Beijing two weeks ago said Chinese airlines and Boeing had been severely affected by US-imposed tariffs.
China represents about 10 per cent of Boeing’s commercial backlog and is an important and growing aviation market.
Boeing executives said during the company’s first-quarter earnings call that the company had planned for 50 jets to go to Chinese carriers this year, with 41 in production or pre-built.
While Boeing had said other airlines are interested in taking rejected Chinese planes, the planemaker has hesitated to send the jets elsewhere despite being keen to bring down high inventory levels.
Seating, for one, was an obstacle since seats were chosen and purchased by the Chinese airlines.
Chinese customers are expected to take 25 out of 30 remaining 737 MAX jets built before 2023 that have not yet been delivered, Boeing said.
At least four 777 freighter planes are also in production for Chinese carriers, according to a source familiar with the matter and aircraft tracking database Aviation Flights Group.
China had already granted exemptions from the high tariffs to some aerospace equipment parts, including engines and landing gear, before Monday’s agreement.
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