Boeing has redirected two of its 737 MAX 8 aircraft back to the United States amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. The move comes in the wake of increased tariffs imposed by the US, reaching up to 245% on certain Chinese goods.
The aircraft, initially intended for delivery to XiamenAir, were stationed at Boeing's Completion and Delivery Center in Zhoushan, China. The second 737 MAX 8, with the registration N242BE, departed Zhoushan on April 21, heading to Guam. The first aircraft, N230BE, left on April 18, initially landing in Guam before continuing to Honolulu and finally to King County-Boeing Field.
"The Air Current broke the news that Boeing would be ferrying the 737 MAX 8s from Zhoushan, China, back to the US," says the publication, citing unnamed sources. These developments occur as Chinese airlines reportedly reject deliveries from Chinese lessors, seeking other buyers for their planes.