dailynewsnblog
An order for more than 500 aircraft could be on the horizon for Boeing as China considers up to 500 narrowbody and 100 widebody aircraft. A confirmed order could be expected between United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their meeting in April.
President Trump is set to travel to China in April this year, signaling his first state visit since 2017. There are two sides to the discussion: the order for up to 500 narrowbody 737 MAX airplanes and an additional 100 Boeing 787 or Boeing 777X. As reported by Reuters, as discussions heat up, United States plane makers’ shares rose 3.7%.
A Huge Order Could Be Imminent
It’s no secret that the aviation scene in China is heating up, and it is forecasted that the country has long-term demand for more airplanes. China has also been flirting with Airbus on an order for another 500 aircraft with the European planemaker, in addition to what is being considered with Boeing. This deal, also yet to get over the line, has been in on-and-off negotiations for several years.
Historically, China accounted for around 25% of the 
Boeing order book. However, in recent years, this has dropped back to 133 aircraft for Chinese airlines, representing approximately 2% of the manufacturer’s order book. Trump will be in China at the end of this month (March 31 through April 2), where he will meet with President Xi Jinping. The Chinese President is also expected to visit the White House at some point in 2026.
Clashes between the two presidents have become evident in responses to trade tariffs and threats to impose export controls on Boeing airplanes (United States) and rare-earth minerals (China).
Foreign Carriers Ordering Boeing Aircraft Due To Trump
Trump usually gets what he wants, as seen earlier last year when several Asian carriers placed orders with Boeing as part of trade agreements with the United States. Japan and South Korea ordered over 100 aircraft as Trump pressed trading partners to spend more with American firms.
A pattern has emerged since Trump announced a wide range of tariffs as part of liberation day last year, and countries that struck deals with the United States saw tariffs adjusted accordingly. This has led to billions of dollars in aircraft commitments to the Washington-based plane maker, and conversations with China could also turn the tide for Boeing.
These deals make Trump look good. Aircraft are visible statements of trade, and these high-value deals allow countries to demonstrate commitment to improving bilateral relations with the US. Additionally, the purchase of aircraft does not normally affect local commodities and is not politically difficult for most trading partners.
Chinese Airlines Are Reportedly Close To Ordering 500 Boeing Aircraft
The development follows recent visits to China by a group of American lawyers.
The Big Three Chinese Airlines
Like the United States with its ‘Big Three’ (Delta, American and United), China has the same (China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China). Unlike the US, all three Chinese carriers are state-owned and dominate most domestic and international traffic. Hainan Airlines, the largest private carrier, accounts for the majority of Chinese aviation.
China Southern is the largest airline in China by fleet size, and carries more passengers than any other Chinese carrier. Its main base is from 
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Beijing Daxing. China Eastern Airlines is part of SkyTeam and operates predominantly from Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao. It launched the world’s longest one-stop flight late last year, commencing flights between Shanghai and Buenos Aires, with a stopover in Auckland, New Zealand.
Air China is the flag carrier for China, and is headquartered in Beijing. A member of the Star Alliance, Air China is known around the world for its extensive network of domestic and international flights. Its biggest hub is in Beijing. Hainan Airlines, the fourth-largest carrier, is well known for a high-quality onboard offering. It centers its operations in Beijing and Haikou.
