CFM and ACAE Sign MOU for LEAP-X1C Assembly Line In China

BEIJING, China – 21 December 2009 – CFM International (CFM) and AVIC Commercial Aircraft Engine Company (ACAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a world-class final assembly line and engine test facility to support the LEAP-X1C engine selected to power the new COMAC C919 150-passenger aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service in 2016.

COMAC, which announced the LEAP-X1C engine as the sole western powerplant to launch the C919, forecasts a global market for more than 2,000 aircraft over 20 years.

ACAE and CFM have established a working team to evaluate the scope and feasibility of a LEAP-X1C final engine assembly and test facility in China. This same team will formulate the business plan and develop the legal structure and operating agreement for the proposed joint venture.

About ACAE

ACAE was founded on January 2009. It is one of the subsidiaries of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). As the major force of the aero-engine for the commercial aircraft in China, ACAE bears the responsibility for commercial aircraft engine and the related products, including R&D, manufacture, final assembly, testing, sales, MRO, service, technological development and consultation.

About CFM

CFM International is a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran Group) and General Electric Company. Since the company was established in 1974, it has become the world’s largest commercial aircraft engine supplier, with more than 20,000 engines delivered to date to more than 500 operators around the globe. There are more than 2,300 CFM56 engines in service or on order with Chinese airlines, representing more than 10% of the CFM56 engines in commercial service worldwide. For more information on CFM International, visit us at www.cfm56.com.