China Eastern Named CAPA Asia Pacific Airline of the Year

This award is given to the airline that has been the biggest standout strategically during the year, has had the greatest impact on the development of the airline industry, has established itself as a leader, and provided a benchmark for others to follow. China Eastern EVP Li Yangmin accepted the award from Travelport Senior Commercial Director Chris Ramming. China Eastern was selected by the judging panel for its rapid international expansion and successful implementation of a new strategy which includes a multi-brand model and equity partnership with Delta Air Lines. “China Eastern has grown rapidly and evolved strategically, adopting a new brand, forging a ground-breaking partnership with Delta and embracing the multi brand model”, said CAPA – Centre for Aviation Executive Chairman Peter Harbison. “China Eastern has been transformed and has emerged as a leader strategically in the key Chinese market.” CAPA noted that the China Eastern subsidiary China United had been converted into an LCC and grown rapidly. The parent airline has itself expanded rapidly, with several new international destinations over the last year. Its international passenger traffic was up 27% in 2015. China Eastern has also implemented a new strategic partnership with China Eastern and expanded its cooperation with Air France-KLM. The group has been consistently profitable since 2010.