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Boeing Confirms China Is Buying 200 Planes
Boeing said China has committed to purchasing 200 aircraft, marking the first tranche of orders after a 2017 deal and following remarks by President Trump during his Beijing visit. The company suggested further commitments could follow, and Trump publicly referenced a much larger potential order in subsequent days.
Why It Matters
The development signals a notable moment in US-China aerospace trade, with potential implications for global airliner markets and future bilateral economic ties.
Timeline
5 Events
Media reports on potential larger order components
May 15, 2026
US media had reported for several months that Beijing was poised to place a larger order from Boeing, including roughly 500 single-aisle 737 MAXs and about 100 larger 787 Dreamliners and 777s.
Boeing confirms 200-plane commitment; Ortberg part of US delegation; expects follow-on commitments
May 15, 2026
Boeing confirmed that China had committed to purchasing 200 aircraft, referencing the earlier remarks by Trump. The company noted that this initial commitment could be followed by further orders; Boeing also said CEO Kelly Ortberg was part of the US delegation to China.
Trump on Air Force One notes 'promise of 750 planes'
May 14, 2026
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the flight home from China, Trump said the deal included "a promise of 750 planes, which will be by far the largest order ever, if they do a good job with the 200."
Trump references new Boeing commitment in Fox News interview
May 14, 2026
Trump referred to the new Boeing commitment in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, saying "I think it was a commitment."
China's last Boeing order before 2026
2017
China's last order from Boeing dates back to 2017, when President Donald Trump visited Beijing at the start of his first term; it ordered 300 single-aisle and wide-body planes valued at $37 billion.