The United States and China are reportedly close to announcing a substantial order for Boeing commercial aircraft, according to statements from US officials and reports by Reuters.
The deal is expected to be finalized swiftly, as US Ambassador to China David Perdue indicated after a congressional delegation visited Beijing.
A group of US lawmakers, marking the first visit of House Representatives to China since 2019, raised the topic of purchasing additional Boeing jets during meetings with Chinese leaders.
The discussions follow recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at easing bilateral tensions that have disrupted aerospace trade.
Boeing is in negotiations to sell up to 500 jets to China, though details about the specific airlines and aircraft models involved have not been disclosed. The last several years saw Boeing’s commercial sales to China on hold, largely due to trade disputes and regulatory complications.
Historically, China has accounted for about 25% of Boeing’s global aircraft deliveries, making the market critical for the US manufacturer. The potential resumption of large-scale orders would have a notable impact on Boeing’s production and delivery forecasts, as well as on the availability of newer aircraft in Chinese fleets.
Major carriers Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines are posing as candidates for deals with Boeing as they dominate air traffic in the country and are controlled by the government.