China Eastern outlines plans to cancel and delay aircraft

By Leithen Francis

The president of loss-making China Eastern Airlines says the airline is to delay or cancel about half of the 29 aircraft it is due to receive from Airbus and Boeing this year. China Eastern has already been losing millions and recently received a financial bail-out from the Chinese government.

Flight International understands that China Eastern is only due to take narrowbodies from both airframers this year, with the split roughly even between the two suppliers.

China Eastern president Ma Xulun also says that the airline has reached an agreement with China Aviation Industry Corporation to cut its 40% stake in regional start-up Xingfu Airlines. Xingfu is due to launch operations this year using Xian MA60s and is expected to lose money initially.