China Eastern to launch new airline in Hainan with partners including Trip.com unit, as plans to make the island a free trade hub promise greater air traffic

China Eastern Airlines and several partners plan to launch a new airline in Hainan, as they eye growing air traffic to China’s southernmost island province amid Beijing’s plan to turn it into a free trade hub.China Eastern will own a majority 51 per cent share in the new carrier, which has been given the preliminary name of Sanya International Airlines. One of China Eastern’s major shareholders, Juneyao Airlines, will have a 15 per cent stake, while 14 per cent of the new company will be held…

Read the original article at South China Morning Post