The Chinese government intends to place an incremental order of up to 120 jets from Airbus.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed the plan during a state visit to Beijing on 25 February 2026. Specific aircraft types, delivery schedules, and financial value remained unknown.China typically purchased aircraft in bulk before distributing them to state-owned carriers. The pending purchase followed recent Airbus orders from Chinese airlines at the end of 2025.
Friedrich Merz shared “The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft.”
