China’s domestic aviation market, depressed by sporadic lockdowns designed to eliminate COVID-19 outbreaks in 2022, resumed in December after the country ended its zero-COVID policy. It is done.
Citi analyst Jason Gursky said the return of the Max was the first step for Boeing in normalizing its China operations, and could open the door to deliveries of new planes.
“Boeing suggested at its November 2022 investor day that its long-term financial targets do not consider delivery of new aircraft to China,” it said in a note to clients on Wednesday, adding that the reversal of outlook reflects its The target will be much less. loaded dice.
Boeing lags far behind the Airbus SE in deliveries to the world’s largest aircraft market, in large part due to the Max grounding.
In 2022, Boeing has delivered eight airplanes to China while Airbus has delivered more than 100.
Boeing has been virtually excluded from new orders from China since 2017, while the state-owned airlines last year placed a mega-order for around 300 Airbus planes.
Both Western manufacturers face a new challenge in the market from the Chinese-made C919 narrowbody jet, which was certified last year, although ramping up production will take time.