SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 20-F

 

¨REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

 

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

¨SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number 1-14550

 

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited The People's Republic of China
(Translation of Registrant's Name Into English) (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

Kong Gang San Road, Number 92

Shanghai, 200335

People's Republic of China

Tel: (8621) 6268-6268

Fax: (8621) 6268-6116

(Address and Contact Details of the Board Secretariat's Office) Securities
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange
on which Registered
American Depositary Shares The New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary H Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share The New York Stock Exchange*

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares. The Ordinary H Shares are also listed and traded on The Stock

Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

None
(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

 

None

(Title of Class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

As of December 31, 2014, 8,481,078,8602016, 9,808,485,682 Ordinary Domestic Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, were issued and outstanding, and 4,193,190,0004,659,100,000 Ordinary H Shares par value RMB1.00 per share, were issued and outstanding. H Shares are Ordinary Shares of the Company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Each American Depositary Share represents 50 Ordinary H Shares.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes¨Nox

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes¨Nox

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNo¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-Tduring the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes¨Nox

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer¨Accelerated FilerxNon-Accelerated Filer¨Emerging Growth Companies¨

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S.
GAAP

 

¨

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board

 

x

Other

 

¨

 

If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17¨Item 18¨

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes¨Nox

 

 

 Page No.
  
PART I 4
   
Item 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers4
   
Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable54
   
Item 3.Key Information54
   
Item 4.Information on the Company2013
   
Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects4631
   
Item 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees6443
   
Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions7349
   
Item 8.Financial Information8253
   
Item 9.The Offer and Listing8354
   
Item 10.Additional Information8455
   
Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk10166
   
Item 12.Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities10267
   
PART II 67
   
Item 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies10367
   
Item 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use Of Proceeds10367
   
Item 15.Controls and Procedures10367
   
Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert10468
   
Item 16B.Code of Ethics10468
   
Item 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services10468
   
Item 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees10468
   
Item 16E.Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers10569
   
Item 16F.Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant10569
   
Item 16G.Corporate Governance10669
   
Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosures10870
   
PART III 70
   
Item 17.Financial Statements10870
   
Item 18.Financial Statements10870
   
Item 19.Exhibits10870

 

2

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AND EXCHANGE RATES

 

In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, the term "dollars", "U.S. dollars" or "US$" refers to United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America, or the United States or the U.S.; the term "Renminbi" or "RMB" refers to Renminbi, the lawful currency of The People's Republic of China, or China or the PRC; and the term "Hong Kong dollars" or "HK$" refers to Hong Kong dollars, the lawful currency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, or Hong Kong.

 

In this Annual Report, the term "we", "us", "our", "our/the Company", or "our Company"Group" refers to China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, a joint stock limited company incorporated under the laws of the PRC on April 14, 1995, and our subsidiaries, (collectively, the "Group"), or, in respect of references to any time prior to the incorporation of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, the core airline business carried on by its predecessor, China Eastern Airlines, which was assumed by China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited pursuant to the restructuring described in this Annual Report. The term "CEA Holding" refers to our parent, China Eastern Air Holding Company, which was established on October 11, 2002 as a result of the merger of our former controlling shareholder, Eastern Air Group Company, or EA Group, with China Northwest Airlines Company and Yunnan Airlines Company.

 

For the purpose of this Annual Report, references to The People's Republic of China, China and the PRC do not include Hong Kong, Taiwan, or the Macau Special Administrative Region of China, or Macau.

 

See "Item 3. Key Information — Exchange Rate Information" for details of exchange rates.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain information contained in this Annual Report may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to:

 

·the impact of changes in the policies of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, or the CAAC, regarding route rights;
the impact of changes in the policies of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, or the CAAC, regarding route rights;

 

·the impact of the CAAC policies regarding the restructuring of the airline industry in China;
the impact of the CAAC policies regarding the restructuring of the airline industry in China;

 

·the impact of macroeconomic fluctuations (including the fluctuations of oil prices, and interest and exchange rates);
the impact of macroeconomic fluctuations (including the fluctuations of oil prices, and interest and exchange rates);

 

·certain statements with respect to trends in prices, volumes, operations, margins, risk management, overall market trends and exchange rates;
certain statements with respect to trends in prices, volumes, operations, margins, risk management, overall market trends and exchange rates;

 

·our fleet development plans, including, without limitation, related financing, schedule, intended use and planned disposition;
our fleet development plans, including, without limitation, related financing, schedule, intended use and planned disposition;

 

·our expansion plan of the cargo operations;
our expansion plan of the cargo operations;

 

·our expansion plans, including possible acquisition of other airlines;
our expansion plans, including possible acquisition of other airlines;

 

·our marketing plans, including the establishment of additional sales offices;
our marketing plans, including the establishment of additional sales offices;

 

·our plan to add new pilots; and
our plan to add new pilots; and

 

·the impact of unusual events on our business and operations.
the impact of unusual events on our business and operations.

 

The words or phrases "aim", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "going forward", "intend", "may", "ought to", "plan", "potential", "predict", "project", "seek", "should", "will", "would", and similar expressions or the negatives thereof, as they relate to our Company or its management, are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of theSecurities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of theSecurities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans and estimates, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in light of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in particular circumstances. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual outcomes to differ, or to differ materially, from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation:

 

changes in political, economic, legal and social conditions in China;

any changes in the regulatory policies of the CAAC;

the development of the high-speed rail network in the PRC;

fluctuations of interest rates and foreign exchange rates;

the availability of qualified flight personnel and airport facilities;

the effects of competition on the demand for and price of our services;

the availability and cost of aviation fuel, including but not limited to pricing trends and risks associated with fuel hedging;

any significant depreciation of Renminbi or Hong Kong dollars against U.S. dollars, Japanese yen or Euro, the currencies in which the majority of our borrowings are denominated;

our ability to obtain adequate financing, including any required external debt and acceptable bank guarantees; and

general economic conditions in markets where we operate.

 ·3changes in political, economic, legal and social conditions in China;

 

·any changes in the regulatory policies of the CAAC;

·the development of the high-speed rail network in the PRC;

·fluctuations of interest rates and foreign exchange rates;

·the availability of qualified flight personnel and airport facilities;

·the effects of competition on the demand for and price of our services;
·the availability and cost of aviation fuel, including but not limited to pricing trends and risks associated with fuel hedging;

·fluctuations of interest rates and foreign exchange rates;

·any significant depreciation of Renminbi or Hong Kong dollars against U.S. dollars, Japanese yen or Euro, the currencies in which the majority of our borrowings are denominated;

·our ability to obtain adequate financing, including any required external debt and acceptable bank guarantees; and

·general economic conditions in markets where our Company operates.

 

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS

 

Capacity measurements  
   
ATK (available tonne-kilometers) the number of tonnes of capacity available for the carriage of revenue load (passengers and cargo) multiplied by the distance flown
   
ASK (available seat kilometers) the number of seats made available for sale multiplied by the distance flown
   
AFTK (available freight tonne-kilometers) the number of tonnes of capacity available for the carriage of cargo and mail multiplied by the distance flown

Traffic measurements  
   
revenue passenger-kilometers or RPK the number of passengers carried multiplied by the distance flown
   
revenue freight tonne-kilometers or RFTK cargo and mail load in tonnes multiplied by the distance flown
   
revenue passenger tonne-kilometers or RPTK passenger load in tonnes multiplied by the distance flown
   
revenue tonne-kilometers or RTK load (passenger and cargo) in tonnes multiplied by the distance flown
   
Load factors  
   
overall load factor tonne-kilometers expressed as a percentage of ATK
   
passenger load factor passenger-kilometers expressed as a percentage of ASK
   
Yield and cost measurements  
   
passenger yield (revenue per passenger-kilometer) revenue from passenger operations divided by passenger-kilometers
   
cargo yield (revenue per cargo tonne-kilometer) revenue from cargo operations divided by cargo tonne-kilometers
   
average yield (revenue per total tonne-kilometer) revenue from airline operations divided by tonne-kilometers
   
unit cost operating expenses divided by ATK
   
Tonne a metric ton, equivalent to 2,204.6 lbs

 

PART I

 

Item 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

4

Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

Item 3.Key Information

 

A.Selected Financial Data

 

Pursuant to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Securities and Exchange Commission”) Release 33-8879 "Acceptance from Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP" eliminating the requirement for foreign private issuers to reconcile their financial statements to U.S. GAAP, we prepare our financial statements based on International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS,IFRSs, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or the IASB, and no longer provide a reconciliation between IFRSIFRSs and U.S. GAAP.

 

Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 20142016 included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.IFRSs.

 

We make an explicit and unreserved statement of compliance with IFRSIFRSs with respect to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 20142016 included in this Annual Report. Ernst & Young, our current independent registered public accounting firm in Hong Kong, has issued an unqualified auditors’ report on our consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the yearyears ended December 31, 2014. 2014,2015 and 2016. The selected financial data from the consolidated profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the selected financial data from the consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs, and audited by Ernst & Young, an independent registered public accounting firm in Hong Kong. The selected financial data from the consolidated profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the selected financial data from the consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS,IFRSs, and audited by Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm in the PRC. The selected financial data from the consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the selected financial data from the balance sheets as of December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS,IFRSs, and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm in Hong Kong.

 

The following tables present selected consolidated profit or loss and comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 20142016 and selected consolidated statements of financial position data as of December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 20142016 that were prepared under IFRS.IFRSs. The selected financial information as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 20142016 has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements and their notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

4

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2010
RMB
  2011
RMB
  2012
RMB
  2013
RMB
  2014
RMB
 
  (in millions, except per share or per ADS data) 
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Data:                    
Revenues  73,804   82,403   85,253   88,245   90,185 
Other operating income  658   1,062   1,833   2,725   3,685 
Operating expenses  (68,664)  (79,201)  (82,734)  (89,394)  (87,812)
Operating profit  5,798   4,264   4,352   1,576   6,058 
Finance income / (costs), net  (347)  561   (1,348)  576   (2,072)
Profit before income tax  5,519   4,932   3,137   2,217   4,113 
Profit for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company  5,056   4,661   3,072   2,373   3,410 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share (1)  0.45   0.41   0.27   0.20   0.27 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per ADS  22.67   20.67   13.62   9.81   13.45 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  (in millions, except per share or per ADS data) 
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other
Comprehensive Income Data:
               
Revenues  85,253   88,245   90,185   93,969   98,904 
Gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments  25   18   11   6   2 
Other operating income and gains  1,833   2,725   3,685   5,269   5,469 
Operating expenses  (82,759)  (89,412)  (87,823)  (86,619)  (91,889)
Operating profit  4,352   1,576   6,058   12,625   12,486 
Finance income / (costs), net  (1,349)  576   (2,072)  (7,110)  (6,176)
Profit before income tax  3,137   2,217   4,113   5,667   6,497 
Profit for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Company  3,072   2,373   3,410   4,537   4,498 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share(1)  0.27   0.20   0.27   0.35   0.33 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per ADS  13.62   9.81   13.45   17.5   16.5 

 

(1)The calculation of earnings per share for 20102012 is based on the consolidatednet profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 11,149,426,000 shares outstanding. The calculation of earnings per share for 2011 and 2012 is based on consolidated profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 11,276,538,860 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2013 is based on consolidatedthe net profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,091,881,000 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2014 is based on consolidatedthe net profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,674,269,000 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2015 is based on the net profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,818,509,000 ordinary shares in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2016 is based on the net profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 13,811,136,000 ordinary shares in issue.
  As of December 31, 
  2010
RMB
  2011
RMB
  2012
RMB
  2013
RMB
  2014
RMB
 
  (in millions) 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data:                    
Cash and cash equivalents  3,078   3,861   2,512   1,995   1,355 
Net current liabilities  (27,184)  (29,679)  (35,948)  (40,472)  (42,887)
Non-current assets  91,293   101,092   111,214   127,458   147,586 
Long term borrowings, including current portion  (27,373)  (30,321)  (32,856)  (36,175)  (41,210)
Obligations under finance leases, including current portion  (19,208)  (20,261)  (21,858)  (23,135)  (38,695)
Total share capital and reserves attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company  12,094   17,132   20,207   26,902   29,974 
Non-current liabilities  (49,973)  (52,687)  (53,530)  (58,404)  (72,928)
Total assets less current liabilities  64,109   71,413   75,266   86,986   104,699 

  As of December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  (in millions) 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data:               
Cash and cash equivalents  2,512   1,995   1,355   9,080   1,695 
Net current liabilities  (35,948)  (40,472)  (42,887)  (51,309)  (52,194)
Non-current assets  111,214   127,458   147,586   174,914   196,436 
Long term borrowings, including current portion  (32,856)  (36,175)  (41,210)  (43,675)  (29,749)
Obligations under finance leases, including current portion  (21,858)  (23,135)  (38,695)  (52,399)  (61,041)
Total share capital and reserves attributable to the equity holders of the Company  20,207   26,902   29,974   37,411   49,450 
Non-current liabilities  (53,530)  (58,404)  (72,928)  (83,674)  (91,876)
Total assets less current liabilities  75,266   86,986   104,699   123,605   144,242 
Total assets  123,889   140,068   165,829   197,992   212,324 
Net assets  21,735   28,582   31,771   39,931   52,366 

 

Exchange Rate Information

 

We present our historical consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. For the convenience of the reader, certain pricing information is presented in U.S. dollars and certain contractual and other amounts that are in Renminbi or Hong Kong dollars amounts include a U.S. dollar equivalent. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars, from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars, from U.S. dollars to RMB and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this Annual Report were made at the rate of RMB6.2148RMB6.9430 to US$1.00 and HK$7.76167.7534 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2014.30, 2016. We make no representation that the Renminbi, Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this Annual Report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars, Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of RMB into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade.

 

On April 17, 2015,21, 2017, the exchange rates as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board were RMB6.1976=RMB6.8845=US$1.00 and HK$7.7510=7.7757=US$1.00. The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the RMB, Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. The source of these rates is the Federal Reserve Statistical Release.

 

  RMB per US$1.00 (1)  HK$ per US$1.00 (1) 
  High  Low  High  Low 
             
January 2013  6.2303   6.2134   7.7585   7.7503 
February 2013  6.2438   6.2213   7.7580   7.7531 
March 2013  6.2246   6.2105   7.7640   7.7551 
April 2013  6.2078   6.1647   7.7652   7.7606 
May 2013  6.1665   6.1213   7.7639   7.7587 
June 2013  6.1488   6.1248   7.7654   7.7534 
July 2013  6.1408   6.1284   7.7587   7.7535 
August 2013  6.1302   6.1123   7.7564   7.7537 
September 2013  6.1213   6.1178   7.7557   7.7533 
October 2013  6.1209   6.0815   7.7545   7.7524 
November 2013  6.0993   6.0903   7.7535   7.7512 
December 2013  6.0927   6.0537   7.7550   7.7517 
January 2014  6.0600   6.0402   7.7663   7.7534 
February 2014  6.1448   6.0591   7.7645   7.7550 
March 2014  6.2273   6.1183   7.7669   7.7563 
April 2014  6.2591   6.1966   7.7568   7.7517 
May 2014  6.2591   6.2255   7.7535   7.7514 
June 2014  6.2548   6.2036   7.7537   7.7502 
July 2014  6.2115   6.1712   7.7517   7.7495 
August 2014  6.1793   6.1395   7.7514   7.7496 
September 2014  6.1495   6.1266   7.7650   7.7500 
October 2014  6.1385   6.1107   7.7645   7.7541 
November 2013  6.1429   6.1117   7.7572   7.7519 
December 2014  6.2256   6.1490   7.7616   7.7509 
January 2015  6.2535   6.1870   7.7563   7.7508 
February 2015  6.2695   6.2399   7.7584   7.7517 
March 2015  6.2741   6.1955   7.7685   7.7534 
April 2015 (up to April 17, 2015)  6.2152   6.1930   7.7525   7.7499 
  RMB per US$1.00(1)  HK$ per US$1.00(1) 
  High  Low  High  Low 
             
October 2016  6.7819   6.6685   7.7600   7.7536 
November 2016  6.9195   6.7534   7.7581   7.7546 
December 2016  6.9580   6.8771   7.7674   7.7534 
January 2017  6.9575   6.8360   7.7580   7.7540 
February 2017  6.8821   6.8517   7.7627   7.7575 
March 2017  6.9132   6.8687   7.7714   7.7611 
April 2017 (up to April 21, 2017)  6.8988   6.8778   7.7757   7.7687 

5

The following table sets forth the average rates between Renminbi and U.S. dollars and between Hong Kong dollars and U.S. dollars for each of the periods indicated. The exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in the G. 5A statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

 RMB per
US$1.00 (1)
  HK$ per
US$1.00
  RMB per HK$ per 
2010  6.7696   7.7687 
2011  6.4630   7.7841 
 US$1.00(1)  US$1.00 
2012  6.3093   7.7569   6.3093   7.7569 
2013  6.1478   7.7565   6.1478   7.7565 
2014  6.1620   7.7545   6.1620   7.7545 
2015  6.2827   7.7524 
2016  6.6400   7.7620 

 

Source:      Federal Reserve Statistical Release

(1)Averages are based on daily noon buying rates for cable transfers in New York City certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Selected Operating Data

 

The following table sets forth certain operating data of our Companyoperating data for the five years ended December 31, 2014,2016, which areis not audited. All references in this Annual Report to our cargo operations, statistics or revenues include figures for cargo and mail.

 

 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31, 
 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014  2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 
Selected Airline Operating Data:                                        
Capacity:                                        
ATK (millions)  17,887.4   18,662.5   19,721.4   21,714.8   22,538.5   19,721.4   21,714.8   22,538.5   25,203.0   28,002.3 
ASK (millions)  119,450.9   127,890.8   136,724.0   152,075.2   160,585.1   136,724.0   152,075.2   160,585.1   181,792.9   206,249.3 
AFTK (millions)  7,136.8   7,152.3   7,416.3   8,028.0   8,085.8   7,416.3   8,028.0   8,085.8   8,841.7   9,439.9 
Traffic:                                        
Revenue passenger-kilometers (millions)  93,152.8   100,895.1   109,112.7   120,461.1   127,749.9   109,112.7   120,461.1   127,749.9   146,342.43   167,529.2 
Revenue tonne-kilometers (millions)  12,599.0   13,402.1   14,406.5   15,551.8   16,122.4   14,406.5   15,551.8   16,122.4   17,820.4   19,712.9 
Revenue freight tonne-kilometers (millions)  4,308.5   4,420.6   4,700.9   4,857.2   4,802.4   4,700.9   4,857.2   4,802.4   4,865.1   4,875.2 
Hours flown (thousands)  1,195.1   1,288.4   1,404.5   1,540.4   1,625.1   1,404.5   1,540.4   1,625.1   1,804.4   1,956.1 
Number of passengers carried (thousands)  64,930.4   68,725.0   73,077.1   79,093.7   83,811.5   73,077.1   79,093.7   83,811.5   93,780.0   101,741.6 
Weight of cargo carried (millions of kilograms)  1,464.9   1,443.1   1,416.5   1,410.3   1,363.3   1,416.5   1,410.3   1,363.3   1,399.4   1,395.0 
Load Factor:                                        
Overall load factor (%)  70.4   71.8   73.1   71.6   71.5   73.1   71.6   71.5   70.7   70.4 
Passenger load factor (%)  78.0   78.9   79.8   79.2   79.6   79.8   79.2   79.6   80.5   81.2 
Yield and Cost Statistics (RMB):                    
Passenger yield (passenger revenue/ passenger-kilometers)  0.63   0.68   0.65   0.61   0.61 
Yield and Cost Statistics (including fuel surcharge) (RMB):                    
Passenger yield (passenger revenue/ passenger- kilometers)  0.65   0.61   0.61   0.56   0.52 
Cargo yield (cargo revenue/cargo tonne-kilometers)  1.95   1.83   1.71   1.57   1.55   1.71   1.57   1.55   1.33   1.25 
Average yield (passenger and cargo revenue/ tonne-kilometers)  5.35   5.71   5.51   5.18   5.28 
Average yield (passenger and cargo revenue/ tonne- kilometers)  5.51   5.18   5.28   4.94   4.71 
Unit cost (operating expenses/ATK)  3.84   4.24   4.20   4.12   3.90   4.20   4.12   3.90   3.44   3.28 

B.Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D.Risk Factors

 

Risks Relating to the PRC

Changes in the economic policies of the PRC government may materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Since the late 1970s, the PRC government has been reforming the Chinese economic system. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress. These policies and measures however, may be modified or revised from time to time be modified or revised.time. Adverse changes in economic and social conditions in China, in the policies of the PRC government or in the laws and regulations of China, if any, may have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China and investments in and profitability of the domestic airline industry. These developments, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in the foreign exchange regulations in the PRC may result in fluctuations of the Renminbi and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends or to satisfy our foreign currency liabilities.

 

A significant portion of our revenue and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi, while a portion of our revenue, capital expenditures and debts are denominated in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. The Renminbi is currently freely convertible in the current account, which includes payment of dividends, trade and service-related foreign currency transactions, but not in the capital account, which includes foreign direct investment, unless approval from or registration or filing with the prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC (the "SAFE"),relevant authorities, is obtained. As a foreign invested enterprise approved by the PRC Ministry of Commerce (the "MOFCOM"), we can purchase foreign currencies without the approval of SAFEState Administration of Foreign Exchange (the "SAFE") for settlement of current account transactions, including for the purpose of dividend payment, by providing commercial documents evidencing these transactions. We can also retain foreign currencies in our current accounts, subject to a maximum amount approved by SAFE, to satisfy foreign currency liabilities or pay dividends. The relevant PRC government authorities may limit or eliminate our ability to purchase and retain foreign currencies in the future. Foreign currency transactions in the capital account are still subject to limitations and require approvals from SAFE. This may affect our ability to raise foreign capital through debt or equity financing, including by means ofthrough loans or capital contributions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient foreign currencies to pay dividends, if any, or satisfy our foreign currency liabilities.

6

 

Furthermore, the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate significantly and is affected by, among other things, the PRC government policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and changes in the supply and demand of the currency. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy resulted in appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar by approximately 7.0% in 2008. While there was no material appreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar in 2009, the Renminbi appreciated by approximately 3.0% against the U.S. dollar in 2010 and by approximately 5.1% in 2011. In April 2012, the People's Bank of China (the "PBOC")PBOC widened the daily trading band of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi was allowed to appreciate or depreciate by 1.0% from the PBOC central parity rate, effective April 16, 2012. In March 2014, the PBOC further widened the daily trading band of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi was allowed to appreciate or depreciate by 2% against the U.S. dollar from the daily central parity rate, effective March 17, 2014. On August 11, 2015, the PBOC executed a 2% devaluation in the Renminbi. Within the following two days, the Renminbi depreciated 3.5% against the U.S. dollar. The Renminbi depreciated 6.7% against the U.S. dollar from January 4, 2016 to December 30, 2016. However, it remains unclear what further fluctuations may occur or what impact this will have on the value of the Renminbi. It is possible that the PRC government could adopt a more flexible foreign exchange policy, which could result in further and more significant revaluations of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency. Any resulting fluctuations in exchange rates as a result of such policy changes may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

8

Our operations may be adversely affected by rising inflation rates in the PRC.

 

Inflation rates in the PRC have been on a sharp uptrend in recent years. The PRC government has undertaken numerous contractionary policies, including raising interest rates and reserve requirement ratios, and curbing bank lending, to slow down excessive economic growth and control price hikes. Increase in inflation is due to many factors beyond our control, such as rising production and labor costs, high debts, changes in the PRC and foreign governmental policy and regulations, and movements in exchange rates and interest rates. PRC inflation rates have been in a general downtrend after peaking in the middle of 2011, and increased to 3.6% as of March 2012. In 2013, PRC inflation rates fluctuated with two peaks of 3.2% in February and October 2013. In 2014, the inflation rates fluctuated with two peaks in May and July 2014. In 2015, the inflation rates fluctuated, reaching a peak of 2.0% in August 2015. In 2016, the inflation rates fluctuated, peaking at 2.3% in February, March, April and November 2016. The national consumer price index was 2.6% in 2013, equal to that of 2012. The national consumer price index was 2.1%, 1.4% and 2.0% in 2014.2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. We cannot assure you that inflation rates will not continue to increase in the future. If inflation rates rise beyond our expectations, the costs of our business operations may become significantly higher than anticipated, and we may be unable to pass on such higher costs to consumers in amounts that are sufficient to cover those increasing operating costs. As a result, further inflationary pressures in the PRC may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our liquidity and profitability.

Any withdrawal of, or changes to, tax incentives in the PRC may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Prior to January 1, 2008, except for a number of preferential tax treatment schemes available to various enterprises, industries and locations, business enterprises in China were subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 33% under the relevant PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law. On March 16, 2007, China passed a new enterprise income tax law, or the EIT Law, which took effect on January 1, 2008. The EIT Law imposes a uniform income tax rate of 25% for domestic enterprises and foreign invested enterprises. Business enterprises enjoying preferential tax treatment that was extended for a fixed term prior to January 1, 2008 will still be entitled to such treatment until such fixed term expires. Certain of our subsidiaries are entitled to preferential tax treatment, allowing us to enjoy a lower effective tax rate that would not otherwise be available to us. Since January 1, 2010, our revenue from the provision of international transportation services has been exempted from business tax, in accordance with a notice jointly issued by the PRC finance and tax authorities. To the extent that there are any increases in the applicable effective tax rate, withdrawals of, or changes in, our preferential tax treatment or tax exemptions, our tax liability may increase correspondingly.

Uncertainties embodied in the PRC legal system may limit certain legal protection available to investors.

 

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. Legislation over the past 20 years has significantly enhanced the protection afforded to foreign investors in China. However, the interpretation and enforcement of some of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties that may limit the legal protection available to investors. Such uncertainties pervade as the legal system in the PRC continues to evolve. Even where adequate laws exist in the PRC, the enforcement of the existing laws or contracts may be uncertain and sporadic, and it may be difficult to obtain swift and equitable enforcement, including enforcing a foreign judgment. In addition, the PRC legal system is based on written statutes and their interpretation, andinterpretation; prior court decisions may be cited as reference but have limited authority as precedents. As such, any litigation in the PRC may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention. We have full or majority board control over the management and operation of all of our subsidiaries established in the PRC. The control over these PRC entities and the exercise of shareholder rights are subject to their respective articles of association and PRC laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC, which may be different from the laws of other developed jurisdictions.

 

The PRC has not developed a fully integrated legal system and certain recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in the PRC. The relative lack of experience of the PRC's judiciary in many cases also creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation. In addition, interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political changes. Furthermore, in case of new laws and regulations, the interpretation, implementation and enforcement of these laws and regulations would involve uncertainties due to the lack of established practice or published court decisions available for reference. We cannot predict the future legal development in the PRC, including promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or interpretation or enforcement thereof, or inconsistencies between the local rules and regulations and the national law. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of any violations until sometime after the violation has occurred. This may also limit the remedies available to investors and to us in the event of any claims or disputes with third parties.

9

 

The auditors’ reports included in this annual report are prepared by relying on audit work which is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

 

Auditors of companies that are registered with the SEC and traded publicly in the United States, including our independent registered public accounting firm, must be registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, and are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because we have substantial operations within China, our auditor relied on its China affiliate to perform audits on our consolidated financial statements, and the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections of the work done by our auditor as it relates to our operations without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditor’s work related to our operations in China is not currently inspected by the PCAOB. This lack of PCAOB inspection of audit work performed in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating the audit work performed by any auditor in China including our auditor. As a result, investors may be deprived of the full benefits of PCAOB inspections.

 

The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of audit work performed in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures as compared to auditors in other jurisdictions that are subject to PCAOB inspections for all their work. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our consolidated financial statements.

 

7

Proceedings instituted by the SEC against certain PRC-based accounting firms, including the China affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in financial statements being determined not to be in compliancecomply with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

In December 2012, the SEC brought administrative proceedings against five accounting firms in China, including the ChinaChinese affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that they had refused to produce audit work papers and other documents related to certain other China-based companies under investigation by the SEC. On January 22, 2014, an initial administrative law decision was issued, censuring these accounting firms and suspending four of these firms from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. The decision is neither final nor legally effective unless and until reviewed and approved by the SEC. On February 12, 2014, four of these PRC-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC against this decision. In February 2015, each of the four PRC-based accounting firms agreed to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC. The settlement requires the firms to follow detailed procedures to provide the SEC with access to the Chinese firms’ audit documents via the CSRC. If the firms do not follow these procedures, the SEC could impose sanctions such as suspensions, or it could restart the administrative proceedings.

 

In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, and possibly delisting of the securities. Moreover, any negative news about the proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.

 

If theChina Chinese affiliate of our independent registered public accounting firm werewas denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to find another registered public accounting firm in a timely manner to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such determination could ultimately lead to our delisting from the NYSE or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.

 

Risks Relating to the Aviation Industry

Our business is subject to extensive government regulation.

 

The Chinese civil aviation industry is subject to a high degree of regulation by the CAAC. Regulatory policies issued or implemented by the CAAC encompass virtually every aspect of airline operations, including, among other things:

 

·route allocation;
route allocation;

 

·pricing of domestic airfares;
pricing of domestic airfares;

 

·administration of air traffic control systems and certain airports;
administration of air traffic control systems and certain airports;

 

·jet fuel pricing;
·air carrier certifications and air operator certification; and
jet fuel pricing;

 

·aircraft registration and aircraft airworthiness certification.
air carrier certifications and air operator certification;

aircraft registration and aircraft airworthiness certification; and

airport expense policy.

 

Our ability to provide services on international routes is subject to a variety of bilateral civil air transport agreements between China and other countries, international aviation conventions and local aviation laws. As a result of government regulations, we may face significant constraints on our flexibility and ability to expand our business operations or to maximize our profitability.

The slow recovery of thedownward trend in domestic and global economy could affect air travel.

 

The airline industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of domestic and global economies. Robust demand for our air transportation services depends largely on favorable general economic conditions, including the strength of global and local economies, low unemployment, strong consumer confidence and availability of consumer and business credit. In 2008 and 2009, the economies of the United States, Europe and certain countries in Asia experienced a severe and prolonged recession and China experienced a slowdown in overall economic growth, which led to a reduction in economic activity. As a result, we continued to experience significantly weaker demand for air travel, especially for international routes in 2009. In response to these market conditions, we reduced our international flights and reallocated our capacity by focusing more on the domestic market.

 

Although international air travel generally recovered in 2010 to 2011 due to the gradualIn 2016, global economic recovery, subsequent eventsgrowth slowed down. The economic growth rate of China ranked at the top among major economies, with promising progress being made in 2013adjusting its economic structure and early 2014 such as general market volatility, political instability, regional and geopolitical disputes may continue to materially and adversely affect economic activity and financial markets globally, which could in turn weakengradually increasing consumption expenditure. As the standard of household income rises, bringing robust demand for outbound tourism and consumption, the air passenger transportation market continued to report stable growth. Due to a variety of factors, including the slowdown in the growth rate of total world trade volume and fierce market competition, the air cargo transportation industry has relatively underperformed in 2016. In 2016, the air transportation industry continued to benefit from the relatively low international air travelcrude oil prices, but was adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations, international political volatility and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results operations.terrorist incidents overseas.

 

In addition, while the PRC government has instituted and is expected to continue implementing certain initiatives in response to periods of slowdown in the PRC economy, a rapid increase in liquidity in the market as a result of fiscal stimulus measures led to the PRC government implementing a number of measures to control such rapid increase,increases, including adjusting interest rates. These foregoing factors and any further decline in economic activity may reduce domestic or international demand for air travel and our growth in the domestic and international aviation markets may slow down significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and liquidity. For example, our cargo business is highly dependent upon servicing the logistics needs of the semi-conductor industry. A slowdown in this particular industry could adversely affect our cargo business segment.

We operate in a highly competitive industry.

 

We face intense competition in each of the domestic, regional and international markets that we serve. In our domestic market, we compete against all airlines that have the same routes, including smaller domestic airlines that have lower operating costs. In the regional and international markets, we compete against international airlines that have significantly longer operating history, better brand recognition, or more resources, such as large sales networknetworks or sophisticated reservation systems. See the section headed "Item 4. Information on the Company — Business Overview — Competition" for more details. The public's perception of safety of Chinese airlines could also materially and adversely affect our ability to compete against our international competitors. To stay competitive, we have, from time to time in the past, lowered our airfares for certain of our routes, and we may continue to do so in the future. Increased competition and pricing pressures may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We expect to face substantial competition from the rapid development of the Chinese rail network.

