(Yicai Global) Nov. 8 -- Chinese airlines have signed almost USD3.5 billion worth of deals for equipment, goods, and services from overseas suppliers during the first two days of the China International Import Expo, which kicked off on Nov. 5.

Among the carriers, Xiamen Airlines spent the most -- USD1.9 billion -- for maintenance services for 33 LEAP-1A engines and related aviation materials from CFM International, the world’s leading supplier of jet engines.

Under their agreement, CFM will provide after-sales service solutions and spare engines for the Xiamen-based airline’s planes equipped with LEAP-1A engines and material solutions for those with CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines to ensure the fleet’s smooth operation.

China Eastern Air Holding, which runs China Eastern Airline, signed 14 contracts worth USD1.1 billion in total, covering repair services, ground equipment, aviation materials, and landing gear with the UK’s Mallaghan Engineering and and France’s Safran Landing Systems, along with a rate per flight hour repairs deal with GE Aviation of the United States. The Shanghai-based firm also placed a USD230 million order for Chilean cherries.

The operator of China Southern Airline, China Southern Air Holding, inked procurement deals  valued at USD448 million with CFM International, International Aero Engines, and 12 other overseas suppliers. The agreements, which cover technical gear, trade services, consumer goods, and other categories, are mostly to do with aviation materials, engine repairs, integrated services, game copyright use, data and information services, as well as duty-free goods on board.

Editor: Futura Costaglione