China’s aviation scene is buzzing with news that the country’s top airlines are divvying up a colossal order of 500 Airbus planes. While the deal was sealed months ago, the official announcement is still in the wings, according to insiders who spoke to Bloomberg News. The “big three” airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines—are each expected to snag around 100 aircraft. Meanwhile, smaller players like Xiamen Airlines and Sichuan Airlines Group are set to receive about 35 planes each. This massive order, reportedly finalized in June 2025, is still under wraps as Airbus and the Chinese government wait for the perfect moment to go public.
The timing of the announcement was initially pegged for early July during the China–European Union 50th anniversary event in Beijing. However, it seems the airlines are busy behind the scenes, working with local procurement authorities to nail down their purchase requests before haggling with Airbus over the specifics. If this deal goes through, it will be the largest ever for Chinese airlines, surpassing the previous record set in July 2022 for 292 Airbus A320 family aircraft. Airbus already has a stronghold on the fleets of China’s major airlines, and this order would only solidify its dominance.
On the flip side, Boeing is reportedly in talks with China for a similar mega-deal, aiming to supply up to 500 commercial aircraft. This could be a game-changer for Boeing, which has faced hurdles in China, especially after the 737 MAX issues. The potential agreement could be part of a broader trade deal between the US and China, offering Boeing a chance to regain its footing in this crucial market. As the aviation industry looks to renew fleets and expand, both Airbus and Boeing are vying for a piece of the action in China.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