 

The PRC government is aggressively implementing the expansion of its high-speed rail network, which will providehas provided train services at a speed of up to 350km350 kilometers per hour connecting major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Qingdao, Guangzhou Dalian and Hong Kong. The expansion of rail network, improvements in railway service quality, increased passenger capacity and urban center accessibility could enhance the competitiveness of the railway service and negatively affect our market share on some of our key routes, in particular our routes of between 500km to 800km. Increased competition and pricing pressures from the railway service may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

8

Limitations on foreign ownership of PRC airlines may affect our access to funding in the international equity capital markets or pursuing business opportunities.

 

The current CAAC policies limit foreign ownership of PRC airlines. Under these rules, non-PRC, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents cannot hold a majority equity interest in a PRC airline. As of December 31, 2014,2016, approximately 33.08%32.20% of our total outstanding shares were held by non-PRC, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents or legal entities (excluding the qualified foreign institutional investors that are approved to invest in the A Share market of the PRC). As a result, our access to funding in the international equity capital markets may be limited. This restriction may also limit the opportunities available to our Companyus to obtain funding or other benefits through the creation of equity-based strategic alliances with foreign carriers. We cannot assure you that the CAAC will not increase these limits on foreign ownership of PRC airlines in the future.

11

Any jet fuel shortages or any increase in jet fuel prices may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The availability and prices of jet fuel have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In the past, jet fuel shortages have occurred in China and, on limited occasions, required us to delay or cancel flights. Although jet fuel shortages have not occurred since the end of 1993, we cannot assure you that jet fuel shortages will not occur in the future. Fuel prices continue to be susceptible to, among other factors, political unrest in various parts of the world, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries policies, the rapid growth of the economies of certain countries, including China and India, the inventory levels carried by industries, the amount of reserves built by governments, disruptions to production and refining facilities and weather conditions. Fuel efficiency of our aircraft decreases as they advance in age which results in an overall increase in our aviation fuel costs. The foregoing and other factors that impact the global supply and demand for jet fuel may affect our financial performance due to its sensitivity to fuel prices.

 

Jet fuel prices were volatile in 2013 and 2014, with heightened political tensions and continued political instability in certain Middle Eastern countries and in Crimea bordering Ukraine. In 2014, the average price of fuel decreased by 4.7% compared to that of 2013. Fuel prices have continued to generally decrease during 2015. At the beginning of 2016, the price of the jet fuel rebounded after hitting the lowest price recorded to date. As a result, certain OPEC countries and Russia agreed to restrict production which caused the price of Brent oil to increase by approximately 5.0%. However, due to the relatively higher jet fuel price in the first half of 2015.2015, the average price of the jet fuel in 2016 declined, representing a year-on-year decrease of 15.0% (15.1% in the PRC domestic market and 14.7% in the international market). In 2016, setting aside adjustment factors such as fuel surcharge, if the average price of jet fuel had increased or decreased by 5%, our jet fuel costs of would have increased or decreased by approximately RMB981 million. In addition, the National Development and Reform Commission (the "NDRC") has adjustedadjusts gasoline and diesel prices in China from time to time, taking into account the changes in international oil prices, thereby affecting aviation fuel prices. In 2016, we did not engage in any aviation fuel hedging activities. As such, we cannot assure you that jet fuel prices will not fluctuate further in the future. Due to the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, we may be unable to fully or effectively pass on to our customers any future increase in jet fuel costs.

The airline industry is subject to increasing environmental regulations, which would increase costs and affect profitability.

 

In recent years, regulatory authorities in China and other countries have issued a number of directives and other regulations to address, among other things, aircraft noise and engine emissions, the use and handling of hazardous materials, aircraft age and environmental contamination remedial clean-up measures. These requirements impose high fees, taxes and substantial ongoing compliance costs on airlines, particularly as new aircraft brought into service will have to meet the environmental requirements during their entire service life.

 

We have significant expenditures within respect toof environmental compliance, which may affect our operations and financial condition. For example, we implemented a low-carbon emissions scheme, which over 90% of our planes are complying with and aligns with our environmentally-friendly growth strategy to minimize the environmental impact of our operations. We expedited the application of new civil aviation technologies, continuously focused on the development of renewable resources and concentrated on the invention and application of new technologies and applications to achieve "greener" flying. We have worked with the China National Petroleum Corporation (the "CNPC") to conduct experimental research on bio-fuels, which are being developed as a possible alternative to kerosene jet fuel and could lead to reduceda 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 30%.emissions. In addition, all of our B737NG and some of our A320 series aircraft newly introduced are equipped with a winglet or sharklet, an additional lifting surface to reduce fuel consumption and noises. We also took measures to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment by optimizing our route network and flight schedules as well as installing energy-saving environmentally friendly engines. However, these measures have resulted in significant costs and expenditures. We expect to continue to incur significant costs and expenditures on an ongoing basis to comply with environmental regulations, which could restrict our ability to modify or expand facilities or continue operations.

Our results of operations tend to be volatile and fluctuate due to seasonality.

 

The aviation industry is characterized by annual high and low travel seasons. Our operating revenue is substantially dependent on the passenger and cargo traffic volume carried, which is subject to seasonal and other changes in traffic patterns, the availability of appropriate time slots for our flights and alternative routes, the degree of competition from other airlines and alternate means of transportation, as well as other factors that may influence passenger travel demand and cargo and mail volume. As a result, our results tend to be volatile and subject to rapid and unexpected change.

12

 

Risks Relating to the Company

We may suffer losses in the event of an accident or incident involving our aircraft or the aircraft of any other airline.

 

As an airline company operating a large fleet, an accident or incident involving one of our aircraft could result in delays and require repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft, which could result in consequential temporary or permanent losses from disruption of service and/or significant liability to injured passengers and others. Unforeseeable or unpredictable events such as inclement weather, mechanical failures, human error, aircraft defects and other force majeure events may affect flight safety, which could result in accidents and/or incidents of passenger injuries or deaths that could lead to significant injury and loss claims. Although we believe that we currently maintain liability insurance in amounts and of the types generally consistent with industry practice, the amount of such coverage may not be adequate to fully cover the costs related to an accident or incident in full, which could damage our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, any aircraft accident or incident, even if fully insured, could cause a public perception that we are not as safe or reliable as other airlines, which could harm our competitive position and result in a decrease in our operating revenues. Moreover, a major accident or incident involving an aircraft of our competitors may cause the demand for air travel in general to decrease. In particular, certain of our competitors in the Asia Pacific region experienced major aircraft accidents and incidents in 2014, some of which involved destinations and routes that we cover. These accidents and incidents were highly publicized in the media and may have affected public perception of certain air travel routes. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

9

Our indebtedness and other financial obligations may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and operations.

 

We have a substantial amount of debt, lease and other financial obligations, and will continue to do so in the future. During the period between the end of 2008 and April 2009, the amount of our total liabilities exceeded our total assets. In 2014, we added a total of 75 aircraft to our fleet, by purchase or finance lease (excluding operating lease), including B777 series for long-haul flights, A330 series for long and medium-haul flights and A320 series and B737NG series for medium and short-haul flights. On February 28, 2014, we entered into an agreement with Airbus SAS regarding the purchase of seventy70 new A320NEO aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to the Companyus in stages from 2018 to 2020. On June 13, 2014, we entered into agreements with Boeing Company to purchase eighty80 new B737 series aircraft, to be delivered in stages from 2016 to 2020. On July 9, 2015, we entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing Company to purchase 50 new Boeing B737 series aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to us in stages from 2017 to 2019. On August 14, 2015, we entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus SAS to purchase 15 new Airbus A330 series aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to us in stages from 2017 to 2018.On April 28, 2016, we entered into an airbus purchase agreement with Airbus SAS to purchase 20 brand new Airbus A350-900 aircraft. On the same date, we also entered into a Boeing purchase agreement with Boeing Company to purchase 15 brand new Boeing B787-9 aircraft. See the section headed "Item 4. Information on the Company — Property, Plant and Equipment — Fleet." As of December 31, 2014,2016, our total liabilities were RMB134,058 million. As of the same date,RMB159,958 million and our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by RMB42,887RMB52,194 million. Our total interest-bearing liabilities (including long-term and short-term borrowings, finance leases payable and bonds payable) as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 were RMB73,735RMB119,111 million and RMB97,884RMB117,773 million, respectively, of which short-term liabilities accounted for 35.6%37.2% and 34.0%30.0%,, respectively. Our substantial indebtedness and other financial obligations could materially and adversely affect our business and operations, including being required to dedicate additional cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for operations, maintenance and service improvements and future business opportunities, increasing our vulnerability to economic recessions, reducing our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions, placing us at a disadvantage compared to competitors with lower debt, limiting our ability to arrange for additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes, at all or on terms that are acceptable to us.

 

Moreover, we are largely dependent upon cash flows generated from our operations and external financing (including short-term bank loans) to meet our debt repayment obligations and working capital requirements, which may reduce the funds available for other business purposes. If our operating cash flow is materially and adversely affected by factors such as increased competition, a significant decrease in demand for our services, or a significant increase in jet fuel prices, our liquidity would be materially and adversely affected. We have arranged financing with domestic and foreign banks in China as necessary to meet our working capital requirements. We have also tried to ensure our liquidity by structuring a substantial portion of our short-term bank loans to be rolled over upon maturity. These efforts, however, may ultimately prove to be insufficient. Our ability to obtain financing may be affected by our financial position and leverage, our credit rating and investor perception of the aviation industry, as well as prevailing economic conditions and the cost of financing in general. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing for our capital requirements, our liquidity and operations would be materially and adversely affected.

 

In addition, the airline industry overall is characterized by a high degree of operating leverage. Due to high fixed costs, including payments made in connection with aircraft leases, and landing and infrastructure fees which are set by government authorities and not within our control, the expenses relating to flight operations do not vary proportionately with the number of passengers carried, while revenues generated from a particular flight are directly related to the number of passengers carried and the fare structure of the flight. Accordingly, a decrease in revenues may result in a disproportionately higher decrease in profits.

We may not be able to secure future financing at terms acceptable to us or at all.

 

We require significant amounts of external financing to meet our capital commitments for acquiring and upgrading aircraft and flight equipment and for other general corporate needs. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had total unutilized credit facilities of RMB44RMB46.38 billion from various banks. We expect to roll over these bank facilities in the near future. In addition, we generally acquire aircraft through either long-term capital leases or operating leases. In the past, we have obtained guarantees from Chinese banks in respect of payments under our foreign loan and capital lease obligations. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to roll over our bank facilities or continue to obtain bank guarantees in the future. Unavailability of credit facilities or guarantees from Chinese banks or the increased cost of such guarantees may materially and adversely affect our ability to borrow additional funds or enter into international aircraft lease financing or other additional financing on acceptable terms. Although we have secured financing for our aircraft delivered in 2014, we are still in the process of obtaining financing for some aircraft we have scheduled for delivery in future years.terms In addition, if we are not able to arrange financing for our aircraft on order, we may seek to defer aircraft deliveries or use cash from operations or other sources to acquire the aircraft.aircraft.

Our ability to obtain financing may also be impaired by our financial position, leverage and credit rating. In addition, factors beyond our control, such as recent global market and economic conditions, volatile oil prices, and the tightening of credit markets may result in limited availability of financing and increased volatility in credit and equity markets, which may materially adversely affect our ability to secure financing at reasonable costs or at all. If we are unable to obtain financing for a significant portion of our capital requirements, our ability to expand our operations, purchase new aircraft, pursue business opportunities we believe to be desirable, withstand any future downturn in our business, or respond to increased competition or changing economic conditions may be impaired. We have and in the future will likely continue to have substantial debts. As a result, the interest costs associated with these debts might impair our future profitability.

We are subject to the risk of fuel price fluctuations.

 

FuelAircraft fuel costs constitute athe most significant portionpart of our operating costs and, in 2014, accountedcosts. In 2016, our total aircraft fuel cost was RMB19,626 million, accounting for approximately 35%21.4% of our total operating costs. The fluctuations of international crude oil prices and adjustments on domestic jet fuel prices by the NDRC have a significant impact on our profitability. While international crude oil prices generally decreased in the second half of 2014, theOur results of operation and financial condition of our Company are still subject toaffected by any significant fluctuations that may occur, which are generally due to factors beyond our control. As such, we generally alleviate the pressure from the rise in operating costs arising from the increase in aviation fuel by imposing fuel surcharges, which, however, are subject to government regulations. In order to control fuel costs, we have also entered into fuel hedging transactions using financial derivative products linked to the price of underlying assets such as United States WTI crude oil and Singapore jet fuel during previous years.

 

In the beginning ofSince 2009, the PRC government required prior governmental approval for entering into fuel hedging contracts. In October 2011, we have obtainedWe may, from time to time, seek approval from the PRC government allowing us to enter into overseas fuel hedging contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we hedged 17% of our annual fuel consumption. However, these hedging strategies may not always be effective and high fluctuations in aviation fuel prices exceeding the locked-in price ranges may result in losses. Significant decline in fuel prices may substantially increase the costs associated with oursuch fuel hedging arrangements. In addition, where we may, from time to time, seek to manage the risk of fuel price increases by using derivative contracts, we cannot assure you that, at any given point in time, our fuelsuchfuel hedging transactions will provide any particular level of protection against increased fuel costs. As of December 31, 2014,In 2016, we had no open crude oil option contracts, anddid not engage in any aviation fuel hedging activitiesand all thefuel hedging contracts signed in past years had been settled before December 31, 2014.2016.

We are subject to the risk of exchange rate fluctuations.

 

We operate our business in many countries and territories. We generate revenue in different currencies, and our foreign currency liabilities are typically much higher than our foreign currency assets. Our purchases and leases of aircraft are mainly priced and settled in foreign currencies such as U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in exchange rates will affect our costs incurred from foreign purchases such as aircraft, flight equipment and aviation fuel, and take-off and landing charges in foreign airports. As of December 31, 2014,2016, our total interest-bearing liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, converted to Renminbi amounted to RMB81,679RMB59,980 million, of which the U.S. dollar liabilities accounted for 97.24%88.14% of the total amount. Therefore, a significant fluctuation in circumstances with large fluctuations inthe U.S. dollar exchange rates will subject us to significant foreign exchange loss/ gain arising from the exchange loss arising on the translation of foreign currency denominated liabilities, will be greater, which in turn affectswould affect our profitability and growth.business development. We usuallytypically use hedging contracts for foreign currencies to reduce the risk inforeign exchange rate fluctuationsrisks for foreign currency revenuerevenues generated from flight ticket sales and expenses which arerequired to be paid in foreign currencies. Foreign currency hedging mainly involves sales of the Japanese Yen or the purchase of U.S. dollars at fixed exchange rates. As of December 31, 2014,2016, the outstanding foreign currency hedging contracts held by us which are still open amounted to a notional amount of approximately US$39440 million, which will expire between 2015 andin 2017, compared with US$3812 million as of December 31, 2013.2015. We use cross currency swap contracts to reduce the risks from exchange rate and interest rate. Our cross currency swap contracts qualify for hedge accounting. The contracts are generally for swapping U.S. dollars floating interest rates (“LIBOR”), into Euro floating interest rates (“EURIBOR”). All the aforementioned contracts were closed out during the reporting period in 2016. In 2016, net cash inflow from our cross currency swap contracts amounted to RMB5 million. As of December 31, 2016, we did not have any outstanding cross currency swap contracts.

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We recorded net foreign exchange losses of RMB203RMB3,573 million for 2014,2016, whereas our net foreign exchange gainslosses were RMB1,977RMB4,987 million for 2013.2015. As a result of the large value of existing net foreign currency liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars, our results would be adversely affected if the Renminbi depreciates against the U.S. dollar or the rate of appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar decreases in the future. In 2016, we expanded our financing channels by issuing super short-term commercial paper and entering into financings in RMB, and proactively optimized the mix of currency denomination of our debts. As of December 31, 2016, our proportion of U.S. dollar-denominated debts decreased to 44.9%. Our foreign exchange fluctuation risks are also subject to other factors beyond our control. See "Item 3D. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to the PRC - Foreign exchange regulations in the PRC may result in fluctuations of the Renminbi and affect our ability to pay any dividends or to satisfy our foreign exchange liabilities."

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We are subject to the risk of interest rate fluctuations.

 

Our total interest-bearing liabilities (including long-term and short-term loans and finance leases payable) as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 were RMB73,736RMB119,111 million and RMB97,884RMB117,773 million, respectively, of which short-term liabilities accounted for 35.6%37.2% and 34.0%%30.0%, respectively, and long-term liabilities accounted for 64.4%62.8% and 66.0%70.0%, respectively, for those years. A portion of the long-term interest-bearing liabilities carried variable interest rates. Both our variable and fixed rate obligations were affected by fluctuations in current market interest rates.

 

OurIn 2016, our interest-bearing liabilities were mainly denominated in U.S. dollars and Renminbi. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014,2016, our total interest-bearing liabilities denominated in foreign currencies amounted to RMB59,980 million, of which U.S. dollars liabilities accounted for 75.6% and 81.1%, respectively,88.1% of ourthe total liabilities, while liabilities denominated in Renminbi accounted for 20.9% and 16.6%, respectively, of our total liabilities.amount. Fluctuations in the U.S. dollar and Renminbi interest rates have significantly affected our financing costs. A substantial majority of our borrowings denominated in Renminbi are linked to benchmark five-year lending rates published by the PBOC. The PBOC raised the benchmark five-year lending rate five times from 5.94% to 7.05% in July 2011, but reduced the rate subsequently twice, on the last occasion to 6.4% in July 2012. The benchmark five-year lending rate remained steady and did not change during 2013 and into the first quarter of 2014. A substantial majority of our borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars are linked to floating LIBOR rates which decreased overall in 2011, increased overall in 2012, and decreased overall in 2013 and 2014.2014, and increased overall in 2015 and 2016. We cannot assure you that the relevant lending rates may not increase in the future for reasons beyond our control, which may adversely affect our business, prospects, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we expect to issue bonds and notes or enter into additional loan agreements and aircraft leases in the future to fund our operations and capital expenditures, and the cost of financing for these obligations will depend greatly on market interest rates.

Our insurance coverage and costs have increased substantially, and could have an adverse effect on our operations.

 

As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, aviation insurers have significantly reduced the maximum amount of insurance coverage available to commercial air carriers for liability to persons other than employees or passengers for claims resulting from acts of terrorism, war or similar events. At the same time, they have significantly increased the premiums for such coverage, as well as for aviation insurance in general. In response to the reduced insurance coverage from aviation insurers, the PRC government has provided insurance coverage to PRC airlines for third party war liability claims. Such insurance provided by the government is subject to annual review and approval by the government. We renew our insurance policies on a yearly basis. However, if the insurers further reduce the amount of insurance coverage available or increase the premiums for such coverage upon renewal and/or if the PRC government declines to renew our insurance policies, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our medical insurance contributions charged to profit or loss amounted to RMB606 million, representing an increase of 7.6% from RMB563 million in 2015.

We may experience difficulty integrating our acquisitions, which could result in a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

We may from time to time expand our business through acquisition of airlines or airline-related businesses. For example, we entered into an agreement with Shanghai Airlines Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Airlines") on July 10, 2009 to issue a maximum of 1,694,838,860 A Shares to the shareholders of Shanghai Airlines in exchange for all the existing issued shares of Shanghai Airlines. The acquisition price was RMB9,118 million, which was determined based on the quoted market price of our shares issued as of the date nearest to the acquisition date, with adjustments to reflect specific restrictions to certain shares that were issued. On January 28, 2010, we completed the exchange of 1,694,838,860 A Shares for all existing issued shares of Shanghai Airlines. In addition, on December 20, 2010, our subsidiary, China Cargo Airlines, entered into separate acquisition agreements with Great Wall Airlines and Shanghai Cargo Airlines to acquire each carrier's cargo business and related assets. China Cargo Airlines also purchased relevant business and assets from Shanghai International Freight Airlines Co., Ltd. In relation to these acquisitions we have obtained the approval from CAAC, NDRC, and MOFCOM, and the transactions were completed on June 1, 2011. In addition, we entered into an equity transfer agreement on August 22, 2012 with our controlling shareholder, CEA Holding, by which we acquired the remaining 20% of the equity interest in China United Airlines Co., Ltd. ("China United Airlines") for consideration of RMB83.95 million (the "China United Airlines Acquisition") from CEA Holding. China United Airlines primarily provides domestic passenger and freight air transportation services, and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company.

On December 27, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines Tours, International (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Airlines Tours”) entered into an agreement with Eastern Air Tourism Investment Group Co., Ltd. ("Eastern Tourism") and Shanghai Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd ("Shanghai Dongmei") to acquire 45% and 55% issued share capital of Xi’an Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd held by them respectively for consideration of approximately RMB3.3 million comprising approximately RMB1.5 million payable to Eastern Tourism and approximately RMB1.8 million payable to Shanghai Dongmei. On December 27, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines Tours also entered into another agreement with Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei to acquire 45% and 55% issued share capital of Kunming Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd ("Kunming Dongmei") held by them respectively for consideration of approximately RMB10.6RMB10.5 million comprising RMB4.7 million payable to Eastern Tourism and approximately RMB5.8 million payable to Shanghai Dongmei. On January 10, 2013, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an agreement with Eastern Tourism to acquire the entire issued share capital of Eastern Air International Travel Service Co., Ltd ("Eastern Travel") held by Eastern Tourism for consideration of approximately RMB11.9 million. On August 15, 2014, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an equity transfer agreement with Eastern Air Tourism pursuant to which, Shanghai Airlines Tours acquired 72.84% equity interest in Shanghai Dongmei from Eastern Tourism at a consideration of RMB32,147,700. This acquisition hashad been completed and Shanghai Dongmei has becomebecame our indirect holding subsidiary. On December 22, 2014, our Company, CEA Holding and CES Finance Holding Co., Ltd ("CES Finance") (as shareholders of Eastern Air Group Finance Company Limited (“Eastern Air Finance”)) agreed to inject a total of RMB1,500 million into Eastern Air Finance in proportion according to their respective shareholding in Eastern Air Finance. In February 2015, we contributed a pro-rata amount of RMB375 million in cash.

 

We are devoting significant resources to the integration of our operations in order to achieve the anticipated synergies and benefits of the absorption and acquisitions mentioned above. See "Item 4. Information on the Company" for details. However, such acquisitions involve uncertainties and a number of risks, including:

 

difficulty with integrating the assets, operations and technologies of the acquired airlines or airline-related businesses, including their employees, corporate cultures, managerial systems, processes, procedures and management information systems and services;

complying with the laws, regulations and policies that are applicable to the acquired businesses;

failure to achieve the anticipated synergies, cost savings or revenue-enhancing opportunities resulting from the acquisition of such airlines or airline-related businesses;

managing relationships with employees, customers and business partners during the course of integration of new businesses;

attracting, training and motivating members of our management and workforce;

accessing our debt, equity or other capital resources to fund acquisitions, which may divert financial resources otherwise available for other purposes;

 ·11difficulty with integrating the assets, operations and technologies of the acquired airlines or airline-related businesses, including their employees, corporate cultures, managerial systems, processes, procedures and management information systems and services;

 

·complying with the laws, regulations and policies that are applicable to the acquired businesses;

 

·failure to achieve the anticipated synergies, cost savings or revenue-enhancing opportunities resulting from the acquisition of such airlines or airline-related businesses;
diverting significant management attention and resources from our other businesses;

 

·managing relationships with employees, customers and business partners during the course of integration of new businesses;
strengthening our operational, financial and management controls, particularly those of our newly acquired assets and subsidiaries, to maintain the reliability of our reporting processes;

 

·attracting, training and motivating members of our management and workforce;
difficulty with exercising control and supervision over the newly acquired operations, including failure to implement and communicate our safety management procedures resulting in additional safety hazards and risks;

 

·accessing our debt, equity or other capital resources to fund acquisitions, which may divert financial resources otherwise available for other purposes;
increased financial pressure resulting from the assumption of recorded and unrecorded liabilities of the acquired airlines or airline-related businesses; and

 

·diverting significant management attention and resources from our other businesses;

·strengthening our operational, financial and management controls, particularly those of our newly acquired assets and subsidiaries, to maintain the reliability of our reporting processes;

·difficulty with exercising control and supervision over the newly acquired operations, including failure to implement and communicate our safety management procedures resulting in additional safety hazards and risks;

·increased financial pressure resulting from the assumption of recorded and unrecorded liabilities of the acquired airlines or airline-related businesses; and

·the risk that any such acquisitions may not close due to failure to obtain the required government approvals.
the risk that any such acquisitions may not close due to failure to obtain the required government approvals.

 

We cannot assure you that we will not have difficulties in assimilating the operations, technologies, services and products of newly acquired companies or businesses. Moreover, the continued integration of Shanghai Airlines, China United Airlines and other acquisitions into our Company depends significantly on integrating the employees of Shanghai Airlines, China United Airlines and other acquired companies with our employees and on maintaining productive employee relations. In the event that we are unable to efficiently and effectively integrate newly acquired companies or airline-related businesses into our Company, we may be unable to achieve the objectives or anticipated synergies of such acquisitions and such acquisitions may adversely impact the operations and financial results of our existing businesses.

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Our planned joint venture with Jetstar Airways (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas Airlines), Jetstar Hong Kong, may not proceed and if it does proceed, may not be successful.

On March 23, 2012, we entered into a binding memorandum of understanding (the "MOU") with Jetstar Airways Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas Airlines ("Jetstar Airways"), to establish a joint venture that will launch a new low-cost airline to be based in Hong Kong, Jetstar Hong Kong Airways ("Jetstar Hong Kong"). We and Jetstar Airways have made equal initial capital contributions of US$57.5 million each, and Jetstar Hong Kong will have a total initial capital of US$115 million. Depending on certain terms and conditions, we and Jetstar Airways will equally contribute capital amounts to increase the capital of Jetstar Hong Kong to US$198 million. Under the terms of the MOU, we and Jetstar Airways will have equal equity interests in Jetstar Hong Kong. On August 24, 2012, Eastern Air Overseas (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited ("EAO") (a wholly owned Hong Kong-based subsidiary of the Company) entered into a shareholders' agreement (the "Shareholders' Agreement") with Jetstar International Group Holdings Co., Limited ("JIGH"), a wholly owned Hong Kong-based subsidiary of Qantas Airlines, pursuant to which EAO and JIGH formally agreed to establish Jetstar Hong Kong. In September 2012, Jetstar Hong Kong obtained the Certificate of Incorporation in Hong Kong.

On June 5, 2013, EAO entered into a restated and amended shareholders’ agreement with JIGH, Go Harvest Investments Limited (the "Shun Tak Investor") and Jetstar Hong Kong, pursuant to which Shun Tak Investor has become a new strategic shareholder of Jetstar Hong Kong, subject to completion of necessary filings with the relevant authorities in the PRC, and will hold approximately 33.3% of the total issued share capital of Jetstar Hong Kong, which is currently in the process of applying for an aviation services license. We cannot assure you that Jetstar Hong Kong will secure all relevant licenses and approvals for its operations.

Before Jetstar Hong Kong can actually commence operations, it will need to:

·secure the relevant licenses, permits and approvals for its operations;

·establish suitable route networks, which involves securing the necessary airport time slots, landing rights and related approvals and clearances for routes and flight times;

·acquire the necessary aircraft fleet, through acquisitions or leases, to support its operations;

·comply with the relevant laws and regulations;

·identify and acquire suitable facilities and properties and secure land use rights; and

·hire competent and qualified management, flight crew, ground personnel and other employees.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete these tasks in a timely manner, within the expected budget, or at all. Failure to do so could result in a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and reputation of Jetstar Hong Kong and possibly our own. In addition, given the intended geographic coverage of Jetstar Hong Kong, overlapping coverage and competition on some routes may occur, which could affect our market share on certain routes. In addition, there is intense competition in the PRC from existing carriers, who generally service the same routes that are contemplated for Jetstar Hong Kong. We cannot assure you that Jetstar Hong Kong will be able to adequately compete against these existing carriers, which may have better brand recognition, financial resources, sound route networks, competitive fares and product offerings.

Furthermore, we do not have experience operating in the low-cost airline market and may therefore be required to rely on our joint venture partner, Jetstar Airways, for its expertise, experience and knowledge with respect to the daily operations of a low-cost carrier. The launch or overall success of this venture is uncertain, and we cannot assure you that Jetstar Hong Kong will be profitable or successful or that its results of operations will not materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to retain key management personnel or pilots.

 

We are dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of our key management personnel and pilots, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain them. Any inability to retain our key management employees or pilots, or attract and retain additional qualified management employees or pilots, could have a negative impact on our operations and profitability.

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Our controlling shareholder, CEA Holding, holds a majority interest in our Company, and its interests may not be aligned with other shareholders.

 

Most of the major airlines in China are currently majority-owned by either by the central government or provincial or municipal governments in China. As of December 31, 2016, CEA Holding currently holds directly or indirectly 64.4%56.38% of our Company's equity stake on behalf of the PRC government. As a result, CEA Holding could potentially elect the majority of our Board of Directors and otherwise be able to control us. CEA Holding also has sufficient voting control to effect transactions without the concurrence of our minority shareholders. The interests of the PRC government as the ultimate controlling shareholder of our Company and most of the other major PRC airlines could conflict with the interests of our minority shareholders. Although the CAAC currently has a policy of equal treatment of all PRC airlines, we cannot assure you that the CAAC will not favor other PRC airlines over our Company.

 

As aour controlling shareholder, CEA Holding has the ability to exercise controlling influence over our business and affairs, including, but not limited to, decisions with respect to:

 

·mergers or other business combinations;
mergers or other business combinations;

 

·acquisition or disposition of assets;
acquisition or disposition of assets;

 

·issuance of any additional shares or other equity securities;
issuance of any additional shares or other equity securities;

 

·the timing and amount of dividend payments; and
the timing and amount of dividend payments; and

 

·the management of our Company.
the management of our Company.

We engage in related party transactions, which may result in conflict of interests.

 

We have engaged in, from time to time, and may continue to engage in, in the future, a variety of transactions with CEA Holding and its various members, from whom we receive a number of important services, including support for in-flight catering and assistance with importation of aircraft, flight equipment and spare parts. Our transactions with CEA Holding and its members are conducted through a series of arm's length contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business. However, becauseBecause we are controlled by CEA Holding and CEA Holding may have interests that conflict with our interests, we cannot assure you that CEA Holding will not take actions that will serve its interests over the Company's interests.

We may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud if we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, resulting in adverse investor perception, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and the performance of our shares and ADSs.

 

We are required under relevant United States securities laws and regulations to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act to the SEC, including our annual report on Form 20-F, a management report assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting at the end of the fiscal year. Our registered public accounting firm is also required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Our management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2014.2016. However, we may discover other deficiencies or material weaknesses in the course of our future evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting and we may be unable to address and rectify such deficiencies in a timely manner. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could lead to diminished investor confidence in the reliability of our consolidated financial statements, thereby adversely affecting our business, operations, and reputation, including negatively affecting our performance in the securities markets and decreasing potential opportunities to obtain financing in the capital markets.

 

As part of our business strategy, we have adopted various measures to develop the international side of our business and to enhance our competitiveness in the international long-distance flight routes. Due to the differences in certain legal and market environments, we have encountered certain challenges during the course of developing our overseas business. We have already adopted and will continue to implement measures in order to enhance the internal controls of our overseas offices and to continue the development of our overseas business.

Any failure or disruption of our computer, communications, flight equipment or other technology systems could have an adverse impact on our business operations, profitability, reputation and customer services.

 

We rely heavily on computer, communications, flight equipment and other technology systems to operate our business and enhance customer service. Substantially all of our tickets are issued to passengers as electronic tickets, and we depend on our computerized reservation system to be able to issue, track and accept these electronic tickets. In addition, we rely on other automated systems for crew scheduling, flight dispatch and other operational needs. These systems could be disrupted due to various events, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, equipment failures, software failures, computer viruses, and other events beyond our control. We cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to reduce the risk of some of these potential disruptions are adequate to prevent disruptions to or failures of these systems. Any substantial or repeated failure of or disruption to these systems could result in the loss of important data and/or flight delays, and could have an adverse impact on our business operations, profitability, reputation and customer services, including being liable for paying compensation to our customers.

