China is considering placing an order for hundreds of Airbus aircraft as early as next month, when European leaders visit Beijing, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report states that Chinese airlines are currently deliberating the size of a potential order, with this deal involving about 300 aircraft, including both narrow and widebody jets. One source told the media outlet that the order could range between 200 and 500 aircraft.
Negotiations are “fluid” and could “fall apart or take longer” to reach a conclusion, the people told Bloomberg.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany are among leaders that may visit Beijing in July to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. France and Germany are the two biggest owners of Airbus.
Widebodies would be a significant portion of a new Airbus order, the people told Bloomberg, with one source noting that the A330neo could win some sales.
Airbus declined Airline Economics' request for comment.
This comes after Boeing stated at the end of May that it will restart deliveries to China this month, after an import ban imposed by China amid a heightening US-led trade war was reportedly lifted. Speaking at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions conference, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company is watching retaliatory tariffs “more closely”.
During April, at least three Boeing jets returned from the manufacturer’s 737 completion and delivery centre in China, located in Zhoushan, which is a joint venture with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). At the facility, 737 MAX aircraft are fitted with interiors and have airline liveries for Chinese customers sprayed.
Airlines in China such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, reportedly have plans to take delivery of a collective 179 Boeing planes, in the next two-year period.