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Mar 26, 2019 - World

As Boeing struggles, Airbus secures $35 billion jet deal with China

Rebecca Falconer
Airbus secured a huge contract with China during a state visit by the Chinese president to Paris.

The order is for 290 A320 jets and 10 A350s. Photo: Daniel Reinhardt/picture alliance via Getty Images

As Boeing battles to get its bestselling fleet airborne again, European rival Airbus said Monday it's signed a $35 billion jet deal with China.

The details: Airbus secured the deal during a state visit by China's President Xi Jinping to Paris. The order is for 290 A320 planes and 10 jets from the A350 line.

The other side: Boeing announced it would provide free software upgrades to airlines that had bought the 737 MAX jets that have been grounded, pending the outcome of a safety investigation following 2 fatal crashes in less than 6 months.

  • Ethiopian Airlines told Reuters it expected preliminary findings into the cause of the crash that killed 157 people this week or next.
  • The Transportation Department said it would review the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety approval process for Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft.
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