(Yicai) Aug. 26 -- Boeing China has appointed its first managing director after Alvin Liu, president of the US airplane manufacturer's country arm, retired.

Carol Shen will step in as acting managing director of Boeng China, an insider from the company told Yicai yesterday.

Liu, born in Liaoning province in 1957, succeeded Sherry Carbary as president of Boeing China in September 2023 after the latter retired. During his tenure, he worked to restore and boost the firm's local sales and promoted the 737 Max's airworthiness recertification in the country.

Liu previously led Boeing China's government relations team, with his work experience also including management posts at Ford Motor, Chrysler, and DaimlerChrysler.

Boeing China has had five presidents over the past 20 years, with three transferring from the parent firm's headquarters in Seattle or other regions with little experience in the Chinese market.

China is Boeing's largest single foreign market, accounting for one-quarter of its new aircraft deliveries at its peak in 2018. However, US-China trade tensions have brought significant uncertainty to the company's prospects in the market.

After the trade spat erupted in early April, Boeing faced an additional tariff of 125 percent on aircraft exported to China, creating severe cost pressures for Chinese airlines. Xiamen Airlines and national flag carrier Air China returned three 737 Max within a week, while other domestic airlines also held off taking deliveries. Shipments resumed in June.

Tariff talks between China and the United States are ongoing, and the outcome will likely significantly impact Chinese airlines' willingness to purchase Boeing aircraft.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev