The CFM International joint venture (JV) between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines has signed a new set of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) to provide 500 engines to three Chinese airlines.

A $9.1bn deal will see CFM delivering engines to Spring Airline, Hainan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, while a $2.9bn deal with Spring Airline includes installed and engines supported by a long-term Rate Per Flight Hour agreement.

CFM’s latest $4.2bn MoU with Hainan Airlines features the carrier’s new and spare engines, as well a long-term support agreement.

“These new agreements strengthen our commitment to China and solidifies our relationships with our customers there.”

In addition, a new $2.05bn agreement with Xiamen Airlines covers the carrier’s installed and spare engines, as well as a long-term Time and Materials support agreement.

The company’s LEAP-1A engines will be used to power Hainan Airlines’ 55 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin said: “Our relationship with the Chinese aviation industry goes back more than 30 years, not only as a customer base but a very important supplier base.

“These new agreements strengthen our commitment to China and solidifies our relationships with our customers there, providing a strong foundation for even more cooperation in the future.”

CFM further noted that its LEAP engine entered commercial service in August 2016 and is currently serving 30 operators worldwide.