matters because it reflects both the engine’s inherent reliability and the effectiveness of the support network in resolving issues quickly when they do occur. CFM uses AOG ratio as one of its primary internal benchmarks for support quality — and the LEAP’s 1.2% rating represents an improvement over the already strong CFM56 baseline while also outperforming competing engine programs by a measurable margin.
Can Airlines Choose Their Own MRO Provider for CFM Engines?
Yes — and this is one of CFM’s deliberate policy positions in the aftermarket. CFM operates what it calls an open MRO ecosystem, meaning operators are not required to use GE Aerospace or Safran Aircraft Engines facilities for their engine maintenance. Any facility that holds the appropriate CFM approvals and meets the program’s technical standards can perform CFM engine work.
For LEAP engines specifically, the highest tier of approved maintenance is the CBSA-certified facility — a shop that has met CFM’s requirements for LEAP-specific tooling, training, and process standardization. Below that tier, a broader range of approved facilities can handle CFM56 work, line maintenance, and specific shop tasks. The key takeaway for operators is that fleet size and geographic location don’t trap them into a single maintenance provider, which keeps cost and scheduling competitive throughout the engine’s service life. For more insights on aviation, check out FAA regulations insights for aviation professionals.
What Is a CBSA and How Does It Differ From a Licensed Shop?
A CFM-Branded Service Agreement, or CBSA, is the designation CFM applies to its highest-tier independent MRO partners — facilities that have met the full set of requirements to perform complete LEAP engine maintenance under the CFM brand. These are not simply shops with a license to perform certain CFM tasks. They are organizations that have made substantial investments in LEAP-specific equipment, technician training, and quality systems, and have been formally integrated into CFM’s global support network.
A licensed shop, by contrast, may hold approvals to perform specific maintenance tasks on CFM engines — line maintenance, borescope inspections, or module-level work — without meeting the full CBSA standard. Licensed shops have an important role in the CFM ecosystem, particularly for line maintenance and quick-turn work, but they do not carry the same capability depth as a CBSA facility for full engine restoration shop visits.
As of current reporting, five facilities worldwide hold CBSA status for LEAP engine maintenance, operated by organizations including Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Delta TechOps. The number of CBSA-certified sites is expected to grow as the LEAP fleet matures and shop visit volume increases — creating a progressively deeper and more geographically distributed network of full-capability LEAP MRO providers.
Is the V2500 Still Being Manufactured or Only Supported?
The V2500 is no longer in active production for new aircraft deliveries. The engine’s production lifecycle effectively concluded with the transition of Airbus A320 family production toward the neo variants, which are powered by the CFM LEAP-1A and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G exclusively. New V2500 engines are not being delivered to power new airframes entering airline service.
IAE and its consortium partners — led by Pratt & Whitney — continue to support the existing V2500 fleet through spare parts supply, shop visit support, and technical services. The V2500 has a substantial installed base that will require active maintenance for many years to come, and the support infrastructure for that fleet remains functional today. However, operators should recognize that the parts supply chain and MRO network for the V2500 are in a sustainment posture rather than a growth posture — a distinction that becomes increasingly consequential as the fleet ages and shop visit intervals approach for older engines.
How Does CFM’s Remote Monitoring Technology Work in Practice?
Every LEAP engine enters service equipped with a suite of sensors that continuously capture operational data throughout each flight cycle. This isn’t a single measurement system — it’s a multi-parameter monitoring architecture that records temperature profiles at multiple engine stations, pressure ratios across compressor and turbine stages, vibration signatures from rotating components, and fuel flow data, among other parameters. That information is transmitted to CFM’s analysis systems, where it is compared against baseline performance models and historical fleet data to identify developing trends before they become serviceable defects.
- Temperature monitoring: Tracks thermal signatures across compressor, combustor, and turbine stages to detect hot section degradation early
- Pressure ratio tracking: Identifies compressor efficiency losses that indicate developing aerodynamic deterioration
- Vibration analysis: Detects bearing wear, fan blade issues, and rotating component imbalances before they cause secondary damage
- Fuel flow trending: Surfaces efficiency changes that correlate with performance deterioration and helps optimize maintenance scheduling
The system is designed to shift maintenance from a scheduled, calendar-based approach to a condition-based model — where work is performed when the data indicates it is needed, rather than at fixed intervals regardless of actual engine condition. This reduces unnecessary shop visits for engines that are performing well while ensuring that engines showing early signs of deterioration are addressed before they result in unscheduled removals or AOG events.
CFM built this capability by extending more than a decade of data analytics experience accumulated on the CFM56 fleet. The CFM56 program pioneered the use of engine health monitoring in the narrow-body segment, and the LEAP program inherited and significantly expanded that foundation with higher sensor density, improved data transmission infrastructure, and more sophisticated analytical models.
In practical terms, an airline operating a LEAP-powered fleet will receive maintenance recommendations from CFM’s monitoring systems that are informed by data from the entire global LEAP fleet — not just their own aircraft. If a particular operating environment, route profile, or maintenance practice is correlated with accelerated deterioration across multiple operators, that signal appears in the analytics and can be acted upon across the entire network simultaneously. That fleet-wide learning effect is one of the compounding advantages of operating on the world’s most widely flown engine platform.
For CFM International’s full portfolio of engine support resources, service agreements, and LEAP program details, visiting cfmaeroengines.com gives operators direct access to the technical documentation, contact information for regional support teams, and program updates that inform smart fleet decisions.

