Beijing – Boeing is in advanced discussions with China over a potential sale of as many as 500 aircraft, a deal that could mark the company’s largest agreement in years and help restore its position in the world’s second-largest aviation market.
According to people familiar with the matter, negotiations remain ongoing, with details such as the mix of aircraft models, delivery schedules, and financing terms still under discussion. The proposed deal is expected to be part of a broader U.S.–China trade agreement, though its success will depend on continued progress in easing tensions between the two countries.
Chinese regulators and planners have reportedly been consulting domestic airlines about their fleet requirements, with particular interest in Boeing’s 737 Max series. Industry analysts note that securing new aircraft slots is critical, as both Boeing and Airbus are heavily booked well into the 2030s.
The potential order would be Boeing’s largest in China since 2017, when an agreement for 300 planes was announced during a U.S. state visit. Since then, trade frictions and the grounding of the 737 Max have largely sidelined Boeing in the Chinese market, with Airbus taking the lead in deliveries.
While no final decision has been reached, the scale of the deal highlights China’s long-term aviation demand. Boeing forecasts the country will more than double its commercial fleet to nearly 10,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, far outpacing the capacity of domestic planemaker Comac.
If completed, the agreement would also mark a diplomatic milestone, as aircraft sales have frequently featured in trade talks between Washington and Beijing.
