Aviation

Airbus in Talks for Major Sale of Widebody Jets to Chinese Market

According to the Reports from Bloomberg News, Airbus SE is reportedly engaged in negotiations for a significant sale of A330neo aircraft to China.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that some of the largest Chinese airlines are contemplating the purchase of more than 100 of these upgraded A330 models. The terms of the deal are still under discussion, and the timing remains uncertain.

The A330neo, an enhanced version of the previous A330 series featuring new engine options, has garnered significant interest. Before its upgrade, the A330 series amassed a total of 1,445 orders.

The timing of these negotiations is notable, as China has once again halted imports from Boeing, presenting an opportunity for Airbus to present more favorable terms to Chinese airlines. This development underscores the growing divergence between Airbus and Boeing in navigating China’s crucial aviation market amidst heightened geopolitical tensions between China and the US.

China’s decision to halt imports from Boeing, shortly after resuming them following a five-year hiatus, is linked to regulatory scrutiny of a cockpit voice recorder design approved by US and European counterparts. Airbus, on the other hand, benefits from its substantial investment in China, including manufacturing facilities for the popular A320neo and A330 models. The recent diplomatic efforts by Chinese President Xi Jinping towards European leaders further enhance Airbus’s position in the region.

For Airbus, a potential order from China would bolster the backlog for the A330neo, which has faced slower sales compared to its predecessors. The A330neo’s updated features, including new engines and wings, make it an attractive option for airlines seeking efficiency and performance improvements.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.