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China to launch new airline despite travel downturn

China's second-biggest airline is set to launch a new carrier despite a severe global downturn in passengers caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a media report said on Monday. The government-backed China Eastern will own a majority 51 per cent share in the new carrier.

The new Sanya International Airlines will be focused on the island destination of Hainan, home to eight million and a free-trade hub. No timeframe was given for the launch of the new airline, which will need regulatory approvals.