Sumarev Maxim, a Russian captain from Chang'an Airlines in the Airport New City of Xixian New Area, a national development zone co-built by Xi'an and Xianyang in Shaanxi province, recently received the new version of China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, becoming the first foreign pilot in the province to obtain such a permit.

Sumarev Maxim showcases his new ID Card. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card is an identification document allowing holders to reside in China. It can be used for handling financial, educational, medical, transportation, accommodation, communication, work, tax, social insurance, property registration, and litigation affairs.

During the granting ceremony, Maxim couldn't hide his excitement, saying, "This is a great honor and recognition of my flying skills and hard work."

Following the relevant talent policies of Xixian New Area, Shaanxi Airport Free Trade Zone Development Co presented the flying apartment key to Chang'an Airlines, providing free apartment services for Maxim.

Born into an aviation family in Russia, the 35-year-old Maxim has been engaged in civil aviation piloting for 13 years.

In 2017, Maxim joined Chang'an Airlines, a local aviation company in Shaanxi. He said, "I really love Xi'an. The culture, cuisine, and the way people treat others here have given me a different kind of warmth. I want to stay here and fly from the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. It is both romantic and meaningful."