China Southern Airlines is selling off its entire fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft—10 planes and 2 engines from 2014–2015—at an auction in Shanghai valued at around $550 million.
While the sale appears routine, it marks a significant shift in China’s aviation policy. These American-made jets are expected to be replaced by Chinese-built aircraft, most likely from COMAC, the country’s growing aerospace manufacturer.
This move is more than a fleet update. It reflects China’s broader strategy of reducing reliance on Western technology and asserting its independence in key industrial sectors. With increasing geopolitical tensions, Beijing is doubling down on homegrown innovation and production. The replacement of Boeings with domestic jets may signal a future where Chinese carriers prioritize national aviation products—potentially disrupting the global dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the region.
