China Eastern Boss Sticks to Tested Paths

Source: The Standard    Author:    12/14/2007

Subject Concerned: Government   Airlines   

On December 13, Li Fenghua of China Eastern Airlines made the chain of command in the mainland sector a little clearer in Hong Kong with a reference to Air China's Li Jiaxiang.

"We both belong to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), and we have the same big boss - the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. But do you think I dare to speak on this roadshow without the boss' approval?" the China Eastern chairman said.

"I understand sometimes competition derived from reform can cause uncomfortableness. But I am positive CAAC plans to maintain three major airlines in the mainland, rather than two. I also understand President Hu Jintao's call in the 17th Communist Party congress. No matter how hard the reform is, we are determined to go on."