Airbus wants order from China

Order of 180 airplanes possible

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is hoping for a large order from the Far East. CEO Thomas Enders is currently trying to win an order for 180 planes in China. The news agency Bloomberg reports that Enders and Guillaume Faury, head of the civil aircraft division, are currently planning to close the deal in Beijing. The planes are supposed to be A320-Neo jets.

The trade dispute between the USA and China could play into the hands of the aircraft manufacturer. Since June of this year, customs duties of 25 percent have been levied on imports from China to the USA. China is also threatening to levy the same amount of import duties on aircraft of the competitor Airbus.

The order was also an issue during French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to China in January. According to the list price, the deal would have a volume of 15.3 billion euros.

Airbus with new sales manager

Airbus has been manufacturing in China for ten years. A new helicopter factory will also be opened there. Airbus did not officially confirm the trip. The Chinese aviation authority CACC only said that there was a meeting with Faury.

In the trade dispute with the US, China could send a clear signal to the US if the deal is closed. The China International Import Expo trade fair could be a good place to announce such a large order. The event will take place on 5 November in Shanghai.

Bloomberg also reports that a successful conclusion would also be a plus for the new head of sales, Christian Scherer. He just started working a few days ago.