Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is part of a U.S. business delegation accompanying President Donald Trump on a visit to China, where he is optimistic about securing a significant order for the company's aircraft. During a recent analyst call, Ortberg described the trip as "a meaningful opportunity," contingent upon the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China. He refrained from disclosing specific figures but indicated that the potential order could involve a substantial number of aircraft.
Reports suggest that discussions could include an order for approximately 500 Boeing 737 Max jetliners, which would address the needs of Chinese airlines for new aircraft. Additionally, there may be future negotiations regarding around 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X widebody jetliners, although these discussions are not expected to be a primary focus during the current summit.
Ortberg noted President Trump's commitment to supporting U.S. companies in international markets, which he believes has yielded positive results. The anticipated aircraft orders could form part of a larger trade agreement between the U.S. and China, which might also encompass agricultural products and energy purchases. In return, China is reportedly seeking to enhance its access to advanced artificial intelligence technologies from American firms.
Other prominent business leaders accompanying Trump include Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and Citi CEO Jane Fraser. Their presence underscores a broader objective of fostering reliable investment partnerships between the two nations, as highlighted by geopolitical strategist Reva Goujon. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact U.S.-China relations and the global aerospace market.