A model of China-made big plane C919 is on display at the 49th Paris Air Show on June 20, 2011. [Photo: Xinhua]
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (Comac) signed a contract on Monday with CFM International, making the engine maker the sole overseas supplier for its C919 passenger plane's propulsion system.
The LEAP-X1C engine under development by CFM International was designated as the only powerplant for C919, the first Chinese-made trunkliner.
Flagship product of Comac, C919 features 168 seats for all-economy class layout and 156 seats for hybrid class layout. Its designed standard range is 4,075 km and extended range 5,555 km, which enables it to operate on diversified air routes.
CFM International, one of the world's major aircraft engine makers, is a joint venture between Snecma -- a subsidiary of Safran Group of France -- and General Electric of the United States.
On December 21, 2009, Comac and CFM International signed a Letter of Intent in Beijing, witnessed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
The group is also expected to ink a memorandum of understanding with Ryanair, an Irish budget airline on future cooperation during the show, sources close to Comac said.
According to its plan, Comac would complete contract-signing with aerostructure and airborne system suppliers for C919 aircraft this year.
