C919 Deliveries Slow to Three Aircraft in 2025 Amid Engine Shortage
Only three C919s delivered year-to-date as engine supply chain issues continue to plague COMAC's flagship program
Quick Look
- Only three C919 aircraft have been delivered in 2025 so far – two to China Southern on February 5 and March 2, and one to Air China on March 27 – with no deliveries in January.
- Analysts blame engine supply chain issues, noting CFM LEAP engines are not arriving and key components like blades are delayed.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The C919 is COMAC's flagship narrow-body aircraft intended to compete with Boeing's 737 and Airbus's A320 family. Engine supply chain issues have plagued the program, with CFM International struggling to deliver LEAP engines due to broader supply chain constraints.
Only three C919 deliveries have taken place this year to date – two were issued to China Southern on February 5 and March 2 and one went to Air China on March 27 – with no shipment in January, checks of airline records by the South China Morning Post and data from UK-based aviation consultancy IBA showed. “It could again be C919s sitting with their wings bare – the CFM Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines are not arriving,” said Jason Zheng, an analyst with the Shanghai-based consultancy Airwefly. “While planes wait for engines, engines wait for key parts like blades.”
Open Questions
- When will engine supply normalize?
- How many more deliveries are expected in 2025?
- Is COMAC considering alternative engine suppliers?
