Air China chairman optimistic of outlook for 2013, 2012 profit may decline

Air China chairman Wang Changshun said he is optimistic of the outlook for 2013. Mr Wang, as reported by Carnoc.com, said the carrier's revenue increased slightly in 2012 but profit has declined compared to 2011 due to rising operating costs including a CNY2800 million (USD437.5 million) decline in the carrier's exchange earnings and a CNY2000 million (USD312.5 million) increase in aviation fuel costs. Air China accumulated 1.28 million safe flying hours in the first 11 months of 2012.