Boeing 737-8 aircraft originally destined for China have been flown back to the U.S., as trade tensions continue to mount between Washington and Beijing.
At least two 737-8s intended for Xiamen Airlines have departed Boeing’s Zhoushan Completion and Delivery Center since April 18, en route to the continental U.S.
Which party made the decision to return the aircraft remains unconfirmed. Boeing has not yet responded to Aviation Week’s request for comment.
The first aircraft, painted in Xiamen Airlines livery, was reported by Bloomberg to have left Zhoushan for Guam, going on to arrive in Seattle on April 20 after transiting through Hawaii. Flight tracking data confirms the aircraft, serial number 64680, is registered as N230BE.
A second 737-8, registered as N242BE and bearing serial number 64677, departed Zhoushan on April 21. Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery database indicates this aircraft was also slated for Xiamen Airlines.