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 12

If our efforts to protect the security of personal information about our customers are unsuccessful, we could be subject to costly government enforcement actions and private litigation and our reputation may suffer.

 

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of personal information about our customers. We have a program in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. To date, all incidents we have encountered have been insignificant. If we commit a significant data security breach or fail to detect and appropriately respond to a significant data security breach, we could be exposed to government enforcement actions and private litigation. In addition, our customers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their personal information, which could cause them to stop using our services. The loss of consumer confidence from a significant data security breach could hurt our reputation and adversely affect our business, result of operations and financial condition.

Interruptions or disruptions of service at one or more airports in our primary market could have an adverse impact on us.

 

Our business is heavily dependent on our operations at our primary market airports in Shanghai, namely, Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport and our regional hub airports in Xi'an and Kunming. Each of these operations includes flights that connect our primary market to other major cities. Any significant interruptions or disruptions of service at one or more of our primary market airports could adversely impact our operations.

Any adverse public health developments, including SARS, Ebola, avian flu, or influenza A (H1N1), or the occurrence of natural disasters may, among other things, lead to travel restrictions and reduced levels of economic activity in the affected areas, which may in turn significantly reduce demand for our services and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Adverse public health epidemics or pandemics could disrupt businesses and the national economy of China and other countries where we do business. The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, in early 2003 led to a significant decline in travel volumes and business activities and substantially affected businesses in Asia. Moreover, some Asian countries, including China, have encountered incidents of the H5N1 strain of avian flu, many of which have resulted in fatalities. In addition, outbreaks of, and sporadic human infection with, influenza A (H1N1) in 2009, a highly contagious acute respiratory disease, were reported in Mexico and an increasing number of countries around the world, some cases resulting in fatalities. In addition, in April 2013, there has been an ongoing outbreak of the H7N9 strain of avian flu, which has largely been centered in eastern China, and has resulted in fatalities in that region, including Shanghai. Furthermore, in 2014, an outbreak of Ebola virus, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever with a relatively high fatality rate, in certain African countries resulted in confirmed cases in the United States and Europe. We are unable to predict the potential impact, if any, that the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) or any other serious contagious disease or the effects of another outbreak of SARS, any strain of avian flu or Ebola may have on our business.

 

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, snowstorms, floods or volcanic eruptions such as that of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland in April and May of 2010 and the natural disasters in Japan in early 2011 may disrupt or seriously affect air travel activity. Any period of sustained disruption to the airline industry may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Terrorist attacks or the fear of such attacks, even if not made directly on the airline industry, could negatively affect the Company and the airline industry as a whole. The travel industry continues to face on-going security concerns and cost burdens.

 

The aviation industry as a whole has been beset with high-profile terrorist attacks, most notably on September 11, 2001 in the United States. The CAAC has also implemented increased security measures in relation to the potential threat of terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks, even if not made directly towards us or on the airline industry, or the fear of or the precautions taken in anticipation of such attacks (including elevated threat warnings or selective cancellation or redirection of flights) could materially and adversely affect us and the entire airline industry. In addition, potential or actual terrorist attacks may result in substantial flight disruption costs caused by grounding of fleet, significant increase of security costs and associated passenger inconvenience, increased insurance costs, substantially higher ticket refunds and significantly decreased traffic and RPK. International terrorist attacks targeting aircraft and airport not only directly threatens our flight safety, aviation security, operational safety and the safety of overseas institutions and employees, but also brings about on- going adverse impact on the outbound tourism demand for places where terrorist attacks have taken place.

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Item 4.Information on the Company

 

A.History and Development of the Company

 

Our registered office is located at 66 Airport Street, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, China, 201202. Our principal executive office and mailing address is Kong Gang San Road, Number 92, Shanghai, 200335, China. The telephone number of our principal executive office is (86-21) 6268-6268 and the fax number for the Board Secretariat's office is (86-21) 6268-6116. We currently do not have an agent for service of process in the United States.

 

Our Company, China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited was established on April 14, 1995 under the laws of China as a company limited by shares in connection with the restructuring of our predecessor and our initial public offering. We are commercially known in the industry as China Eastern Airlines. Our predecessor was one of the six original airlines established in 1988 as part of the decentralization of the airline industry in China undertaken in connection with China's overall economic reform efforts. Prior to 1988, the CAAC was responsible for all aspects of civil aviation in China, including the regulation and operation of China's airlines and airports. In connection with our initial public offering, our predecessor was restructured into two separate legal entities, our Company and EA Group. According to the restructuring arrangement, by operation of law, our Company succeeded to substantially all of the assets and liabilities relating to the airline business of our predecessor. EA Group succeeded to our predecessor's assets and liabilities that do not directly relate to the airline operations and do not compete with our businesses. Assets transferred to EA Group included our predecessor's equity interests in companies engaged in import and export, real estate, advertising, in-flight catering, tourism and certain other businesses. In connection with the restructuring, we entered into various agreements with EA Group and its subsidiaries for the provision of certain services to our Company. CEA Holding assumed the rights and liabilities of EA Group under these agreements after it was formed by merging EA Group, Yunnan Airlines Company and China Northwest Airlines Company in October 2002. See "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions" for more details. The following chart sets forth the organizational structure of our Company and our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014:2016:

13

* Except for Eastern Air Overseas (Hong Kong) Co., Limited (which was incorporated in Hong Kong), all other subsidiaries in the above chart were incorporated in the PRC.

In February 1997, we completed our initial public offering of 1,566,950,000 ordinary H Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, and listed our ordinary H Shares on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, or the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), and American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, representing our H Shares, on the New York Stock Exchange. In October 1997, we completed a public offering of 300,000,000 new ordinary domestic shares in the form of A Shares to public shareholders in China and listed such new shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. H Shares are our ordinary shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and A Shares are our ordinary shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Our H Shares and A Shares are identical in respect of all rights and preferences, except that the listed A Shares may only be held by Chinese domestic investors and certain qualified foreign institutional investors. For information regarding our share capital structure, see "Item 10.B Memorandum and Articles of Association – Description of Shares." In addition, dividends on the A Shares are payable in Renminbi.

 

Since our initial public offering, we have expanded our operations through acquisitions and joint ventures.

On March 23, 2012, we entered into a binding MOU with Jetstar Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas, to establish a joint venture that will consist of a new low-cost airline to be based in Hong Kong, Jetstar Airways. On August 24, 2012, EAO, a wholly owned Hong Kong-based subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Shareholders' Agreement with JIGH, a wholly owned Hong Kong-based subsidiary of Qantas Airlines, pursuant to which EAO and JIGH formally agreed to establish Jetstar Hong Kong. We and Jetstar Airways have made equal initial capital contributions of US$57.5 million each, and the joint venture, Jetstar Hong Kong, will has a total initial capital of US$115 million. Depending on certain terms and conditions, we and Jetstar Airways will each contribute equal capital amounts to increase the capital of Jetstar Hong Kong to US$198 million. Under the terms of the MOU and Shareholders Agreement, we and Jetstar Airways will hold equal equity interests in Jetstar Hong Kong. In September 2012, Jetstar Hong Kong received the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the relevant Hong Kong government authorities.

On April 27, 2012, the Board resolved and approved to issue a short-term commercial paper in the aggregate principal amount of not more than RMB10 billion and for a term of not more than 270 days for each issuance, which can be issued in multiple tranches on a rolling basis. On September 13, 2012, we issued the first tranche of short-term commercial paper in the amount of RMB4 billion at 4.1%, due within 270 days of the issuance. The use of proceeds from this issuance was to repay bank loans, improve our financing structure and replenish our short-term working capital.

 

On June 12, 2012, the Board resolved and approved to issue corporate bonds in the aggregate principal amount of not more than RMB8.8 billion and for a term of not more than ten years for a single or multiple issuances. We received the CSRC approval for this issuance on December 12, 2012. On March 20, 2013, we issued the first tranche of the corporate bonds in the amount of RMB4.8 billion at 5.05% due 2023. The use of proceeds from this issuance was to repay bank loans, improve our financing structure and replenish our short-term working capital.

 

On September 11, 2012, the Board resolved and approved the "Proposal for the non-public issuance of A Shares to specific placees by China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited" and the "Proposal for the non-public issuance of H Shares to specific placees by China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited," according to which, (i) CEA Holdings and CES Finance would subscribe in cash for 241,547,927 and 457,317,073 new A Shares, respectively, at the subscription price of RMB3.28 per share; and (ii) CES Global Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, an overseas wholly-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding, ("CES Global") would subscribe in cash for 698,865,000 new H Shares (nominal value of RMB1.00 each) at the subscription price of HK$2.32 per share. On January 31, 2013, the CSRC approved our proposed issue of no more than 698,865,000 new H Shares with a nominal value of RMB1.00 each. The Public Offering Review Committee of the CSRC reviewed and conditionally approved our application relating to the non-public issue of new A Shares of the Company on February 25, 2012.

 

On December 27, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an agreement with Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei to acquire 45% and 55% of the issued share capital of Xi’an Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd, held by them respectively for a consideration of approximately RMB3.3 million comprising approximately RMB1.5 million payable to Eastern Tourism and approximately RMB1.8 million payable to Shanghai Dongmei.

 

On December 27, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines Tours also entered into another agreement with Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei to acquire 45% and 55% of the issued share capital of Kunming Dongmei, held by them respectively for a consideration of approximately RMB10.6 million comprising RMB4.7 million payable to Eastern Tourism and approximately RMB5.8 million payable to Shanghai Dongmei.

On January 10, 2013, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an agreement with Eastern Tourism to acquire the entire issued share capital of Eastern Travel held by Eastern Tourism Investment Group Co., Ltd for consideration of approximately RMB11.9 million.

 

On April 9, 2013, the Company obtained an approval from the CSRC, pursuant to which the CSRC approved the non-public issue by the Company for no more than 698,865,000 new A Shares. On April 16, 2013, the proceduresprocedure for registration of the new A Shares with the Shanghai Branch of China Securities Depository & Clearing Co. Ltd. was completed. The 698,865,000 new A Shares, at an issue price of RMB3.28 per share, under this issue are subject to a lock-uplock- up period of 36 months from the completion date of the issue and are expected to be listed on April 17, 2016.

On May 29, 2013, the Company, EAO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a subscription agreement with Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch (as joint lead managers) in relation to the issue of RMB2.2 billion 3.875% guaranteed bonds due 2016 by the Issuer.

On June 5, 2013, EAO entered into a restated and amended shareholders’ agreement with JIGH, Shun Tak Investor and Jetstar Hong Kong, pursuant to which Shun Tak Investor has become a new strategic shareholder of Jetstar Hong Kong, subject to completion of necessary filings with the relevant authorities in the PRC, and would hold approximately 33.3% of the total issued share capital of Jetstar Hong Kong. The restated and amended shareholders’ agreement has superceded the Shareholders’ Agreement entered into by EAO and JIGH on August 24, 2012.

We completed the issuance of the 2013 first tranche of super short-term commercial paper of the Company (“First Tranche SCP”) on June 7, 2013. The issuance amount of First Tranche SCP was RMB4 billion with a maturity of 270 days. The nominal value was RMB100 per unit and First Tranche SCP had an interest rate of 3.95%. First Tranche SCP was issued to the public in the PRC interbank debenture market by way of book-building and centralized placing. The proceeds from First Tranche SCP were used principally to replenish working capital of the Company.

 

We completed the issuance of new H Shares on June 21, 2013. A total of 698,865,000 new H Shares were issued, at the price of HK$2.32 per share, to CES Global.

 

On October 29, 2013, the Board resolved and approved that the Company inject RMB36 million into CES Media.

 

On March 6, 2014, EAO, our wholly-owned subsidiary, issued RMB2.5 billion guaranteed bonds with an interest rate of 4.8% due 2017 to professional investors in Hong Kong, which was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

On May 14, 2014, we completed the issuance of the 2014 first tranche of super short-term commercial paper, with an issuance amount of RMB4 billion, with a maturity of 270 days, with the nominal value of RMB100 per unit and an issuance interest rate of 4.95%.

On May 14, 2014, EAO, our wholly-owned subsidiary, issued an additional RMB800 million guaranteed bonds with an interest rate of 4.8% due 2017 to professional investors in Hong Kong, which was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

On July 17, 2014, Eastern Air Overseas (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited ("EAO,") our wholly-owned subsidiary, and Jetstar Hong Kong Airways Limited ("Jetstar Hong Kong"), an associated company of the Company, entered into a loan agreement, pursuant to which EAO will provide a loan of US$60 million to Jetstar Hong Kong at fair market interest rates. The principal of the loan was repaid on April 30, 2015.

 

On August 15, 2014, Shanghai Airlines Tours, our wholly- owned subsidiary, entered into an equity transfer agreement with Eastern Tourism, pursuant to which, Shanghai Airlines Tours acquired 72.84% equity interest in Shanghai Dongmei from Eastern Tourism with consideration of RMB32,147,700. This acquisition has been completed and Shanghai Dongmei has become our indirect holding company.

 

On December 22, 2014, our Company, CEA Holding and CES Finance (as shareholders of Eastern Air Finance agreed to inject a total of RMB1,500 million into Eastern Air Finance in proportion according to their respective shareholding in Eastern Air Finance. In February 2015, we contributed a pro-rata amount of RMB375 million in cash.

 

14

On FebruaryMarch 29, 2015, China United Airlines, our wholly-owned subsidiary, fully adopted the low-cost carrier service model.

On May 30, 2015, we received approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services using KU-band satellite onboard 21 aircraft.

On July 9, 2015 we redeemedentered into the 2014 first tranche of RMB4 billion 4.95% super short-term commercial paper, which was issued on May 14, 2014. The commercial papers had a maturity of 270 days at a nominal value of RMB100 per unit.B737 Aircraft Purchase Agreement with Boeing Company in Shanghai to purchase fifty B737 series aircraft from Boeing Company.

On February 12,July 27, 2015, we entered into a conditional subscription agreement (“Subscription Agreement”) with Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta Air Lines”), pursuant to which Delta Air Lines agreed to subscribe for 465,910,000 shares of the newly issued ordinary H shares of the Company in an amount of HK$3,488,895,000, representing approximately 3.5% of the total share capital of the Company. On September 9, 2015, we completed the issuanceissue of the 2015 first tranche of super short-term commercial paper in the amount of RMB3 billion,465,910,000 ordinary H shares to Delta Airlines, with a maturity of 180 days and nominalpar value of RMB100RMB1.00 each at an issue price of HK$7.49 per unit and an issuance interest rate of 4.5%.share.

 

On March 26,August 14, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the “Resolution on the Termination of the Proposed Establishment of Jetstar Hong Kong and its Winding Up”. The Board of Directors considers that the termination of the proposed establishment of Jetstar Hong Kong will have no material adverse impact on the financial conditions and production and operation of the Company. See the announcement furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K dated August 17, 2015.

On August 28, 2015, we formally established the foreign airlines service centre.

On September 1, 2015, Delta Air Lines and we entered into a marketing agreement and a letter of confirmation on the Subscription Agreement. Pursuant to the marketing agreement, both parties will have greater cooperation in terms of code-share, revenue management, schedule coordination, sales cooperation, airport facilities sharing, frequent-flyer program, lounge and system investment as well as staff exchange. Pursuant to the letter of confirmation on the Subscription Agreement, as of September 1, 2015, all conditions precedent to the Subscription Agreement had been fulfilled except for those conditions that will be fulfilled on the completion date of share subscription. On September 9, 2015, we completed the issuanceissue of 465,910,000 ordinary H shares with a par value of RMB1.00 each at an issue price of HK$7.49 per share.

On November 6, 2015, the 2015 second trancheCivil Aviation Administration of super short-term commercial paperChina officially announced and granted the “Safe Flight Diamond Award”, the highest award for flight safety in the amountPRC civil aviation industry, to the Company.

In January 2016, we received the “Approval for the Non-Public Issuance of RMB3 billion, with a maturityA Shares by China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited” (Zheng Jian Xu Ke [2016] No. 8) issued by the CSRC, approving us to issue not more than 2,329,192,546 A Shares by way of 180 days and nominal value of RMB100 per unit and an issuance interest rate of 4.5%.  non-public issuance.

 

The table below sets forth detailsmaterial development of our operating fleet as of December 31, 2012indebtedness is set out in Note 34 and 2013:Note 49 to the consolidated financial statements. The capital expenditure is set out in Item 5 in this Annual Report.

  Number of
Aircraft
Owned
And
under
Finance
Leases
  Number of
Aircraft
under
Operating
Leases
  Number of
Aircraft
Owned
and
under
Finance
Leases
  Number of
Aircraft
under
Operating
Leases
 
  2012  

2013
 
A340-600  5      5    
A340-300            
A330-300  8   7   8   7 
A330-200  10   3   18   3 
A300-600R  7      7    
A321  27      33    
A320  98   33   101   44 
A319  12   8   15   8 
B737-800  17   56   28   66 
B737-700  37   18   42   17 
B737-300  16      16    
B757-200  5   5   5   3 
B767  6   1   6   1 
EMB-145LR  10      10    
CRJ-200  8      8    
Hawker800            
A300-600R  3      1    
B747-400ER  2   3   2   3 
MD-11F     3       
B757-200F     2      2 
B777F     6      6 
Total  271   145   305   160 

 

The table below sets forth details of our operating fleet as of December 31, 2014:

 

 Number of
Aircraft
Owned
and
under
Finance
Lease
 Aircraft
under
Operating
Lease
  Number of    
Jet Passenger Aircraft:        
 Aircraft    
 Owned    
 and Number of 
 under Aircraft 
 Finance under 
 Leases Operating 
 2014 Leases 
     
Passenger Aircraft:        
Wide-body:                
B777-300ER  4   -   4    
B767  6   -   6    
A340-600  4   -   4    
A340-300      
A330-300  9   7   9   7 
A330-200  25   3   25   3 
A300-600R      
MD-11F      
Narrow-body:                
A321  39   -   39    
A320  113   41   113   41 
A319  24   5   24   5 
B757-200  4   1   4   1 
B737-800  44   68   44   68 
B737-700  49   13   49   13 
B737-300  16   -   16    
EMB 145LR  10   -   10    
CRJ-200      
Hawker 800      
Total Passenger Aircraft:  347   138   347   138 
        
Cargo Aircraft:                
B747-400ER  2   2 
B747-400F  2   2 
B757-200F  -   2      2 
B777F  -   6      6 
Total Cargo Aircraft:  2   10   2   10 
Total number of passenger aircraft and freighters  349   148   349   148 

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The table below sets forth details of our operating fleet as of December 31, 2015:

  Number of
Aircraft
Owned
and
under
Finance
Lease
  

 

 

 

Aircraft
under
Operating
Lease

 
Passenger Aircraft:      
Wide-body:      
B777-300ER  9    
B767  6    
A340-600      
A330-300  11   7 
A330-200  30   3 
Narrow-body:        
A321  48    
A320  122   38 
A319  31   4 
B757-200      
B737-800  71   72 
B737-700  55   8 
B737-300  5    
EMB 145LR  6    
Total Passenger Aircraft:  394   132 
         
Cargo Aircraft:        
B747-400F  2   1 
B757-200F      
B777F     6 
Total Cargo Aircraft:  2   7 
Total number of passenger aircraft and freighters  396   139 

The table below sets forth details of our operating fleet as of December 31, 2016:

  

Number of
Aircraft
Owned 

  Number of
Aircraft
under
Finance
Lease
  Number of
Aircraft
under
Operating
Lease
 
          
Passenger Aircraft:         
Wide-body:         
B777-300ER  9   7    
B767  6       
A340-600         
A330-300  1   10   7 
A330-200  12   18   3 
Narrow-body:            
A321  32   34    
A320  72   55   36 
A319  9   24   3 
B757-200         
B737-800  36   57   78 
B737-700  36   19   8 
B737-300         
EMB 145LR         
Total Passenger Aircraft:  185   224   135 
             
Cargo Aircraft:            
B747-400F     2   1 
B757-200F         
B777F        6 
Total Cargo Aircraft:     2   7 
Total number of passenger aircraft and freighters  213   226   142 

 

B.Business Overview

 

Our Company wasWe were one of the three largest air carriers in China in terms of revenue-tonne-kilometersrevenue, tonne, kilometers and number of passengers carried in 2014,2016, and is an important domestic airline based in and serving Shanghai, which is considered to be the international financial and shipping center of China. We serveThe primary focus of our business is the operation of civil aviation, including the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery, tour operations and other extended transportation services. As of December 31, 2016, we served a route network that covers 1,0521,062 domestic and foreign destinations in 177 countries through SkyTeam, an international airlines alliance. We operate primarily from our core hub in Shanghai and regional hubs in Kunming and Xi’an. In 2014, we accounted for 48.9%, 37.3%, 41.3% and 30.7% of the total market share at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Kunming Airport and Xi’an Airport, in terms of total flight departures and arrivals, respectively, and accounted for 47.3%, 34.7%, 37.6% and 30.3% of the total market share at these airports in terms of passenger throughput, respectively.

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We have received many awards, recognitions and accolades through the years. We wereFortune Magazine recognized us as one of the "Most Innovative PRC Companies" byFortune Magazine in 2011, and our "China Eastern Airlines" brand was awarded China's"China's Famous TrademarkTrademark" by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in 2011. In addition, in 2012 we received various recognitions and awards, including "Golden Tripod Prize", which was the highest award awarded at the 8th Annual Meeting of China's Securities Market, Golden Bauhinia"Golden Bauhinia" Award for "The Listed Company with Best Brand Value 2012" by China Securities, "2012 Best Mid-Cap Company and Best Managed Company in China" by Asiamoney Magazine, "Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands" by WPP, a global brand communication and public relations firm, "2012 TOP 25 CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Ranking" by Fortune China Magazine, "2012 China State-owned Listed Enterprise Social Responsibility Rankings Top 20" by Southern Weekly, "The Best Board of Directors of State-owned Listed Holding Companies of China Top 20" by various major financial media, including Moneyweek, "Healthy China – Best Employee Health & Benefit Unit" by Health Times, a major newspaper in China focusing on health and lifestyle, and Tsinghua University, "Internal Audit Leading Enterprises in terms of Risk Management and Internal Audit" by China Institute of Internal Audit, "Best 100 Employers" by zhaopin.com, a major online recruiting website in China, and "The World's Most Improved Airline" by SKYTRAX, a United Kingdom-based aviation research organization. In 2013, we received the National 1 May Award Certificate and were honored as one of the 2013"2013 Top Ten Companies with the Best Corporate Social ResponsibilityResponsibility" by Fortune China Magazine, “Best Mid-cap Company” by Hong Kong Asiamoney Magazine for the second consecutive year, “Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands in 2013” by WPP, a global brand communication and public relations firm, the “Golden Bauhinia Award” of the “Best Listed Company” and “Listed Company with the Best Investor’s Relations Management” by Ta Kung Pao and one of the “Best 100 Employers” by zhaopin.com. In 2014, Ourour charity campaign “Love at China Eastern Airlines” was awarded the Gold Award at the First Chinese Young Volunteers Services Contest. The “Love at China Eastern Airlines” campaign has organized activities such as visiting welfare and nursing homes, subsidizing Hope Schools and schools for urban and rural migrant workers’ children and teaching school children with hearing and speaking impairment, running blood donation programs, and other activities for environmental protection. The campaign launched 4,6495,179 projects with 248,860274,979 staff and members taking participation, serving a total of 193,187233,353 people in need. Through interaction with the community, we have established a charity brand image of “delivering love and serving the community”. In 2015, “Love at China Eastern Airlines” launched 530 projects all year round, with 26,119 staff participating, serving a total of 40,166 people.

 

In 2014, we were recognized as “Top 50 Most Valuable Chinese Brands” by WPP, a global brand communication firm, as well as being awarded the “China Securities Golden Bauhinia Award” and ranked first as the “Best Listed Company Award” by Ta Kung Pao in Hong Kong for three consecutive years; and ranked among top 10 in terms of “Most Competitive Asia Airline 2014” and “Most Popular Asia Airline 2014” in the 5th World Airline Competitiveness Rankings.

In 2015, we were bestowed a number of awards, such as “Best China Airline” at the 8th TTG (Asia Media) China Travel Awards, “China Securities Golden Bauhinia Award – Listed Company with the Most Valuable Brand” for four consecutive years and "Best Innovative Listed Company" granted by Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao, as well as "2014-2015 Most Respectable Chinese Enterprise" and "2015 Chinese Best Business Model Innovation Award" by the Economic Observer and 21st Century Business Herald, respectively.

In 2016,we successively won the 9th TTG China Tourism Awards “Best China Airlines”, and was awarded “2016 Asian Tourism Red Coral Award – Most Popular Airline Brand”, “Asia Pacific 2016 Excellence Aviation Award” and “International Carbon Gold Award – Social Citizenship Award” by the 2016 Asian Tourism Industry Annual Conference, the CAPA Communication Center and the World Environmental Protection (Economy and Environment) Conference respectively.

 

Compared to 2013,2015, our traffic volume (as measured in RTKs) increased by 3.67%10.6% from 15,55217,820 million in 20132015 to 16,12219,712 million in 2014.2016. Our passenger traffic volume (as measured in revenue passenger-kilometers, or RPKs) increased by 6.05%14.5% from 120,461146,342 million in 20132015 to 127,750167,529 million in 2014.2016. Our cargo and mail traffic volume (as measured in revenue freight tonne-kilometers, or RFTKs) decreasedincreased by 1.13%0.2% from 4,8574,865 million in 20132015 to 4,8024,875 million in 2014.2016.

 

Our Operations by Activity

 

The following table sets forth our traffic revenues by activity foreachfor each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014:2016:

 

 Year Ended December 31, 
 Year Ended December 31,  2014 2015 2016 
 2012 2013 2014  (Millions of (Millions of (Millions of 
 (Millions of
RMB)
 (Millions of
RMB)
 (Millions of
RMB)
  RMB) RMB) RMB) 
Traffic revenues                        
Passenger  71,419   72,928   75,261   75,261   78,585   83,577 
Cargo and mail  8,025   7,603   7,328   7,328   6,491   5,977 
Total traffic revenues  79,444   80,531   82,589   82,589   85,076   89,554 

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Passenger Operations

 

The following table sets forth our certain passenger operating statistics of our Company by route for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014:2016:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014 
Passenger Traffic (in RPKs) (millions)  109,113   120,461   127,750 
Domestic  76,156   82,812   88,192 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  3,852   4,049   35,191 
International  29,105   33,600   4,367 
             
Passenger Capacity (in ASKs) (millions)  136,724   152,075   160,585 
Domestic  95,168   104,459   110,381 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  5,084   5,435   5,759 
International  36,472   42,181   44,445 
             
Passenger Yield (RMB)  0.65   0.61   0.61 
Domestic  0.66   0.61   0.61 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  0.84   0.85   0.8 
International  0.62   0.56   0.59 
             
Passenger Load Factor (%)  79.81   79.21   79.55 
Domestic  80.02   79.28   79.90 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  75.77   74.51   75.83 
International  79.80   79.66   79.18 

The primary focus of our business is the provision of domestic, regional and international passenger airline services. As of December 31, 2014, we serve a route network that covers 1,052 domestic and foreign destinations in 177 countries through SkyTeam.

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2014  2015  2016 
Passenger Traffic (in RPKs) (millions)  127,750   146,341   167,529 
Domestic  88,192   98,304   106,361 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  4,367   4,189   4,347 
International  35,191   43,848   56,821 
             
Passenger Capacity (in ASKs) (millions)  160,585   181,792   206,249 
Domestic  110,381   121,019   129,460 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  5,759   5,509   5,612 
International  44,445   55,264   71,177 
             
Passenger Yield (RMB)  0.61   0.56   0.52 
Domestic  0.61   0.55   0.53 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  0.8   0.75   0.71 
International  0.59   0.56   0.47 
             
Passenger Load Factor (%)  79.55   80.50   81.23 
Domestic  79.90   81.23   82.16 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  75.83   76.04   77.45 
International  79.18   79.34   79.83 

 

Our domestic routes generated approximately 68.6%64.8% of our passenger revenues in 2014.2016. Our most heavily traveled domestic routes generally link Shanghai to the large commercial and business centers of China, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

 

We also operated approximately 26have set up subsidiaries in 15 provinces and cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hubei, Shanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Hebei and Guangdong by the end of 2016. Our flight routes between mainlandinclude all provincial capital cities in China and Hong Kong as of December 31, 2014. In addition, we operated approximately 27 routes between mainland China and Taiwan and three routes between China and Macau as of December 31, 2014. Our regional routes accounted for approximately 4.4% of our passenger revenues in 2014.specifically designated cities.

In 2013,2016, we adjusted our flight capacity allocation in a timely manner and refined pricing and cabin space management according to changes in the market demand, so as to sustain a steady growth in the passenger transportation business. In respect of our domestic business, with the enhanced Shanghai core hub, as well as Kunming and Xi’an regional hubs, we continued to optimize our route network and flight schedules. In respect of our regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) business, we maintained our competitiveness by increasing the frequency of flights and optimization of aircraft models. In respect of our international business, we flexibly adjusted the flight capacity allocated toopened new routes to Japan accordingPrague, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Madrid, Chicago and Brisbane, and cancelled routes to changes in the Chinese and Japanese markets. At the same time, we seized the opportunityKathmandu from Shanghai Pudong via Kunming. As of the rapid growthend of 2016, by connecting to the route networks of other SkyTeam member airlines, our flights had access to 1,062 destinations in the number of outbound passengers and increased the flight capacity routes to North America, Europe, Korea and Southeast Asia.177 countries.

 

In 2014, with Shanghai as a core hub and Kunming and Xi’an as regional hubs, we continued to expand our route network to provide additional connecting opportunities and strengthen our market position in these three major hubs. New routes from Pudong to Toronto and Auckland were introduced at Shanghai Pudong hub while more frequent flights were added for international routes to New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris to maximize the coverage of the Shanghai hub network. The Kunming hub launched a newroutenew route from Kunming to Paris, which is the first inter-continental route in Yunnan Province, and continued to optimize route network and flight schedules for Kunming to East Asia, Southeast Asia and West Asia. We proactively utilized aircraft to expand our route network and flight destinations of Xi’an hub were increased to 70. According to our strategic plan to seize the opportunity for sales in the market, the early termination of leases regarding A300, 767 and 757 aircraft, the relatively early termination of wide-body aircraft and, in addition, the early retirement of EMB and one 733 aircraft, in terms of static seat growth, increased by 5.9% in 2014 compared to 2013. Moreover, there were less aircraft being introduced in the first half of the year was less than those introduced in the second half of the year, leading to capacity not fully utilized in the peak season of July to August, thus leading to slowing down of the overall growth in capacity. Apart from the number of static seats, there were more busy airports and bottleneck issues slowed down the growth of domestic routes of traditional airlines. In particular, the capacity of the Shanghai region did not grow quickly and was affected by military exercises during the peak season. The routes between China and Southeast Asia waswere affected by the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 incident, the political instability in the region and anti-China atmosphere, leading to a slow-down of capacity growth. We also experienced competitive pressures from low-cost airlines which also adversely affected revenues and capacity.

In 2014,2015, we conducted significant optimization of our fleet structure, and increased our fleet to 551 aircrafts as at the end of 2015, and the variety of our aircraft models was streamlined to 13 models by the end of 2015. In respect of passenger transportation, we actively seized the opportunities brought about by international low oil prices and robust demand for outbound tourism, and achieved impressive growth in passenger transportation by responding proactively to adverse factors such as geopolitical instability around the globe, terrorist attacks outside China, MERS cases in South Korea and impact on short-haul routes due to formation of a high-speed railway network in 2015. Efforts have been made to foster the construction of hubs and negotiate time slots in hub and core markets in order to promote superb connectivity. In respect of freight transportation and logistics, we tightened our cost control, optimized production structure, broadened marketing channels and strived to stabilize transportation prices in 2015. In 2015, we further strengthened our cooperation with both member and non-member airlines of SkyTeam Alliance to widen the scope of cooperation and improve the quality of cooperation. In September 2015, we entered into a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines to deepen our cooperation in terms of code-share, cabin sharing and joint sales. By forming an industry-leading route network, both parties implemented codeshare on 123 routes, including 9 international major routes and 114 domestic routes in the PRC and the USA. Through offering joint sales to corporate customers, the influential power of the North American corporate customers was increased. As for the European market, the Group and Air France have realized interline transit services for flights departing and arriving at Shanghai, Dalian, Paris and Nice. In the Australian market, the joint operation with Qantas was officially commenced to launch codeshare on major routes such as Shanghai-Sydney and Shanghai- Melbourne routes, in order to launch in-depth cooperative projects including customer base sharing.

