China Expected to Finalize Major Airbus Deal Ahead of EU Leaders’ Visit

China Poised to Finalize Major Airbus Aircraft Order

Advanced Negotiations Amid Diplomatic Engagement

China is reportedly in advanced talks to place a substantial order for Airbus SE aircraft, with the deal potentially announced during an upcoming visit by European Union leaders. Sources familiar with the discussions, as reported by Bloomberg, indicate that the order could range from 200 to as many as 500 aircraft, encompassing both narrowbody and widebody models such as the A330neo. While the final size of the agreement remains uncertain and subject to change, the scale of the potential deal would position it among the largest in aviation history and mark China’s most significant aircraft purchase to date. For context, Air India secured a landmark order for 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing in 2023, while IndiGo followed with a record 500-plane narrowbody order from Airbus later that year. Airbus has declined to comment on the negotiations, and China’s aviation authorities have not responded to media inquiries.

Symbolic Timing and Geopolitical Implications

The anticipated announcement is expected to coincide with a July visit to Beijing by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China. France and Germany, as the largest shareholders in Airbus, underscore the strategic importance of the timing. The deal would provide Chinese President Xi Jinping with a platform to send a calculated message to Washington amid escalating tensions and ahead of the anticipated return of former US President Donald Trump, who has pledged to reset trade policies with China. The timing of the order thus carries significant geopolitical weight, reflecting the evolving dynamics between China, Europe, and the United States.

Airbus Capitalizes on Boeing’s Challenges

China’s growing preference for Airbus has been reinforced by ongoing US-China tensions and a series of setbacks for Boeing. Chinese regulators suspended Boeing jet deliveries in April, a move rooted in longstanding disputes dating back to the Trump administration and exacerbated by the 737 Max crisis. China was the first country to ground the 737 Max following two fatal crashes, and further concerns arose earlier this year after a Boeing aircraft experienced a mid-flight door plug failure, prompting renewed scrutiny of the manufacturer’s quality controls. Boeing has not secured a major commercial order from China since at least 2017, while Airbus has steadily expanded its presence. In 2022, China placed an order for approximately 300 Airbus narrowbody jets valued at around $37 billion.

Emphasis on Widebody Aircraft Demand

Industry insiders suggest that widebody aircraft, particularly the A330neo—the smallest widebody in Airbus’s portfolio—could feature prominently in the forthcoming order. This reflects a shrinking backlog for twin-aisle planes among Chinese carriers and a broader effort to modernize fleets. The transaction is expected to be facilitated through China’s state-run aircraft procurement agency, which negotiates on behalf of domestic airlines. If finalized, the deal would further cement China’s alignment with European aerospace interests amid a complex and often strained relationship with the United States.