Xiamen Airlines Drops Two Boeing 737-8s Amid US-China Tariffs

Boeing has ferried two Boeing 737-8 aircraft, originally destined for Xiamen Airlines, out of China to the United States as tensions rise in the ongoing US-China trade war. This move follows China’s directive to suspend all new Boeing orders and halt deliveries of aircraft and related equipment from American companies in response to escalating tariffs.

The two jets, registered as N230BE and N242BE, were ferried from Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center in China. N230BE flew via Guam and Honolulu before arriving at Seattle Boeing Field on April 19, while N242BE followed a similar route, reaching Guam on April 21. These aircraft had been set for delivery to Xiamen Airlines but were withdrawn amid worsening trade relations.

China recently instructed its airlines to cease new Boeing purchases and suspend deliveries of previously ordered jets, including aircraft parts. Juneyao Air also deferred delivery of a Boeing 787-9 due to increased tariffs on US imports. Additionally, other Chinese carriers have canceled or delayed Boeing commitments, further straining Boeing’s relationship with the Chinese market.

Boeing currently has 137 undelivered aircraft orders from 13 Chinese airlines, including China Southern Airlines with 35 jets and Ruili Airlines with 42. Some aircraft already painted in Chinese airline liveries, including a Shanghai Airlines Boeing 737-8 and a China Southern Boeing 787-9, have been rerouted to US storage facilities.

This development comes as the Trump administration enforces new tariffs ranging from 145% to 245% on various imports from China, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com