Boeing (NYSE: BA), Shanghai Airport Authority and Shanghai Airlines today celebrated the opening of a new two-bay hangar at their joint venture, Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co., Ltd.

The new hangar, located at Shanghai Pudong Airport, is a major element in Boeing Shanghai’s plan to become a world-class facility and an aviation services leader in China, the world’s largest international market for Boeing commercial airplanes.

Boeing Shanghai, an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, performs line maintenance and heavy maintenance as well as upgrades for airplane interiors, avionics and in-flight entertainment systems.

“Boeing Shanghai’s increasing capabilities will provide our Chinese airline customers and the international market the services that will help them expand safely and efficiently,” said Lou Mancini, senior vice president, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, during the celebration. “China and Asia are the global leaders in aviation growth, and the newly expanded facility provides an incredible opportunity to support these expanding fleets throughout their life cycle.”

Marco Cavazzoni, chairman, Boeing Shanghai board of directors, and vice president, Technical Services, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services; Executive Vice President Li Derun, Shanghai Airport Authority; Chairman Zhou Chi, Shanghai Airlines; and Bernard Hensey, CEO, Boeing Shanghai, joined Mancini in leading the event. Several hundred government, customer and supplier representatives toured the facility and helped celebrate the hangar opening.

Boeing Shanghai, established in June 2006, maintains and modifies Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplanes from regional and international airlines as well as from domestic Chinese airlines. Boeing Shanghai plans to expand its service offerings to include twin-aisle airplanes and passenger-to-freighter conversions.

Boeing and China have enjoyed a mutually beneficial 37-year-long partnership, which is dedicated to the continued safe, efficient and profitable development of the nation’s airline and aviation industry.

Boeing is the largest foreign customer of China’s aviation industry. China produces parts and components for all Boeing commercial airplane programs.

Source: Boeing