China Eastern Airlines has confirmed CFM International as the engine supplier for its latest Airbus narrowbody order, selecting….
The decision extends the carrier’s reliance on CFM powerplants across its Airbus, Boeing and COMAC fleets.
The aircraft comprise a mix of A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR models. China Eastern placed the aircraft order in March 2026, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2032. The purchase was valued at approximately $15.8 billion at Airbus list prices.
Airbus signed the engine agreement on November 6 during the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Alongside the engines required for the new aircraft, the deal includes additional spare engines and a long-term maintenance services agreement. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The agreement also includes a separate spare-engine arrangement covering 14 units across the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1C, and CFM56-7B engine families, according to GE Aerospace.
The latest selection builds on an established relationship between China Eastern and CFM. The airline already operates 215 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft powered by LEAP-1A engines. Its Boeing 737 MAX fleet uses the LEAP-1B, while its COMAC C919 aircraft are equipped with the LEAP-1C.
Beyond its newer aircraft, China Eastern operates more than 380 aircraft powered by CFM56 engines, spanning its Airbus A320ceo and Boeing 737NG fleets.
The partnership between the two companies dates back to 1985, when China Eastern Yunnan took delivery of its first Boeing 737-300 powered by the CFM56-3C. The airline was CFM first customer in mainland China.