China’s Boeing Ban May Help Indian Airlines Amid Aircraft Shortages
New Delhi: Indian airlines struggling to expand their fleets could find unexpected relief as China halts new Boeing aircraft purchases in response to fresh US tariffs. The development is poised to benefit Indian carriers such as Air India Express (IX) and Akasa Air (QP), both of which are actively seeking additional aircraft to meet growing travel demand.
The Chinese government has instructed its airlines to avoid buying Boeing aircraft following the US imposition of a 145% tariff on certain imports. This affects the pending delivery of nearly 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets and 11 787 Dreamliners initially ordered by Chinese carriers.
According to aviation industry experts, this move could redirect many of those aircraft—particularly “white tails” (planes manufactured without a final buyer)—to Indian airlines. “This isn’t the first time,” said one expert. “Last year, AI Express and Akasa secured multiple white tails, and we’re likely to see a repeat as Boeing reallocates these jets.”
Both Air India Express and Akasa are financially well-positioned to quickly accept more aircraft. Notably, they’ve previously taken deliveries of jets designed for other airlines, often with premium cabin configurations.
While China’s shift away from Boeing may boost demand for Airbus aircraft, the European planemaker is already operating near full capacity. India’s carriers, on the other hand, are in a prime position to absorb re-routed Boeing deliveries.
The ripple effects of the US-China trade war are also hitting global aviation. Chinese carriers are now being discouraged from sourcing parts and aviation equipment from US firms. Analysts believe this could disrupt programs like China’s C919, which still depends heavily on American components.
Meanwhile, Boeing’s loss could be India’s gain—providing a short-term solution to capacity crunches faced by Indian airlines amid surging domestic and international air travel demand.
