China – Boeing may soon see a significant revival in aircraft orders from China, as the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) begins surveying the country’s airlines regarding future fleet needs and potential procurement of overdue Boeing orders. This development signals a possible thaw in U.S.-China aviation trade relations, offering Boeing a strategic opening amid ongoing bilateral trade talks.

• On July 28, 2025, CAAC met with Boeing Senior Vice President Brendan Nelson in Beijing to explore deeper aviation cooperation.

• The CAAC has asked Chinese carriers to update their 2025+ fleet renewal plans, including any discussions with Boeing and intentions to proceed with 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner orders.

• The inquiry comes as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng prepare for a third round of trade talks in Stockholm, with large aircraft purchases historically serving as trade-balancing gestures.

• China’s pent-up demand for Boeing jets is significant, especially among Boeing-only fleet operators such as:

  • Shandong Airlines – 131 Boeing 737s (avg. age: 11+ years)

  • Shanghai Airlines – 83 Boeing aircraft including 8 Dreamliners

  • China United Airlines – 59 Boeing 737s

  • 9 Air and Donghai Airlines – 20+ Boeing jets each

• Boeing’s Zhoushan delivery center near Shanghai has also resumed activity, suggesting readiness for broader re-engagement.

• Industry analysts believe potential new Boeing orders may be timed with anticipated diplomatic events, such as a proposed Xi–Trump meeting at the 2025 APEC Summit in South Korea.

Source: Chinese Media Reporting