SHANGHAI - China's jumbo jet engine developer said on Tuesday that it was seeking local and foreign partners to supply parts for the country's large commercial jets engines.

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AVIC Commercial Aircraft Engine Co (ACAE) started seeking suppliers to take over work packages for an engine program, which includes the design, manufacturing and testing of parts and systems for aircraft engines, the company announced in a statement.

The Shanghai-based company, a subsidiary of state-owned China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), was set up in 2009 to design, manufacture and sell large commercial aircraft engines as well as develop other commercial engines.

According to the statement, potential suppliers have to submit an application before noon March 18. ACAE will administer preliminary examinations then notify qualified candidates ten days later.