Beijing, June 16 - Boeing marked a significant milestone in its relationship with the Chinese aviation market by delivering a new 787-9 Dreamliner to Juneyao Airlines, as reported by Chinese media outlet Yicai. This delivery signals a cautious resumption of Boeing’s aircraft exports to China, a critical market for the U.S. aerospace giant, following a months-long suspension triggered by escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. The event comes at a pivotal moment, as both nations show signs of easing their economic standoff, offering a glimmer of hope for Boeing’s operations in one of the world’s largest aviation markets.
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The delivery of the 787-9 to Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based carrier known for its growing international network, underscores Boeing’s efforts to rebuild its presence in China. The 787-9, a wide-body jet designed for long-haul routes, is equipped with advanced fuel-efficient technology and a spacious cabin, making it a strategic addition to Juneyao’s fleet. The airline, which already operates nine 787-9 aircraft alongside a predominantly Airbus narrow-body fleet, aims to leverage this new jet to expand its long-haul routes, including services to Europe and Australia. The delivery aligns with Juneyao’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the competitive global aviation market, particularly as demand for international travel rebounds.
Boeing’s resumption of deliveries to China follows a challenging period marked by trade disputes. In April 2025, the company halted new aircraft deliveries to Chinese carriers due to intensified tariffs imposed during a renewed trade war under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The tariffs, part of a broader economic conflict between the world’s two largest economies, disrupted Boeing’s supply chain and forced the company to consider reselling dozens of aircraft originally destined for Chinese customers. However, at the end of May, Boeing announced that deliveries would resume in June after a 90-day temporary reduction in tariffs, a decision bolstered by two days of trade negotiations in London on June 10. These talks resulted in a framework agreement on tariff rates, providing a window for Boeing to restart its exports.
The timing of the delivery is notable, occurring just two days after a tragic incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff in western India, claiming the lives of 242 passengers. Neither Boeing nor Juneyao Airlines immediately responded to requests for comment on the Yicai report, leaving questions about the delivery’s broader implications unanswered. Despite this, the delivery of the 787-9 to Juneyao represents a step toward stabilizing Boeing’s operations in China, where the company faces stiff competition from Airbus. Airbus has capitalized on Boeing’s delivery pauses by expanding its market share, including plans for a new assembly line in Tianjin. This delivery also highlights China’s enduring importance to Boeing, which views the country as a cornerstone of its global strategy. With a fleet of 102 aircraft, Juneyao’s decision to accept the 787-9 reflects confidence in Boeing’s product despite recent challenges. As trade tensions continue to fluctuate, the successful delivery of this aircraft could pave the way for further orders, reinforcing Boeing’s role as a key supplier to Chinese airlines. For now, the 787-9’s arrival at Juneyao Airlines stands as a testament to the resilience of U.S.-China aviation ties amid a complex geopolitical landscape.