Speaking aboard Air Force One on May 15, 2026, the U.S. president announced that China has agreed to purchase at least 200 Boeing aircraft, with the possibility of expanding the deal to as many as 750 jets in the future if initial commitments are successfully fulfilled.
According to the president, the agreement also includes between 400 and 450 engines from GE Aerospace to power the new aircraft. He described the arrangement as one of the biggest trade outcomes from his recent state visit to Beijing.
If finalized at its highest level, the agreement could become the largest aircraft order in Boeing history. The announcement also marks the first major aircraft order from China for Boeing in nearly a decade. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was reportedly part of the U.S. business delegation visiting Beijing during the summit.
However, several details of the agreement remain unclear. Neither Boeing nor GE Aerospace has officially commented on the announcement, while the White House has yet to release full contract terms. Industry analysts noted that the 750-aircraft figure represents a potential future expansion rather than a firm order commitment.
Despite the announcement, Boeing shares fell around 5% as investors had anticipated a larger confirmed order. China currently represents only a small portion of Boeing’s order backlog, although the country accounted for more than 20% of Boeing deliveries between 2010 and 2019. Boeing estimates China will require nearly 8,800 new aircraft over the next 20 years.
