The Chinese government is evaluating a plan to provide CFM International LEAP engines for the C919 aircraft via Airbus.
This collaboration could enable COMAC to avoid high tariffs on US imports, particularly a 125pc tariff imposed on US goods.
Under the proposal, Airbus could deliver additional engines with aircraft to classify them as European products rather than as US-made.
COMAC has reportedly stockpiled enough engines for its 2025 aircraft but anticipates needing more for its production increase in 2026 and later.
The LEAP-1C is the only engine option for the C919 aircraft, while the Aero Engine Corporation of China is developing the CJ-1000A as a local alternative.
CFM International is a 50/50 consortium of US’s General Electric and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. While engines are built in both countries by the respective JV members, the consortium itself is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. The LEAP-1C is the only engine option for the C919.Aero Engine Corporation of China is developing a local alternative, dubbed the CJ-1000A, but it remains in early testing with no known timeline for entry into service.
