Chinese airlines are reportedly preparing to place an order for approximately 500 737 MAX aircraft with Boeing. The deal is expected to be announced during Donald Trump’s visit to China and could become one of the largest agreements in Boeing’s history.
Chinese airlines may place an order for 500 aircraft with Boeing
It has been reported that a major aircraft agreement is on the agenda between US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Chinese airline companies.
According to sources, Chinese airlines are preparing to announce an order for around 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the agreement could be announced during Donald Trump’s planned official state visit to China.
If realised, the deal could become one of the largest sales in Boeing’s history.
It could be a historic deal for Boeing
According to sources, the presentation of the order for 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is planned to take place during Donald Trump’s first official visit to China since 2017.
This development is considered a critical step that could pave the way for new aircraft orders in China, which has the world’s second-largest aviation market.
Wide-body aircraft also on the agenda
Sources also stated that the parties are holding talks for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777X.
If the negotiations for approximately 100 wide-body aircraft are concluded, it is stated that the scope of the agreement could expand even further.
A strategic topic in trade talks
The aviation agreement is expected to become an important topic in the trade talks conducted between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.
According to experts, the Trump administration aims to support major sales agreements by using Boeing as a diplomatic tool in international trade negotiations.
Mutual visits are being planned
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China between March 31 and April 2.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to pay an official visit to Washington later this year.
If the agreement is finalised, it is expected that the long-running negotiations between Boeing and Chinese airlines will conclude and pave the way for new orders.
Geopolitical tensions may affect the agreement
However, some sources note that current geopolitical developments could affect the agreement. In particular, it is stated that if the regional war centred in Iran continues, Donald Trump’s visit to China could be postponed.
On the other hand, it was reported that Boeing shares rose by approximately 3.7 percent following the talks held with China.
