China Eastern Extends CFM Engine Orderbook

China Eastern has chosen the CFM International Leap-1A engines to power 101 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft that were in its pending orderbook but had not yet been assigned an engine, according to Aviation Week. The selection marks a continuation of the airline’s approach to finalize engine choices for its inbound A320neo-family fleet and expands its propulsion options with CFM, with the Leap-1A designated to power the unidentified-aircraft subset within the orderbook.

MiGFlug confirms the agreement, describing the arrangement as covering engine supply, spare parts, and ongoing support services for the A320neo-family aircraft in China Eastern’s orderbook. The deal is tied to 101 aircraft, with deliveries planned to begin in 2028, and was announced during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. MiGFlug’s summary positions the Leap-1A as the chosen powerplant for the contingent of A320neos within the airline’s pending-orders.

Both outlets together portray a cohesive plan: China Eastern will equip 101 A320neo-family aircraft with Leap-1A engines, with spares and continued support included, and deliveries slated to commence in 2028. Aviation Week’s report emphasizes that the Leap-1A will power airplanes within the orderbook that had not yet been assigned an engine, framing the move as a standardization step to finalize propulsion choices for the inbound fleet.

Aviation Week’s reporting frames the engine allocation as part of a broader propulsion strategy by China Eastern, indicating a move to finalize engine selections for its inbound A320neo-family airplanes. The Leap-1A is identified specifically as the engine for the unidentified-aircraft subset in the airline’s pending-order lineup, expanding options beyond existing selections.

The information from MiGFlug ties the announcement to the context in which it was made—the China International Import Expo in Shanghai—stating that the deal includes engine supply, spare parts, and ongoing support services for the 101-aircraft group. The 2028 delivery timeline aligns with the event’s timing and the airline’s stated procurement sequence.

Taken together, the reporting indicates a unified plan: China Eastern will power 101 A320neo-family aircraft with Leap-1A engines, including spares and support, with deliveries beginning in 2028, as announced at the Shanghai CIIE. The coverage identifies the Leap-1A as the chosen engine for the portion of the A320neo-family orderbook that had not yet assigned an engine, and it frames the move as part of standardizing engine choices for the inbound fleet.