In 2015, we put in available seat – kilometers (ASK) of 160,585.07181,792.90 million passenger-kilometers, representing an increase of 5.6%13.2% from 2013.2014. Number of passengers carried in 20142015 was 83.893.8 million, representing an increase of 6.0%11.9% from 2013.2014. Passenger load factor in 20142015 was 79.55%80.5%, representing an increase of 0.34%1.2% from 2013.2014. Passenger revenue in 20142015 amounted to RMB75,261RMB78,585 million, representing an increase of 3.2%4.4% from 2013.2014.

In 2016, we continued to update and optimize our fleet structure, introducing new aircrafts continually and retiring outdated model aircrafts. As of the end of 2016, our average flight age was 5.4 years. We mainly introduce long – haul B777 series aircrafts in trans-Pacific routes; mid-to-long-haul A330 series aircrafts in China-Europe routes, China-Australia and domestic business routes; A320 series and B737 series aircrafts in domestic and surrounding countries and regions routes, which we believe enhances the matching level between fleet models and routes, transportation capacities and relevant markets. In 2016, we continued to deepen and expand our cooperation with external partners. Relying on the SkyTeam Alliance platform, we continued to enhance our cooperation with member airlines in the SkyTeam Alliance. In collaboration with Delta Air Lines, based on pre-existing trans-Pacific routes and destinations in the PRC and the USA, we further extended our network of cooperative routes to Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asian and South American regions, achieving a total of 252 codeshare routes. In collaboration with Air France-KLM Group (“Air France-KLM”), based on our jointly operated routes and code-share coverage, we increased our joint marketing efforts to corporate customers in the French market.

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In 2016, we proactively promoted the establishment of transportation hubs with the opening of various international routes for long-haul flights and an enhanced coverage of our transportation network. With Shanghai as the core hub, we added six international routes for long-haul flights to our network, connecting Shanghai and Prague, Amsterdam, Madrid, St. Petersburg, Chicago and Brisbane, respectively. We provided more frequent flight services on routes connecting Shanghai and New York City, Los Angeles, Sydney and Melbourne. We added routes connecting Kunming and Sydney, Qingdao and San Francisco, Nanjing and Vancouver and Hangzhou and Sydney. Last, we stabilized the allocation of our flight capacities for Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia markets. As a result of these enhanced transit connection and expanded transit routes structures, in 2016, we experienced approximately 26.8%, 63.8% and 43.1% year-on-year growth in passenger flight capacity for Europe, North America and Australia markets, respectively; and our inter-airline transit volume and revenue grew by 24.2% and 21.4%, respectively. As of the end of 2016, by connecting to the route networks of other SkyTeam member airlines, our flights had access to 1,062 destinations in 177 countries.

In 2016, we put in available seat – kilometers (ASK) of 206,249.27 million passenger-kilometers, representing an increase of 13.5% from 2015. Number of passengers carried in 2016 was 101.74 million, representing an increase of 8.5% from 2015. Passenger load factor in 2016 was 81.2%, representing an increase of 0.7% from 2015. Passenger revenue in 2016 amounted to RMB83,577 million, representing an increase of 6.4% from 2015.

 

We operate most of our flights through our three hubs located in eastern, northwestern and southwestern China, namely Shanghai, Xi'an and Kunming, respectively. With Shanghai as our main hub and Xi'an and Kunming as our regional hubs, we believe that we will benefit from the level of development and growth opportunities in eastern, northern and western China as a whole by providing direct services between various cities in those regions and between those regions and other major cities in China. We have steadily fostered the construction of a flight system for these core hubs by introducing new flight destinations and increasing the frequency of certain flights, thereby enhancing our transfer and connection capability in these hub markets.

 

In 2013, by increasing the frequency of flights for express routes and quasi-express routes such as Shanghai to Kunming, Xiamen and Dalian, and international routes such as Shanghai to Paris, Vancouver and Hawaii, as well as introducing new international flight destinations such as San Francisco and Manila, we have further enhanced our influence in the Shanghai hub market. Meanwhile, our transit assurance ability in Shanghai Pudong Airport increased sustainably. The minimum connecting time of the international-domestic transit was reduced to 90 minutes. Direct tagging of luggage at the same airport in Shanghai for transit passengers and cross-terminal interline transit between the two terminals at Pudong Airport are available. In addition, 24-hour immigration procedures-free direct transit between international flights is attained. Leveraging on opportunities arising from the release of time slots at the new Kunming airport, we allocated more flight capacities in 2014 by increasing the frequency of flights for international routes from Kunming to Vientiane, Dhaka and Chiang Mai, promoting flying to “South Asia, Southeast Asia and West Asia”, providing full coverage over routes from Kunming to other provincial capitals in the PRC, as well as increasing the frequency and optimizing the morning and night flight system of our flights going to Kunming. In 2013, we adjusted the flight plan of Xi’an hub according to its seasonal features by focusing on the development of plateau routes, introducing a new route from Xi’an to Lijiang and increasing the frequency of flights for routes from Xi’an to Lhasa and Jiuzhaigou.

In 2014 we established in a sequence 6 on schedule navigation points, namely the Delingha, Daocheng, Luzhou, Luliang, Zhanjiang and Hanzhong; three international on schedule navigation points including Bangkok, Osaka, Krabi. We also expanded the above-plateau routes: newly stablished Xi’an - Daocheng Yading, Xi’an -Jiuzhai- Jiuzhai - Nanjing; frequency increased: Xi’an - Golmud, Xi’an - Jiuzhai, Xi’an - Lhasa, Xi’an - Delingha, Sining - Lhasa.

In 2014,2015, we accountedenhanced Shanghai core hub and Xi’an and Kunming regional hubs, and established and extended our aviation transportation network in major markets with high market influence such as Beijing, Nanjing and Qingdao to cover 1,057 destinations in 179 countries. We strove for 48.9%, 37.3%, 41.3%additions of air traffic rights and 30.7%time slot resources in hub markets and core markets, steadily improved the aircraft utilization rate and consolidated and expanded market share in the three largest hubs and core markets. Based on the SkyTeam Alliance platform, we enhanced our strategic cooperation with Delta Air Lines and cooperated with Air France and Qantas to develop a highly efficient and convenient flight network which covered the whole country and connected to the whole wide world.

In 2016, we further strengthened our Shanghai core hub and Xi'an and Kunming regional hubs. The aggregated number of transits connecting “origin to destination” of the total market share at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghaithree hubs reached 6,075, an increase of 13.8% as compared to last year. In respect of the number of transits connecting "origin to destination", Pudong International Airport,reached 4,083, an increase of 17.9% as compared to last year, Kunming Airportreached 1,384, an increase of 9.1% as compared to last year, and Xi’an Airport, respectively, in termsreached 608, which was similar to last year. The three hubs transported 4.51 million passengers, an increase of total flight departures and arrivals, and accounted for 47.3%, 34.7%, 37.6% and 30.3%27.0% as compared to last year. Among them, our Shanghai hub transported 2.99 million passengers, an increase of the total market share at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport,27.2% as compared to last year, comprising 25.6% of transit flights; our Kunming Airporthub transported 1.18 million passengers, an increase of 18.7% as compared with last year, comprising 16.1% of transit flights; and Xi’an Airport, respectively, in termshub transported 340,000 passengers, an increase of passenger throughput. We maintained relatively strong influence in our core markets such64.7% as Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an.compared to last year, comprising of 6.9% transit flights.

Cargo and Mail Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain of our cargo and mail operatingoperations statistics of our Company by route for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014:2016:

 

 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31, 
 2012 2013 2014  2014 2015 2016 
Cargo and Mail Traffic (in RFTKs)  4,701   4,857   4,802   4,803   4,865   4,875 
(millions)                        
Domestic  923   959   899   899   948   964 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  117   123   128   128   126   126 
International  3,661   3,775   3,776   3,776   3,791   3,786 
                        
Cargo and Mail Capacity (in AFTKs)  7,416   8,028   8,086   8,086   8,842   9,440 
(millions)                        
Domestic  1,966   2,172   2,091   2,091   2,337   2,221 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  239   275   291   291   281   270 
International  5,211   5,581   5,704   5,704   6,224   6,949 
                        
Cargo and Mail Yield (RMB)  1.71   1.57   1.55   1.55   1.33   1.25 
Domestic  1.44   1.30   1.27   1.27   1.09   1.07 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  3.94   3.71   3.47   3.47   3.01   2.98 
International  1.70   1.56   1.55   1.55   1.34   1.24 
                        
Cargo and Mail Load Factor (%)  63.39   60.50   59.39   59.39   55.02   51.64 
Domestic  46.92   44.17   42.97   42.97   40.57   43.39 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  48.91   44.75   43.88   43.88   44.82   46.51 
International  70.26   67.63   66.21   66.21   60.91   54.48 

 

We are required to obtain from the CAAC the right to carry passengers or cargo on any domestic or international route. Our cargo and mail business generally utilizes the same route network used by our passenger airline business. We carry cargo and mail on our freight aircraft as well as in available cargo space on our passenger aircraft. Our most significant cargo and mail routes are international routes.

 

In 2014, the global aviation freight transportation business recovered slowly. We achieved relatively significant improvement in results by controlling flight capacity and enhancing marketing efforts. We further streamlined our fleet of freighters and terminated the leases of two older freighters in order to reduce operating costs. By improving the utilization rate of freighters and providing flexible flight capacity options, our market share in Europe and America was stabilized. We have also established a regional freight hub in Zhengzhou by launching cargo flights from Zhengzhou to Amsterdam and Chicago and establishing a Zhengzhou-based regulated truck delivery network, which covercovers 28 locations in China. We also refined our cabin management by enhancing our management on capacity and fares. Meanwhile, we proactively promoted the transformation of freight transportation and logistics business and expanded value-addedvalue- added businesses such as logistics integration and express delivery. We established a logistics resources bank, which covers 510 suppliers with domestic suppliers generally covering the entire country. We also completed the layout of international supplierssuppliers' network in four major regions, including Shanghai, Europe, America and Southeast Asia. We also proactively participated in cross-border e-commerce business by providing logistics solutions for cross-border e-commercee- commerce and completing self-development of the “cross-border e-commerce logistics business system”. We enhanced global trading procurement and imported the best and freshest in-season products from regions such as North America and South America.

 

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In 2015, Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Logistics”), one of our subsidiaries, tightened its cost control, optimized production structure, broadened marketing channels and strived to stabilize transportation prices. In terms of traditional freight transportation operation, China Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd. ("China Cargo Airlines") streamlined its fleet scale and terminated the leases for three older freighters, thereby reducing operating costs. Route network of Shanghai hub was optimized to reduce the number of intermediate points and improve operating efficiency, thus increasing the daily utilization rate of freighters for the whole year by more than 8% as compared to last year. Layout of flight capacity was adjusted based on market demand to stabilize flight capacity for the core markets in Europe and America. Efforts have also been made to broaden sourcing channels and strengthen cooperation. As such, the air-freight transit volume increased by nearly 10% as compared to last year. In terms of freight transportation logistics, Eastern Logistics focused on the construction of the core logistics platform for pharmaceutical logistics and aviation equipment as well as the establishment of the transit marketing platform to perfect its third-party logistics solution. Distribution channels of www.eaemall.com have been expanded to construct our rapid supply chain. Through proactively expanding cooperation with cross-border e-commerce partners, the first chartered aircraft for directly imported goods purchased via cross-border e-commerce in the PRC came into service, increasing the annual revenue from cross-border logistics by approximately 32% as compared to last year.

As of the end of 2016, China Cargo Airlines, a controlling subsidiary of Eastern Logistics, operated a total of 9 freighters. On November 29, 2016, we entered into Eastern Logistics equity transfer agreement with Eastern Airlines Industry Investment, in relation to the transfer of 100% equity interests in Eastern Logistics held by the us to Eastern Airlines Industry Investment. For details, please refer to our announcements in the Form 6-K filed with the SEC dated November 30, 2016.

Our Operations by Geographical Area

 

Our revenues (net of business tax) by geographical area are analyzed based on the following criteria:

 

·Traffic revenue from services within the PRC (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, collectively, "the Regional") is classified as domestic operations. Traffic revenue from inbound and outbound services between the PRC, regional or overseas markets is attributed to the areas based on the origin and destination of each flight.
·Revenue from ticket handling services, airport ground services, cargo handling service and other miscellaneous services is classified on the basis of where the services are performed.
Traffic revenue from services within the PRC (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, collectively, "the Regional") is classified as domestic operations. Traffic revenue from inbound and outbound services between the PRC, regional or overseas markets is attributed to the areas based on the origin and destination of each flight.

Revenue from ticket handling services, airport ground services, cargo handling service and other miscellaneous services is classified based on where the services are performed.

 

The following table sets forth our revenues by geographical area for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014:2016:

 

 2014 2015 2016 
 2012 2013 2014  (Millions of (Millions of (Millions of 
 (Millions of
RMB)
 (Millions of
RMB)
 (Millions of
RMB)
  RMB) RMB) RMB) 
Domestic  57,297   59,563   60,531   60,531   61,222   63,730 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  3,704   3,911   3,799   3,799   3,569   3,516 
International  24,252   24,771   25,855   25,855   29,178   31,658 
Total  85,253   88,245   90,185   90,185   93,969   98,904 

 

Regulation

 

The PRC Civil Aviation LawprovidesLaw provides the framework for regulation of many important aspects of civil aviation activities in China, including:

 

·the administration of airports and air traffic control systems;
the administration of airports and air traffic control systems;

 

·aircraft registration and aircraft airworthiness certification;
aircraft registration and aircraft airworthiness certification;

 

·operational safety standards; and
operational safety standards; and

 

·the liabilities of carriers.
the liabilities of carriers.

 

The Chinese airline industry is also subject to a high degree of regulation by the CAAC. Regulations issued or implemented by the CAAC encompass virtually every aspect of airline operations, including route allocation, domestic airfare, licensing of pilots, operational safety standards, aircraft acquisition, aircraft airworthiness certification, fuel prices, standards for aircraft maintenance and air traffic control and standards for airport operations. Although the PRC airlines operate under the supervision and regulation of the CAAC, they are accorded a significant degree of operational autonomy. These areas of operational autonomy include:

 

·whether to apply for any route;
whether to apply for any route;

 

·the allocation of aircraft among routes;
the allocation of aircraft among routes;

 

·the airfare pricing for the international and regional passenger routes;
the airfare pricing for the international and regional passenger routes;

 

·the airfare pricing within the limit provided by the CAAC for the domestic passenger routes;
the airfare pricing within the limit provided by the CAAC for the domestic passenger routes;

 

·the acquisition of aircraft and spare parts;
the acquisition of aircraft and spare parts;

 

·the training and supervision of personnel; and
the training and supervision of personnel; and

 

·many other areas of day-to-day operations.
many other areas of day-to-day operations.

 

Although we have generally been allocated adequate routes in the past to accommodate our expansion plans and other changes in our operations, those routes are subject to allocation and re-allocation in response to changes in governmental policies or otherwise at the discretion of the CAAC. Consequently, we cannot assure you that our route structure will be adequate to satisfy our expansion plans.

 

The CAAC has established regulatory policies intended to promote controlled growth of the Chinese airline industry. We believe those policies will be beneficial to the development of and prospects for the Chinese airline industry as a whole. Nevertheless, those regulatory policies could limit our flexibility to respond to changes in market conditions, competition or our cost structure. Moreover, while our Companywe generally benefits from regulatory policies that are beneficial to the airline industry in China as a whole, the implementation of specific regulatory policies may from time to time materially and adversely affect our business operations.

 

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Because our Company provideswe provide services on international routes, we are also subject to a variety of bilateral civil air transport agreements between China and other countries. In addition, China is a contracting state as well as a permanent member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, an agency of the United Nations established in 1947 to assist in the planning and development of the international air transportation. The International Civil Aviation Organization establishes technical standards for the international airline industry. China is also a party to a number of other international aviation conventions. TheOur business operations of our Company are also subject to these international aviation conventions, as well as certain foreign country aviation regulations and local aviation laws with respect to route allocation, landing rights and related flight operation regulation.

Domestic Route Rights

 

Chinese airlines must obtain from the CAAC the right to carry passengers or cargo on any domestic route. The CAAC's policy on domestic route rights is to assign routes to the airline or airlines suitable for a particular route. The CAAC will take into account whether an applicant for a route is based at the point of origin or termination of a particular route. This policy benefits airlines, such as our Company,us, that have a hub located at each of the active air traffic centers in China. The CAAC also considers other factors that will make a particular airline suitable for an additional route, including the applicant's safety record, previous on-time performance and level of service and availability of aircraft and pilots. The CAAC will consider the market conditions applicable to any given route before such route is allocated to one or more airlines. Generally, the CAAC will permit additional airlines to service a route that is already being serviced only when there is strong demand for a particular route relative to the available supply. The CAAC's current general policy is to require the passenger load factor of one or two airlines on a particular route to reach a certain level before another carrier is permitted to commence operations on such route.

Regional Route Rights

 

Hong Kong routes and the corresponding landing rights were formerly derived from the Sino-British air services agreement. In February 2000, the PRC government, acting through the CAAC, and Hong Kong signed the Air Transportation Arrangement between mainland China and Hong Kong. The Air Transportation Arrangement provides for equal opportunity for airlines based in Hong Kong and mainland China. Competition from airlines based in Hong Kong increased after the execution of the Air Transportation Arrangement. The CAAC normally will not allocate an international route or a Hong Kong route to more than one domestic airline unless certain criteria, including minimum load factors on existing flights, are met. There is more than one Chinese airline company on certain of our Hong Kong routes.

 

The CAAC and the Economic Development and Labor Bureau of Hong Kong entered into an agreement in 2007 to further expand the Air Transportation Arrangement. This agreement increases the routes between Hong Kong and mainland China to expand coverage to most major cities in mainland China. The capacity limits for passenger and/or cargo services on most routes will also be gradually lifted. Beginning in 2007, each side designated three airline companies to operate passenger and/or cargo flights and another airline company to operate all-cargo flights on the majority of the routes between Hong Kong and mainland China.

 

On December 15, 2008, mainland China and Taiwan commenced direct air and sea transport and postal services, ending a nearly six-decade ban on regular links between the two sides since 1949. Under a historic agreement signed by the governments of mainland China and Taiwan in early November 2008, the new air links expanded from weekend charters to a daily service, with the two sides operating a total of 108 flights per week in 2008 and approximately 270 and 370 regular direct flights per week in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Mainland China and Taiwan agreed to increase flight destinations for air links between the two sides in mainland China to 33 airports in various PRC cities in 2010, while flight destinations in Taiwan continue to include eight airports in various cities in Taiwan. At the end of 2012, the two sides agreed to increase the total number of flights to 616 per week and to increase the total number of destination airports in mainland China and Taiwan to 64. The two sides also previously agreed to launch chartered cargo flights between two terminals in mainland China, namely, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou airports, and two terminals in Taiwan, namely, Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports. On August 12, 2013, the two sides agreed to increase the total number of flights to 670 per week and add three terminals of chartered cargo flights in mainland China, namely, Tianjin, Zhengzhou and Ningbo airports. At the end of 2014, mainland China and Taiwan agreed to increase the total number of flights to 924 per week and to increase the total number of destination airports in mainland China to 65. In April 2015, the fifth batch of Mainland pilot cities was opened for individual tour to Taiwan, including Haikou, Hohhot, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Changzhou, Zhoushan, Huizhou, Weihai, Longyan, Guilin and Xuzhou, and the number of Mainland cities with free line tour to Taiwan has reached 47.

International Route Rights

 

International route rights, along with the corresponding landing rights, are derived from air services agreements negotiated between the PRC government, acting through the CAAC, and the government of the relevant foreign country. Each government grants to the other the right to designate one or more domestic airlines to operate scheduled services between certain points within each country. The CAAC awards the relevant route to an airline based on various criteria, including:

 

·availability of appropriate aircraft and flight personnel;
availability of appropriate aircraft and flight personnel;

 

·safety record;
safety record;

 

·on-time performance; and
on-time performance; and

 

·hub location.
hub location.

 

Although hub location is an important criterion, an airline may be awarded a route whichthat does not originate from an airport where it has a hub. The route rights awarded do not have a fixed expiry date and can be terminated at the discretion of the CAAC.

Airfare Pricing Policy

The PRC Civil Aviation LawprovidesLaw provides that airfares for domestic routes are determined jointly by the CAAC and the agency of the State Council responsible for price control, primarily based upon average airline operating costs and market conditions.

 

The CAAC and the NDRC jointly publish pricing guidelines from time to time, which set forth the basic airfare levels and permitted ranges. Pursuant to the current pricing guidelines, the basic airfares for most domestic routes are the published airfares implemented by Chinese airlines immediately prior to the approval of the Pricing Reform Plan. Except for certain domestic routes, the actual airfare set by each Chinese airline for its domestic routes cannot be 25% higher or 45% lower than the basic airfare. Domestic routes that are not subject to the deviation range restrictions include short-haul routes between cities in the same province or autonomous region, or between a municipality and adjacent provinces, autonomous regions or another municipality. Certain tourist routes and routes served by only one Chinese airline are not subject to the bottom range restriction. The CAAC and the NDRC will announce the routes that are not subject to the deviation range restrictions through the airfare information system known as Airtis.net. Chinese airlines may apply to the CAAC and the NDRC for exemption from the bottom range restriction for a particular route. Chinese airlines are also required to file the actual airfare they set for their domestic routes within the ranges through Airtis.net 30 days prior to its implementation.

 

The CAAC and the NDRC will regularly review the average operating costs of Chinese airlines, and may adjust the basic airfares for particular domestic routes which,that, in their view, are not at a reasonable level. The CAAC and NDRC jointly issued a notice on April 13, 2010, effective on June 1, 2010, pursuant to which airlines may set first-class and business-class airfares in accordance with market prices, subject to relevant PRC laws. Such pricing must be filed 30 days before effectiveness with the CAAC and NDRC. Efforts by the Chinese regulators to promote a sale market with fair competition will also help provide a favorable environment for our business growth.

 

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At the end of 2014, the CAAC and the NDRC jointly promulgated The Notice on Further Improving the Problems aboutAbout Civil Aviation Domestic Air Transport Price Policy, which lifted the control over the civil domestic airlines cargo freight rate and changed the pricesof specific airlines from government-orientedgovernment- oriented pricing to market-oriented pricing.

At the end of 2015, the CAAC announced theImplementation Opinion on the Reform of Mechanism of Prices and Service Fee in Civil Aviation Transport, which sets the goal to generally lift the control over the prices and service fee in competitive part of civil aviation transport by 2017, and to generally set up a basically optimized, scientific, standardized, transparent and market-oriented pricing regulatory system by 2020.

In October 2016, the CAAC and the NDRC jointly promulgated the Circular on the Further Reform of Passenger Transport Price Policy in Civil Aviation Domestic Air Transport, which loosened the control over the civil domestic airlines passenger transportation and changed the prices from government- oriented pricing to market-oriented pricing. According to the circular, the price of routes under 800km or routes above 800km that are in competition with high-speed rails for passenger transportation can be determined independently.

 

Under the PRC Civil Aviation Law, maximum airfares on regional and international routes are set in accordance with the terms of the air services agreements pursuant to which these routes are operated. In the absence of an air services agreement, airfares are set by the airlines themselves or by the CAAC with reference to comparable market prices, taking into account the international airfare standards established through the coordination of the International Air Transport Association, which organizes periodic air traffic conferences for the purpose of coordinating international airfares. Discounts are permitted on regional and international routes. For the airline industry in China as a whole, the airfare per kilometer is substantially higher for regional and international routes than that for domestic routes.

Acquisition of Aircraft and Spare Parts

 

Our Company isWe are permitted to import aircraft, aircraft spare parts and other equipment for our own use from manufacturers through EAIEC, which is 55% owned by CEA Holding and 45% owned by our Company. This gives us a sale market with fair competition flexibility with our inventory management by allowing us to maintain a relatively lower overall inventory level of aircraft parts and equipment than we otherwise would have to maintain. We are still required to obtain approval from the NDRC and may be subject to appraisal of the relevant competent authorities for any import of aircraft. We generally pay a commission to EAIEC in connection with these imports.

Domestic Fuel Supply and Pricing

 

The Civil Aviation Oil Supply Company, or the CAOSC, which is supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or the SASAC, is currently the dominant civil aviation fuel supply company in China. We currently purchase a significant portion of our domestic fuel supply from CAOSC. The PRC government determines the fuel price at which the CAOSC acquires fuel from domestic suppliers and the CAAC issues a guidance price. The retail price at which the CAOSC resells fuel to airline customers is set within a specified range based on this guidance price.

 

In 2005, the NDRC, the CAAC and the China Air Transport Association jointly launched the linkage mechanism for aviation fuel prices and transportation prices by airline companies. The fuel surcharge standards for domestic passenger routes were adjusted according to a series of notices regarding the adjustments of passenger fuel surcharges on domestic routes issued by the NDRC and the CAAC from 2006 to 2008. In the second half of 2008, international crude oil prices decreased significantly, leading the NDRC and the CAAC to release an announcement on January 14, 2009 to suspend fuel surcharges for domestic passenger routes with effect from January 15, 2009. A Notice Concerning the Relevant Issues on Establishment Linkage Mechanism for Passenger Fuel Surcharges on Domestic Routes and the Price of Domestic Aviation Coal Oil Fuel by NDRC and CAAC, with effect from November 14, 2009, provided that fuel surcharges shall be charged by the airlines, at the airline's discretion, but within certain limits as set forth in the notice. On March 31, 2010, the NDRC and CAAC issued the Notice Regarding the Publication of Passenger Fuel Surcharges Rate on Domestic Routes, which reduced the standard fuel surcharge by 3.1% for domestic routes. In addition, on March 31, 2011, the NDRC and CAAC issued another similar notice, which further adjusted the standard fuel surcharge downwards. From August 1, 2011, according to theAnnouncement on the Linking Mechanism for Fuel Surcharges and Aviation Coal Oil Fuel,issued by the NDRC and CAAC, the rate of domestic route fuel surcharges will be adjusted each month if the difference in consolidated purchase costs for domestic aviation coal oil fuel exceeds RMB250 per ton.

On March 24, 2015, the CAAC and the NDRC jointly promulgated theNotice on Adjustment of the Linking Mechanism for Fuel Surcharges and Aviation Coal Oil Fuel in Passenger Transport of Domestic Airlines, in which they decided to increase the base price of aviation coal oil fuel form RMB4,140 per ton to RMB5,000 per ton.

Safety

 

The CAAC has made the continued improvement of air traffic safety in China a high priority. The CAAC is responsible for the establishment of operational safety, maintenance and training standards for all Chinese airlines, which have been formulated based on international standards. Each Chinese airline is required to provide flight safety reports to the CAAC, including reports of flight incidents or accidents involving its aircraft, which occurred during the relevant reporting period and other safety related problems. The CAAC conducts safety inspections on each airline periodically.

 

The CAAC oversees the training of most Chinese airline pilots through its operation of the pilot training college. The CAAC implements a unified pilot certification process applicable to all Chinese airline pilots and is responsible for the issuance, renewal, suspension and cancellation of pilot licenses. Each pilot is required to pass the CAAC-administered examinations before obtaining a pilot license and is subject to an annual examination in order to have such certification renewed.

 

All aircraft operated by Chinese airlines, other than a limited number of leased aircraft registered in foreign countries, are required to be registered with the CAAC. All of our aircraft are registered with the CAAC. All aircraft operated by Chinese airlines must have a valid certificate of airworthiness issued and annually renewed by the CAAC. In addition, maintenance permits are issued to a Chinese airline only after the maintenance capabilities of that Chinese airline have been examined and assessed by the CAAC. These maintenance permits are renewed annually. All aircraft operated by Chinese airlines may be maintained and repaired only by CAAC certified maintenance facilities, whether located within or outside China. Aircraft maintenance personnel must be certified by the CAAC before assuming aircraft maintenance posts.

 

In early 2013, the CAAC amended the original Civil Aviation Incidents Standards and published the newCivil Aviation Incidents Standards which became effective as of March 1, 2013. The CAAC amended theManagement Rules on Safety Information of Civil Aviation which became effective on April 4, 2016 and required that related Chinese airlines should arrange a certain number of specialists that satisfied with special requirements to take charge of the management of safety information. The CAAC promulgated the newAdministrative Provisions on Emergencies of China's Civil Aviation which became effective from April 17, 2016 and formulated the duties and responsibilities of Chinese airlines on the prevention and emergency preparedness, prediction and early warning, emergency disposal, handling and other emergency work of civil aviation. We will ensure our relevant employees implement the new standards, which will enable us to enhance our daily operations. For more information on the safety standards and measures implemented by us, see "– Maintenance and Safety – Safety." In 2016, the CAAC promulgated the newAdministrative Provisions on Civil Aviation Safety Information.As a result, we formulated new internal regulations on aviation safety information to strengthen the safety of our information system.

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Security

 

The CAAC establishes and oversees the implementation of security standards and regulations based on the PRC laws and standards established by international civil aviation organizations. Each airline is required to submit to the CAAC an aviation security handbook describing specific security procedures established by the airline for the day-to-day operations and security training for staff. Such security procedures must be formulated based on the relevant CAAC regulations. Chinese airlines that operate international routes must also adopt security measures in accordance with the requirements of the relevant international agreements and applicable local laws. We believe that our Company is in compliancewe comply with all applicable security regulations.

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Noise and Environmental Regulation

 

All airlines and airports in China are required to comply with noise and environmental regulations of the State Environmental Protection Agency that are modeled on international standards. The CAAC regulations allow Chinese airports to refuse take-off and landing rights to any aircraft that does not comply with State noise regulations. We believe that our Company is in compliancewe comply with all applicable noise and environmental regulations.

Chinese Airport Policy

 

Prior to September 2003, all civilian airports in China were operated directly by the CAAC or by provincial or municipal governments. In September 2003, as part of the restructuring of the aviation industry in China, the CAAC transferred 93 civilian airports to provincial or municipal governments. The CAAC retained the authority to determine the take-off and landing charges, as well as charges on airlines for the use of airports and airport services. Prior to 2004, Chinese airlines were generally required to collect from their passengers on behalf of the CAAC a levy for contribution to the civil aviation infrastructure fund, which was used for improving China's civilian airport facilities. Our revenue for the previous years is shown net of this levy. In 2003, the levy was 5% of domestic airfares and 2% of international airfares. The levy was waived by the CAAC from May 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. With effect from September 2004, the civil aviation infrastructure levies, now paid to the Ministry of Finance of the PRC (“MOF”), have been reflected in air faresairfares of Chinese airlines rather than collected as a separate levy.

 

On December 28, 2007, the CAAC and the NDRC released theImplementing Scheme for the Civil Aviation Airport Charges Reform Implementation Plan, which was implemented on March 1, 2008. This new plan divides airport charges into three parts: charges related to airline businesses; charges related to important non-airline items; and other non-airline charges. The charges related to airline businesses and important non-airline items must follow the national guided prices, in which the standard prices are rarely increased, while reduced rates can be negotiated between the airport or the service provider and the users. The plan grants us the right to negotiate with airports on the airport charges.

 

The civil aviation infrastructure levy was paid to the MOF and refunded again from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, according to one of the ten measures announced by the CAAC in December 2008 in response to the global economic downturn. The refunded levy for China's aviation industry amounted to approximately RMB4,000 million in total. The ten measures also include measures to enhance safety, reduce taxes, invest in infrastructure and optimize the airspace and air routes.

Limitation on Foreign Ownership

 

The CAAC's present policies limit foreign ownership in Chinese airlines. Under these limits, non-Chinese residents and Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents cannot individually or together hold a majority of our total outstanding shares.shares individually or together. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 12.4% of our total outstanding shares were held by non-Chinese residents and Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents or legal entities (excluding the qualified foreign institutional investors that are approved to invest in the A Share market of the PRC). For PRC air transportation companies, pursuant to the new Catalog of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment, jointly promulgated by the NDRC and MOC on March 10, 2015, Chinese investors should be the controlling shareholders of a PRC air transportation companyandcompany and the total shares held by foreign investment enterprises and its associated enterprises are not permitted to exceed 25% of the total shares of a Chinese airline.

