China is considering a massive Airbus aircraft order that could range from 200 to as many as 500 planes, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The announcement, potentially slated for July, would coincide with a visit by European leaders to Beijing to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.
The deal would include both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft and would represent one of the largest purchases in history by the Asian giant. One source indicated that the A330neo—a twin-engine, twin-aisle aircraft—is among the top candidates for a significant portion of the order.
Airbus Strengthens Its Foothold in China
Airbus has been steadily gaining ground in the Chinese market, partly thanks to its final assembly line in Tianjin for A320 family aircraft, which enjoy high demand. A deal of this scale would not only strengthen the European manufacturer’s position but also cement its dominance in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
The market reaction has already been felt: Airbus shares rose as much as 4.1% in Paris following the news. Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc, which supplies engines for Airbus wide-body aircraft, also saw its shares climb by up to 0.7% in London.
Boeing Left Behind in Its Former Stronghold
As Airbus advances, Boeing faces a bleak outlook in China. Since 2017, the U.S. manufacturer has failed to secure a major order in the country. Trade tensions with the U.S.—intensified during the Trump and Biden administrations—have tilted the scales in favor of the European rival.
→ China Airlines Bets on Boeing 777X: Orders 14 Aircraft to Expand Its Fleet
In April, the Chinese government instructed its airlines to halt the intake of new Boeing aircraft due to tariffs imposed by the United States. This comes on top of a reputational crisis following the 737 Max crashes and, more recently, the January 2024 incident in which a door plug detached mid-flight. These events have significantly damaged Boeing’s image among both consumers and regulators.
A Politically Charged Deal
Politics is deeply embedded in this transaction. A deal of this magnitude would allow President Xi Jinping to send a strong signal to Washington amid tense trade negotiations. The planned visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—whose countries are Airbus’s main shareholders—adds geopolitical weight to the timing of the announcement.
Meanwhile, the United States is working to stay competitive. In May, a trade agreement with the United Kingdom included a major Boeing aircraft sale. Additionally, during a visit by Trump to the Middle East, Qatar Airways placed a record order for up to 210 jets.
A Potential Historic Record
If the full 500-aircraft order is finalized, it would far surpass the 2022 deal for 300 single-aisle jets—valued at around $37 billion—and rival India’s record-setting acquisitions. In 2023, Air India ordered 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, while IndiGo signed a landmark deal for 500 single-aisle jets.
This new chapter in the Airbus-Boeing rivalry could redefine the global aviation power balance and turn China into the key battleground for the coming years.
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