GE's eCore research program developing a common architecture for business, narrowbody and regional jets resulted in the CFM LEAP succeeding the CFM56 aboard the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo.

After a market study, GE pursued the long-range, large business jet and selected a 14,000–20,000 lbf (62–89 kN) thrust to exploit technology acquired for its commercial and military engine programs.

In 2010, Bombardier Aerospace selected the engine rated at 16,500 lbf (73 kN) for the Global 7000 announced at the same year NBAA convention.

In 2015, the Passport first flew aboard GE's Boeing 747-100 flying testbed out of Victorville, California, as ice, water ingestion and altitude up to FL510 were tested in a U.S. facility in Tennessee.

[2] In 2021, General Electric tendered Passport to the USAF to be assessed in a contest against Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney to reengine the B-52H Stratofortress.

[11] A smaller scaled CFM LEAP, its HP compressor has five titanium blisks then five stages with insertable nickel alloy blades for higher temperatures.

[2] The 52 in (130 cm) fan blisk, the first application of such technology on an engine this size, eliminates the need to balance a hub and blade system.

The one piece fan reduces the vibration for cabin comfort, lowers wear and maintenance due to fewer parts, is lighter by a third and improves performance with less leaks and a smaller hub.

Fuselage-mounted business jet engines are high off the ground and shielded by the wing from most foreign object damage.

[2] Its core cowling, exhaust cone and mixer are made in ox-ox composites, with inorganic high-temperature-tolerant resins and oxide ceramics CMCs to withstand 1,000 °C without deformation, saving weight and allowing complex molding.