Bertrand-Marc Allen, for the past three years China president of The Boeing Co, settled into a new and significant position back in Seattle on March 14.

Thirty-six months ago, it was a surprise that the then 38-year-old was called to lead one of the US airplane manufacturer's key markets, but his promotion after completing his term of office in China seems a natural move.

The Chinese market is vital for Boeing because it is already the second-largest market for the airplane builder - and will become the largest before the end of this decade.