Hainan Airlines first-half profits up

Hainan Airlines has reported net income of CNY557 million ($83 million) for the six months ending 30th June 2010, more than tripling a CNY175 million profit posted in the same period last year, operating revenue is up 42.3% to CNY9.6 billion. Operating expenses increased 35.2% to CNY7.4 billion. The Haikou-based carrier attributed the improved performance to robust Chinese economic growth. Passengers were up 12.6% to 9.2 million with an average load factor of 81%, up 4.1 points. Cargo volume climbed 38.7% to 135,200 tonnes. Hainan’s fleet totals 91 aircraft comprising four 737-300s, nine 737-400s, 65 737-800s, three 767-300s, two A319s,