Airbus, the international aviation giant, stated that it has obtained approval from China to deliver 120 previously ordered aircraft. However, the agreement signed in Beijing has not driven substantial progress on a mega-order involving hundreds of new aircraft.

According to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron visited China last week for talks on geopolitical and trade issues, but made no mention of the 500-aircraft deal that Airbus has been negotiating for more than a year. Such large-scale orders are typically announced in conjunction with head-of-state visits.

French media reported on Monday (December 8) that Airbus had secured an agreement potentially leading to 120 new aircraft orders. But Airbus clarified that this General Terms Agreement (GTA) is merely a standard step to advance existing orders. An Airbus spokesperson said, "This GTA authorizes the delivery of aircraft already included in our order book, which is a standard procedure among Chinese customers."

Currently, both Airbus and Boeing are awaiting further moves from China regarding major potential orders, as China has refrained from placing such politically sensitive large-scale purchases for years. Sources revealed that Airbus has been holding on-again, off-again negotiations with Chinese counterparts since at least 2024, aiming to clinch the 500-aircraft order. Nevertheless, amid rising geopolitical uncertainties, China has maintained prudence over large-scale procurement.

Industry insiders pointed out that Airbus had originally hoped to achieve a breakthrough through this deal, so as to catch up with its rival Boeing in this year’s order race and meet the company’s internal target of approximately 1,200 orders. Yet, barring any unexpected twists, there are few signs that Beijing will place such landmark mega-orders with either manufacturer before the end of the year.

In the first 11 months of this year, Airbus recorded 700 net orders after deducting cancellations; Boeing, as of the end of October, posted 782 net orders. Although Airbus lowered its delivery forecast last week due to industrial issues with some fuselage panels, it is expected to lead Boeing in delivery volume for the seventh consecutive year.

In addition, the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated in Geneva on Tuesday (December 9) that against the backdrop of persistent supply chain constraints, the industry’s confidence in Airbus meeting its delivery targets on schedule has waned, while Boeing’s performance has seen a slight improvement.

Airbus, the international aviation giant, stated that it has obtained approval from China to deliver 120 previously ordered aircraft. However, the agreement signed in Beijing has not driven substantial progress on a mega-order involving hundreds of new aircraft.

According to Reuters, French President Emmanuel Macron visited China last week for talks on geopolitical and trade issues, but made no mention of the 500-aircraft deal that Airbus has been negotiating for more than a year. Such large-scale orders are typically announced in conjunction with head-of-state visits.

French media reported on Monday (December 8) that Airbus had secured an agreement potentially leading to 120 new aircraft orders. But Airbus clarified that this General Terms Agreement (GTA) is merely a standard step to advance existing orders. An Airbus spokesperson said, "This GTA authorizes the delivery of aircraft already included in our order book, which is a standard procedure among Chinese customers."

Currently, both Airbus and Boeing are awaiting further moves from China regarding major potential orders, as China has refrained from placing such politically sensitive large-scale purchases for years. Sources revealed that Airbus has been holding on-again, off-again negotiations with Chinese counterparts since at least 2024, aiming to clinch the 500-aircraft order. Nevertheless, amid rising geopolitical uncertainties, China has maintained prudence over large-scale procurement.

Industry insiders pointed out that Airbus had originally hoped to achieve a breakthrough through this deal, so as to catch up with its rival Boeing in this year’s order race and meet the company’s internal target of approximately 1,200 orders. Yet, barring any unexpected twists, there are few signs that Beijing will place such landmark mega-orders with either manufacturer before the end of the year.

In the first 11 months of this year, Airbus recorded 700 net orders after deducting cancellations; Boeing, as of the end of October, posted 782 net orders. Although Airbus lowered its delivery forecast last week due to industrial issues with some fuselage panels, it is expected to lead Boeing in delivery volume for the seventh consecutive year.

In addition, the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated in Geneva on Tuesday (December 9) that against the backdrop of persistent supply chain constraints, the industry’s confidence in Airbus meeting its delivery targets on schedule has waned, while Boeing’s performance has seen a slight improvement.