Boeing to Welcome China President Xi Jinping

Boeing confirmed today that China President Xi Jinping will visit the company's Everett, Wash., factory on Sep. 23 during his visit to the U.S.

Boeing Chairman Jim McNerney will be on hand to welcome President Xi, along with Boeing President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.

"We're honored that President Xi will see our factory and meet the Boeing employees who worked to deliver a record 155 airplanes to China last year," said McNerney. "China's rapidly growing aviation market plays a crucial role in our current and future success."

The Everett site is Boeing's largest production site for commercial airplanes, where the 747-8, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner are produced.

"Boeing's strong 40-year relationship with China, one of the world's largest airplane markets, is expanding U.S. exports to that country and supports tens of thousands of American jobs," said Conner. "We're proud that President Xi will see Boeing innovation at work."

So far this year, Chinese customers have taken delivery of about 25 percent of Boeing's commercial airplane production. Over the next 20 years, China will be Boeing's largest commercial airplane market with a projected need for 6,330 new airplanes, worth an estimated US$950 billion.

Boeing has partnered with Chinese stakeholders to support development of China's air transport system since President Richard Nixon arrived in Beijing on Air Force One, a Boeing 707, in 1972. Today, more than 50 percent of commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing airplanes.

Boeing is the largest international customer of China's aviation manufacturing industry, with suppliers playing a role in 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner production. Boeing also works with Chinese industry, universities and other institutions to develop sustainable aviation biofuel and improve air-traffic system efficiency.