Compressor fan blades have an isotropic core and composite fiber layers in an epoxy matrix. The fibers on opposite broad surfaces of the blade extend at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the blade length. The fibers on opposites sides of the blade are inclined in opposite senses such that extension force applied to the blade as it rotates produces opposing forces in the composite layers that resist untwisting of the blade. The thickness of the fiber layers varies from the leading edge to the trailing edge, being thicker towards the leading edge.