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

• The Shanghai-based airline will establish Sanya International Airlines with shareholder Juneyao Airlines, a unit of Trip.com, and two other state entities
• The new airline will serve the popular holiday island of Hainan, which is destined to become a major trade hub under plans personally crafted by President Xi