The Shanghai Airlines Stock Co. Ltd. Wednesday annexed the entire properties of the China United Airlines (CUA), which belonged to the air force but has operated civilian flights since December 1986.

The signing ceremony was attended by leaders of the National Civil Aviation Administration, Shanghai's municipal government, and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Armed Forces.

Shanghai Airlines, a listed company since October 2002, was set up in 1985 and is regarded as the first commercial airlines in the country.

After the merging, the new CUA will keep its name, code and operational rights as before.