25-Nov-2009 11:01 AM
China Eastern seeks strategic overseas investors, alliance membership
China Eastern Airlines Chairman, Liu Shaoyong, stated the carrier is open to strategic overseas investment (Bloomberg/Reuters, 24-Nov-2009). The carrier will consider potential investors' membership in the global airline alliances in deciding on a partner, according to Mr Liu. China Eastern is aligned with oneworld, although not a member, while Shangai Airlines belongs to the Star Alliance, so any partner would most likely be Star or oneworld aligned. In 2007, Star Alliance member Singapore Airlines made an unsuccessful attempt to buy a 25% share in the airline, when it was thwarted by Beijing and Air China, also part of Star.