China Eastern's financial position improves following merger with Shanghai Airlines

China Eastern Airlines' financial position has reportedly improved following its merger with Shanghai Airlines, with the newly merged carrier reportedly registering a loss before tax of CNY143 million (USD20.9 million) in Jan-2010, an improvement of CNY100 million (USD14.6 million) from the previous corresponding period (Sina, 25-Feb-2010). The carrier reported a 9% increase in passenger numbers to 3.5 million and a 73% increase in cargo volume to 94,000 tonnes in Jan-2010.