 

Competition

Domestic

 

Our Company competesWe compete against our domestic competitors primarily based on the basis of safety, quality of service and frequency of scheduled flights. With the combination of our dominant position in Shanghai, our route network and our continued commitment to safety and service quality, we believe that our Company iswe are well-positioned to compete against our domestic competitors in the growing airline industry in China. However, domestic competition from other Chinese airlines has been increasing recently as our competitors have increased capacity and expanded operations by adding new routes or additional flights to existing routes and acquiring other airlines. In addition, we have faced intense competition from entrants to our domestic markets as new investments into China's civil aviation industry have been made following the CAAC's relaxation of certain private-sector investment rules in July 2005. In December 2008, the CAAC announced ten measures to protect and encourage the domestic aviation industry, one of which provides that no new Chinese airlines will be licensed to incorporate and operate aviation businesses before 2010. In October 2010, the CAAC announced that the suspension of approvals for new Chinese airlines companies would continue for an indefinite time period. However, if the restriction is lifted in the future, we expect that competition from other Chinese airlines on our routes will further intensify.

 

There are currently 25more than 50 Chinese airlines in mainland China, and our Company competeswe compete with many of them on various domestic routes. All of these airlines operate under the regulatory supervision of the CAAC. Our Company, Air China Limited, or Air China, which is based in Beijing and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, and China Southern Airlines Company Limited, or China Southern, which is based in Guangzhou and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, are the three leading air carriers in China, both in terms of revenue tonne-kilometers and size of operations.

 

Each of the domestic airlines competes against other airlines operating the same routes or flying indirect routes to the same destinations. Our principal competitors in the domestic market are China Southern and Air China, which also provide transportation services on some of our routes, principally routes originating from the major air transportation hubs in China, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. Some of these routes are among our most heavily traveled routes. Since most of the major domestic airlines operate routes from their respective hubs to Shanghai, our Companywe also competescompete against virtually all of the major domestic airlines on these routes. In addition, we are facing increasing competition from certain low-cost carriers, such as Spring Airlines, in the domestic market. Spring Airlines competes with us, as it operates daily domestic routes to certain destinations such as Harbin, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Sanya, Kunming and Chongqing, which are covered in our domestic routes. The “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” for civil aviation industry in China encourages low-costlow- cost airlines to enter into major logistics market gradually. In February 2014, CAAC issued Guidance on Facilitating Low-cost Aviation Development which aims at supporting the development of domestic low-cost airlines. This will further intensify the competition in domestic aviation market. However, we believe we are well-positioned to compete against domestic low-cost carriers due to our expansive route network, competitive pricing, greater availability of flight services to these destinations and strong brand name.

 

We also face competition from other domestic carriers in our air cargo business. However, we believe our absorption of Shanghai Airlines in early 2010 will strengthen our market positioning within the domestic market, particularly with respect to routes to and from Shanghai. We have also recently initiated a strategy to accelerate the transition of our role from air cargo transportation enterprise to aviation and logistics services provider. On December 26, 2012, we established China Eastern Airlines Logistic Company by merging China Cargo Airlines and Shanghai Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. ("Eastern Logistics"), which we believe will facilitate our development of services with respect to courier, logistics solutions and aviation trade and on-site logistics services platforms. In 2016, due to factors including the slowdown in the growth rate of the total world trade volume and fierce market competition, the air cargo transportation industry had relatively underperformed. As a result, we sold Eastern Logistics to Eastern Airlines Industry Investment on February 8, 2017.

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Domestic Rail

 

The PRC government is aggressively implementing the expansion of its domestic high-speed rail network, which will providehas provided train services at a speedspeeds of up to 350 km per hour connecting major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Qingdao, Guangzhou Dalian and Hong Kong. The expansion of the coverage of this network and improvements in railway service quality, increased passenger capacity and stations located closer to urban centers than competing airports could enhance the relative competitiveness of the railway service and affect our market share on some of our key routes, in particular our routes of between 500km to 800km. The high-speed railway connecting Beijing and Shanghai commenced operations in July 2011, and has substantially affected our Beijing and Shanghai routes, as well as routes between Shanghai and Jinan, Beijing and Nanjing, Shanghai and Xuzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin and Beijing and Changzhou.

 

With the establishment of a PRC national high-speed railway network, we will inevitably face increasing competition and pricing pressures from this railway service. Therefore, we have been taking active measures in decreasing the number of short-haul routes that overlap with such high-speed train routes, as well as adjusting certain airfare prices on affected routes, facilitating "air-to-railway" transfers and allocating flight resources to alternative routes or medium-to-long-haulmedium-to- long-haul routes that have higher profitability, higher demand and lessened competition. In addition, in 2013, we developed ground connection services such as Air-Rail Service and Air-Bus Service and cooperated with Disney, brand hotel groups, and renowned international travel enterprises to develop travel products. We expect to continue exploring cooperation opportunities with domestic railway authorities, while maintaining and strengthening our other competitive advantages, which include providing high quality services, increasing our pre-sale product promotions and developing our transfer services.

Regional

 

Our Hong Kong routes are highly competitive. The primary competitorcompetitors on our Hong Kong routes isare Cathay Pacific Airways ("Cathay"), and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited ("Dragonair"). We currently operate approximately 2622 flight routes between Chinese cities and Hong Kong. Cathay and Dragonair compete with us on several of these routes, particularly the Shanghai-Hong Kong route. We also face competition from Spring Airlines on our Shanghai-Hong Kong, Hangzhou-Hong Kong, Nanjing-Hong Kong and Shanghai-Macau routes. The Air Transportation Arrangement signed between the PRC government and the administrative government of Hong Kong in February 2000 provides for equal opportunity for airlines based in Hong Kong and mainland China. As a result, Dragonair has increased the frequency of its flights on several of our Hong Kong routes, resulting in intensified competition. Our CompanyWe also facesface competition from Dragonair in our Hong Kong cargo operations. Cathay, which owns Dragonair, also cooperates with Air China and operates all passenger services of Cathay and Air China between Hong Kong and mainland China as joint venture routes under code-share and revenue and cost-pooling arrangements. This may further intensify the competition on the routes between Hong Kong and mainland China and impose greater competitive pressure on the other airline companies operating on these routes.

 

Prior to 2003, there was no direct air link between mainland China and Taiwan. As such, our operations on the regional routes benefited from traffic between Hong Kong and mainland China ultimately originating in Taiwan. Following a series of limited chartered flights operated between a number of mainland Chinese cities and Taiwan, from July 2008, 36 direct flights between Taiwan and mainland China were permitted on weekends from Fridays through Mondays on a regular basis. On December 15, 2008, mainland China and Taiwan commenced direct air and sea transport and postal services, ending a nearly six-decade ban on regular links between the two sides since 1949. Under a historic agreement signed by mainland China and Taiwan in early November 2008, the new air links expanded from weekend charters to a daily service, 108 flights per week in 2008 and approximately 270 and 370 regular direct flights per week in 2009 and 2010, respectively. At the end of 2011, the two sides agreed to increase the total number of flights to 616 per week and to increase the total number of destination airports in mainland China and Taiwan to 50. At the end of 2013, the two sides agreed to increase the total number of flights to 786 per week and to increase the total number of destination airports in mainland China and Taiwan to 54. At the end of 2014, mainland China and Taiwan agreed to increase the total number of flights to 924 per week and to increase the total number of destination airports in mainland China to 65. In April 2015, the fifth batch of Mainland pilot cities was opened for individual tour to Taiwan, including Haikou, Hohhot, Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Changzhou, Zhoushan, Huizhou, Weihai, Longyan, Guilin and Xuzhou, and the number of Mainland cities with free line tour to Taiwan has reached 47.

The two sides also previously agreed to launch chartered cargo flights between two terminals in mainland China, namely, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou airports, and two terminals in Taiwan, namely, Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports. Previously, a substantial number of our passengers travelled on our Hong Kong routes in order to connect flights to and/or from Taiwan. However, with the increasing availability of direct flights between mainland China and Taiwan, we may experience a significant decline in passenger traffic volumes on our Hong Kong routes and, as such, our revenues derived from operating such routes could be materially and adversely affected. We currently operate flights to Taipei from Shanghai, Nanjing, Xi'an, Kunming, Wuhan, Hefei, Nanchang, Ningbo, Taiyuan, Qingdao, Wuxi, Yancheng, Yinchuan and Lijiang. In addition, we signed a strategic framework agreement in April 2010 with China Airlines of Taiwan to cooperate on routes to and from the PRC and Taiwan. According to the Ninth Meeting of Cross-strait Air Transportation, the two sides agreed to increase the total number of flights per week in 2014. According to the Tenth Meeting of Cross-strait Air Transportation in 2015,,the two sides agreed to have Changzhou and Shaoshan as two new regular passenger shipping point. We plan to establish the Changzhou- TaibeiChangzhou-Taipei route with three flights per week. As the market is expanding forindividual tourist, we aim to target our sales to these customers.

 

We believe we will benefit from expanding our market share in Taiwan-mainland China direct flight services as based on the more and more frequent communication between Taiwan and mainland China. However, as one of the several airlines offering Taiwan-mainland China direct flight services, we cannot assure you that our Company has obtainedwe will maintain or will continue to be allocated sufficient Taiwan-mainland China routes or that the yields on these routes would be adequate to offset any material adverse effect on our revenues derived from operating our Hong Kong routes.

 

We compete with Air Macau on the Shanghai Pudong-Macau route. Air Macau's routes also provide an alternative to our Hong Kong routes for passengers travelling between Taiwan and mainland China.

International

 

We compete with Air China, China Southern and many other well-established foreign carriers on our international routes. Most of our international competitors are very well-known international carriers and are substantially larger than we are and have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Many of our international competitors also have significantly longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do. Some international passengers, who may perceive these airlines to be safer and provide better service than Chinese airlines in general, may prefer to travel on these airlines. In addition, many of our international competitors have more extensive sales networks and utilize more developed reservation systems than ours, or engage in promotional activities, such as frequent flyer programs, that may be more popular than ours and effectively enhance their ability to attract international passengers.

 

We also face significant competition in our international cargo operations. Moreover, China and the United States entered into an air service agreement on July 24, 2004. Pursuant to this agreement, five additional airlines from each country are allowed to serve the China-U.S. market over the next few years. Another air transport agreement was signed between China and the United States on July 9, 2007 in order to increase travel and tourism and promote cultural, business and governmental exchanges between China and the United States, as well as to promote the ultimate objective of full liberalization of the bilateral air transport market. A trade services agreement was also signed between China and ASEAN countries in January 2007, and became effective in July 2007 to remove the restrictions on China's entry into foreign freight markets. Air China operates the largest number of international routes among all Chinese airlines. Beijing, the hub of Air China's operations, is the destination for most international flights to China. We primarily compete with Air China, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and Spring Airlines on our passenger routes to Japan. On our Korean routes, we compete with China Southern Airlines, Air China and Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. Our principal competitors on our flights to Southeast Asia include Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Vietnam Airlines. On our passenger flights to the United States, our principal competitors include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air China and Air Canada. On our European routes, our competitors include Air China, the Air France-KLM Group, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines and Alitalia. We compete with Air China, China Southern Airlines and Qantas Airways on our Australian routes. We compete in the international market based on the basis of price, service quality, frequency of scheduled flights and convenient sales arrangements.

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To improve our competitive position in international markets, we have established additional dedicated overseas sales offices, launched our own frequent flyer program, participated in "Asia Miles", a popular frequent flyer program in Asia, and entered into code-sharing arrangements with a number of foreign airlines. We have also improved our online reservation and payment system. In addition, in June 2011, we joined SkyTeam, an international airlines alliance and frequent flyer mileage program that includes, among others, international carriers such as Delta, China Southern, Alitalia, Air France and KLM. As a member of SkyTeam alliance, our Elite members can enjoy approximately 516 lounges world-wide.worldwide. In 2013, we implemented code-sharing programs covering 242 routes with 11 SkyTeam member airlines. See " – Marketing and Sales – SkyTeam Alliance." In the meantime, we also started code-sharing cooperation with seven non-SkyTeam member airlines, covering more than 150 routes, including Japan Airlines Corporation and Qantas Airways Limited.In 2014, we proactively promoted international cooperation among members and non-members airlines of SkyTeam Alliance at various levels and expanded its route network to increase its brand recognition. We implemented transit service cooperation with China Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air France between different terminals at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.Airport Co., Ltd. We facilitate joint sales by optimizing transit connection with Delta Airlines and enhanced co-operationsco- operations with Air France by increasing the number of code-share flights. We also comprehensively improved cooperation on the China-Australia route by establishing joint operation with Qantas. In 2015, we actively responded to the industry competition, strove for additions of air traffic rights and time slot resources in hub markets and core markets, steadily improved the aircraft utilization rate and consolidated and expanded market share in the three largest hubs and core markets. Based on the SkyTeam Alliance platform, we enhanced our strategic cooperation with Delta Air Lines and cooperated with Air France and Qantas to develop a highly efficient and convenient flight network, which covered the whole country and connected to the whole world. In 2016, we proactively promoted the establishment of transportation hubs with the opening of various international routes for long-haul flights and an enhanced coverage of our transportation network. With Shanghai as the core hub, we added six international routes for long-haul flights to our network, connecting Shanghai and Prague, Amsterdam, Madrid, St. Petersburg, Chicago and Brisbane, respectively. We provided more frequent flight services on routes connecting Shanghai and New York City, Los Angeles, Sydney and Melbourne. We added routes connecting Kunming and Sydney, Qingdao and San Francisco, Nanjing and Vancouver and Hangzhou and Sydney. Last, we stabilized the allocation of our flight capacities for Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia markets. As a result of these enhanced transit connection and expanded transit routes structures, in 2016, we experienced approximately 26.8%, 63.8% and 43.1% year-on-year growth in passenger flight capacity for Europe, North America and Australia markets, respectively; and our inter-airline transit volume and revenue grew by 24.2% and 21.4%, respectively. As of the end of 2016, by connecting to the route networks of other SkyTeam member airlines, our flights had access to 1,062 destinations in 177 countries. Meanwhile, we also continued to strengthen our cooperation with airlines which are not members of the SkyTeam Alliance. Due to our increasingly enhanced cooperation with Qantas Airways in joint sales, and ground services etc., and focusing around 69 routes, we and Qantas Airways opened up our respective VIP lounges in the PRC and Australia to each other. Through cooperating with British Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines and China Express Airlines in code sharing, we optimized our transit connection at London Heathrow Airport and enhanced the level of coverage of our route network in Southeast Asia.

 

Maintenance and Safety

 

The rapid increase in air traffic volume in China in recent years has put pressure on many components of China's airline industry, including air traffic control systems, the availability of qualified flight personnel and airport facilities. In recent years, the CAAC has placed increasing emphasis on the safety of airline operations in China and has implemented a number of measures aimed at improving the safety record of the airlines. Our ability to provide safe air transportation in the future depends on the availability of qualified and experienced pilots in China and the improvement of maintenance services, national air traffic control and navigational systems and ground control operations at Chinese airports. We have a good safety record and regard the safety of our flights as the most important component of our operations.

Maintenance Capability

 

Through our cooperation with service providers and ventures with other companies, we currently perform regular repair and maintenance checks on all of our aircraft, which include D1 checks, C checks and other maintenance services for certain aircraft and other flight equipment. We also perform certain maintenance services for other Chinese airlines. Our primary aircraft maintenance base is at Hongqiao International Airport. In 2011, we commenced use of a newly constructed wide-body aviation hangar at Hongqiao International Airport, which can accommodate the maintenance of two of our wide-body aircraft and one narrow-body aircraft. We have additional maintenance bases at Pudong International Airport and some of our provincial hubs. Our maintenance staff in Shanghai supervises the operation of our regional maintenance facilities. We employed approximately 10,54211,621 workers as maintenance and engineering personnel as of December 31, 2014.2016. Some of our aircraft maintenance personnel have participated in the manufacturer training and support programs sponsored by Airbus and Boeing. In order to enhance our maintenance capabilities and to reduce our maintenance costs, we have over the past few years, acquired additional maintenance equipment, tools and fixtures and other assets over the past few years, such as airborne testing and aircraft data recovery and analysis equipment. Our avionics equipment is primarily maintained and repaired at our electronic maintenance equipment center located in Shanghai.

 

We entered into a joint venture with Honeywell International Inc. (“Honeywell”), formerly Allied Signal Inc., in Shanghai for the purpose of performing maintenance and repairs on aircraft wheel assemblies and brakes. Since October 1997, we have operated a maintenance hangar at Hongqiao International Airport, which has the capacity to house two wide-body aircraft. Our CompanyWe and Rockwell Collins International Inc. of the United States have also co-established Collins Aviation Maintenance Service Shanghai Limited, which is primarily engaged in the provision of repair and maintenance services for avionics and aircraft in-flight entertainment facilities in China. Our CompanyWe and Rockwell Collins International Inc. hold 35% and 65%, respectively, of the equity interests in the joint venture. Moreover, in November 2002, our Company,we, jointly with Aircraft Engineering Investment Limited, established Shanghai Eastern Aircraft Maintenance Limited, in which our Company holdswe hold 60% of the equity interests, to provide supplemental avionics and other maintenance services to our Company.us. STA, which was established in 2004 by our Companyus and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd. under a joint venture agreement dated March 10, 2003, also provides us with aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services. We entered into repair agreements of seven types of electronics materials with Honeywell and we expect in the next two years to save US$338,000 of material repairing costs.

 

On November 6, 2007, we entered into a joint venture with United Technologies Corp., or UTC, to establish Shanghai Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Maintenance Co., Ltd., or Pratt & Whitney, for the purpose of performing maintenance and repairs on aircraft engines. Our CompanyWe and UTC contributed US$20,145,000 and US$19,355,000, respectively, to the registered capital and hold 51% and 49%, respectively, of the equity interests in the joint venture. Moreover, after our absorption of Shanghai Airlines, we took over its 15% equity interest in Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co., Ltd. ("Boeing Shanghai"). As of December 31, 2013, Boeing (China) Investment Co., Ltd., Shanghai Airport (Group) Co., Ltd. and Boeing (Asia) Services Investment Limited hold 35.3%, 25.0% and 24.7%, respectively, of the remaining equity interest. Boeing Shanghai was founded in 2006 with a registered capital of US$85,000,000, and operates a maintenance hangar with the capacity to provide aircraft modification and maintenance services for two wide-body aircraft and one narrow-body aircraft and provides aircraft modification and maintenance services. In addition, we also hold 50% of Shanghai Airlines' previous equity interest in Shanghai Hute Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Hute"). The remaining equity interest is held by Sichuan Haite High-Tech Co., Ltd. Shanghai Hute was founded in 2003 with a registered capital of RMB30,000,000, and provides maintenance services for aviation equipment. The enhancement of our maintenance capabilities allows our Companyus to perform various maintenance operations in-house and continue to maintain lower spare parts inventory levels.

 

Since December 2014, our Companywe have adopted an innovative asset management model and established Eastern Airlines Technology Co. Ltd. ("Eastern Technology"), a wholly-owned subsidiary specializing in aircraft maintenance, to explore the transformation of supporting assets to operational assets.

In 2015, Eastern Technology engaged in aircraft maintenance, raised its standards for aircraft maintenance and construction management to facilitate our centralized control over aircraft maintenance, and focused on high-end premium operations, such as providing maintenance services for aircraft for Chinese routes operated by international airlines and sharing of aviation equipment.

In 2016, other airlines such as Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Royal Brunei Airlines became customers of Eastern Technology, whose area of operation expanded to locations including Xi’an, Jinan, Wuhan and Wuxi.

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Safety

 

The provision of safe and reliable air services for all of our customers is one of our primary operational objectives. We implement uniform safety standards and safety-related training programs in all operations. Our flight safety management division monitors and supervises our Company's flight safety. We have had a flight safety committee since the commencement of our business, comprised of members of our senior management, to formulate policies and implement routine safety checks at our Shanghai headquarters and all provincial hubs. The flight safety committee meets monthly to review our overall operation safety record during the most recent quarter and to adopt measures to improve flight safety based upon these reviews. We have also implemented an employee incentive program, using a system of monetary rewards and discipline, to encourage compliance with the CAAC safety standards and our safety procedures. We periodically evaluate the skills, experience and safety records of our pilots in order to maintain strict control over the quality of our pilot crews. In 2011, we were awarded the "Flight Safety Five-star Award" by CAAC for our commitment to aviation and operations safety.

 

In 2013, we continued to strengthen our Safety Management System ("SMS"). We issued work implementation plans that provided specific measures to address risks such as lighting strikes, hard aircraft landings and communication systems failures. In addition, we established the Nantong Airport training base to provide additional training programs for our flight crews. Furthermore, we formulated the "Assessment and Remuneration Packages of Star-rating flight Crew Members", which commenced star-rating assessment of all flight crew members in terms of flight safety, flight quality, discipline and provision of services. The management of each of our provincial hub operations is responsible for the flight safety operations at the respective hub under the supervision of our flight safety management division. We prepare monthly safety bulletins detailing recent developments in safety practices and procedures and distribute them to each of our flight crew, the maintenance department and the flight safety management department. The CAAC also requires our Companyus to prepare and submit semi-annual and annual flight safety reports.

 

Regarding the strengthening of the SMS, we have (i) organized training for the administrators of safety management of all operating units, deepened the understanding for the construction of SMS, laying the ground workgroundwork for SMS; (ii) followed our plans and orderly commenced the construction of the analytical network. We had a number of cooperation meetings, discussing the master framework, which carries the system. We also introduced the concept of safety indicators for operational progress, rendering safety management more comprehensible; and (iii) continuously improved the risks database of the relevant routes and airports, strengthening the application of the different databases on the actual process of operation.

 

In 2014, we continued to facilitate the construction and application of the SMS and strictly implementing risk management. We also put greater efforts in safety inspection and supervision as well as fulfillment of responsibilities in relation to safety enhancement. We enhanced its flight training management and commenced specialized training covering pilots management and transition to B777-300ER aircraft to reinforce the foundations of flight safety. Emphasizing technology applications, we established a research institute of flight safety technology application to provide intellectual support to our ongoing safe operations.

 

All of our jet passenger aircraft pilots participated in the manufacturer training and support programs sponsored by Airbus and Boeing and are required to undergo recurrent flight simulator training and to participate in a flight theory course periodically. We use flight simulators for A320, A330, A340, B737NG, B737-300, B777 aircraft at our own training facility, the training facility located in the CAAC training center or overseas training facilities.

 

We placed great emphasis on ensuring safe operation and will continue to do so. In 2015, we established an integrated management and control model incorporating regional management, safety audit and safety supervision to further improve our safety management and control system, and pushed ahead the establishment of the Management of Risk Control System (MORCS) to enhance safety risk prevention on an ongoing basis. We have also promoted phase 2 of the Electronic Flight Bag, focusing on technical difficulties such as operation of above plateau airports, and has been enhancing our research capability in flying technology, providing psychological support to our pilots and improving emergency drills to implement in-flight safety requirements strictly.

In 2016, we further enhanced our safety management system by strengthening the enforcement of safety responsibilities, strengthening our safety supervision and inspection, strengthening our risk control over special routes and international routes for long-haul flights, enhancing our operational risk alert abilities, boosting the quality of training for our pilots, improving our system for developing talents with core skills, enhancing our ability in handling security-related contingencies, and strictly implementing safety requirements for our flights. In 2016, we had 1,956,100 safe flying hours and 822,400 take-off and landing flights, which is an increase of 8.4% and 6.4%, respectively, over the same period last year.

Cyber-security

 

With respect to our internal policies on cyber-security and internet safety, we have established an information safety management system and issued internal regulations on cyber-security, internal hardware and data safety systems to prevent loss of information due to cyber-security incidents, network outages or hardware incidents. We also plan to implement measures relating to the office environment information safety management and information system emergency management, information system access control, protection from any malicious software, management of information exchange tools and internal review and audit of information safety risks. Furthermore, we have entered into a strategic cooperation plan with the China Information Technology Security Evaluation Center by which their trained engineers evaluate our internal data securitypolicies and cyber-security measures. In 2012, we established and announced two internal regulations relating to cyber-security, namely, China Eastern Airlines Information Security Management Regulation and China Eastern Airlines Information System Application and Development Safety Regulation and in 2013, we established and announced another two internal regulations relating to cyber-security, namely, China Eastern Airlines Information Security Incident Management Regulation and China Eastern Airlines Information System Classification Measures, which we believe will strengthen our information safety management systems and overall cyber-security defenses. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not experience any material cyber-security incidents or related losses.

 

In 2014, regarding the risks in relation to internet security of the aviation section, we took the following preventive measures: (i) putting in place a monitoring system; (ii) clarifying the responsibilities relating to internet, mainframe computer, operation and maintenance, product development and management; (iii) having internet security equipment; (iv) having manual inspection and(v) preparing for emergency response.

 

In June 2014, we promulgated documents Class I to V for CEA Information Security Management System, including directions, management requirements, operation manual and recorded output documents at security level, and passed the ISO27001 (international information security standard) certificate qualification in November 2014. Our internet security policy werewas synchronized with the ISO27001.

 

In 2015, we established a routine inspection system and a contingency mechanism for its reporting website for external security breach. The data loss prevention (DLP) project was implemented and our information security management system passed the ISO27000 certification. In the future, we will further improve our security code review and management system; promote the construction of IPS at the internet portal and the information technology disaster backup centre to elevate the overall protection level on our information system security.

In 2016, we conducted information system emergency response training and commissioned the construction of our Xi’an disaster backup facility. In addition, we implemented security code review and security protection around the boundaries of our internet and data centre, optimized the multi-dimensional security protection system and elevated the overall security protection level on our information system.

We did not purchase any insurance for internet security.

 

Fuel Supplies

 

Fuel costs represented approximately 34.4%21.4% of our operating expensesexpense in 2014.2016. Our aviation fuel expenditure in 2016 was RMB19,626 million, a decrease of 3.4% from RMB20,312 million in 2015 decrease in average price of fuel. We currently purchase a significant portion of the aviation fuel for our domestic routes from regional branches of the CAOSC. Fuel costs in China are affected by costs at domestic refineries and limitations in the transportation infrastructure, as well as by insufficient storage facilities for aviation fuel in certain regions of China. Fuel prices at six designated major airports in China, namely, the airports in Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin, are set and adjusted once a month by the CAAC in accordance with prevailing fuel prices on the international market. For our international routes, we purchase a portion of our aviation fuel from foreign fuel suppliers located at the destinations of these routes, generally at international market prices.

 

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In 2014, we consumed approximately 4.82016, our total aircraft fuel cost was RMB19,626 million, tonnes of fuel, an increase of 4.3% from 2013. Our aviation fuel expenditures in 2014 reached RMB30,238 million, representing ana decrease of 1.4%3.5% from RMB30,681RMB20,312 million in 2013, as2015. This decrease was primarily due to a result of the expansion ofdecrease in our operations. Jet fuel prices were volatile in 2013 and 2014, with heightened political tensions and continued political instability and turmoil in certain Middle Eastern countries. In 2014, the average price of fuel decreased by 4.7%13.6% as compared to thatwith last year, partially offset by an increase in our volume of 2013. While fuel prices decreased during the first half of 2014, prices generally increased in 2014 and into early 2015.refueling by 11.9% as compared with last year. We cannot assure you that fuel prices will not further fluctuate in the future. Further, due to the highly competitive nature of the airline industry and government regulation on airfare pricing, we may be unable to fully or effectively pass on to our customers any increased fuel costs we may encounter in the future. However, we intend to continue focusing on enhancing our jet fuel procurement policies and developing additional internal cost-control measures, which include streamlining the number of aircraft models in our fleet and optimizing route structures, which we believe will enable us to control our fuel costs.

 

Ground Facilities and Services

 

The center of our operations is Shanghai, one of China's principal air transportation hubs. Our Shanghai operations are based at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. We currently also operate from various other airports in China, including Yaoqiang Airport in Jinan, Lukou Airport in Nanjing, Liuting Airport in Qingdao, Luogang Airport in Hefei, Changbei Airport in Nanchang, Wushu Airport in Taiyuan, Zhengding Airport in Shijiazhuang, Lishe Airport in Ningbo, Tianhe Airport in Wuhan, Wujiaba Airport in Kunming and Xianyang Airport in Xi'an. We own hangars, aircraft parking and other airport service facilities at these airports, and also provide ground services in these locations. We lease from CEA Holding certain buildings at Hongqiao International Airport where our principal executive offices are located.

 

We have our own ground services and other operational services, such as aircraft cleaning and refueling and the handling of passengers and cargo for our operations at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. We also provide ground services for many other airlines that operate to and from Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport.

 

In-flight meals and other catering services for our Shanghai-originated flights are provided primarily by Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Limited Liability Company, a joint venture company affiliated with CEA Holding. We generally contract with local catering companies for flights originating from other airports.

 

We incur certain airport usage fees and other charges for services performed by the airports from which we operate flights, such as air traffic control charges, take-off and landing fees, aircraft parking fees and fees payable in connection with the use of passenger waiting rooms and check-in counter space. At domestic airports, such fees are generally charged at rates prescribed by the CAAC, which are lower than rates generally in effect at airports outside China.

 

Since August 2015, we have been constructing a foreign airline service center and examining the market-oriented operational mechanism for ground services to explore the transformation of supporting assets into operational assets further.

Marketing Andand Sales

Passenger Operations

 

Our marketing strategy with respect to passenger operations is primarily aimed at increasing our market share for all categories of air travelers. With respect to our Hong Kong and international routes, we are permitted to market our services based on the basis of price. We have limited flexibility in setting our airfares for domestic routes and adjust our domestic airfares in response to market demand. As part of our overall marketing strategy, we emphasize our commitment to safety and service quality. We believe that emphasis on safety is a critical component of our ability to compete successfully.

 

We have also adopted customized strategies to market our services to particular travelers. We seek to establish long-term customer relationships with business entities that have significant air travel requirements. In order to attract and retain business travelers, we focus on the frequency of flights between major business centers, convenient transit services and an extensive sales network. We launched our initial frequent flyer program in 1998 and joined the "Asia Miles" frequent flyer program in April 2001 to attract and retain travelers. In August 2003, we upgraded and rebranded our frequent flyer program to "Eastern Miles" and introduced a series of new services, including, among others, instant registration of membership and mileage, online registration of mileage, and accumulation of mileage on expenses at certain hotels, restaurants and other service providers that are our strategic partners. As a result of our continual efforts to develop the "Eastern Miles" program, the number of members of the frequent flyer program reached over 22.8 million in 2014. The special services hotline "95530" call center was established and came into operation in 2004. In light of the expansion of national high-speed railway network, we have cooperated with the Shanghai Railway Bureau to launch "Air-Rail Pass Transportation" products. Our domestic and international flights together with its high-speed railway products at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Co., Ltd., have formed aan air-rail two-way transportation product, which has helped us broaden our customer resources.

 

In terms of our customer resources, we have actively explored and expanded our customer base of high-end business travelers to accelerate the development of group clients. In 2014, we added about 90 group clients, and the total number of our group clients amounts to 1,385. In addition, we have fully promoted the expansion of Eastern Miles membership. In order to attract more members and to provide members with better experience in terms of diversity, comprehensiveness and flexibility, we have strengthened our cooperation with retail store owners by increasing the number of co-operative stores, covering various industries such as financial services, hotel, car rental and health services. By the end of 2014,2015, we had approximately 2.83.6 million new Eastern Miles members, with a total of over 22.826.4 million members.

 

Our advertising, marketing and other promotional activities include the use of radio, television and print advertisements. We plan to continue to use advertising and promotional campaigns to increase sales on new routes and competitive routes.

In 2016, Eastern E-Commerce established an e-commerce platform by integrating our online and offline platforms. Ticket returns, rebooking and upgrades via multiple channels, such as our official website, mobile application and member website were launched with success, and a total of 12 updates were made to our mobile application. In addition, we identified cooperative partners in non-aviation points to further enrich the applications of aviation points and the variety of integrated products offered, with 133 malls and 89 cooperative partners participating in the sales of non-aviation points. As a result, we recorded 106% and 505% year-on-year growth in our revenues from the sales of mileage points and integrated products, respectively.

