GE Aerospace Signs Record $12.9 Billion in China Agreements, Expanding Aviation Engine and Supply Chain Partnerships
GE Aerospace secured sales and service agreements worth over $12.9 billion at the ninth CIIE, setting a new company record for the annual event.
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Global N Press
11/6/20262 min read
SHANGHAI, November 6, 2026 — GE Aerospace has signed sales and service agreements worth more than $12.9 billion during the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking the highest signing value achieved by the U.S. aerospace manufacturer at the annual event.
The agreements cover aircraft engine purchases, spare-parts supplies, maintenance, repair and long-term service support. Major deals involve China Eastern Airlines and MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, highlighting the continuing commercial relationship between international aerospace manufacturers and China's aviation industry.
China Eastern to Purchase 202 LEAP-1A Engines
Under the agreements, China Eastern Airlines will purchase 202 LEAP-1A engines to power 101 newly ordered Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. The arrangement also includes spare engines and long-term service support.
GE Aerospace separately agreed to supply China Eastern with 14 additional spare engines across three models: the LEAP-1A, LEAP-1C and CFM56-7B.
The LEAP engine family is produced by CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran. The LEAP-1A powers Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, while the LEAP-1C is used on China's COMAC C919 aircraft. The CFM56-7B is widely deployed on Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.
The agreements reflect China Eastern's continued investment in fleet modernization and operational support, as airlines seek to improve fuel efficiency and maintain aircraft reliability.
Cooperation Extends to Engine Maintenance
Separately, GE Aerospace reached supply and repair agreements with MTU Maintenance Zhuhai, a joint venture between China Southern Air Holding Company and Germany's MTU Aero Engines.
The cooperation includes aviation materials procurement and engine component repair, further strengthening collaboration between international aerospace manufacturers and China's aircraft maintenance industry.
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services are an important part of the aviation industry's aftermarket business. As airlines expand and modernize their fleets, access to replacement components, engine inspections and maintenance support remains essential to aircraft operations.
For engine manufacturers, long-term service agreements also provide business opportunities beyond initial equipment sales, while enabling airlines to manage maintenance requirements throughout an aircraft's operational life.
China Remains an Important Market for Global Aerospace Companies
The agreements highlight China's importance to international aircraft engine manufacturers and aviation service providers.
As airlines develop their fleets and expand domestic and international route networks, demand for aircraft engines, spare parts and maintenance services remains an important component of the aviation supply chain.
For GE Aerospace, the latest agreements strengthen its commercial presence in China and reinforce its relationships with Chinese airlines and industrial partners. The company also maintains a network of local maintenance and service partnerships supporting engines operated in the Chinese market.
The announcements at the CIIE underscore the role of cross-border commercial cooperation in the global aerospace industry, particularly in aircraft propulsion, component supply and long-term maintenance services.
