A turbofan is a type of jet engine commonly used in commercial aircraft. It consists of a large fan at the front, which draws in air, and a series of compressors and turbines that help generate thrust. The design allows for efficient fuel consumption and quieter operation compared to traditional turbojet engines. The turbofan engine works by mixing air from the fan with exhaust gases from the combustion process. This combination produces a high-speed jet of air that propels the aircraft forward. Turbofans are essential for modern aviation, powering many popular aircraft models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.