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Is China buying Boeing planes?

China is considering a commitment to buy 737 jets, the report said. However, discussions are still underway. President Xi is not expected to announce the formal order. Boeing hasn't made significant sales in China since 2018 after the 737 was grounded following two crashes.



Yes, China has resumed buying Boeing planes in 2026, though the relationship remains subject to complex trade and geopolitical dynamics. After a multi-year hiatus following the 737 MAX groundings and trade tensions, Chinese airlines have returned to Boeing’s order books to meet the country's massive domestic aviation demand, which is currently the second-largest in the world. In late 2025 and early 2026, major state-owned carriers like China Southern and Air China moved forward with significant orders for the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to modernize their fleets. However, Boeing now faces stiff competition from the Airbus A320neo family and China’s homegrown COMAC C919, which is starting to scale production. While the "mega-orders" of the past are now often split between Boeing and Airbus to maintain diplomatic balance, China’s need for hundreds of new aircraft over the next decade ensures that Boeing remains a critical, albeit contested, supplier for the region.

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Airbus has led in aircraft deliveries for the past four years, with the most substantial difference in 2019 due to the B737 MAX grounding. Covid-19 hit both manufacturers equally in 2020. In total, Airbus delivered 676 aircraft in 2022, while Boeing delivered 480.

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The company generated $2.6 billion of free cash flow in the second quarter, ahead of analyst forecasts, and reiterated its full-year guidance of between $3 billion and $5 billion of free cash flow. Boeing shares surged nearly 9% to end the day at $232.80, the stock's highest closing price since November 2021.

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Airbus has led in aircraft deliveries for the past four years, with the most substantial difference in 2019 due to the B737 MAX grounding. Covid-19 hit both manufacturers equally in 2020. In total, Airbus delivered 676 aircraft in 2022, while Boeing delivered 480.

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It currently owns nearly all the planes in its fleet, unlike EasyJet and Wizz Air which lease much of what they fly. As O'Leary pointed out, leasing costs are rising in tandem with interest rates.

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Boeing aircraft often incorporate more tactile feedback and manual controls in their cockpit systems, which appeal to pilots who prefer a traditional flying experience. Airbus planes emphasize automation and computerized systems, reducing pilot workload but offering less hands-on control.

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