A Mitsubishi Heavy Industries subsidiary, MHI Aerospace Vietnam (MHIVA), has begun production of flaps for the Boeing 737 aircraft.

Flaps are hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of a plane’s wings that enhance its lift force. The increased lift supplies complementary lift to the aircraft at slow speeds during take-off and landing.

Initially, the 737 flaps will be sent to one of MHI’s Japanese facilities for painting and final inspection before delivery to the US.

Once production gathers momentum the MHIVA will deliver the flaps to the US directly.

The Mitsubishi subsidiary is the first company in Vietnam to manufacture and supply aircraft components.

The flaps will be shipped from the plant to the Boeing’s Washington facility.