News has emerged this week that airlines in China could order up to 100 Airbus A330neo aircraft. Could this save the program?
The aircraft program has struggled with low sales, with the backlog running thinner than the European planemaker would like.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The News Regarding China & The Airbus A330neo…
Bloomberg reported this week that a number of airlines in China are interested in purchasing the Airbus A330neo.
It is understood this has been encouraged on the political front between French President Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With up to 100 aircraft potentially on offer via an order, this could provide some much needed backlog to the program.
At the European planemaker, the A320neo Family and the A350 have been the big-sellers, with the Airbus A330neo lagging behind.
As per delivery numbers, the European planemaker only sold 42 A330 Family aircraft in 2023.
This is in comparison to 1,835 A320neo Family aircraft and 300 A350s ordered.
Could The Country Save The Aircraft Program?
Airbus is in a unique position when it comes to China.
The Chinese Government have halted imports from Boeing, which again opens up possibilities in further orders for the European planemaker.
Data suggests that there are around 170 A330neos still due for delivery, which has caused production rates to dip at the European planemaker.
An order for 100 aircraft could encourage a healthier production rate, and further substance to the overall program.
If no additional orders are made for the aircraft, then there is the jeopardy aspect of not producing the aircraft anymore.
However, Airbus is in a position to keep the program going, provided China play ball and make the order.
The fact that airlines in China have already made orders with COMAC for aircraft, there is scope for this to happen.
Furthermore, it is unclear whether an order will be disclosed at the Farnborough Air Show next month.
Overall…
In conclusion, an interesting aspect is at play here between Airbus and China with the A330neo.
There is a big opportunity for the European planemaker to secure more orders for an aircraft program that is struggling with sales.
It is unclear whether the manufacturer will provide a discount or not, but it is in their interest to get this over the line.
All eyes will be on Farnborough to see if an order of sorts will be revealed next month.
But one thing is for sure, this definitely looks promising for an iconic aircraft.
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