According to flight tracking data, a brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft landed again in China on Monday (June 9). The incident is widely seen as an important signal that a U.S. aircraft maker Boeing is resuming delivery of aircraft to its key Chinese customers amid the temporary easing of tariff war between China and the United States.
The "twilight journey" of an aircraft, mapping the barometer of trade frictions
This 737 MAX aircraft sprayed with Xiamen Airlines, has vividly outlined the direct impact of Sino-US trade frictions on the real economy. It took off from Seattle, USA last Saturday, spanned the Pacific Ocean after refueling in Hawaii and Guam, and eventually landed at the Boeing Zhoushan completion center near Shanghai.
Temporary truce paved the way, and there are still variables in the restart of delivery
Boeing has previously suspended the delivery of new aircraft to China since April due to escalating tariff issues. The company has said that Chinese customers will not accept new aircraft due to tariffs imposed by the United States and have considered reselling dozens of aircraft that may involve to other customers. Despite this, Boeing has not really resold these aircraft to other places for consideration of the long-term potential of the Chinese market.
The turnaround occurred at the end of May, when Boeing announced that delivery to China would resume in June after tariffs were temporarily reduced by 90 days. The arrival of Xiamen Airlines flight is a direct reflection of this statement. It is worth noting, however, that the recovery of this delivery is based on a 90-day "temporary truce".
The Chinese market is crucial, and future negotiations become key
The Chinese market has important strategic significance for Boeing, accounting for about 10% of its commercial aircraft reserve orders, and is an important aviation market with continuous growth. In April this year, Boeing planned to deliver 50 aircraft to Chinese airlines within the year, 41 of which are already in production or pre-assembly stage. The delivery suspension undoubtedly puts huge pressure on Boeing's production plans and financial situation.
At present, Boeing, Xiamen Airlines and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the delivery restart. Beijing has not commented on the reasons for the suspension of delivery, but has said that both Chinese and American airlines and manufacturers have been seriously affected by the US tariffs.
Looking forward: Game at the London negotiating table
On the same day the plane arrived in China, representatives of China and the United States will also hold a meeting in London to discuss a trade agreement. The restoration of this delivery undoubtedly created a positive atmosphere for negotiations. However, the final result will directly determine the future direction of Boeing's business in China. Whether it is possible to achieve a long-term and stable trade framework to bring aircraft delivery back on track, or to return to a tense confrontation after 90 days, everything remains unknown.
So, although the return of this 737 MAX is an icebreaker, it is more like an important test. Global aviation and markets are closely watching progress at the London negotiating table, and the results will determine whether this "thaw" will be a lasting spring or a brief breath.
