China Considers Ordering Hundreds of Aircraft from Airbus

China is reportedly preparing to place a major order for hundreds of aircraft from European aerospace giant Airbus, according to sources cited by Bloomberg News.

The potential deal is expected to be finalised next month, coinciding with a high-profile visit by European Union leaders to Beijing to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the EU.

The discussions are still ongoing, with Chinese airlines negotiating the exact number and types of planes to be purchased. Sources indicate the order could include around 300 aircraft, covering both narrow-body and wide-body models, with estimates ranging between 200 and 500 planes in total.

While the talks remain fluid and could either extend over a longer period or fall through, the timing aligns closely with visits from French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders planned for July.

This visit marks the golden anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties and is expected to highlight the long-term strategic partnership between the two sides.

France and Germany hold the largest shares in Airbus, making the deal especially significant for both countries. A large-scale contract with Airbus would allow Chinese President Xi Jinping to send a strong message to US President Donald Trump amid ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.