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Explainer | How monumental is China’s challenge to build its own jet engine for the C919 as it seeks aviation self-reliance?

  • Shanghai-based Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) is developing the CJ-1000 high-bypass turbofan jet engine to be used on the C919 passenger jet
  • China’s first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet is using an imported Leap engine since it entered commercial service since May 2023

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The C919, China’s first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet, has been in commercial service since May 2023. Photo: Xinhua
Amanda Lee

A review of China’s first turbofan commercial engine for the home-grown C919 passenger jet is set to be given priority by the Chinese aviation regulator this year as the world’s second-largest economy strives to become self-reliant in aviation amid rising advanced technology export restrictions from the United States.

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The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has outlined its key tasks to promote “Made in China” this year, including the certification of the narrowbody C919 in Europe this year, as well as prioritising the review of CJ-1000 engine.

What is the CJ-1000 engine?

The CJ-1000 is a high-bypass turbofan jet engine being developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) at its base in Shanghai, which is also home to the C919.

The CJ abbreviation comes from Chang Jiang, the Chinese name for the Yangtze River.

The engine has been designed to replace the imported Leap engine produced by CFM International – a joint venture between American firm GE Aerospace and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines – which currently powers the C919.

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The C919, China’s first domestically developed narrowbody passenger jet, has been in commercial service since May 2023 after 15 years in development.
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