China Eastern orders 101 Airbus aircraft in $15.8 billion deal

China Eastern Airlines has signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase 101 A320neo aircraft in a deal valued at approximately $15.8 billion at list prices, according to a filing submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, reports Reuters.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in batches between 2028 and 2032, the filing revealed. China Eastern stated that the new jets will replace and modernise its existing fleet while expanding future capacity, enhancing aircraft efficiency, and reducing fuel consumption and operating costs.

A major win for Airbus

The order represents another significant victory for the European manufacturer in the Chinese market. China Eastern noted that Airbus had granted "a significant price discount" that is "more favourable than the pricing secured in the company's previous aircraft purchases from Airbus." Substantial discounts on large orders are standard practice in the aviation industry.

The airline had previously signed an agreement in 2022 to purchase 100 A320neo jets, originally scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2027. According to the company's annual report, China Eastern introduced 35 new aircraft to its fleet in 2024, including Chinese manufacturer COMAC's C919, alongside A320neo family aircraft and Boeing's B787 series.

Ongoing negotiations

Airbus has engaged in intermittent negotiations in recent years to secure a massive order of up to 500 jets in China—a type of package often associated with state visits. However, no such deal materialised when French President Emmanuel Macron visited China in December 2025.

Competitive landscape

The order underscores the intense competition between Airbus and Boeing in the Chinese aviation market. China Eastern's decision to expand its A320neo fleet reflects the airline's strategy to modernise its narrow-body fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainability and operational cost reduction.

While speculation continues regarding a potential major deal between Boeing and Beijing, Airbus has strengthened its position in China with this latest order, reaffirming its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.