Boeing is reportedly on the verge of one of its largest-ever commercial aircraft agreements, with plans for a roughly 500-unit order of 737 Max jets expected to be unveiled during President Donald Trump’s state visit to China, according to a Bloomberg report.
Sources cited in the report say Chinese and U.S. officials are also discussing a separate, larger widebody transaction that would encompass about 100 twin-aisle jets, combining Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X models. That potential widebody sale would likely be announced at a later date and is not anticipated to be part of the summit announcement tied to the 737 Max order.
The discussions are understood to be part of a broader trade engagement between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Trump. Trump is scheduled to visit China from March 31 to April 2, with Xi expected to travel to Washington later in the year. The talks, if concluded, would end a prolonged drought of public orders from China and represent the culmination of years of negotiation between Boeing and Chinese carriers.
Officials on both sides continue to negotiate the specifics of any announcement. Reportedly, U.S. negotiators are pressing for legally binding contracts rather than a publicized headline dollar figure or memorandum of intent. The talks are described as ongoing, and there remains a real possibility they could fail to produce a completed deal.
Company order records referenced in the report indicate that, as of Feb. 27, Boeing had 134 unfilled orders from China. In addition, the company listed 875 orders from unidentified customers, a ledger category that has at times obscured unannounced commitments from Chinese carriers.
The Bloomberg report said Boeing shares were trading over 2.5% higher following publication of the story. Market participants will be watching whether any finalized contract language appears alongside the political visit or if the parties opt to stagger announcements, with narrowbody and widebody deals disclosed separately.
Summary
Boeing is reportedly close to confirming a 500-aircraft purchase of 737 Max jets to be announced during President Trump’s state visit to China, while separate negotiations concern roughly 100 widebody 787 Dreamliner and 777X planes that would likely be announced later. Negotiators are seeking firm contracts and could still fail to reach agreement.