AeroTransport Data Bank

Name	Alias	IATA	ICAO	Country	Base	Dates
China Eastern Airlines		MU	CES	China	Shanghai/Nanchang/Hefei	1988-
Formed on 1/5/88 by CAAC from its Shangai Region, formally established on 25/6/88. Formed 2 subsidiaries in 1993 in Jiangsu (F.100) & Quilu (DC-9). Intended to merge with China General Aviation Corp in late 1997. 25% share of cargo operations intended to be acquired in 2001 by China Airlines (plan eventually cancelled in 11/2005). Started managing "Group Three" of Chinese airlines from 2001 under parent company CEA Holdings (61.6%) formally formed on 11/10/02. Proposal to transfer control of China Eastern from state-owned ASAC (Assets Supervision and Administration Commission) to the Shanghai government rejected in 9/06. Expected to join OneWorld alliance during 2007, postponed. 24% planned purchase by Singapore AL (15.73%) along Temasek Holdings (8.27% via Lentor) in 9-11/07 for US$918m (counter take-over attempt jointly from Cathay Pacific and Air China rejected 24/9/07), however deal objected by CNAC (a minority shareholder), rejected by shareholders in 1/08 and allowed to lapse in 8/08. Was to take over Shanghai AL (announced 9/6/09), plan abandonned. Joined SkyTeam alliance (announced 4/10, effective 21/6/11). Transferred ownership of several dozen aircraft to sister company CES International Financial Leasing from 2015. 3.55% stake to be purchased by Delta for $450m (announced 27/7/15). 3.55% purchased in 4/16 by Ctrip, a web travel retailer. Set up a subsidiary code-named 123 Airways in 8/19 to operate ARJ21 and C919 aircraft, re-branded as OTT Airlines in 2/20 (qv).