Boeing Is Shopping the MAX Around China

Despite the worldwide ground order, Boeing is still trying to sell its 737 MAX aircraft to markets hungry for aviation solutions. This time around, the target market is China – where airlines are actively looking for more aircraft for a growing middle class that wants to fly.

The grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft isn’t stopping the manufacturer from shopping it around the world. And the next big market for the narrow-body aircraft could be China. FlightGlobal reports the Chicago-based manufacturer is currently showing off their airframe to Chinese airlines in need of the mid-range airframes for their fleets.

Boeing has a long history of doing business inside China, despite the country’s development of a 737 competitor. In 2015, Boeing accepted 300 orders from various Chinese airlines, leading the airframe builder to open a 737-finishing facility in the country.

But the most recent talks go beyond accepting orders for the nation’s growing demand for tourist aviation seats. According to insiders, these talks are “open discussions” about the troubled aircraft in anticipation of their relaunch.

So far, several major air carriers have been linked to the talks. Airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines have all sat down with Boeing about reintroducing the aircraft into their fleets.

As it stands today, Chinese airlines have over 90 737 MAX aircraft grounded due to the worldwide order. But the overall success of the 737 program could rest on the Asian nation: Chinese carriers have over 200 more 737 MAX on order from the company. And according to the China Air Transport Association, the unavailability of the aircraft cost airlines over $500 million through the end of June.

Boeing is also actively working with the Civil Aviation Administration of China on the recertification of their aircraft. Neither Boeing nor Chinese officials have committed to a relaunch date for the troubled airframe.

[Featured Image: Boeing]