Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) has secured Chinese approval to proceed with deliveries of 120 aircraft previously ordered by customers in the country, but a long-discussed new order for hundreds of jets remains stalled.

The European manufacturer reiterated that the deal, signed during a visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Beijing, "authorises the delivery of aircraft already counted in our order book." Both Airbus and Boeing continue to await progress on major China orders, which have been delayed amid geopolitical tensions. Airbus has been pursuing a potential 500-jet deal since 2024.

According to ch-aviation data, nine Chinese customers have firm orders of over 350 Airbus aircraft, ranging from A320-200Ns to A350-900s, although many Chinese orders are not disclosed until delivery.