Boeing Co. is in advanced negotiations with Chinese authorities on a sale of as many as 500 commercial aircraft, people familiar with the talks told Bloomberg. The prospective order would be China’s first significant purchase of Boeing jets since 2017, potentially ending a years-long sales freeze that left the U.S. manufacturer lagging its European rival, Airbus, in the world’s second-largest aviation market. Discussions center on aircraft models, configuration and delivery schedules, with the 737 Max family expected to make up a large share of the order, according to the reports. Chinese regulators have begun consulting domestic airlines on fleet requirements, a signal of Beijing’s support. The transaction could become a centerpiece in broader U.S.–China trade negotiations aimed at easing long-standing tariff and geopolitical frictions. Investors welcomed the news, sending Boeing shares up about 2.6% in early New York trading to roughly $225.62. A deal of this magnitude would bolster Boeing’s backlog, improve cash flow and help the company regain commercial momentum after production setbacks and safety crises curtailed deliveries over the past several years.