(Reuters) -Boeing is in talks to sell as many as 500 jets to China, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Shares of the U.S. planemaker rose 2% before the market open as the potential order would be China’s first major purchase of Boeing jets since U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit in his previous term.
The two sides are negotiating the details such as jet models, types and delivery schedules, the report said, adding that the order could be the centerpiece of a trade deal between the world’s two largest economies.
Boeing declined a comment to Reuters on the matter.
Such a big deal would be a breakthrough for Boeing in the world’s second largest aviation market, where orders have stalled amid U.S.-China trade tensions.
It would also help Boeing narrow the gap with rival Airbus, which has pulled far ahead in China in recent years.
Chinese officials have begun consulting their domestic airlines on their requirements for Boeing jets, the report said.
Jet purchases have increasingly featured in Trump’s diplomatic visits this year.
During his trip to the Middle East earlier this year, Boeing secured some of its biggest-ever orders, with Qatar Airways agreeing to buy 160 widebody jets, plus options for 50 more, along with GE Aerospace engines, in a package valued at about $96 billion.
In Saudi Arabia, state-owned lessor AviLease placed an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with options for 10 more.
(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Arun Koyyur)
