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According to filings with the Shanghai Stock Exchange reported by Reuters on July 17, 2026, Air China will purchase 15 A350-900 widebody aircraft while its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines will take 40 A320neo-family narrowbody jets in a combined deal worth approximately $12.4 billion at list prices. Separately Hainan Airlines agreed to acquire 40 A320neo-family aircraft with a list price of up to $5.4 billion bringing the overall total to 95 aircraft valued at $17.8 billion. The orders reflect Chinese carriers’ continued efforts to expand capacity following the recovery of the aviation sector after earlier global disruptions.
The Hainan Airlines aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2032 according to the company’s filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This timing aligns with broader industry trends where Chinese airlines have been placing large orders for future delivery to allow for sustained growth. A March 2026 order by China Eastern Airlines for 101 A320neo jets valued at $15.8 billion at list prices as reported by Reuters demonstrates the scale of recent commitments in the market while a follow-on June 2026 deal for 25 A330neo jets worth about $9.4 billion further illustrates the focus on fleet modernization.
Reuters data from earlier this year showed Chinese carriers swinging back to profitability in the first quarter of 2026 with fuel costs remaining a key variable in their outlooks. These transactions come as carriers seek to capitalize on increasing domestic and international travel demand that has accelerated since the lifting of prior travel restrictions. The latest deals add to Airbus’s strong order book in the region where the manufacturer has secured multiple large commitments from Chinese entities throughout 2026.
FlightGlobal reported in June 2026 that Airbus A320-family orders had surpassed 20,000 with significant contributions from Chinese carriers including firm orders by China Southern Airlines for 102 aircraft and Xiamen Airlines for 35 more. This milestone underscores the popularity of the A320neo family for its fuel efficiency and operational advantages that appeal to carriers seeking to lower costs on high-frequency routes. The current orders by Air China, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines will contribute to that substantial backlog as deliveries commence in the years ahead.
The A350-900s destined for Air China represent a boost to the flag carrier’s widebody capabilities for long-haul routes according to details in the Reuters coverage of the filings. Shenzhen Airlines as a subsidiary will use its narrowbodies to enhance its domestic and regional network while Hainan Airlines focuses on similar efficiency gains across its operations. Overall the moves support the strategic development of China’s aviation sector which has seen consistent investment in fleet renewal.
Industry data compiled by Reuters indicates that while announced list prices provide a public benchmark actual contract values are typically subject to significant discounts negotiated between manufacturers and buyers. The combined orders highlight the strategic importance of Airbus in the Chinese market where the European plane-maker continues to compete vigorously with its American rival for market share. Future deliveries from these agreements are expected to help the airlines accommodate projected passenger growth over the coming decade according to sector assessments.
