BUSINESS

Boeing Lands First China Contract in Nine Years

Published: May. 18, 2026 6:22 p.m. GMT+8

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Boeing Co. has secured an initial commitment from China to purchase 200 aircraft, the U.S. plane-maker’s first deal in nine years in one of the world’s largest civil aviation markets.

The U.S. planemaker told Caixin on Saturday that Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg’s trip to China last week was “very successful,” achieving its primary goal of reopening the Chinese market, adding that it expects to secure more Chinese orders in the future.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

Boeing secured a 200-aircraft commitment from China, its first major order in nine years.
The deal, brokered during President Trump's visit, fell short of market expectations of 500 planes.
Boeing aims to regain ground lost to Airbus, which holds ~55% of China's civil aviation market.

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Who’s Who

Boeing Co.: Boeing Co. secured an initial commitment from China to purchase 200 aircraft, its first major Chinese order in nine years. CEO Kelly Ortberg's trip was successful in reopening the market. The deal was facilitated during President Trump's state visit, providing a vital boost for Boeing amid past challenges.

Airbus SE: Airbus SE has expanded its footprint in China, capturing approximately 55% of the country’s civil aviation market by 2025, making China its largest single market. Since late 2025, Chinese airlines have ordered 390 Airbus aircraft, including orders from Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern.

GE Aerospace: Based on the article, GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp attended a state dinner alongside Boeing's CEO and Chinese officials during negotiations for a 200-aircraft deal. This suggests GE Aerospace's involvement in high-level discussions on aviation cooperation in China.

Air China Group: Air China Group is the flag carrier airline of China. Its Chairman, Liu Tiexiang, attended a state dinner during Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg's visit. Air China Ltd., a subsidiary, has recently ordered 60 Airbus aircraft, part of a broader shift away from Boeing amid market competition and geopolitical tensions.

Air China Ltd.: Air China Ltd. is the state-owned flag carrier of China. The article notes that its chairman, Liu Tiexiang, attended a state dinner with Boeing's CEO. Additionally, Air China Ltd. placed an order for 60 Airbus aircraft as part of Chinese airlines' recent purchases of 390 Airbus planes.

China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd.: China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd., a state-owned carrier, placed an order for 101 Airbus aircraft since late 2025 as part of China's growing fleet. This was noted in the article alongside orders from Air China and China Southern.

China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd.: China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. placed an order for 102 Airbus aircraft as of late 2025, as reported in the article. This is part of broader Chinese airline orders totaling 390 Airbus planes, highlighting Airbus's 55% market share in China, while Boeing secured a commitment for 200 aircraft from China.

Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC): Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) manufactures the C919, a competitor to Boeing's 737 MAX. COMAC Chairman He Dongfeng attended a state dinner during Boeing CEO's China visit. COMAC's competition has impacted Boeing's China business, alongside trade war and safety issues.

China Aviation Supplies Holding Co.: China Aviation Supplies Holding Co. is a state-owned enterprise that handles aircraft procurement for Chinese airlines. It last signed a major Boeing deal in November 2017, agreeing to purchase 300 aircraft worth over $37 billion, marking Boeing's last significant order before its nine-year drought ended in 2026.

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What Happened When

Before 2019：: Deliveries to China accounted for a quarter of Boeing's global total sales.

2017：: The Chinese market accounted for 12.7% of Boeing's total revenue.

2017：: During Trump's first term, a 300-aircraft deal was signed during his China visit.

November 2017：: China Aviation Supplies Holding Co. signed an agreement to buy 300 Boeing aircraft worth more than $37 billion. This was Boeing's last major Chinese order before 2026.

2018：: The Chinese market accounted for 13.6% of Boeing's total revenue.

2019：: The Chinese market accounted for 6.7% of Boeing's total revenue. Boeing subsequently stopped disclosing standalone revenue figures for China.

Late 2025：: European aircraft maker Airbus captured approximately 55% of China's civil aviation market. Since late 2025, Chinese airlines have ordered 390 Airbus aircraft.