Ticket Booking Systems

 

In 2002 and again in 2012, we upgraded our online ticket booking and payment system to facilitate customer purchases of tickets via the Internet. In 2012, we also expedited the construction of nine overseas websites in a variety of languages. Currently, our global website covers North America, Australia, Europe and Asia Pacific. We continue to encourage our customers to book and purchase tickets via the Internet by initiating various promotional campaigns, and upgrading and expanding the services offered by our online sales system. In 2012, we introduced "China Eastern Mobile E", a smartphone application that provides mobile flight booking, flight status and online checking services, which we believe will provide our customers with additional convenient, value-added services. In 2013, we introduced a new version of China Eastern Mobile E and increased the application of "China Eastern Mobile E" to 14 airports. In 2016, we introduced the English version of "China Eastern Mobile E" to our customers. In addition, we introduced “M Website”, a website portal that provides mobile flight booking, flight status and online checking services and applied several third-party payment platformplatforms to our ticket booking system.

 

By September 2014, the mobile platform realized self-service applications such as mobile check-in of 139 domestic cities plus 3 overseas cities, self change of arrangement service for irregular flights, Eastern Miles QR code membership and the number of registered members amounted to 800,000 people with the mobile sales breaking a record of RMB3.60 million in a single day.

 

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We also increased the success rate of website payment. At the end of September 2014, work regarding the international unified payment channel achieved thea success rate of 62.1% and is still being optimized.

 

In addition, we updated the ability for sale activities and self-service. As of July 31, 2014, sale activities via the CEA official website and the mobile platforms (except limited time special discount during weekend nights) amounted to an accumulated amount of RMB310 million, which accounted for 4.3% of the total sale via website. As of September 30, 2014, mobile and web check-in had been implemented to support up to 142 cities domestically and abroad, covering most of our navigation points.

 

We also maintain an extensive domestic network of sales agents and representatives in order to promote in-person ticket sales and to assist customers. The majority of our airline tickets are sold by domestic and international sales agents who have contractual relationships with us. Currently, our direct domestic ticket sales are handled primarily through employees based at our ticket counters located at airports such as Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport in Shanghai and in Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong and Yunnan provinces, as well as at airports in Beijing, Chengdu, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Yantai. Direct sales are also promoted through the availability of our telephone reservation and confirmation services. In addition to our domestic sales agents located in various cities in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, we maintain overseas sales or representative offices worldwide, including: (i) North American locations such as Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Vancouver; (ii) European and Middle Eastern locations such as Frankfurt, Hamburg London, Moscow, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Brussels and Munich; (iii) Asia-Pacific locations such as Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Niigata, Fukushima, Okinawa, Shizuoka, Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Okayama, Matsuyama, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, New Delhi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Bali, Dubai, Dhaka, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vientiane, Yangon, Mandalay, Kathmandu and Maldives; and (iv) Australian locations such as Melbourne and Sydney. We maintain more than 50 overseas sales or representative offices as of December 31, 2014. As of June 1, 2008, we stopped issuing paper tickets for air travel in accordance with a mandate from the International Air Transport Association ("IATA"). The IATA represents approximately 240 airlines and comprises approximately 84% of scheduled international air traffic. As a result of the mandate, we now issue electronic itineraries and receipts as well as electronic tickets to our passengers. We believe the transition to 100% electronic ticketing will decrease administrative costs, and increase flexibility and travel options for passengers, in addition to benefiting the environment through the reduced need for paper. All of our direct passenger ticket sales are recorded on our computer systems. Most Chinese airlines, including us, are required to use the passenger reservation service system provided by the CAAC's computer information management center, which is linked with the computer systems of major Chinese commercial airlines. We have also entered into membership agreements with several international reservation systems, including ABACUS, the largest computer reservation system in southeast Asia, TOPAS of Korea, SABRE, GALILEO and WORLDSPAN of the United States, AMADEUS of Europe, INFINI and AXESS of Japan and Sirena-Travel of Russia, which have made it easier for customers and sales agents to make reservations and purchase tickets for our international flights.

SkyTeam Alliance

 

We officially joined SkyTeam, an international airlines alliance and frequent flyer mileage program that includes international carriers such as, among others, Delta, China Southern, Alitalia, Air France and KLM, on June 21, 2011.

By the end of 2014,2015, we have entered into frequent flyer and airport lounges agreements with 1220 SkyTeam member airlines and implemented code-sharingcode- sharing programs covering 675670 routes, as well as 195336 routes with seven non-SkyTeam member airlines, which has further broadened the coverage of our route network. By the end of 2016, we implemented code-sharing programs with 12 SkyTeam member airlines and the number of code sharing routes with non-SkyTeam member airlines increased by 52% as compared to last year. We also cooperated with nine SkyTeam member airlines including Delta, Air France and KLM, China, Alitalia, Garuda Indonesia and Iberia in joint check-ins for 21 transit points.

 

By connecting to the route networks of other SkyTeam member airlines, we are able to offer itsour passengers seamless transit to 1,0521,062 destinations in 177 countries under a single plane ticket with direct luggage services as of December 31, 2014.2016. Passengers may also enjoy the comfort of approximately 516672 VIP airport lounges of SkyTeam around the world. The entry of our Company as well as Shanghai Airlines into SkyTeam became effective on June 21, 2011. We believe this will be another benefit for our passengers, as they will be afforded additional flight options and frequent flyer mileage benefits through our SkyTeam alliance partners. In addition, our Companywe will benefit from possible codeshare and cooperative flight options, reduced costs and increased alliance-related marketing and promotion overseas.

Cargo Operations and Logistics Services

 

We maintain a network of cargo sales agents domestically and internationally. We and our cooperative partners in our cargo operations have established domestic cargo sales offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen and other major transportation hubs in China, and international cargo sales offices in various locations in the U.S., Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region. In 2005, we established our northern China, southern China, southeastern China and overseas sales management centers to improve coordination among our sales offices.

 

In 2012, we leveraged on our internal resources to establish a business platform that provides diversified logistics and management solutions and services through Eastern Logistics, which includes the integrated operations of China Cargo Airlines and Shanghai Far Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. Eastern Logistics is engaged in shipping agency, ground cargo handling, logistics, road freight transport (general freight), warehousing and property management. We believebelieved Eastern Logistics willwould enable us to develop new revenue sources and diversify our ancillary operations, while responding to customer demand for one-stop cargo transportation and logistics services. See "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions."

 

In response to the deteriorating aviation freight transportation market condition, we adopted measures such as surrendering and suspending freights, as well as reducing freight fleet scale significantly. We also adjusted our route network in order to stabilize our share in core markets. We fully pushed forward our transformation by developing value-added businesses such as logistics and freight expressway e-commerce. In respect of logistics business, we established six major logistics project teams for areas such as large- scale corporate projects, medical biotechnology, and aviation equipment based on product positioning. We visited major customers to proactively explore demand for logistics.logistics proactively. The development of brand customers and direct selling of major client cooperation projects provided logistics solutions to large and medium enterprises. In respect of freight expressway e-commerce, the commencementestablishment of the official eaemall.com official website can utilizeallows us to capitalize on the advantages in the network and centralized purchasing of Eastern Airlines.purchases for our business. Combining with its freight expressway delivery network, Eastern Airlines is able to provide fresh and direct supply of “from the origins to dining table.” Our subsidiary, Shanghai Eastern Airlines Express Delivery Company Limited, officially commenced operation of cross-border e-commerce in 2013 in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

 

On June 5, 2013, our subsidiary, China Cargo Airlines, officially joined the SkyTeam Freight Alliance, which will enable it to further expand its cargo network coverage, strengthen its transit capacity, provide better and more efficient ground services, while lowering operational costs.

 

In 2014, we focused on the improvement on customer management, freight management and product management and comprehensively enhanced the operation standard of traditional air freight. In terms of customer management, we completed the client structure design and the CRM process flow design; we built the customer relationship management system and established customer incentives policy. We had four new customers, including FedEx, and commenced strategic cooperation with HKCTS and Sinotrans for our international routes development. Regarding domestic routes, we strengthened our cooperation with S.F. Express and EMS. Regarding freight rates management, we completed the new design for the freight rates system and started testing in some of the routines in terms of policy; optimized the monitoring requirements of rate controls and implemented the construction of the freight rates module for the revenue management system; established internal real-time information interaction processes and improved the efficiency and accuracy of the benefit analysis and decision-making. Regarding product management, we completed the system design for the four major products: route network, service guarantee, standardization and customization, comprehensively covering the development needs of freight products and satisfying the sustainable development of freight products. We expended extensive efforts in the development of route network products and published the route seeker app, realizing the integration of resources of the entire network.

 

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We also tactically expanded the network. Through reduction for optimal capacity and flexible purchase of capacity, we continuously consolidated the Europe and America route network and maintained our leading position in terms of the Europe and America market share. We also developed the Zhengzhou regional hub, and commenced the Zhengzhou to Amsterdam and Chicago freight route network, and established the regulated truck delivery networking having Zhengzhou as the center, covering 28 points across the PRC.

 

We explored with full efforts the potential of bellyhold through the introduction of localized products, cargo-flight projects, removal of routes with"0 and low" income, international return flight expansion projects, implementation of the reward and punish system which increases volume and income, strengthening of monitoring of external sites and the addition of "newly added" customers, we consolidated the output of external sites and transformation units leading toin 2016, resulting in an increase of 2.8% of bellyhold compared to the same period the previous year.

 

Tourism and Travel Services

 

In addition to our airline operations, we also generate commission revenues from tickets sold on behalf of other airlines. Commission rates for these sales are determined by the CAAC and are based on the price of the tickets sold. In December 2003, we acquired 10% of SEDC's then equity interest and 35% of CEA Holding's then equity interest in Shanghai Dong Mei Aviation Travel Corporation Limited, a company that is primarily engaged in the business of selling air tickets, hotel reservation, travel agency and other related services.

 

With our subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, we derive revenue from tourism and travel services through Shanghai Airlines Tours. Shanghai Airlines Tours provides various business and leisure travel services, including inbound, outbound and domestic travel, conference and exhibition planning, flight chartering and plane ticket reservation, tour bus and hotel reservation and other related services. Shanghai Airlines Tours is a member of the China Association of Travel Services and Shanghai Association of Tourism (International and Domestic Travel Services divisions), as well as a member of Shanghai Association of Quality, and has been admitted into many international travel organizations including the IATA. Shanghai Airlines Tours has won several awards as a travel services provider, as well as awards and honors for its professional staff and vacation package offerings.

 

We also derive revenues from the provision of airport ground services for airlines operating to or from Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport, including aircraft cleaning, loading, unloading, storage and ground transportation of cargo and passenger luggage. At present we are the principal provider of these services at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. We provide these services to foreign carriers generally pursuant to one-year renewable contracts. In 2014,2016, we generated net revenues of approximately RMB2,454RMB3,644 million from our airport ground services and cargo handling and processing services, compared with RMB2,119RMB3,296 million and RMB2,516RMB2,680 million, respectively, generated from such services in 20122015 and 2013.

2014.

 

Patents and Trademarks

 

We own or have obtained licenses to use various domestic and foreign patents, patent applications and trademarks related to our business. While patents, patent applications and trademarks are important to our competitive position, no single one is material to us as a whole. In addition, we own various trademarks related to our business. The most important trademark is the service trademark of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited. All of our trademarks are registered in China. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we own or have obtained licenses to use 5868 trademarks, the number remained stable as of December 31, 2013.2014.

 

Insurance

 

The CAAC purchases fleet insurance from PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited ("PICC"), and China Pacific Property Insurance Company Ltd., on behalf of all Chinese airlines. PICC has reinsured a substantial portion of its aircraft insurance business through Lloyd's of London. The fleet insurance is subject to certain deductibles. The premium payable in connection with the insurance is allocated among all Chinese airlines based on the aircraft owned or leased by these airlines. Under the relevant PRC laws, the maximum civil liability of Chinese airlines for injuries to passengers traveling on domestic flights has been increased to RMB400,000 per passenger in March 2006, for which our Companywe also purchasespurchase insurance. As of July 31, 2006, theConvention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air of 1999, or Montreal Convention, became effective in China. Under the Montreal Convention, carriers of international flights are strictly liable for proven damages up to 100,000 Special Drawing Rights and beyond that, carriers are only able to exclude liability if they can prove that the damage was not due to negligence or other wrongful act of the carrier (and its agents) or if the damage solely arose from the negligence or other wrongful act of a third party. We believe that we maintain adequate insurance coverage for the civil liability that can be imposed due to injuries to passengers under Chinese law, the Montreal Convention and any other agreement we are subject to. We also maintain hull all risk, hull war risk and aircraft legal liability insurance, including third party liability insurance, of the types and in amounts customary for Chinese airlines. See also "Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Company — Our insurance coverage and costs have increased substantially, and could have an adverse effect on our operations" for more information on our Company's insurance coverage."

 

C.Organizational Structure

 

See the section headed "Item 4. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company".

 

D.Property, Plant And Equipment

 

Fleet

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we operated a fleet of 515596 aircraft, including 485572 passenger aircraft, most with a seating capacity of over 100 seats, 129 freighters and 1815 business aircraft in custody.held under trust. In 2014,2016, we introduced a total of 75 aircraft of four major models including B777 series, B737 series, A330 series and A320 series and surrendered a total of 4372 aircraft of various models, including A300 seriesA321, A320, A319, B737 and CRJ200 aircraft.B777 series. With the introduction of B777 series aircraft and the entirecomplete retirement of A300EMB145 and B737-300 series and CRJ200 aircraft, the variety of aircraft models of our fleet havehas been further streamlined and the fleet structure has been made younger.

 

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We plan to continue to expand our scale in the future and to adjust and optimize our route network, thereby increasing our competitiveness and ability to create more attractive products and services to meet the needs of the market.

 

Existing Fleet

 

The following table sets forth the details of our fleet as of December 31, 2014:2016:

 

 Number of        
 Aircraft        
 Owned        
 and Aircraft      
 under under Total Average 
 Finance Operating Number Age (in 
 Lease Lease of Aircraft years)(1) 
 Number of
Aircraft
Owned
and
under
Finance
Lease
 Aircraft
under
Operating
Lease
 Total
Number
of Aircraft
 Average
Age (in
years)(1)
          
Jet Passenger Aircraft:                                
Wide-body:                                
B777-300ER  4   -   4   0.2   16   -   16   1.2 
B767  6   -   6   13.8   6   -   6   15.7 
A340-600  4   -   4   10.9 
A330-300  9   7   16   7.3   11   7   18   8.4 
A330-200  25   3   28   2.8   30   3   33   4.3 
Narrow-body:                                
A321  39   -   39   4.5   66   -   66   4.1 
A320  113   41   154   6.4   127   36   163   6.7 
A319  24   5   29   3.7   33   3   36   4.1 
B757-200  4   1   5   9.7 
B737-800  44   68   112   4.4   93   78   171   3.9 
B737-700  49   13   62   7.2   55   8   63   8.0 
B737-300  16   -   16   17.4 
EMB 145LR  10   -   10   8.3 
B737-300(2)  -   -   -   - 
EMB 145LR(2)  -   -   -   - 
Total Passenger Aircraft:  347   138   485   6.06   437   135   572   5.4 
                                
Cargo Aircraft:                                
B747-400ER  2   2   4   7.5 
B757-200F  -   2   2   8.5 
B747-400F  2   1   3   9.9 
B777F  -   6   6   4.3   -   6   6   6.2 
Total Cargo Aircraft:  2   10   12   6.07   2   7   9   7.4 
Total number of passenger aircraft and freighters  349   148   497   6.1   439   142   581   5.4 
  No. of custody               No. of custody             
Business Aircraft          18               15     
Total Fleet          515               596     

 

(1)The average aircraft age is weighted by the number of available seats.

(1) The average aircraft age is weighted by the number of available seats.

(2)These aircraft were retired from our fleet operation and were disposed in 2016.

 

Our daily average aircraft utilization rate was 9.59.7 hours in 2014,2016, decreasing slightly from 9.810.0 hours in 2013.2015.

 

The table below sets forth the daily average utilization rates of our jet passenger aircraft for each of the years ended December 31, 20122014 and 2013:2015:

 

 2012 2013 
20142014 2015 
  (in hours)  (in hours) 
Wide-body:             
B777-300ER  10.7   14.0 
B767  8.9   8.5 
A340-600 12.3 11.8   10.5   - 
A330-300 9.2 9.0   9.0   9.1 
A330-200 13.7 14.3   13.4   13.5 
A300-600 7.5 6.8 
B767-300 10.8 9.6 
Narrow-body:             
A321 9.1 8.9   9.2   9.2 
A320 10.3 9.9   9.9   10.0 
A319 8.5 9.2   9.2   9.6 
B737-800 10.3 10.2   10.0   10.1 
B737-700 9.9 9.8   10.0   9.2 
B737-300 9.0 8.6   7.0   6.6 
EMB 145 9.7 8.1 
CRJ-200 5.9 5.0 
B757-200 7.9 7.9 
EMB 145LR  5.7   - 
Total Passenger Aircraft Average 9.9 9.8   9.4   10.0 

 

The table below sets forth the daily average utilization rates of our jet passenger aircraft for each of the year ended December 31, 2014:2016:

 

  20142016 
  (in hours) 
Jet Passenger Aircraft:    
Wide-body:    
B777-300ER  10.713.1 
B767  8.9
A340-60010.58.8 
A330-300  9.08.9 
A330-200  13.413.5 
Narrow-body:    
A321  9.29.1 
A320  9.99.8 
A319  9.29.5 
B757-200B737-800  9.4 
B737-80010.0
B737-700  10.07.8 
B737-300  7.0
EMB 145LR5.7- 
Total Passenger Aircraft average  9.399.7 
     
Cargo Aircraft:    
B747-400ERB747-400F  11.7
B757-200F3.711.2 
B777F  13.913.1 
Total Cargo Aircraft average  9.7212.5 
Total number of passenger aircraft and freighters average  9.469.7 

 

Most of our jet passenger aircraft were manufactured by either Airbus or Boeing.On February 28, 2014,Boeing. On July 9, 2015, we entered into ana purchase agreement with Boeing Company to purchase fifty new Boeing B737 series aircraft which are expected to be delivered to us in stages from 2017 to 2019. On August 14, 2015, we also entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus SAS to purchase fifteen new Airbus A330 series aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to us in Shanghai, PRC regarding thestages from 2017 to 2018. On April 28, 2016, we entered into a purchase of seventy new A320NEOagreement with Boeing Company to purchase 15 B787-9 aircraft, from Airbus SAS, which are expected to be delivered to us in stages from 2018 to 2020, with2021. On the disposal of seven Airbus A300-600 aircraft and certain spare parts and spare engines. On June 13, 2014,same day, we also entered into agreementsa purchase agreement with Boeing Company in Shanghai, PRCAirbus SAS to purchase eighty new B73720Airbus A350-900 series aircraft, from Boeing, which willare expected to be delivered to us in stages from 20162018 to 2020. On the same day, we entered into an agreement with Boeing Company regarding the disposal of fifteen B737-300 aircraft and five B757 aircraft to Boeing.2022.

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Future Fleet Development

 

Our aircraft acquisition program focuses on aircraft that will modernize and rationalize our fleet to better meet the anticipated requirements of our route structure, taking into account aircraft size and fuel efficiency. Our aircraft acquisition program, however, is subject to the approval of the CAAC and the NDRC. Our fleet in the future will mainly comprise of models such as B777 Series forlongfor long haul, A330 Series for long-and-medium haul, and A320 Series and B737NG Series for medium-and-short haul. Older aircraft models of high energy-consumption will be surrendered as appropriate. Details of the expected fleet plan from 20152017 to 20162018 are as follows:

30

  2015E  2016E 
Model  Introduction   Retirement   Introduction   Retirement 
A320 Series 29  11  30  6 
A330 Series  7   -   -   - 
A340-600  -   4   -   - 
A300-600  -   -   -   - 
B777 Series  5   -   5   - 
B737NG  39   7   35   10 
B737-300  -   11       5 
B737-8Max  -   -   -   - 
B757  -   5   -   - 
B767  -   -   -   - 
CRJ  -   -   -   - 
EMB-145LR  -   5   -   5 
Total number of passenger aircraft  80   43   70   26 
A300-600F  -   -   -   - 
B747F  -   1   -   - 
B757F  -   2         
Total number of freighters  -   3   -   - 
Total  80   46   70   26 

  2017E   2018E 
Model  Introduction   Retirement   Introduction   Retirement 
Passenger aircraft                
A319 Series  -   1   -   - 
A320 Series  16   -   16   - 
A321 Series  11       -   - 
A330 Series  7   -   8   10 
A350 Series  -   -   2   - 
B787 Series  -   -   4   - 
B777 Series  4   -   -   - 
B767 Series  -   2   -   4 
B737 Series  35   15   37   1 
EMB-145LR  -   -   -   - 
Total number of passenger aircraft  73   18   67   15 
Freighters                
B747-400F  -   -   -   - 
Total number of freighters  -   -   -   - 
Total  73   18   67   15 

The actual quantity and time forof the introduction and retirement of any of these aircraft or any additional aircraft may depend on such factors as general economic conditions, the levels of prevailing interest rates, foreign exchange rates, the level of inflation, credit conditions in the domestic and international markets, conditions in the aviation industry in China and globally, our financial condition and results of operations, our financing requirements, and the terms of any financing arrangements, such as finance leases, and other capital requirements. We believe that our aircraft acquisition plan will help us accomplish our expansion plans while maintaining an efficient fleet and ensuring alternative sources of supply.

Fleet Financing Arrangements

 

We generally acquire aircraft through either long-term capital leases or operating leases. Under the terms of most capital leases, we generally are obligated to make lease payments that finance most of the purchase price of the aircraft over the lease term. Upon the expiration of the lease term, we must either purchase the aircraft at a specified price or pay any amount by which such price exceeds the proceeds from the disposition of the aircraft to third parties. Alternatively, some capital leases provide for ownership of the aircraft to pass to us upon satisfaction of the final lease payment. Under capital leases, aircraft are generally leased for approximately the whole of their estimated working life, and the leases are either non-cancelable or cancelable only on a payment of a major penalty by the lessee. As a result, we bear substantially all of the economic risks and rewards of ownership of the aircraft held under capital leases. Operating leases, however, are customarily cancelable by the lessee on short notice and without major penalty. Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases.

 

Operating Facilities

 

Our CompanyWe (including subsidiaries and branches) had operations on 95661 parcels of land, occupying a total area of approximately 5.43.6 million square meters, as of December 31, 2014.2016. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, our Company2016, we (including subsidiaries and branches) owned approximately 1,8792,204 buildings with a total gross floor area of approximately 1.3 million square meters. Our CompanyWe and major subsidiaries have obtained the land use rights certificates and building ownership certificates for certain parcels of land and buildings, and are currently in the process of applying for the certificates with respect to the remaining parcels and buildings. We did not have any environmental issues that may have a material impact on our utilization of the assets in 2016.

 

Item 4A.Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, together with the related notes, included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.IFRSs. This discussion may include forward-lookingforward- looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under "Item 3. Key information — D. Risk Factors" or in other parts of this Annual Report.

 

Overview

 

Our primary business is the provision of domestic, regional (which includes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and international passenger and cargo airline services. Our overall capacity on an available tonne kilometer, or ATK, basis increased by 3.8%11.1%, from 21,714.825,203.0 ATKs in 20132015 to 22,538.528,002.3 ATKs in 2014,2016, and our passenger capacity on an available seat kilometer, or ASK, basis increased by 5.6%13.5%, from 152,075.2181,792.9 ASKs in 20132015 to 160,585.1206,249.3 ASKs in 2014.2016. Total traffic on a revenue tonne kilometer, or RTK, basis increased by 3.7%10.6%, from 15,551.817,820.4 RTKs in 20132015 to 16,122.419,712.9 RTKs in 2014.2016.

 

The historical results of operations discussed in this Annual Report may not be indicative of our future operating performance. Like those of other airlines, our operations depend substantially on overall passenger and cargo traffic volumes and are subject to seasonal and other variations that may influence passenger travel demand and cargo volume and may not be under our control, including unusual political events, changes in the domestic and global economies and other unforeseen events. Our operations will be affected by, among other things, fluctuations in aviation fuel prices, aircraft acquisition and leasing costs, maintenance expenses, take-off and landing charges, wages, salaries and benefits, other operating expenses and the rates of income taxes paid.

 

Our financial performance is also significantly affected by factors associated with operating in a highly regulated industry, as well as a number of other external variables, including political and economic conditions in China, competition, foreign exchange fluctuations and public perceptions of the safety of air travel with Chinese airlines. Because nearly every aspect of our airline operations is subject to the regulation of the CAAC, our operating revenues and expenses are directly affected by the CAAC regulations with respect to, among other things, domestic airfares, level of commissions paid to sales agents, the aviation fuel price, take-off and landing charges and route allocations. The nature and extent of airline competition and the ability of Chinese airlines to expand are also significantly affected by various CAAC regulations and policies. Changes in the CAAC's regulatory policies, or in the implementation of such policies, are therefore likely to have a significant impact on our future operations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSIFRSs which requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the accounting policies. We have established procedures and processes to facilitate the making of such judgments in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Management has used the best information available but actual performance may differ from our management's estimates and future changes in key variables could change future reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements.

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Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage

 

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services and the sale of goods and the provision of services in the ordinary course of our activities. Revenue is shownstated net of business taxes or value-added taxes, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group.

 

We recognize revenueRevenue is recognized when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that futurethe economic benefits will flow to the entityus and specific criteria have been met for each of our activities as described below. The amount of revenue is not considered to be reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. We base its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

We operate frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passengers revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired.revenue can be measured reliably, on the following basis:

 

(i)Traffic revenues

 

Passenger, cargo and mail revenues are recognized as traffic revenues when the transportation services are provided. The value of sold but unused tickets is recognized as sales in advance of carriage (the “SIAC”).

 

(ii)Ground service income and tour operation revenues

 

Revenues from the provision of ground services, tour, travel services and other travel related services are recognized when the services are rendered.

 

(iii)Cargo handling income

 

Revenues from the provision of cargo handling income are recognized when the service are rendered.

 

(iv)Commission income

 

Commission income represents amounts earned from other carriers in respect of sales made by us on their behalf, and is recognized in the profit or loss upon ticket sales.

 

(v)Other revenue

 

Revenues from other operating businesses, including income derived from the provision of freight forwarding, are recognized when the services are rendered.

(vi)Frequent flyer programs

We operate frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passengers revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired.

(vii)Interest income

Interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

The amount of revenue is not considered reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. We base our estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

Intangible assets

Goodwill

 

Goodwill representsis initially measured at cost, being the excess of the costaggregate of an acquisitionthe consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interests and any fair value of our previously held equity interests in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the sum of this consideration and other items is lower than the fair value of the Group’s share ofnet assets acquired, the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiaries, associatesdifference is, after reassessment, recognized in profit or joint venturesloss as a gain on bargain purchase.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at the date of acquisition.cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included in “intangible assets”. Goodwill on acquisition of associates and joint ventures is included in “investments in associates” and “investments in joint ventures” and is tested for impairment as part of the overall balances. Separately recognized goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever there is an indication of impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity includemore frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amountvalue may be impaired. We perform our annual impairment test of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units foras at December 31. For the purpose of impairment testing. The allocationtesting, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, madefrom the acquisition date, allocated to those cash-generatingeach of our cash- generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, according to the identified operating segments that are expected to benefit from the businesssynergies of the combination, inirrespective of whether our other assets or liabilities are assigned to those units or groups of units.

Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) to which the goodwill arose.relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

Computer software costs

 

Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized based on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 5five years. Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programs are recognized as expenseexpenses when incurred.

 

Others

Others relate to the capitalized costs incurred to acquire the use right of certain flight schedules (i.e. timeslots for flights’ taking off/landing) in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Co., Ltd., respectively. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives of three years.

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment isare recognized initially at cost which comprises purchase price, and any directly attributable costs of bringing the assets to the condition for their intended use.

 

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the cost of that item is allocated on a reasonable basis among the parts and each part is depreciated separately. Residual values, useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least at each financial year end.

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When each major aircraft overhaul is performed, its cost is recognized in the carrying amount of the item of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the appropriate maintenance cycles. Components related to airframe overhaul cost, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 5 to 7.5 years. Components related to engine overhaul costs, are depreciated between each overhaul period using the ratio of actual flying hours and estimated flying hours between overhauls. Upon completion of an overhaul, any remaining carrying amount of the cost of the previous overhaul is derecognized and charged to the profit or loss.

 

Except for components related to overhaul costs, the depreciation method of which has been described in the preceding paragraph, other depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method to write downoff their costs to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

Owned and finance leased aircraft and engines15 to 20 years
0% or 5%
Other flight equipment, including rotables10 years
 0%
Buildings158 to 45 years
3% to 5%
Other property, plant and equipment53 to 20 years3% to 5%

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the assets’ carrying amountamounts and are recognized in the profit or loss.

 

Construction in progress represents buildings under construction and equipment pending for installation. This includes the costs of construction or acquisition and interest capitalized.capitalized borrowing cost. No depreciation is provided on construction in progress until the asset is completed and ready for use.

Leases

A Group company is the(i) As lessee

 

Finance leases

 

We lease certain property, plant and equipment. Leases of property, plant and equipment where we have acquired substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the lower of the fair value of the leased propertyassets and the present value of the minimum lease payments.

 

Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in other short-termthe current portion of obligation under finance leases and other long-term payables.obligations under finance leases, respectively. The interest element of the finance costcosts is charged to the profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. Leased assets are depreciated using a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives to residual values.

 

For sale and leaseback transactions resulting in a finance lease, differences between sales proceeds and net book values are deferred and amortized over the lease terms.

 

Operating leases

 

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

 

For sale and leaseback transactions resulting in an operating lease, differences between sales proceeds and net book values are recognized immediately in the profit or loss, except to the extent that any profit or loss is compensated for by future lease payments at above or below market value, then the profit or loss is deferred and amortized over the period for which the asset is expected to be used.

48

A Group company is the(ii) As lessor

 

Assets leased out under operating leases are included in property, plant and equipment in the statement of financial position. They are depreciated over their expected useful lives on a basis consistent with similar property, plant and equipment. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Retirement benefits

(i) Defined contribution plans

We participatesparticipate in schemes regarding pension and medical benefits for employees organized by the municipal governments of the relevant provinces. In addition, we initiatedContributions to these schemes are expensed as incurred.

We also implement an additional defined contribution retirementpension benefit scheme (annuity) for employees in 2014. The contributions tovoluntary eligible employees. Contributions are made based on a percentage of the schemesemployees’ total salaries and are charged to profit or loss as and when incurred.

In addition, we

(ii) Defined benefit plan

We provide eligible retirees with certain post-retirement benefits including retirement subsidies, transportation subsidies, social function activity subsidiesallowance as well as other welfare. The defined post-retirement benefits are unfunded. The cost of providing benefits under the post-retirement benefit plan is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method.

Remeasurements arising from post-retirement benefit plan, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding net interest) and the return on plan assets (excluding net interest), are recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of financial position with a corresponding debit or credit to retained profitsequity through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods.

Past service costs are recognized in profit or loss at the earlier of:

·the date of the plan amendment or curtailment; and
·the date that we recognize restructuring-related costs

the date of the plan amendment or curtailment; and

the date that we recognize restructuring-related costs

Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset. We recognize the following changes in the net defined benefit obligation under “Wages, salaries and benefits” and “Finance costs” in the consolidated statement of profit or lossloss:

33

service costs comprising current service costs, past-service costs, gains and other comprehensive income:losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements; and

·service costs comprising current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements
net interest expense.

 

Available-for-sale financial assetsinvestments

 

InvestmentsAvailable-for-sale financial investments are non-derivative financial assets in securities other than subsidiaries, associateslisted and joint ventures, beingunlisted equity investments and debt securities. Equity investments classified as available for sale are those that are neither classified as held for non-trading purposes, are classifiedtrading nor designated as available-for-sale financial assets and are recognized on the trade-date – the date on which we commit to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. At each reporting date, thethrough profit or loss. Debt securities in this category are those that are intended to be held for an indefinite period and which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or in response to changes in market conditions.

