Beijing’s recent ban on the purchase of U.S.-made aircraft and aviation equipment may significantly complicate the maintenance and operational lifecycle of China’s existing Boeing fleet in the long run. According to Russia-based news agency Prime, the full impact of this decision will become clearer over time.
The ban comes as a response to the U.S. raising tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to as much as 145%. In retaliation, China has prohibited its domestic airlines from buying aircraft, equipment, and spare parts from American manufacturers, particularly Boeing.
Experts estimate that China previously accounted for around 25% of Boeing’s total deliveries. As a result, the ban could cost the company between $10 and $15 billion annually. Furthermore, restricted access to spare parts and technical support may make it more expensive and challenging to operate existing Boeing aircraft. Analysts also believe that neither European manufacturers nor China’s domestic aircraft industry are likely to fill this gap in the short term.
