China Eastern selects CFM engines for 101 Airbus aircraft

China Eastern Airlines has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to equip 101 Airbus A320 family aircraft ordered this year. The agreement, signed during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, includes 202 LEAP-1A engines, spare units, and a long-term services agreement.

The decision maintains engine standardization for the carrier, which already operates 215 A320neo and A321neo aircraft with LEAP-1A engines. The airline also utilizes different LEAP variants for its Boeing 737 MAX (LEAP-1B) and COMAC C919 (LEAP-1C) fleets. Additionally, China Eastern signed a separate agreement to acquire 14 spare engines across the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1C, and CFM56-7B models.

Deliveries of the 101 Airbus aircraft are expected between 2028 and 2032. The original order for the aircraft had a list price of approximately $15.8 billion. CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.