Boeing lost China. Trump-and 500 jets-may be about to win it back

Key Points:

• Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s participation in President Trump’s trip to China, including travel on a Boeing 787 provided by Qatar, strongly suggests a major aircraft order is imminent, as Ortberg is cautious about hinting at deals that are not finalized.
• The rumored order involves around 500 aircraft, primarily Boeing 737 MAX models, marking Boeing’s first significant sale to China since 2017 and signaling a major thaw in relations after the MAX grounding by Chinese regulators following fatal crashes.
• China is forecasted to become the world’s largest aircraft market by 2043, with a commercial fleet expected to double to nearly 10,000 planes, making this potential Boeing deal crucial in the ongoing competition with Airbus, which has a manufacturing presence in China.
• Boeing’s recent FAA approval to increase MAX production capacity and the potential additional five MAX aircraft per month from the Chinese order could significantly boost revenues, although actual deliveries may be delayed by supply chain bottlenecks and existing production backlogs.
• This anticipated order would represent a milestone in Boeing’s recovery, shifting from a period of halted business in China to potentially gaining a leading position in the fastest-growing global aviation market.