Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services opens a new maintenance facility capable of servicing up to six aircraft simultaneously. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A Boeing-backed aircraft maintenance joint venture in Shanghai has opened a new maintenance facility capable of servicing up to six aircraft simultaneously, expanding capacity as global airlines seek additional maintenance, repair and overhaul services amid growing fleet demand.

Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services, a joint venture between the Boeing Company, Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines, said on June 17 the new hangar at Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone can accommodate four widebody aircraft and two narrowbody jets at the same time.

The facility, which includes component repair workshops and bonded maintenance capabilities, will provide aircraft maintenance, modification, engineering support and supply chain management services for domestic and international airline customers.

The expansion comes as China's aviation sector continues to recover from the pandemic and airlines worldwide face increasing demand for maintenance services as fleets age and air travel rebounds.

Mark Sisson, CEO of Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services, said the new facility would enable the company to provide faster turnaround times and greater technical capabilities to airline customers.

The company said the hangar is the largest single-span structure of its kind in China and significantly increases its maintenance capacity compared with its previous facilities.

Founded in 2006, Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services holds maintenance and design certifications from multiple aviation authorities and provides engineering support, aircraft maintenance and modification, component repair and supply chain services.

In addition to aircraft sales and support operations, Boeing maintains manufacturing, completion and service facilities across the country.

China is one of the world's largest aviation markets and is expected to remain a key source of demand for aircraft maintenance services as airlines expand fleets and increase aircraft utilization.