China's state airlines sign $13 billion deal for 32 jets

Two of China's largest state-owned airlines have finalized major aircraft orders with Airbus and Boeing, signaling a significant fleet expansion and renewal focused on international routes. China Eastern Airlines has agreed to purchase 25 widebody A330neo jets from Airbus, while China Southern Airlines' cargo division has ordered seven Boeing freighters.

The Airbus order, with a list price of approximately $9.35 billion, was signed on June 26. Deliveries of the fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft are scheduled to occur in batches between 2029 and 2033. China Eastern stated that the actual transaction price will be significantly lower than the catalog figure due to substantial discounts, a standard industry practice for large orders. The airline plans to deploy these jets primarily from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to expand its intercontinental destinations and increase flight frequencies, reinforcing the airport's role as a major international transfer hub. The new aircraft will replace at least 10 of the airline's older A330 models that are slated for retirement during the same period.

This widebody deal follows a separate agreement China Eastern made with Airbus in late...