A free-tipped axial fan assembly has a skew distribution which reduces fan noise while minimizing radial tip deflection. The difference between the maximum value of leading-edge skew and the value of leading-edge skew at the fan radius is at least 10 degrees. The ratio of the difference of the leading-edge skew between the maximum value and the value at the fan radius to the difference of the trailing-edge skew between the maximum value and the value at the fan radius is at least 2.5.