CFM International's LEAP-X1C engine will power the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China's (COMAC) new C919 aircraft, the companies announced on Dec. 21.

CFM also will partner with AVIC Commercial Aircraft Engine Co. (ACAE), a subsidiary of COMAC, to open a final assembly line and engine testing facility in China.

COMAC said in a release that the LEAP-X1C is the sole western engine to power the new 150-passenger aircraft, which is scheduled to go into service in 2016. The Beijing-based aircraft manufacturing company expects to sell 2,000 C919s from 2016 to 2036.

"This agreement is the next logical step in what has been a tremendously successful collaboration between CFM, the Chinese aviation industry, and our Chinese airline customers," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM, in the release.

CFM completed the first phase of testing on the LEAP-X1C earlier in 2009, and will begin the second phase in early 2010.

ACAE and CFM signed a memorandum of understanding for the assembly line and testing facility, according to a separate release. The two companies have formed a working team to draw up a business plan and evaluate the size and feasibility of the facility, with the goal of developing a joint venture.

Evendale-based CFM is a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Snecma in France.

Photograph: CFM International's LEAP-X1C engine on display.