Boeing Confirms Massive China Aircraft Deal During Trump Visit

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – Boeing confirmed that China has committed to purchasing 200 aircraft during the recent Beijing visit of US President Donald Trump, with the potential for the agreement to expand to as many as 750 planes in the future.

The aerospace giant described the trip as highly successful, saying the primary objective of reopening the Chinese market for Boeing orders had been achieved. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was also part of the American delegation that visited Beijing.

According to Boeing, the agreement currently includes an initial commitment for 200 aircraft, while additional orders are expected in the coming months. However, the company declined to specify which aircraft models were included in the negotiations.

Trump earlier hinted at the scale of the agreement during an interview with Fox News, calling the order “200 big ones” and highlighting the potential economic benefits and jobs linked to the deal. Later, aboard Air Force One, he claimed China had also promised up to 750 aircraft if the initial phase proved successful.

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Industry reports suggest the possible mega-deal may include hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets along with larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft. Boeing’s main competitor in the global market remains Airbus.

China’s previous major Boeing order came in 2017 during Trump’s first presidential term, when Beijing agreed to purchase 300 aircraft in a deal valued at nearly $37 billion. Since then, relations between Boeing and Chinese regulators have faced several setbacks following the deadly 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The 737 MAX fleet was grounded worldwide for nearly two years after crashes involving Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines killed 346 people. China became the last major market to approve the aircraft’s return to service in 2023.

Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing also affected Boeing operations after China temporarily restricted aircraft deliveries during the tariff disputes that followed Trump’s return to office in 2025. A later trade truce helped restore business activity between Boeing and Chinese customers.

Boeing currently holds more than 6,800 aircraft orders globally, with an estimated combined value of around $600 billion, underlining the company’s strong long-term demand outlook in Asia and beyond.