The first production model of the new Boeing 787 was unveiled to several thousand audience members on Sunday at Boeing's assembly plant in Everett, Washington. Five Chinese carriers have already ordered 57 of the new fuel-efficient, long-haul planes. China’s part in the 787 adventure is already firmly in place since three domestic companies are producing parts and components for the jumbo jet.

Boeing Co raised the curtain on its first fully assembled 787 at its widebody assembly plant in Everett, Washington, for an extravagantly orchestrated premiere on Sunday.

Flight attendants from every airline to have ordered the jet trotted out on stage as the factory doors yawned open for the plane to make its majestic exit to the strains of the nicknamed Dreamliner’s own theme tune.

Boeing Chief Executive Jim McNerney said the 787 will bring about a "dramatic improvement in air travel: to make it more affordable, comfortable and convenient for passengers, more efficient and profitable for airlines, and more environmentally progressive for our Earth."

Boeing has already fielded close to 600 orders from customers eager to see if the much-touted energy-saving jet will be cheaper and more comfortable for passengers than its rivals.

The 787-8, the first of three 787 models Boeing has committed to making, ships at around US$162 million, although bulk buys traditionally spark discounts.

The 787 is soon to grace China’s skies after Air China and China Eastern Airlines placed orders for 15 planes apiece, with China Southern Airlines has ordering 10, Shanghai Airlines nine and Hainan Airlines eight.

Air China Vice President He Li spoke at the unveiling ceremony, stating that his company would rely on the new planes to fly to the United States and Europe during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Shanghai Airlines Chairman Zhou Chi said the 787 fit in perfectly with his company's growth plans, as it seeks to expand its international routes.

Li Fenghua, chairman and president of Shanghai-based China Eastern, said the new Boeing jets would help improve services and his company’s global coverage.

Among the parts suppliers, Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Co Ltd is handling the plane's composite rudder, Hafei Aviation Industry Co Ltd produces wing-to-body panels, and Shenyang Aircraft Corp is building the leading-edge assembly for the plane's vertical fin.

The 787, Boeing's first all-new jet since airlines started flying the 777 in 1995, will be the world's first large commercial airplane comprised mainly of the lighter, tougher and less corrosive carbon-fiber composites.

The first test flight should happen sometime between late August and late September with its commercial baptism set to happen next May when Japan's All Nippon Airways receives the first of the 50 Dreamliners it has ordered.