China Eastern hints at route, aircraft changes if US trade war affects business
Chief executive warns, ‘China does not want to fight a trade war – but is not afraid of doing so’
China Eastern Airlines, the country’s second-biggest carrier by passenger volume, has said it is prepared to change routes and even the type of aircraft it uses, if any looming trade war between the US and China affected its passenger traffic and cargo volumes.
Speaking on Wednesday in Hong Kong after the company issued its annual results last week, Ma Xulun, Eastern’s chief executive officer, underlined it would take whatever measures necessary if the spat escalates, which could include switching its allegiance from Boeing to Airbus when it buys new aircraft.
Ma said there were “no winners in any trade war”, adding, “ultimately it’s a lose-lose situation”.
“China does not want to fight a trade war – but is not afraid of doing so.
“If the US-China trade war becomes increasingly worse, market conditions will certainly affect passenger numbers, cargo volume and the introduction of new aircraft,” said Ma.