The United States has suspended certain sales of critical technologies to China, including those related to the CFM International LEAP-1C engines used in the Comac C919 aircraft. This move also affects GE Aerospace engines intended for the Comac C909, previously known as the ARJ21, according to The Air Current.
Additionally, export license approvals have reportedly been paused for components from Honeywell Aerospace and Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX. Both companies supply crucial avionics and cabin systems for the C919. This development occurs amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.
The suspension highlights China's reliance on Western technology to advance its aviation sector. In addition to restrictions on LEAP-1C engines for the Comac C919, US authorities have halted export approvals for GE Aerospace engines powering the Comac C909. The Comac C909 is equipped with General Electric’s CF34-10A turbofan engines and plays a key role in China’s regional aviation market. Currently, more than 170 C909 aircraft are in service, alongside 18 C919s operating with airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern.