CFM International has won the race to power the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) C919 150-seat airliner, with its next generation LEAP-X engine selected ahead of the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan.
Under an agreement with COMAC, CFM (which is a joint venture between General Electric and Snecma) will provide the LEAP-X1C engine and its integrated propulsion solution, which includes nacelles and thrust reversers, for the C919.
“We are very pleased to work with CFM on our new C919,” said Zhang Qingwei, chairman of COMAC. “The leading edge technology incorporated in the engine, coupled with all of the benefits of a completely integrated propulsion system, will enable us to build a very competitive airplane for the global market.”
COMAC has forecast demand for more than 2000 C919s for the 20 years after the aircraft enters service. Currently, the aircraft is set to make its first delivery in 2016.
