INDIAN AIRLINES MAY GAIN AS CHINA HALTS BOEING ORDERS AMID US TARIFF DISPUTE

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 16TH APR 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Indian carriers like Air India Express and Akasa may benefit from China’s decision to pause Boeing aircraft purchases, following the U.S. imposing 145% tariffs. Chinese airlines were expecting over 100 Boeing 737 MAX and 11 Dreamliners—models also ordered by Indian airlines. With Chinese deliveries now uncertain, aircraft originally designated for China may be redirected to Indian carriers.

This mirrors past instances where “white tail” jets—produced for one customer but sold to another—were allocated to India. AI Express received 25 such aircraft last year and expects 25 more. Akasa, which faces pilot surplus due to delayed deliveries, could also gain. Boeing’s production capacity, freed from Chinese orders, might now serve Indian demand. Meanwhile, global aerospace deals face uncertainty amid rising trade tensions, with some CEOs even considering deferring aircraft deliveries to avoid tariff-related costs. Airbus, currently unable to meet all demand, leaves Boeing jets as a timely option for Indian growth.