China confirms order for 200 Boeing planes, calls aviation key area for U.S. cooperation

CHONGQING, China — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday confirmed an agreement to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, as well as engines and spare parts.

Aviation is key to deepening cooperation between China and the United States, a Commerce Department official said

“In line with the important consensus reached by Chinese and US leaders, the Chinese aviation industry will launch 200 Boeing aircraft in accordance with commercial principles and its own needs for the development of air transportation,” the official said in a statement. he said.

US President Donald Trump told Fox News last week that China would buy 200 Boeing planes. Although this figure was less than half of what analysts expected, this was the first large order from China. aeroplane Since 2017.

Boeing, which manufactures most of its commercial planes in Seattle, may receive additional orders from Chinese airlines in the future, a Washington state trade official told CNBC on Tuesday.

“Boeing has a lot of demand, a bit of a waiting list, so I believe it makes sense for me to have more orders coming in the future,” said Andrea Chartock, deputy director of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness.

“We are very pleased to hear this announcement,” Chartock told CNBC on Tuesday. He noted that the state has “an entire industry around Boeing,” with suppliers ranging from space to satellites.

China’s civil aviation regulator said in a statement on Sunday. I met with Boeing CEO Kelly Orthberg a few days ago. The executive was part of Trump’s delegation to China.

Boeing did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.