This order highlights Airbus's strategy to consolidate its position in the Asian market, especially in China, where the demand for airline fleet renewal is constant. Of the total aircraft, 102 will be directly integrated into China Southern's fleet, while the remaining 35 will be allocated to its subsidiary Xiamen Air. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2032.
The announcement of this order comes shortly after Airbus presented its quarterly results, which showed a 26% decrease in profits due to delivery delays. Despite these challenges, the European manufacturer maintains a backlog of over 9,000 aircraft, demonstrating strong global demand.
Airbus's relationship with the Asian market has strengthened in recent years. By the end of 2025, China Airlines of Taiwan had already expanded its order for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, totaling 15 units for its long-haul fleet. This growth in the region is part of Asian airlines' modernization and expansion strategy.
“"Expanding the Airbus A350-1000 fleet marks an important step in their long-term growth strategy and their plans to modernize the fleet."
Beijing has established itself as a crucial market for global commercial aviation, with rising domestic demand. This new agreement coincides with the German Chancellor's official visit to China, in a context of strengthening economic relations between the European Union and the Asian giant. Airbus, with an assembly line in Tianjin since 2008, is the leading foreign aircraft supplier in the country.
The operation with China Southern not only solidifies Airbus's position in the Chinese market but also supports the Chinese government's strategy to attract foreign investment and strengthen its industrial supply chains, while promoting the development of its own national aircraft, the C919.
