Boeing to launch its first overseas B737 completion and delivery center in Zhoushan

Boeing Co revealed the city of Zhoushan in Zhejiang province as the location of its first overseas B737 completion and delivery center, which aims to meet the strong demand for single-aisle aircraft in China and the world markets, the US aircraft manufacturer said on Friday.

Zhoushan, a city in eastern China near Shanghai, will be home to two sections of Boeing's new facilities.

Boeing will launch a B737 delivery center, and deliver new aircraft to its Chinese customers from the site.

Besides, Boeing and Commercial Aircraft Corp of China will co-found a B737 completion center, which will cover cabin installation activities such as the set up of seats and in-flight entertainment systems, as well as painting, flight testing and aircraft maintenance. The two signed an agreement with the local government of Zhejiang province on Friday.

The facility, a joint venture, will significantly expand the cooperation between Boeing and the aviation industry of China, the world's fastest growing aviation market.

"The facility will help Boeing to increase the output of B737 aircraft, and support the growth of China's aviation market, where it is the largest for single-aisle airplanes," said Ian Chang, vice-president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, responsible for China operations and business development.

"We will cooperate with more Chinese interior suppliers, and help them raise their capabilities and competences, from raw materials to assembly."

Currently, Boeing produces 42 B737 aircraft a month. By 2017, Boeing plans to produce 47 jets a month, and by 2019, the number is expected to reach 57, the company said.

Last September, Boeing Co and Commercial Aircraft Corp of China signed an agreement to jointly establish a B737 completion center in China, after President Xi Jinping's visit in the Seattle area, home to the headquarters of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"The center will deliver 100 planes every year, and our team is ready for the work," Chang said.

"The growth potential of the aviation market in China and the Asia-Pacific is huge; we may expand the facility in the future and cover other types of jets to serve other Asian customers besides China."