Chinese airlines are in advanced talks to purchase up to 300 Airbus SE aircraft, with a potential order that could increase to as many as 500 jets, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The deal, which includes both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could be announced as early as next month during a planned visit by European leaders to Beijing.
According to industry insiders, the discussions build on earlier negotiations that emerged in April 2024, just before Chinese President Xi Jinping visited France. It is common for China to align large jet orders with high-profile state visits, though sources caution that such deals often go down to the wire and are not always finalized due to ongoing trade uncertainties.
Despite the risks, analysts note that China is facing an aircraft shortfall after refraining from placing major orders for over five years, suggesting strong underlying demand.