After initial recognition, available-for-sale financial investments are subsequently measured at fair value, is remeasured, with any resulting gainunrealized gains or loss beinglosses recognized directly inas other comprehensive income except for impairment losses. When these investments arein the other reserves until the investment is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized directly in equity is recognized in the profit or loss.loss in other operating income, or until the investment is determined to be impaired, when the cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from the other reserves to profit or loss in other gains or losses. Interest and dividends earned whilst holding the available-for-sale financial investments are reported as finance income and dividend income, respectively and are recognized in profit or loss as other operating income in accordance with the policies set out for “Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage” above.

 

When the fair value of unlisted equity investments cannot be reliably measured because (a) the variability in the range of reasonable fair value estimates is significant for that investment or (b) the probabilities of the various estimates within the range cannot be reasonably assessed and used in estimating fair value, such investments are stated at cost less any impairment losses.

 

We assess at each reporting dateevaluate whether there is objective evidence thatthe ability and intention to sell its available-for-sale financial assets in the near term are still appropriate. When, in rare circumstances, we are unable to trade these financial assets due to inactive markets, we may elect to reclassify these financial assets if management has the ability and intention to hold the assets for the foreseeable future or until maturity.

For a financial asset is impaired. Inreclassified from the case of equity securities classified as available-for-sale a significant or prolonged decline incategory, the fair value carrying amount at the date of reclassification becomes its new amortized cost and any previous gain or loss on that asset that has been recognized in equity is amortized to profit or loss over the remaining life of the securities below its cost is considered an indicator thatinvestment using the securities are impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss, measured as theeffective interest rate. Any difference between the acquisitionnew amortized cost and the current fair value less any impairment loss on that financialmaturity amount is also amortized over the remaining life of the asset previously recognizedusing the effective interest rate. If the asset is subsequently determined to be impaired, then the amount recorded in the profit or loss,equity is removed from equity and recognized in the profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in the profit or loss on equity instruments are not reversed through thereclassified to profit or loss.

 

Current and deferredIncome tax

 

TheIncome tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax isIncome tax relating to items recognized in theoutside profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to itemsis recognized outside profit or loss, either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

 

The current incomeCurrent tax charge is calculatedassets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on the basis of the tax lawsrates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted atby the end of eachthe reporting period, taking into consideration interpretations and practices prevailing in the jurisdictions where the Company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situationscountries in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.Group operates.

 

Deferred income tax is recognized,provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences arisingat the end of the reporting period between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidatedfor financial statements. However, deferredreporting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arisefor all taxable temporary differences, except:

               when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill and deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition ofor an asset or liability in a transaction other thanthat is not a business combination thatand, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of each reporting dateloss; and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

 

               in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, when the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carryforward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:

               when the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary differences arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

               in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

 

Deferred incomeThe carrying amount of deferred tax assets is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associatesreviewed at the end of each reporting period and joint ventures, except wherereduced to the timingextent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the reversaldeferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the temporary difference is controlled by us and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.deferred tax asset to be recovered.

 

Going concern

As set out in Note 2(a)(i) to the consolidated financial statements, our ability to continue operations depends on obtaining the necessary financing and continued operations to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our liabilities as they fall due and the capital expenditure requirements for the upcoming twelve months. In the event we are unable to obtain adequate funding, there is uncertainty as to whether we will be able to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the carrying values and classifications ofDeferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that would be necessary should we be unableare expected to continue as a going concern.apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

 

Estimates and judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. We make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

34

Revenue recognition

 

We recognize traffic revenues in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(e)2.4 to the consolidated financial statements. Unused tickets are recognized in traffic revenues based on current estimates. Management periodically evaluates the balance in the SIAC and records any adjustments, which can be material, in the period the evaluation is completed.

 

These adjustments result from differences between the estimates of certain revenue transactions and the timing of recognizing revenue for any unused air tickets and the related sales price, and are impacted by various factors, including a complex pricing structure and interline agreements throughout the industry, which affect the timing of revenue recognition.

Frequent flyer program

 

We operate frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passenger'spassengers' revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired. The deferment of revenue is estimated based on historical trends of redemptions, which is then used to project the expected utilization of these benefits and estimated fair values of the unredeemed miles. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated provision for frequent flyer programs and the results of operations.

50

 

Provision for costs of return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases

 

Provision for the estimated costs of return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases is made based on the estimated costs for such return condition checks and taking into account anticipated flying hours, flying cycle and time frame between each overhaul. These judgments or estimates are based on historical experience on returning similar airframe models, actual costs incurred and aircraft status. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated provision for costs of return condition checks.

Retirement benefits

 

We operatesoperate and maintainsmaintain a defined retirement benefit plan, which provides eligible retirees with benefits including retirement subsidies, transportation subsidies, social activity subsidiesallowance as well as other welfare. The cost of providing the aforementioned benefits in the defined retirement benefit plan is actuarially determined and recognized over the employee’s service period by utilizing various actuarial assumptions and using the projected unit credit method in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2 to the financial statements. These assumptions include, without limitation, the selection of discount rate, annual rate of increase of per capita benefit payment and employee’s turnover rate.etc. The discount rate is based on management’s review of government bonds. The annual rate of increase of benefit payments is based on the general local economic conditions. The employees’ turnover rate is based on our historical trends.

Additional information regarding the retirement benefit plansplan is disclosed in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

Deferred income tax

 

In assessing the amount of deferred tax assets that need to be recognized in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(j)2 to the consolidated financial statements, we considersconsider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In the event that our estimates of projected future taxable income and benefits from available tax strategies are changed, or changes in current tax regulations are enacted that would impact the timing or extent of the our ability to utilize the tax benefits of net operatingdeductible tax loss carry forwards in the future, adjustments to the recorded amount of net deferred tax assets and taxation expense would be made.

Provision for flight equipment spare parts

 

Provision for flight equipment spare parts is made based on the difference between the carrying amount and the net realizable value. The net realizable value is estimated based on current market condition, historical experience and our future operation plan for the aircraft and related spare parts. The net realizable value may be adjusted significantly due to the change ofchanging market conditionconditions and the future plan for the aircraft and related spare parts.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

Depreciation of components related to airframe and engine overhaul costs are based on our historical experience with similar airframe and engine models and taking into account anticipated overhauls costs, timeframe between each overhaul, ratio of actual flying hours and estimated flying hours between overhauls. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated depreciation charge and the results of operations.

 

Except for components related to airframe and engine overhaul costs, other property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, after taking into account the estimated residual value. The useful lives are based on our historical experience with similar assets and taking into account anticipated technological changes. We review the estimated useful lives of assets regularly in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates.

Estimated impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

We test whether property, plant and equipment and intangible assets have been impaired in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(m) and Note 2(k)2 to the consolidated financial statements. The recoverable amount of cash generating unit has been determined based on fair value less cost to sell and value-in-use calculations. Value-in-use calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management and certain key assumptions, such as passenger-kilometers yield level, load factor, aircraft utilization rate and discount rates, etc.

 

Impairment of goodwill

We determine whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill is allocated. Estimating the value in use requires us to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating unit and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

Operating Segments

 

The Company presentsIn accordance with IFRS 8, segment informationdisclosure has been presented in a manner that is similarconsistent with the information used by our CODM. Our CODM monitors the results, assets and liabilities attributable to each reportable segment based on financial results prepared under the management's internal reporting.PRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises (the “PRC Accounting Standards”), which differ from IFRSs in certain aspects. The Company is principally engagedamount of each material reconciling items from our reportable segment revenue and profit or loss, arising from different accounting policies are set out in the operation of civil aviation, including the provision of passenger, cargo and other extended transportation services and are managed as a single business unit. The Company has one reportable operating segment, reported as "airline transportation operations." See Note 77(c) to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

A.Operating Results

 

The following tables set forth our summary consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and financial position data as of and for the years indicated:

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  (in millions, except per share data) 
Summary Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Data                    
Revenues  73,804   82,403   85,253   88,245   90,185 
Other operating income  658   1,062   1,833   2,725   3,685 
Operating expenses  (68,664)  (79,201)  (82,734)  (89,394)  (87,812)
Operating profit  5,798   4,264   4,352   1,576   6,058 
Finance income / (costs), net  (347)  561   (1,348)  576   (2,072)
Profit before income tax  5,519   4,932   3,137   2,217   4,113 
Profit for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company  5,056   4,661   3,072   2,373   3,410 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share (1)  0.45   0.41   0.27   0.20   0.27 
35

 

  As of December 31, 
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  (in millions) 
Summary Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data                    
Cash and cash equivalents  3,078   3,861   2,512   1,995   1,355 
Net current liabilities  (27,184)  (29,679)  (35,948)  (40,472)  (42,887)
Non-current assets  91,293   101,092   111,214   127,458   147,586 
Long term borrowings, including current portion  (27,373)  (30,321)  (32,856)  (36,175)  (41,210)
Obligations under finance leases, including current portion  (19,208)  (20,261)  (21,858)  (23,135)  (38,695)
Total share capital and reserves attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company  12,094   17,132   20,207   26,902   29,974 
Non-current liabilities  (49,973)  (52,687)  (53,530)  (58,404)  (72,928)
Total assets less current liabilities  64,108   71,413   75,266   86,986   104,699 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  (in mil lions, except per share data) 
Summary Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Data                    
Revenues  85,253   88,245   90,185   93,969   98,904 
Gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments  25   18   11   6   2 
Other operating income and gains  1,833   2,725   3,685   5,269   5,469 
Operating expenses  (82,759)  (89,412)  (87,823)  (86,619)  (91,889)
Operating profit  4,352   1,576   6,058   12,625   12,486 
Finance income / (costs), net  (1,349)  576   (2,072)  (7,110)  (6,176)
Profit before income tax  3,137   2,217   4,113   5,667   6,497 
Profit for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Company  3,072   2,373   3,410   4,537   4,498 
Basic and fully diluted earnings per share(1)  0.27   0.20   0.27   0.35   0.33 

  As of December 31, 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016 
  RMB  RMB  

RMB

   RMB  RMB 
  (in millions) 

Summary Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Data

                    
Cash and cash equivalents  2,512   1,995   1,355   9,080   1,695 
Net current liabilities  (35,948)  (40,472)  (42,887)  (51,309)  (52,194)
Non-current assets  111,214   127,458   147,586   174,914   196,436 
Long term borrowings, including current portion  (32,856)  (36,175)  (41,210)  (43,675)  (29,749)
Obligations under finance leases, including current portion  (21,858)  (23,135)  (38,695)  (52,399)  (61,041)
Total share capital and reserves attributable to the equity holders of the Company  20,207   26,902   29,974   37,411   49,450 
Non-current liabilities  (53,530)  (58,404)  (72,928)  (83,674)  (91,876)
Total assets less current liabilities  75,266   86,986   104,699   123,605   144,242 

 

(1)The calculation of earnings per share for 20102012 is based on the consolidatednet profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 11,149,426,000 ordinary shares outstanding. The calculation of earnings per share for 2011 and 2012 are based on consolidated profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 11,276,538,860 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2013 is based on consolidatedthe net profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,091,881,000 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2014 is based on consolidatedthe net profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,674,269,000 ordinary shares outstanding.in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2015 is based on the net profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 12,818,509,000 ordinary shares in issue. The calculation of earnings per share for 2016 is based on the net profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of 13,811,136,000 ordinary shares in issue.

 

20142016 Compared to 20132015

 

Revenues

 

Our revenues increased by 2.2%5.3%, from RMB88,245RMB93,969 million in 20132015 to RMB90,185RMB98,904 million in 2014.2016. Revenues increased in our passenger business operations, primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights, which was partially offset by decreased revenue in our cargo and mail business operations, primarily due to a general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo demand and, consequently, our cargo volumes.

 

In 2014,2016, we transported a total of 83.8101.74 million passengers, representing an increase of 6.0%8.5%, from 79.193.8 million passengers in 2013.2015. Our total passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 6.1%14.5%, from 120,461146,342 million passenger-kilometers in 20132015 to 127,750167,529 million passenger-kilometers in 20142016 and our total cargo and mail traffic (as measured in RFTKs) decreasedincreased by 1.1%0.2%, from 4,8574,865 million freight tonne-kilometers in 20132015 to 4,8024,875 million freight tonne-kilometerstonne- kilometers in 2014.2016. Our average yield for our passenger operations maintained stable at RMB0.61decreased by 7.2% from RMB0.56 per passenger-kilometer in 2013 and 2014.2015 to RMB0.52 in 2016.

 

Our average yield for our cargo and mail operations decreased by 1.3%6.3%, from RMB1.57RMB1.33 per tonne-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB1.55RMB1.25 per tonne-kilometer in 2014,2016, primarily due to the general slowdown of the global economyslumping cargo market and increasing competition from logistic companies that affected cargo demand and consequently, our cargo volumes.shipping fees.

 

The following chart sets forth our revenue breakdown for 20132015 and 2014:2016:

      2014 vs. 2013  2016 vs. 2015
 Year Ended December 31, Increase % Increase  Year Ended December 31 Increase % Increase 
 2013 2014 (Decrease) (Decrease)  2015 2016 (Decrease) (Decrease) 
 (in millions of RMB)  (in millions of RMB) 
Traffic revenues  80,531   82,589   2,058   2.6   85,076   89,554   4,478   5.3 
Passenger revenue  72,928   75,261   2,333   3.2   78,585   83,577   4,992   6.4 
Cargo and mail revenue  7,603   7,328   (275)  (3.6)  6,491   5,977   (514)  (7.9)
Others(1)  7,714   7,596   (118)  (1.5)  8,893   9,350   457   5.1 
Total Operating Revenue  88,245   90,185   1,940   2.2   93,969   98,904   4,935   5.3 

 

(1)Includes tour operations income, ground service income, cargo handling income, commission income and others.

 

Passenger revenues

 

Our passenger traffic revenues increased by RMB2,333RMB4,992 million, or 3.2%6.4%, from RMB72,928RMB78,585 million in 20132015 to RMB75,261RMB83,577 million in 2014.2016. This increase was primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights.flights, as well as actively seizing the opportunities brought by the international low oil prices and robust demand for outbound tourism.

 

Our domestic passenger traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues), which accounted for 68.6%64.8% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2014,2016, increased by 2.2%5.1%, from RMB50,556RMB51,523 million in 20132015 to RMB51,64754,137 million in 2014,2016, primarily due to increased flight capacity on domestic routes and steady demand from the continued growth of the PRC economy.passenger demand. Compared to 2013,2015, our domestic passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 6.5%8.2%, from 82,81298,304 million in 20132015 to 88,191106,361 million in 2014.2016. The number of passengers carried on domestic routes increased by 5.8%7.4%, from 67.178.4 million in 20132015 to 71.084.2 million in 2014.2016. Our passenger-kilometers yield for domestic routes maintained stable at RMB0.61decreased by 2.6% from RMB0.55 per passenger-kilometer in 2013 and 2014.2015 to 0.53 in 2016.

36

 

Our regional passenger traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues) which accounted for 4.4%3.7% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2014,2016, decreased by 3.3%1.6%, from RMB3,427RMB3,129 million in 20132015 to RMB3,313RMB3,078 million in 2014,2016, primarily due to the decrease in our passenger-kilometers yield for regional routes. The number of passengers carried on Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan routes increased by 6.7%4.0%, from 3.03.1 million in 20132015 to 3.23.22 million in 2014.2016. Our passenger-kilometers yield for regional routes decreased from RMB0.85RMB0.73 per passenger-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB0.790.71 per passenger-kilometer in 2014.2016.

 

International passenger traffic revenues, which accounted for 27.0%31.5% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2014,2016, increased by 7.2%10.2%, from RMB18,945RMB23,933 million in 20132015 to RMB20,301RMB26,362 million in 2014.2016. The increase was primarily due to increased international passenger demand, increased aircraft utilization rates and increase in our scheduled flights on international routes. Our international passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 4.7%29.6% in 2014,2016, from 33,600RMB43,848 million in 20132015 to 35,191RMB56,821 million in 2014.2016. The number of passengers carried on international routes increased by 7.3%16.8%, from 9.012.3 million in 20132015 to 9.614.3 million in 2014.2016. Our passenger-kilometers yield for international routes remained relatively stabledecreased from RMB0.56 per passenger-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB0.59RMB0.47 per passenger-kilometer in 2014.2016.

 

Cargo and mail revenues

 

Our cargo and mail traffic revenues decreased by 3.6%7.9%, from RMB7,603RMB6,491 million in 20132015 to RMB7,328RMB5,977 million in 2014,2016, which accounted for 8.1%6.7% of our total operatingtraffic revenues in 2014.2016. Cargo and mail yield decreased by 6.3% from RMB1.57RMB1.33 in 20132015 to RMB1.55RMB1.25 in 20142016 per cargo tonne-kilometer, or 1.3%, as comparedprimarily due to the same periodincreased competition from other cargo carriers, which resulted in 2013, primarily as a result of the general slowdown and volatility of the global economy that affected cargo volumes.decreased shipping fees.

 

Our domestic cargo and mail traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau cargo and mail revenues), which accounted for 15.6%17.2% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2014,2016, decreased from RMB1,250RMB1,036 million in 20132015 to RMB1,142RMB1,026 million in 2014.2016. This decrease was primarily due to the increased competition from other cargo carriersprivate owned logistic companies, which resulted in decreased shipping fees and cargo and mail volume.cargo. Our freight tonne-kilometers yield for domestic routes decreased from RMB1.30RMB1.09 per tonne-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB1.27RMB1.07 per tonne-kilometer in 2014.2016.

 

Our regional cargo and mail traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan cargo and mail traffic revenues), which accounted for 6.0%6.3% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2014,2016, slightly decreased by 3.3%1.6%, from RMB458RMB380 million in 20132015 to RMB443RMB374 million in 2014.2016. Our freight tonne-kilometerstonne- kilometers yield for regional routes decreased from RMB3.71RMB3.01 per tonne-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB3.47RMB2.98 per tonne-kilometer in 2014.2016.

 

International cargo and mail traffic revenues, which accounted for 78.4%76.5% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2014,2016, decreased by 2.6%9.8%, from RMB5,896RMB5,075 million in 20132015 to RMB5,743RMB4,576 million in 2014,2016, due to increased competition from foreign cargo carriers which resulted in decreased demand in the international cargo and mail freight market as a result of the general slowdown of the international freight market.shipping fees. Our prices for cargo and mail transportation on international routes also decreased as our freight tonne-kilometerstonne- kilometers yield for international routes decreased from RMB1.56RMB1.34 per tonne-kilometer in 20132015 to RMB1.55RMB1.24 per tonne-kilometer in 2014.2016.

 

Other revenues

We also generated revenues from other services, including tour operations, airport ground services, cargo handling services and ticket handling services. These services include loading and unloading of cargo, aircraft cleaning and ground transportation of cargo and passenger luggage for aircraft arriving at or departing from Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport of Shanghai. We are currently the principal provider of airport ground services at both Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. Our total other revenues decreased by 1.5%, from RMB7,714 million in 2013 to RMB7,596 million in 2014.

Operating Expenses

The following chart sets forth a breakdown of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014:

     2014 vs. 2013 
  Year Ended December 31,  Increase  % Increase 
  2013  2014  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (in millions of RMB) 
Operating Expenses:                
Aircraft fuel expenses  30,681   30,238   (443)  (1.4)
Gain on fair value movements of derivatives financial instruments  (18)  (11)  7   38.8 
Takeoff and landing charges  9,190   9,440   250   2.7 
Depreciation and amortization  8,226   9,183   957   11.6 
Wages, salaries and benefits  13,454   11,270   (2,184)  (16.2)
Aircraft maintenance  4,690   4,453   (237)  (5.0)
Impairment (charge)/reversal  186   12   (174)  (93.5)
Food and beverages  2,268   2,364   96   4.2 
Aircraft operating lease rentals  4,605   4,502   (103)  (2.2)
Other operating lease rentals  679   637   (42)  (6.2)
Selling and marketing expenses  4,139   4,120   (19)  0.5 
Civil aviation development fund  1,566   1,656   90   5.7 
Ground services and other expenses  5,105   4,998   (107)  (2.1)
Indirect operating expenses  4,623   4,950   327   7.1 
Total Operating Expense  89,394   87,812   (1,582)  (1.8)

Our total operating expenses decreased by 1.8%, from RMB89,394 million in 2013 to RMB87,812 million in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in aircraft fuel costs, wages, salaries and benefits. Our total operating expenses as a percentage of our revenues increased from 101.3% in 2013 to 97.4% in 2014.

Aircraft fuel expenses decreased by 1.4%, from RMB30,681 million in 2013 to RMB30,238 million in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease inthe average price of fuel in response to general market trends. In 2014, we consumed a total of approximately 4.8 million tonnes of aviation fuel, representing an increase of 4.3% compared to 2013. In 2014, the average price of fuel decreased by 4.7% compared to that of 2013. Aircraft fuel expenses accounted for 34.4% of our total operating expenses in 2014, as compared to 34.3% in 2013.

Changes in fair value of financial derivatives decreased from a gain of RMB18 million in 2013 to a gain of RMB11 million in 2014. The difference was mainly due to the decrease in gains arising from fair value movement of interest rate swaps contracts, which was resulted from a decrease in the notional amount of unsettled interest rate swaps contracts.

Take-off and landing charges, which accounted for 10.8% of our total operating expenses in 2014, increased by 2.7%, from RMB9,190 million in 2013 to RMB9,440 million in 2014, primarily due to an increase in the number of take-off and landings.

Depreciation and amortization increased by 11.6%, from RMB8,226 in 2013 to RMB9,183 million in 2014, primarily due to the addition of new aircraft and engines by the Group in 2014, resulting in a greater base number for depreciation and amortization.

Wages, salaries and benefits, which accounted for 12.8% of our total operating expenses in 2014, decreased by 16.2%, from RMB13,454 million in 2013 to RMB11,270 million in 2014, primarily due to the changes in our retirement benefits. Additional information regarding the changes in our retirement benefits is disclosed in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

Aircraft maintenance expenses, which accounted for 5.1% of our total operating expenses in 2014, decreased by 5.0%, from RMB4,690 million in 2013 to RMB4,453 million in 2014, primarily due to the enhancement in our aircraft maintenance abilities and a decrease in the number of aircraft that underwent material repairs.

Food and beverage expenses increased by 4.2% from RMB2,268 million in 2013 to RMB2,364 million in 2014, primarily due to an increase in the number of passengers and scheduled flights.

Aircraft operating lease rentals decreased by 2.2%, from RMB4,605 million in 2013 to RMB4,502 million in 2014, primarily due to a decrease in the number of aircraft that we operate under operating leases.

Other operating lease rentals decreased by 6.2%, from RMB679 million in 2013 to RMB637 million in 2014, primarily due toa decrease in leasehold properties.

Selling and marketing expenses, which accounted for 4.7% of our total operating expenses in 2014, decreased by 0.5%, from RMB4,139 million in 2013 to RMB4,120 million in 2014, primarily due to decreased handling fees charged by ticketing agents.

The amount of civil aviation infrastructure levies payable to the CAAC increased by 5.7%, from RMB1,566 million in 2013 to RMB1,656 million in 2014, primarily due to an increase in our miles flown in 2014.

Ground services and other expenses decreased by 2.1%, from RMB5,105 million in 2013 to RMB4,998 million in 2014, primarily due to a decrease in corresponding expenses following a decrease in income generated from tour operations and ground services.

Indirect operating expenses increased by 7.0%, from RMB4,623 million in 2013 to RMB4,950 million in 2014, primarily attributable to an increase in expenses following the expansion of our fleet.

Other Operating Income

Our other operating income and other gains were primarily generated from co-operation routes income. The total amount of our other operating income and other gains increased by 35.2% from RMB2,725 million in 2013 to RMB3,685 million in 2014, primarily due to an increase in income from co-operation routes 2014. Other co-operation income represented income from co-operation routes granted to us by the PRC government and local governments as well as other subsidies granted by various local municipalities and other parties to encourage us to operate certain routes to cities where these municipalities are located.

Net Finance Costs

In 2014, our finance income was RMB88 million, representing a decrease from RMB2,125 million in 2013, primarily due to net exchange losses in 2014 as compared to net exchange gains in 2013. Finance costs amounted to RMB2,160 million, representing an increase of 39.4%, primarily due to an increase in interest expenses arising from borrowings and finance leases.

Profit Attributable to the Equity Shareholders of the Company

As a result of the foregoing, the net profit attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company increased to RMB3,410 million in 2014, or 43.7%, as compared to a net profit of RMB2,373 million in 2013. The increase is mainly due to continuous improvement of our operating abilities and the decrease of jet fuel prices, as well as adjustments to the retirement benefit policies of our employees

Fixed Assets

Our Company had approximately RMB109,439 million of fixed assets and construction in progress as of December 31, 2014, including, among other assets, aircraft, engines and flight equipment, representing a 18.0% increase from RMB92,783 million in 2013.

2013 Compared to 2012

Revenues

Our revenues increased by 3.5%, from RMB85,253 million in 2012 to RMB88,245 million in 2013. Revenues increased in our passenger business operation, primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights, while revenue decreased in our cargo and mail business operation, primarily due to a general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo demand and, consequently, our cargo volumes.

In 2013, we transported a total of 79,094 thousand passengers, representing an increase of 8.2%, from 73,077 thousand passengers in 2012. Our total passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 10.4%, from 109,113 million passenger-kilometers in 2012 to 120,461 million passenger-kilometers in 2013 and our total cargo and mail traffic (as measured in RFTKs) increased by 3.3%, from 4,701 million freight tonne-kilometers in 2012 to 4,857 million freight tonne-kilometers in 2013. Our average yield for our passenger operations decreased by 7.5%, from RMB0.65 per passenger-kilometer in 2012 to RMB0.61 per passenger-kilometer in 2013.

Our average yield for our cargo and mail operations decreased by 8.3%, from RMB1.71 per tonne-kilometer in 2012 to RMB1.57 per tonne-kilometer in 2013, primarily due to the general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo demand and, consequently, our cargo volumes.

The following chart sets forth our revenue breakdown for 2012 and 2013:

        2013 vs. 2012 
  Year Ended December 31,  Increase  % Increase 
  2012  2013  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (in millions of RMB) 
Traffic revenues  79,444   80,531   1,087   1.4 
Passenger revenue  71,419   72,928   1,509   2.1 
Cargo and mail revenue  8,025   7,603   (422)  (5.3)
Others(1)  5,809   7,714   1,905   32.8 
Total Operating Revenue  85,253   88,245   2,992   3.5 

(1)Includes tour operations income, ground service income, cargo handling income, commission income and others.

Passenger revenues

Our passenger traffic revenues increased by RMB1,509 million, or 2.1%, from RMB71,419 million in 2012 to RMB72,928 million in 2013. This increase was primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights.

Our domestic passenger traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues), which accounted for 69.3% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2013, increased by 0.8%, from RMB50,141 million in 2012 to RMB50,556 million in 2013, primarily due to increased flight capacity on domestic routes and steady demand from the continued growth of the PRC economy. Compared to 2012, our domestic passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 8.7%, from 76,156 million in 2012 to 82,812 million in 2013. The number of passengers carried on domestic routes increased by 7.7%, from 62.4 million in 2012 to 67.1 million in 2013. Our passenger-kilometers yield for domestic routes decreased from RMB0.66 per passenger-kilometer in 2012 to RMB0.61 per passenger-kilometer in 2013.

Our regional passenger traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues) which accounted for 4.7% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2013, increased by 6.4%, from RMB3,221 million in 2012 to RMB3,427 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased ticket prices, which led to an increase of 5.1%, from 3,852 million in 2012 to 4,049 million in 2013, in our regional passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs). The number of passengers carried on Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan routes increased by 5.2%, from 2.8 million in 2012 to 3.0 million in 2013. Our passenger-kilometers yield for regional routes increased from RMB0.84 per passenger-kilometer in 2012 to RMB0.85 per passenger-kilometer in 2013.

International passenger traffic revenues, which accounted for 26.0% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2013, increased by 4.9%, from RMB18,057 million in 2012 to RMB18,945 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased international passenger demand, increased aircraft utilization rates and increase in our scheduled flights on international routes. Our international passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 15.4% in 2013, from 29,105 million in 2012 to 33,600 million in 2013. The number of passengers carried on international routes increased by 13.8%, from 7.9 million in 2012 to 9.0 million in 2013. Our passenger-kilometers yield for international routes decreased from RMB0.62 per passenger-kilometer in 2012 to RMB0.56 per passenger-kilometer in 2013.

Cargo and mail revenues

Our cargo and mail traffic revenues decreased by 5.3%, from RMB8,025 million in 2012 to RMB7,603 million in 2013, which accounted for 8.6% of our total operating revenues in 2013. Revenue from cargo and mail traffic via belly-hold cargo space on the Company's passenger aircraft was RMB2,414 million, which accounted for 31.7% of total freight revenue and 3.0% of total traffic revenue in 2013. Cargo and mail yield decreased from RMB1.71 in 2012 to RMB1.57 in 2013 per cargo tonne-kilometer, or 8.3% compared to the same period in 2012, primarily as a result of the general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo volumes.

Our domestic cargo and mail traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau cargo and mail revenues), which accounted for 16.4% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2013, decreased by 6.2%, from RMB1,332 million in 2012 to RMB1,250 million in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to the increased competition from other cargo carriers which resulted in decreased shipping fees and cargo and mail volume. Our freight tonne-kilometers yield for domestic routes was RMB1.44 per tonne-kilometer in 2012 and RMB1.30 per tonne-kilometer in 2013.

Our regional cargo and mail traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan cargo and mail traffic revenues), which accounted for 6.0% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2013, slightly decreased by 0.7%, from RMB461 million in 2012 to RMB458 million in 2013. Our freight tonne-kilometers yield for regional routes decreased from RMB3.94 per tonne-kilometer to RMB3.71 per tonne-kilometer.

International cargo and mail traffic revenues, which accounted for 77.6% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2013, decreased by 5.4%, from RMB6,233 million in 2012 to RMB5,896 million in 2013, due to decreased demand in the international cargo and mail freight market as a result of the general slowdown of the international freight market. Our prices for cargo and mail transportation on international routes also decreased as our freight tonne-kilometers yield for international routes decreased from RMB1.70 per tonne-kilometer in 2012 to RMB1.56 per tonne-kilometer in 2013.

Other revenues

 

We also generated revenues from other services, including tour operations, airport ground services, cargo handling services and ticket handling services. These services include loading and unloading of cargo, aircraft cleaning and ground transportation of cargo and passenger luggage for aircraft arriving at or departing from Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport of Shanghai. We are currently the principal provider of airport ground services at both Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. Our total other revenues increased by 32.8%5.1%, from RMB5,809RMB8,893 million in 20122015 to RMB7,7149,350 million in 2013.2016.

Operating Expenses

 

The following chart sets forth a breakdown of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 20122015 and 2013:2016:

 

     2013 vs. 2012     2016 vs. 2015 
 Year Ended December 31, Increase % Increase  Year Ended December 31, Increase % Increase 
 2012 2013 (Decrease) (Decrease)  2015 2016 (Decrease) (Decrease) 
 (in millions of RMB)  (in millions of RMB) 
Operating Expenses:                         
Aircraft fuel expenses 29,872 30,681 809 2.7   (20,312)  (19,626)  (686)  (3.4)
Gain on fair value movements of derivatives financial instruments (25) (18) 7 (28.0)
Takeoff and landing charges 9,066 9,190 124 1.4   (10,851)  (12,279)  1,428   13.2 
Depreciation and amortization 7,557 8,226 669 8.9   (10,471)  (12,154)  1,683   16.1 
Wages, salaries and benefits 12,303 13,454 1,151 9.4   (16,459)  (18,145)  1,686   10.2 
Aircraft maintenance 4,433 4,690 257 5.8   (4,304)  (4,960)  656   15.2 
Impairment (charge)/reversal (13) 186 199 - 
Impairment charges  (228)  (29)  (199)  (87.3)
Food and beverages 2,031 2,268 236 11.6   (2,469)  (2,862)  393   15.9 
Aircraft operating lease rentals 4,438 4,605 167 3.8   (4,254)  (4,779)  525   12.3 
Other operating lease rentals 609 679 70 11.5   (812)  (868)  56   6.9 
Selling and marketing expenses 3,727 4,139 412 11.0   (3,651)  (3,133)  (518)  (14.2)
Civil aviation development fund 1,414 1,566 152 10.7   (1,826)  (1,945)  119   6.5 
Ground services and other expenses 3,305 5,105 1,800 54.5   (5,479)  (5,058)  (421)  7.7 
Indirect operating expenses 4,017 4,623 606 15.1   (5,503)  (6,051)  548   10.0 
Total Operating Expense 82,734 89,394 6,660 8.1   (86,619)  (91,889)  5,270   6.1 

 

Our total operating expenses increased by 8.1%6.1%, from RMB82,734RMB86,619 million in 20122015 to RMB89,394RMB91,889 million in 20132016 primarily due to the influence of further expansion of our business which isoperational scale and the rapid growth in line with the increasepassenger traffic volume and the number of passengers carried, our fleet size.various costs such as take-off and landing costs, food and beverages, and depreciation and amortization increased from the previous year. Our total operating expenses as a percentage of our operating revenues increased from 97.0%92.2% in 20122015 to 101.3%92.9% in 2013.2016.

