BUSINESS

China's Airplane Maker Gets a Big Boost from the US

ChinaFri Jul 11 2025

China's aircraft manufacturer, COMAC, has received a significant boost as the US has allowed GE Aerospace to resume sending jet engines to them. This development is crucial for COMAC's plans to compete with global giants Boeing and Airbus.

A Critical Resumption

The engines are essential for COMAC's planes, the C919 and the smaller C909. The US had halted engine shipments earlier this year, causing significant delays for COMAC. Without engines, the company couldn't meet its production targets, despite plans to increase output.

With the resumption of shipments, COMAC can now get back on track and work towards its ambitious goals.

Ambitious Production Plans

COMAC aims to produce 75 planes a year and even more in the future. However, the company still relies heavily on foreign suppliers for many parts. China is actively working on developing its own engines, a project that has faced multiple delays but is reportedly making progress.

Uncertainty Remains

The US had also restricted other companies from sending parts to COMAC. It remains unclear whether those restrictions have been lifted. Nevertheless, the resumption of engine shipments is a major win for COMAC, helping it meet production goals and compete on a global scale.

questions

    Is the timing of this decision related to any undisclosed agreements between the US and China beyond trade negotiations?
    Could the sudden reversal of the engine suspension be a strategic move to gather intelligence on China's aerospace advancements?
    What are the potential risks and benefits for GE Aerospace in resuming engine shipments to COMAC given the geopolitical tensions?

actions