Airbus SE is currently engaged in discussions with several leading Chinese airlines to finalize a significant purchase agreement involving over 100 A330neo aircraft, as reported by Bloomberg News. The negotiation details remain under wraps, with key aspects such as terms and timelines still being ironed out, according to sources close to the matter.
In response to inquiries regarding these discussions, Airbus maintained its stance on confidentiality, stating, “it does not comment on confidential discussions that may or may not be taking place with customers.”
This potential deal follows a recent diplomatic engagement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron. The talks between the leaders last month could be influential in fostering such large-scale economic exchanges.
Further context was provided by a Reuters report in April, which highlighted that Airbus, a prominent entity in the global aviation sector headquartered in France, had initiated preliminary discussions with China. This move is strategically significant as China represents the world’s second-largest aviation market. Airbus has projected a robust annual growth rate of 5.3% in Chinese air traffic over the next two decades, surpassing the global average of 3.6%.
The strengthening of Airbus‘ operations in China was marked by the agreement to establish a second assembly line for the A320neo narrow-body aircraft family during President Macron’s state visit last year.
Historically, China has balanced its aircraft acquisitions between Airbus and its American counterpart, Boeing. However, recent years have seen a downturn in transactions with the U.S. manufacturer, likely influenced by the broader trade and political tensions that have affected U.S.-China relations. This context subtly underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics that often shape such significant commercial agreements in the aviation industry.