GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) is to buy up to ten C919 aircraft from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

The letter of intent (LOI) comprises five firm purchases and options for five additional aircraft.

The C919 aircraft, a single-aisle narrow body aircraft, can fly over 160 passengers a distance of about 3,000nm.

The aircraft will be powered by CFM’s new LEAP-X1C, a new centreline engine formally announced by CFM in mid 2008.