The government in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has expressed a desire to purchase 120 Airbus aircraft after a state visit from Friedrich Merz. The German chancellor announced this development on Feb. 25 after a state visit to Beijing.
The Chancellor’s State Visit to China
In a statement, Merz disclosed the estimated number of aircraft after discussion with Premier of the Chinese State Council Li Qiang, and President Xi Jinping:
“The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft.”
The current aircraft tally consists of 60 A321-200Ns, 30 A320-200Ns and the purchase centres around orders placed at the back end of 2025, and all of which will be distributed to government-subsidised airlines such as Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Juneyao Air.
Airbus Negotiation
The idea of the Airbus purchase is a notable consideration for both countries. In a statement from President Xi Jinping he emphasised the importance of building trust between his own country and Germany:
“The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,”
A fraction of Germany’s exports come from China, furthermore it seems that Merz’ presence in Beijing is to try and improve economic relations between Europe and China, in light of the wave of tariffs from the United States and the still ongoing war in Ukraine. Should the purchase be finalised it would represent a significant growth in Airbus’ economy, potentially securing more jobs in production facilities at Hamburg and Toulouse.
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