Today CFM International announced their LEAP-1C engine, for the COMAC C919, has won certification from both EASA and the FAA.
The certification from both agencies is unusual. Another unusual feature of this engine is that CFM provided COMAC with a totally integrated propulsion system that includes the engine, nacelle, and thrust reverser.
While this news is welcome and should mean a first flight is coming soon, one needs to remember the engine was first flown on the GE test bed in 2014. Only recently were the engines run for 10 minutes on a C919. The equivalent engines for the MAX have been in flight test for some time and on the neo have started deliveries already. COMAC has fallen behind on the C919 and consequently is more dependent on the home market than ever.
Co-Founder AirInsight. My previous life includes stints at Shell South Africa, CIC Research, and PA Consulting. Got bitten by the aviation bug and ended up an Avgeek. Then the data bug got me, making me a curious Avgeek seeking data-driven logic. Also, I appreciate conversations with smart people from whom I learn so much. Summary: I am very fortunate to work with and converse with great people.
