President Xi Jinping Boarding Xiamen Airlines' 787 Dreamliner

Chinese President Xi Jinping boarded a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which is due to be delivered to Xiamen Airlines (FM) in the near future and had an interior tour of the airplane during his visit to Boeing's factory in Everett, Seattle on Wednesday.

Accompanied by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner, President Xi boarded the Xiamen Airlines 787, Registration B-2763, experienced the first class and business class cabins, toured the cockpit and visited the crew rest area.

President Xi introduced, he participated in the foundation and startup of Xiamen Airlines 30 years ago in 1985 when he was deputy mayor of Xiamen.

Xiamen Airlines has just a few aircraft at its initial stage, which were financed through international loans. Thirty years have passed since then, the airline has operated the most advanced 787 aircraft, which is an epitome of the development of the Chinese aviation industry.

"We believe that China's aviation industry will fly side by side and develop together with the Boeing Company," President Xi added.

To date, the Xiamen-based carrier operates a fleet of 127 Boeing aircraft, including 17 737-700s, 99 737-800s, six 757-200s and five 787-8 Dreamliners.