Air China first-half profit up 60 per cent

AIR China, one of China’s big three airlines, recorded a 60 per cent rise in its first-half profit compared to last year.

For the six months ending 30 June, profit was up to 4.6 billion yuan (US$675 million) from 2.9 billion yuan ($426 million) a year ago, with revenue rising 53 per cent to 34.3 billion yuan ($5 billion).

Specifically, revenue from cargo operations rose 127 per cent to 4.5 billion yuan ($658 million).

“Operating results hit historical high and increased significantly as compared with the same period last year,” the airline said.