Airbus inks multibillion dollar order with China
The deal is for 300 aircraft
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Airbus has inked a multibillion dollar order with China, in a further blow to Boeing.
The French planemaker announced today that it had signed a deal to sell 300 aircraft to Chinese airlines.
The deal comprises 290 of the Airbus A320 narrow-body aircraft, and 10 of the long-range A350 XWB aircraft. The deal is believed to be worth around $34bn.
It was signed in Paris by the president of Airbus and the chairman of the Chinese aviation body during a visit by the Chinese premier, Xi Jinping.
The deal reflects “the strong demand” in the Chinese aviation market in all market segments including domestic, low cost, regional and international long-haul travel, said Airbus.
“We are honoured to support the growth of China’s civil aviation with our leading aircraft families – single-aisle and widebodies,” said Guillaume Faury, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft and future Airbus CEO.
“Our expanding footprint in China demonstrates our lasting confidence in the Chinese market and our long-term commitment to China and our partners.”
China is a growing aviation market where the opportunity for planemakers such as Airbus and Boeing is huge. According to Airbus’ latest China Market Forecast 2018 to 2037, China will need around 7,400 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years.
Chinese airlines currently operate 1,730 Airbus aircraft, of which 1,455 are A320s.
The deal is a further blow to Boeing, which has grounded all 371 Boeing 737 Max aircraft following the fatal Ethiopian Airlines crash earlier this month. China was one of the first countries to ground the Boeing 737 Max aircraft in the wake of the 10 March crash.
Airbus’ A320 family competes directly with the Boeing 737 series. The Airbus A320neo, a high-spec upgrade to the highly popular A320 jet, competes with the Boeing 737 Max, which is the latest iteration of the 737.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments