He is one of the country's biggest stars and is credited with boosting China's interest in the NBA. During his nine seasons with the Houston Rockets, his games were broadcast on national television in China, and he was selected to carry China's flag during the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The Boeing planes are intended for flag carrier Air China, China Eastern and China Southern which last month said it intended to acquire 20 Boeing 737-800s pending government approval.