Airbus is currently in talks with China for dozens of jets, Reuters reports, besides the French President Emmanuel Macron is currently on a three-day visit to China. According to sources in the President’s office, “the negotiations between the two sides are currently underway.”
Accompanying the president is a delegation of French business leaders including representatives from Airbus. The objective of the visit is to ensure that a balanced economic relationship with China benefits French businesses and consumers”.
In July 2022, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines signed up for 292 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
Meanwhile this is not the first time that a state visit is followed by an Airbus-China deal. In March 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited France, resulting in a deal for 300 Airbus aircraft.
In October 2006, French President Jacques Chirac visited Chine, Airbus has announced the establishment of a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin, becoming Airbus’ first international FAL. Airbus delivered the first A321neo from the FAL in March 2023.