Boeing delivered an aircraft to a Chinese airline on Saturday for the first time since President Donald Trump imposed a wave of import duties in early April. This appears to be a sign of rapprochement between the two countries, as Washington and Beijing try to reduce tensions.
A 787-9 Dreamliner from Juneyao Air departed from Paine Field north of Seattle on Friday towards Shanghai. Previously, the company had canceled plans to receive the aircraft after China increased import duties in retaliation for the American tariffs.
Separately, a 737-8 Max for a Chinese customer departed on Friday from King County International Airport-Boeing Field, south of Seattle, towards Kailua-Kona in Hawaii. This is the first stop on a journey across the Pacific Ocean to the Boeing facility in Zhoushan, China, where the final touches are usually put on the delivery of this model to Chinese customers.
Last Tuesday, it became clear that China and the United States have made agreements to get trade between the two countries back on track. The deal that was concluded, which lifts some American levies, is still awaiting signature by the leaders of both countries.