China Eastern Airlines Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for 101 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft

China Eastern Airlines has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power 101 new Airbus A320neo family aircraft, alongside spare engines and a long-term maintenance services agreement.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 6 November 2026.

The engine selection covers a combination of Airbus A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, supporting China Eastern’s ongoing fleet expansion and modernization programme.

China Eastern currently operates 215 LEAP-1A-powered A320neo and A321neo aircraft. Its fleet also includes Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines and COMAC C919 aircraft powered by LEAP-1C engines.

The airline additionally operates more than 380 CFM56-powered aircraft across its Airbus A320ceo and Boeing 737NG fleets, reflecting its longstanding relationship with the engine manufacturer.

China Eastern’s relationship with CFM dates to 1985, when China Eastern Yunnan introduced CFM56-3C-powered Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

CFM has delivered more than 10,000 LEAP engines since the programme entered commercial service a decade ago, with the global fleet accumulating over 100 million flight hours. The manufacturer continues to introduce durability improvements, including high-pressure turbine upgrades and a reverse bleed system intended to reduce maintenance requirements.

The companies did not disclose the contract value, number of spare engines or duration of the associated services agreement.