China to Order Up to 120 Airbus Aircraft, German Chancellor Announces
Beijing plans to order as many as 120 additional aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, a deal announced on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to deepen ties with China. The agreement underscores the continued economic partnership between Germany and China despite global trade uncertainties.
The announcement followed meetings between Chancellor Merz and Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. “The Chinese leadership will be ordering a larger number of additional aircraft from Airbus. The total order will include up to 120 additional aircraft,” Merz told reporters, adding that the deal “demonstrates how worthwhile such trips can be.”
This move represents a significant boost for Airbus, a key player in the global aerospace industry, and signals ongoing demand from the world’s second-largest aviation market. China has a history of placing large aircraft orders, often coinciding with high-level diplomatic visits, and Airbus already operates a final assembly line in Tianjin focused on A320-family narrowbody jets.
According to Euronews, President Xi emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic communication and mutual trust between China and Germany, stating, “The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust.”
Chancellor Merz responded by highlighting the need for both nations to focus on common ground and address shared challenges. He also indicated prior to the trip that he would advocate for a level playing field for German companies operating in China, France24 reported.
The deal comes as Western leaders navigate a complex relationship with China, balancing economic interests with geopolitical concerns, Les Echos noted. The announcement is expected to be viewed positively by European markets and reinforces Airbus’s position as a leading aircraft manufacturer.
AviationSourceNews further detailed the context of the order, emphasizing the enduring economic partnership between the two countries.
