China's Xi Jinping to visit Boeing

SEATTLE, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing announced it will welcome Chinese President Xi Jingping to its aviation factory in Everett, Washington.

The Chinese government received a record delivery of 155 airplanes from the company in 2014. The Everett location is the largest site for Boeing's production of commercial aircraft. Models produced there include the 747-8, 767, and 787 Dreamliner.

Despite the occasional political rifts between the United States and China, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner says his company's relationship with the Chinese government is beneficial for all parties involved.

"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," Conner said in a statement.

Boeing Chairman Jim McNerney will join Conner and Boeing President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg in welcoming President Xi.

"China's rapidly growing aviation market plays a crucial role in our current and future success," McNerney said.

China is expected to be Boeing's largest commercial airplane market over the next 20 years. The company also works closely with industrial partners in the country to develop sustainable biofuel and air-traffic systems. President Xi will arrive in Everett on September 23.