Boeing should be able to reallocate aircraft meant for China, says BofA

BofA analyst Ronald Epstein notes Bloomberg’s report that China halted delivery of all Boeing (BA) jets and asked Chinese carriers to halt any purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from U.S. companies as part of the escalating trade war between the countries. Boeing is the largest U.S. exporter, so the firm is not surprised by China’s move, though it sees this situation as “unsustainable” given the firm’s view that Airbus (EADSY) can’t realistically be China’s only supplier of large commercial jets due to capacity constraints. In the event this is prolonged or China decides to cancel orders, Boeing should have no difficulty reallocating the aircraft to other airlines that need additional capacity, with India seen as a potential recipient, adds BofA, which reiterates a Neutral rating and $185 price target on Boeing shares.