 

Aircraft fuel expenses increaseddecreased by 2.7%3.4%, from RMB29,872RMB20,312 million in 20122015 to RMB30,681RMB19,626 million in 2013.2016. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the decrease in our increased aviation fuel consumption resulting from our business expansion. In 2013, we consumed a total of approximately 4.6 million tonnes of aviation fuel, representing an increase of 10.1% compared to 2012. In 2013, the average price of fuel decreased by 6.69% compared to that13.62%, partially offset by an increase in ourvolume of 2012. Aircraft fuel expensesrefuelling by 11.9%.

Take-off and landing charges, which accounted for 34.3%13.4% of our total operating expenses in 2013,2016, increased by 13.2%, from RMB10,851 million in 2015 to RMB12,279 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in our number of flights and the increase in our number of take-offs and landings. In particular, the numerous international routes newly launched by us and the increase in our number of flights for the North American routes led to more frequent international takeoffs and landings of wide-body aircrafts.

Depreciation and amortization increased by 16.1%, from RMB10,471 million in 2015 to RMB12,154 million in 2016, primarily due to the addition of 54 aircraft (self owned and under finance leases) to our fleet in 2016. The increase in the number of aircraft and engines led to an increase in the original value of fixed assets and a corresponding increase in depreciation.

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Wages, salaries and benefits, which accounted for 19.7% of our total operating expenses in 2015, increased by 10.2%, from RMB16,459 million in 2015 to RMB 18,145 million, primarily due to the combined effect of the increase in the number of flight-crew and maintenance personnel, the increase in flight hours and the rise in the standard flight hour fees. Additional information regarding the changes in our retirement benefits is disclosed in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

Aircraft maintenance expenses, which accounted for 5.4% of our total operating expenses in 2016, increased by 15.2%, from RMB4,304 million in 2015 to RMB4,960 million in 2016, primarily due the net addition of 7 wide-body aircraft and 39 narrow-body aircraft, which led to an increase in maintenance fees for aircraft and engines. Meanwhile, we fitted our A330 aircraft with in-flight Wi-Fi and retrofitted equipment such as required navigation performance (RNP) systems in 2016, resulting in an increase in maintenance fees.

Food and beverage expenses increased by 15.9% from RMB2,469 million in 2015 to RMB2,862 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in the number of passengers in carriage, especially the combined effect of the increase in the number of travelers on international long-haul flights and the higher standards required for the provision of international catering.

Aircraft operating lease rentals increased by 12.3%, from RMB4,254 million in 2015 to RMB4,779 million in 2016, primarily due to the introduction of 18 new aircraft under operating leases by us and the retirement of 15 aircraft under operating leases in 2016. Owing to factors such as the market environment and the commodity price level, the introduction of the new aircraft resulted in a significant increase in rentals compared to 36.1%the retired aircraft.

Other operating lease rentals increased by 6.9%, from RMB812 million in 2012.2015 to RMB868 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in leasehold properties (including properties such as counters and VIP lounges).

Selling and marketing expenses, which accounted for 3.4% of our total operating expenses in 2015, decreased by 14.2%, from RMB3,651 million in 2015 to RMB3,133 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in the proportion of direct sales for the year and changes in the policy on agency causing a decrease in the handling fees of the agency businesses.

The amount of civil aviation infrastructure levies payable to the CAAC increased by 6.5%, from RMB1,826 million in 2015 to RMB1,945 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in the length of miles flown in 2015.

Ground services and other expenses decreased by 7.7%, from RMB5,479 million in 2015 to RMB5,058 million in 2016, primarily due to the decrease in the costs of subsidiaries.

Indirect operating expenses increased by 10.0%, from RMB5,503 million in 2015 to RMB6,051 million in 2016, primarily attributable to the significant increase in the costs associated with the expansion in the size of our fleet.

Fair Value Changes of Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Changes in fair value of derivative financial derivativesinstruments decreased from a gain of RMB25RMB6 million in 20122015 to a gain of RMB18RMB2 million in 2013.2016. The difference was mainly due to the decrease in gains arising from fair value movement of interest rate swaps contracts, which was resulted from a decrease in the notional amount of unsettled interest rate swaps contracts.

Take-off and landing charges, which accounted for 10.3% of our total operating expenses in 2013, increased by 1.4%, from RMB9,066 million in 2012 to RMB9,190 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the number of take-off and landings, as well as an increase in average unit price of take-off and landing charges.

Depreciation and amortization increased by 8.9%, from RMB7,557 in 2012 to RMB8,226 million in 2013, primarily due to the addition of new aircraft and engines by the Group in 2013, resulting in a greater base number for depreciation and amortization.

Wages, salaries and benefits, which accounted for 14.9% of our total operating expenses in 2013, increased by 9.4%, from RMB12,303million in 2012 to RMB13,454 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the number of staff and the increase in hours flown.

Aircraft maintenance expenses, which accounted for 5.2% of our total operating expenses in 2013, increased by 5.8%, from RMB4,433 million in 2012 to RMB4,690 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the number of aircraft under repair in 2013.

Food and beverage expenses increased by 11.6% from RMB2,031 million in 2012 to RMB2,268 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the number of passengers.

Aircraft operating lease rentals increased by 3.8%, from RMB4,438 million in 2012 to RMB4,605 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the number of aircraft that we operate under operating leases.

Other operating lease rentals increased by 11.5%, from RMB609 million in 2012 to RMB 679 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in the leases for warehouses and VIP lounges at airports.

Selling and marketing expenses, which accounted for 4.6% of our total operating expenses in 2013, increased by 11.0%, from RMB3,727 million in 2012 to RMB4,139 million in 2013.

The amount of civil aviation infrastructure levies payable to the CAAC increased by 10.7%, from RMB1,414 million in 2012 to RMB1,566 million in 2013, primarily due to an increase in our miles flown in 2013.

Ground services and other expenses increased by 54.5%, from RMB3,305 million in 2012 to RMB5,105 million in 2013, primarily due to the increase in other charges arising from the acquisition of Eastern Travel by Shanghai Airlines Tours, our wholly-owned subsidiary, in 2013.

Indirect operating expenses increased by 20.1%, from RMB4,017 million in 2012 to RMB 4,623 million in 2013, primarily attributable to an increase in expenses following the expansion of our fleet.

 

Other Operating Income and Gains

 

Our other operating income mainly consists of income from cooperative routes, the rest being income from disposal of fixed assets and other gains were primarily generatedincome from subsidy income.government grants. The total amount of our other operating income and other gains increased by 48.7%3.8% from RMB1,833RMB5,269 million in 20122015 to RMB2,725RMB5,469 million in 2013,2016, primarily due to an increase in operationalincome from co-operation routes, subsidy received in 2013.income from government grants and gains from disposal of fixed assets. Other subsidyco-operation income represented subsidiesincome from co-operation routes granted to us by the PRC government and local governments as well as other subsidies granted by various local municipalities and other parties to encourage our Companyus to operate certain routes to cities where these municipalities are located.

Net Finance Costs

 

In 2013,2016, our finance income was RMB2,125RMB96 million, representing an increase of 509.42% from RMB349RMB66 million in 2012,2015, primarily due to an increase in the substantial appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar in 2013.interest rates for our deposits which increased our interest income. Finance costs amounted to RMB1,549RMB6,272 million, representing a decrease of 8.8%12.6%, primarily due to the decrease in net exchange losses recognized during the year. In 2016, our exchange losses amounted to RMB3,543 million, representing a decrease in interest expenses arising from borrowings and finance leases.of 29.0%.

Profit Attributable to the Equity ShareholdersHolders of the Company

 

As a result of the foregoing, the net profit attributable to the equity shareholdersholders of the Company slightly decreased to RMB2,373RMB4,498 million in 2013,2016, or 22.8%0.9%, as compared to a net profit of RMB3,072RMB4,537 million in 2012.2015. The decrease is mainly due to factors such as a decrease in demand of domestic business customers, the competition from high-speed railway network, routes to Japan being affected by China-Japan relations, the decrease in our yield at Yunnan market resulting from the release of time slots at the new Kunming Airport and the occurrence of avian flu (H7N9) which had short-term impact on the Eastern China market, as well as the rigid increase in costs and expenses.income tax expense.

Fixed AssetsProperty, Plant and Equipment

 

Our CompanyWe had approximately RMB92,783RMB153,180 million of fixed assetsproperty, plant and construction in progressequipment as of December 31, 2013,2016, including, among other assets, aircraft, engines and flight equipment, representing a 12.4%15.0% increase from RMB82,519RMB133,242 million in 2012.2015. The increase is mainly due to an increase in the number of aircrafts.

2015 Compared to 2014

Revenues

Our revenues increased by 4.2%, from RMB90,185 million in 2014 to RMB93,969 million in 2015. Revenues increased in our passenger business operations, primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights, which was partially offset by decreased revenue in our cargo and mail business operations, primarily due to a general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo demand and, consequently, our cargo volumes.

In 2015, we transported 93.8 million passengers, representing an increase of 11.9%, from 83.8 million passengers in 2014. Our total passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 14.6%, from 127,750 million passenger-kilometers in 2014 to 146,342 million passenger-kilometers in 2015 and our total cargo and mail traffic (as measured in RFTKs) increased by 1.31%, from 4,802 million freight tonne-kilometers in 2014 to 4,865 million freight tonne- kilometers in 2015. Our average yield for passenger operations decreased by 8.2% from RMB0.61 per passenger-kilometer in 2014 to 0.56 in 2015.

Our average yield for our cargo and mail operations decreased by 14.2%, from RMB1.55 per tonne-kilometer in 2014 to RMB1.33 per tonne-kilometer in 2015, primarily due to the general slowdown of the global economy that affected cargo demand and, consequently, our cargo volumes.

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The following chart sets forth our revenue breakdown for 2014 and 2015:

              2015 vs. 2014
  Year Ended December 31  Increase  % Increase 
  2014  2015  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (in millions of RMB) 
Traffic revenues  82,589   85,076   2,487   3.0 
Passenger revenue  75,261   78,585   3,324   4.4 
Cargo and mail revenue  7,328   6,491   (837)  (11.4)
Others(1)  7,596   8,893   1,297   17.1 
Total Operating Revenue  90,185   93,969   3,784   4.2 

(1)Includes tour operations income, ground service income, cargo handling income, commission income and others.

Passenger revenues

Our passenger traffic revenues increased by RMB3,324 million, or 4.4%, from RMB75,261 million in 2014 to RMB78,585 million in 2015. This increase was primarily due to increased passenger demand, aircraft utilization rates and increase in scheduled flights, as well as actively seizing the opportunities brought by the international low oil prices and robust demand for outbound tourism.

Our domestic passenger traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues), which accounted for 65.6% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2015, decreased by 0.2%, from RMB51,647 million in 2014 to 51,523 million in 2015. which remained relatively stable. Compared to 2014, our domestic passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 11.5%, from 88,191 million in 2014 to 98,304 million in 2015. The number of passengers carried on domestic routes increased by 10.4%, from 71.0 million in 2014 to 78.4 million in 2015. Our passenger-kilometers yield for domestic routes decreased by 9.8% from RMB0.61 per passenger-kilometer in 2014 to 0.55 in 2015.

Our regional passenger traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passenger revenues) which accounted for 4.0% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2015, decreased by 5.6%, from RMB3,313 million in 2014 to RMB3,129 million in 2015, primarily due to the decrease in our passenger-kilometers yield for regional routes. The number of passengers carried on Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan routes decreased by 3.1%, from 3.2 million in 2014 to 3.1 million in 2015. Our passenger-kilometers yield for regional routes decreased from RMB0.79 per passenger-kilometer in 2014 to 0.75 per passenger-kilometer in 2015.

International passenger traffic revenues, which accounted for 30.5% of our total passenger traffic revenues in 2015, increased by 17.9%, from RMB20,301 million in 2014 to RMB23,933 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased international passenger demand, increased aircraft utilization rates and increase in our scheduled flights on international routes. Our international passenger traffic (as measured in RPKs) increased by 24.6% in 2018, from RMB35,191 million in 2014 to RMB43,848 million in 2015. The number of passengers carried on international routes increased by 28.1%, from 9.6 million in 2014 to 12.3 million in 2015. Our passenger-kilometers yield for international routes decreased slightly from RMB0.59 per passenger-kilometer in 2014 to RMB0.56 per passenger-kilometer in 2015.

Cargo and mail revenues

Our cargo and mail traffic revenues decreased by 11.4%, from RMB7,328 million in 2014 to RMB6,491 million in 2015, which accounted for 7.6% of our total traffic revenues in 2015. Cargo and mail yield decreased by 14.2% from RMB1.55 in 2014 to RMB1.33 in 2015 per cargo tonne-kilometer, primarily as a result of the general slowdown and volatility of the global economy that affected cargo volumes.

Our domestic cargo and mail traffic revenues (excluding Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau cargo and mail revenues), which accounted for 16.0% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2015, decreased from RMB1,142 million in 2014 to RMB1,036 million in 2015. This decrease was primarily due to the increased competition from other cargo carriers, which resulted in decreased shipping fees and cargo and mail volume. Our freight tonne-kilometers yield for domestic routes decreased from RMB1.27 per tonne-kilometer in 2014 to RMB1.09 per tonne-kilometer in 2015.

Our regional cargo and mail traffic revenues (representing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan cargo and mail traffic revenues), which accounted for 5.9% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2015, slightly decreased by 14.2%, from RMB443 million in 2014 to RMB380 million in 2015. Our freight tonne- kilometers yield for regional routes decreased from RMB3.47 per tonne-kilometer in 2014 to RMB3.01 per tonne-kilometer in 2015.

International cargo and mail traffic revenues, which accounted for 78.2% of our total cargo and mail traffic revenues in 2015, decreased by 11.6%, from RMB5,743 million in 2014 to RMB5,075 million in 2015, due to decreased demand in the international cargo and mail freight market as a result of the general slowdown of the international freight market. Our prices for cargo and mail transportation on international routes also decreased as our freight tonne- kilometers yield for international routes decreased from RMB1.55 per tonne-kilometer in 2014 to RMB1.34 per tonne-kilometer in 2015.

Other revenues

We also generated revenues from other services, including tour operations, airport ground services, cargo handling services and ticket handling services. These services include loading and unloading of cargo, aircraft cleaning and ground transportation of cargo and passenger luggage for aircraft arriving at or departing from Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport of Shanghai. We are currently the principal provider of airport ground services at both Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. Our total other revenues increased by 17.1%, from RMB7,596 million in 2014 to 8,893 million in 2015.

Operating Expenses

The following chart sets forth a breakdown of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015:

        2015 vs. 2014 
  Year Ended December 31,  Increase  % Increase 
  2014  2015  (Decrease)  (Decrease) 
  (in millions of RMB)
Operating Expenses:                
Aircraft fuel expenses  30,238   20,312   (9,926)  (32.8)
Takeoff and landing charges  9,440   10,851   1,411   15.0 
Depreciation and amortization  9,183   10,471   1,288   14.0 
Wages, salaries and benefits  11,270   16,459   5,189   46.0 
Aircraft maintenance  4,453   4,304   (149)  (3.3)
Impairment charges  12   228   216   1800 
Food and beverages  2,364   2,469   105   4.4 
Aircraft operating lease rentals  4,502   4,254   (248)  (5.5)
Other operating lease rentals  637   812   175   27.5 
Selling and marketing expenses  4,120   3,651   (469)  (11.4)
Civil aviation development fund  1,656   1,826   170   10.3 
Ground services and other expenses  4,998   5,479   481   9.6 
Indirect operating expenses  4,950   5,503   553   11.2 
Total Operating Expense  87,823   86,619   (1,204)  (1.4)

39

Our total operating expenses decreased by 1.4%, from RMB87,823 million in 2014 to RMB86,619 million in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in aircraft fuel costs, selling and marketing expenses and aircraft operating lease rentals. Our total operating expenses as a percentage of our revenues decreased from 97.4% in 2014 to 92.2% in 2015.

Aircraft fuel expenses decreased by 32.8%, from RMB30,238 million in 2014 to RMB20,312 million in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the average price of fuel in response to general market trends. In 2015, we consumed of approximately 5.3 million tonnes of aviation fuel, representing an increase of 11.7% compared to 2014. In 2015, the average price of fuel decreased by 39.9% compared to that of 2014. Aircraft fuel expenses accounted for 23.5% of our total operating expenses in 2015, as compared to 34.4% in 2014.

Take-off and landing charges, which accounted for 12.5% of our total operating expenses in 2015, increased by 15.0%, from RMB9,440 million in 2014 to RMB10,851 million in 2015, primarily due to an increase in the number of and the standard of fees charged for take-off and landings.

Depreciation and amortization increased by 14.0%, from RMB9,183 million in 2014 to RMB10,471 million in 2015, primarily due to an expansion in its fleet scale and the corresponding increase in the depreciation of assets.

Wages, salaries and benefits, which accounted for 19.0% of our total operating expenses in 2015, increased by 46.0%, from RMB11,270 million in 2014 to RMB 16,459 million, primarily due to a gain on settlement in 2014 from the amendment of employee benefit policies made in 2014. Additional information regarding the changes in our retirement benefits is disclosed in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

Aircraft maintenance expenses, which accounted for 5.0% of our total operating expenses in 2015, decreased by 3.3%, from RMB4,453 million in 2014 to RMB4,304 million in 2015, primarily due to a year-on-year decrease in external aircraft maintenance brought by the improvement in our own maintenance ability.

Food and beverage expenses increased by 4.4% from RMB2,364 million in 2014 to RMB2,469 million in 2015, primarily due to an increase in the number of passengers.

Aircraft operating lease rentals decreased by 5.5%, from RMB4,502 million in 2014 to RMB4,254 million in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in the number of aircraft that we operate under operating leases.

Other operating lease rentals increased by 27.5%, from RMB637 million in 2014 to RMB812 million in 2015, primarily due to an increase in leasehold properties.

Selling and marketing expenses, which accounted for 4.2% of our total operating expenses in 2015, decreased by 11.4%, from RMB4,120 million in 2014 to RMB3,651 million in 2015, primarily due to a year-on-year decrease in the handling fees of agency businesses brought by the increase in the proportion o direct sales.

The amount of civil aviation infrastructure levies payable to the CAAC increased by 10.3%, from RMB1,656 million in 2014 to RMB1,826 million in 2015, primarily due to an increase in our miles flown in 2015.

Ground services and other expenses increased by 9.6%, from RMB4,998 million in 2014 to RMB5,479 million in 2015, primarily due to the increased volume of ground services.

Indirect operating expenses increased by 11.2%, from RMB4,950 million in 2014 to RMB5,503 million in 2015, primarily attributable to an increase in expenses following the expansion of our fleet.

Fair Value Changes of Derivative Financial Instruments

Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments decreased from a gain of RMB11 million in 2014 to a gain of RMB6 million in 2015. The difference was mainly due to the decrease in gains arising from fair value movement of interest rate swaps contracts.

Other Operating Income and Gains

Our other operating income and gains were primarily generated from co-operation routes income. The total amount of our other operating income and gains increased by 43.0% from RMB3,685 million in 2014 to RMB5,269 million in 2015, primarily due to an increase in income from co-operation routes, income from government grants and gains from disposal of fixed assets. Other co-operation income represented income from co-operation routes granted to us by the PRC government and local governments as well as other subsidies granted by various local municipalities and other parties to encourage us to operate certain routes to cities where these municipalities are located.

Net Finance Costs

In 2015, our finance income was RMB66 million, representing a decrease from RMB88 million in 2014, primarily due to a decrease in average balances of short-term bank deposits. Finance costs amounted to RMB7,176 million, representing an increase of 232.2%, primarily due to an increase in net exchange losses recognized in 2015 as a result of an appreciation of USD against RMB.

Profit Attributable to the Equity Holders of the Company

As a result of the foregoing, the net profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company increased to RMB4,537 million in 2015, or 33.0%, as compared to a net profit of RMB3,410 million in 2014. The increase is mainly due to continuous improvement of our operating abilities and the decrease of jet fuel prices.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We had approximately RMB133,242 million of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2015, including, among other assets, aircraft, engines and flight equipment, representing a 21.8% increase from RMB109,439 million in 2014. The increase is mainly due to an increase in the number of aircrafts.

Inflation

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China's overall national inflation rate, as represented by the general consumer price index, was approximately 2.6% in 2013, 2.1% in 2014, 1.4% in 2015, and 2.0% in 2016. Although neither inflation nor deflation in the past had any material adverse impact on our results of operations, we cannot assure you that the deflation or inflation of the Chinese economy in the future would not materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

40

 

B.Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We typically finance our working capital requirements through a combination of funds generated from operations, short-term bank loans and the issuance of corporate bonds. As a result, our liquidity could be materially and adversely affected to the extent there is a significant decrease in demand for our services or if there is any delay in obtaining bank loans.loans or a significant decrease in demand for our services.

 

As of December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014,2016, we had RMB2,512 million, RMB1,995RMB1,355 million and RMB1,355RMB9,080 million and RMB1,695 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents; RMB45,736RMB59,189 million, RMB50,600RMB66,712 million and RMB59,189RMB56,732 million, respectively, in outstanding borrowings; and RMB1,726RMB38 million, RMB383RMB35 million and RMB38RMB43 million, respectively, in restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand and deposits that are placed with banks and other financial institutions. We plan to use the remaining available cash for other capital expenditures, including expenditures for aircraft, engines and related equipment, as well as for working capital and other day-to-day operating purposes.

 

In addition, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by approximately RMB42,887RMB52,194 million. As a consequence, our DirectorsTherefore, the directors of the Company ("Directors") have taken active steps to seek additional sources of financing to improve our liquidity position. As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had total unutilized credit facilities of RMB44RMB46.38 billion from various banks. See the discussion below under "– Working Capital and Liabilities".

 

We believe that our current cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term borrowings and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months. WeHowever, additional cash may however, require additional cashbe required due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions that we may decide to pursue.

 

Cash FlowsIn 2016, we generated a net cash inflow from Operating Activitiesoperating activities of RMB24,893 million as a result of cash generated from operations of RMB26,154 million less income tax we paid in 2016. Our cash generated from operations was mainly due to operating profit before working capital changes of RMB24,464 million and positive changes in working capital of RMB1,690 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB24,464 million was a result of the profit before income tax of RMB6,497 million, mainly adjusted for: (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of other non- current assets of RMB12,345 million, (ii) net foreign exchange losses of RMB3,246 and (iii) interest expenses of RMB2,641 million. Positive changes in working capital mainly consisted of (i) sales in advance of carriage of RMB1,836 million and (ii) other payables and accruals of RMB1,424 million, partly offset by (i) other long-term liabilities of RMB883 million and (ii) prepayments and other receivables of RMB839 million.

In 2015, we generated a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB24,325 million as a result of cash generated from operations of RMB25,535 million less income tax we paid in 2015. Our cash generated from operations was mainly due to operating profit before working capital changes of RMB23,620 million and positive changes in working capital of RMB1,915 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB23,620 million was a result of the profit before income tax of RMB5,667 million, mainly adjusted for: (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of other non- current assets of RMB10,710 million, (ii) net foreign exchange losses of RMB5,480, and (iii) interest expenses of RMB2,075 million. Positive changes in working capital mainly consisted of (i) trade and bills payable of RMB1,629 million, and (ii) other long-term liabilities of RMB1,164 million, partly offset by prepayments and other receivables of RMB2,011 million.

 

In 2014, we generated a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB12,296 million as a result of cash generated from operations of RMB12,767 million less income tax we paid in 2014. Our cash generated from operations was mainly due to operating profit before working capital changes of RMB14,500RMB12,665 million and negativepositive changes in working capital of RMB1,733RMB102 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB14,500RMB12,665 million was a result of the profit before income tax of RMB4,113 million, mainly adjusted for: (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of RMB9,125other non-current assets of RMB9,056 million, (ii) interest expenses of RMB1,957 million, (iii) consumption of flight equipment spare parts of RMB712 million, (iv) provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB1,122 million, which was partly offset by post-retirement benefits of RMB2,612 million. NegativePositive changes in working capital mainly consisted of (i) prepayments and other receivablessales in advance of RMB1,314 million; (ii) flight equipment and spare parts of RMB750 million, (iii) trade receivables of RMB345 million, and (iv) provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB1,455 million. These negative changes were partly offset by (i) SIACcarriage of RMB1,491 million and (ii) other payables and accrued expenses of RMB1,024 million.

In 2013, we generated a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB10,806 million, as a result of cash generated from operations of RMB11,120 million less income tax we paid in 2013. Our cash generated from operations was mainly due to operating profit before working capital changes of RMB11,488 million and negative changes in working capital of RMB367 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB11,488 million was a result of the profit before income tax of RMB2,217 million, mainly adjusted for: (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB8,174 million, (ii) interest expenses of RMB1,549 million, (iii) consumption of flight equipment spare parts of RMB787 million, (iv) provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB872 million, which was partly offset by net foreign exchange gains of RMB1,976 million. Negative changes in working capital mainly consisted of (i) prepayments and other receivables of RMB2,028 million; (ii) flight equipment and spare parts of RMB984 million, (iii) trade receivables of RMB557 million, and (iv) provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB453 million. These negative changes were partly offset by (i) other payables and accrued expenses of RMB1,539 million and (ii) restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits of RMB1,343 million.

In 2012, we generated a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB12,617 million as a result of cash generated from operations of RMB12,823 million less income tax we paid in 2012. Our cash generated from operations was mainly due to operating profit before working capital changes of RMB13,894 million and negative changes in working capital of RMB1,071 million. The operating profit before working capital changes of RMB13,770 million was a result of the profit before income tax of RMB3,136 million, mainly adjusted for: (i) depreciation of property, plant and equipment of RMB7,509 million, (ii) interest expenses of RMB1,697 million, (iii) consumption of flight equipment spare parts of RMB747 million, (iv) provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB793 million and partly offset by interest income of RMB201 million. Negative changes in working capital mainly consisted of (i) an increase in flight equipment and spare parts of RMB1,176 million, (ii) a decrease in trade payables and notes payables of RMB428 million, (iii) a decrease in other long-term liabilities of RMB384 million and (iv) a decrease in provision for return condition checks for aircraft and engines under operating leases of RMB293 million. These negative changes were partly offset by (i) an increase in restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits of RMB1,168 million, and (ii) an increase in trade payables and notes payables of RMB388RMB1,314 million.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

In 2016, our net cash outflow from investing activities was RMB37,180 million. Our net cash outflow for investing activities mainly consisted of (i) advanced payments on acquisition of new aircraft of RMB16,864 million and (ii) additions of property, plant and equipment of RMB21,533 million. These cash outflows were partly offset by (i) proceeds from disposal of assets classified as held for sale of RMB518 million and (ii) proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment of RMB690 million.

In 2015, our net cash outflow from investing activities was RMB27,800 million. Our net cash outflow for investing activities mainly consisted of (i) advanced payments on acquisition of new aircraft of RMB24,772 million and (ii) additions of property, plant and equipment of RMB8,609 million. These cash outflows were partly offset by (i) proceeds from disposal of assets classified as held for sale of RMB4,227 million and (ii) proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment of RMB1,294 million.

 

In 2014, our net cash outflow from investing activities was RMB24,033 million. Our net cash outflow for investing activities mainly consisted of (i) advanced payments on acquisition of new aircraft of RMB20,067 million and (ii) additions of property, plant and equipment of RMB5,828RMB5,640 million. These cash outflows were partly offset by proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment of RMB1,623 million.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

In 2013,2016, our net cash outflowinflow from investingfinancing activities was RMB17,028RMB4,634 million. Our net cash outflowinflow for investingfinancing activities mainly consisted of (i) advanced payments on acquisitionproceeds from draw down of new aircraftshort-term bank loans of RMB17,261RMB39,159 million, (ii) proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans and other financing activities of RMB26,545 million, (iii) proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures of RMB47,500 million and (ii) additions(iv) proceeds from issuance of property, plant and equipmentlong-term bonds of RMB1,822RMB12,526 million. These cash outflowsinflows were partly offset by (i) proceedsrepayments of short-term deposits with original maturities over three monthsbank loans of RMB1,492RMB36,728 million, (ii) repayments of long-term bank loans of RMB28,803 million, and (ii) proceeds from disposal(iii) repayments of property, plant and equipmentshort-term debentures of RMB556RMB46,000 million.

 

In 2012,2015, our net cash outflowinflow from investingfinancing activities was RMB11,789RMB11,083 million. Our net cash outflowinflow for investingfinancing activities mainly consisted of (i) advanced payments on acquisitionproceeds from draw down of new aircraftshort-term bank loans of RMB7,329RMB26,916 million, (ii) proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans and other financing activities of RMB24,572 million, and (ii) increased property, plant and equipment(iii) proceeds from issuance of RMB6,148 million, primarily due to the purchaseshort-term debentures of 31 aircraft in 2012.RMB21,500 million. These cash outflowsinflows were partly offset by (i) proceedsrepayments of short-term deposits with original maturities over three monthsbank loans of RMB958RMB34,767 million, (ii) interest received onrepayments of long-term bank depositloans of RMB216RMB10,540 million, and (iii) proceeds from disposalrepayments of assets classified as held for saleshort-term debentures of RMB210RMB10,000 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

In 2014, our net cash inflow from financing activities was RMB11,112 million. Our net cash inflow for financing activities mainly consisted of (i) proceeds from draw down of short-term bank loans of RMB33,863 million, (ii) proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans and other financing activities of RMB16,971 million, (iii) proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures of RMB4,000 million and (iv) proceeds from issuance of long-term debentures and bonds of RMB3,300 million. These cash inflows were partly offset by (i) repayments of short-term bank loans of RMB27,810 million, (ii) repayments of long-term bank loans of RMB7,451 million, and (iii) repayments of short-term debentures of RMB4,000 million.

 

In 2013, our net cash inflow from financing activities was RMB5,730 million. Our net cash inflow for financing activities mainly consisted of (i) proceeds from draw down of short-term bank loans of RMB15,635 million, (ii) proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans of RMB8,958 million, (iii) proceeds from issuance of long-term debentures and bonds of RMB6,985 million and (iv) proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures and bonds of RMB4,000 million. These cash inflows were partly offset by (i) repayments of short-term bank loans of RMB15,823 million, (ii) repayments of long-term bank loans of RMB9,792 million, and (iii) repayments of short-term debts of RMB4,000 million.

In 2012, our net cash outflow from financing activities was RMB2,174 million. Our net cash outflow for financing activities mainly consisted of (i) repayments of short-term bank loans of RMB25,620 million, (ii) repayments of long-term bank loans of RMB8,352 million, (iii) principal repayments of financial lease obligations of RMB4,095 million, (iv) interest paid of RMB1,937 million, and (v) acquisition of non-controlling interests of RMB671 million. These cash outflows were partly offset by (i) proceeds from draw down of short-term bank loans of RMB23,101 million, (ii) proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans of RMB10,887 million, (iii) proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures of RMB4,000 million, (iv) capital contribution from non-controlling interests of subsidiaries of RMB454 million and (v) receipts of restricted bank deposits of RMB236 million.

61

Working Capital and Liabilities

 

We have, and in the future may continue to have, substantial debts. In addition, we generally operate with a working capital deficit. As of December 31, 2014,2016, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by RMB42,887RMB52,194 million. In comparison, our current liabilities exceeded our current assets by RMB40,472RMB51,309 million as of December 31, 2013. The increase in our2015. Our current liabilities in 2014 wasdecreased by 8.5% primarily due to the increasedecrease in the current portion of borrowings. The increase in ourOur current assets decreased by 31.2% in 2014 was2016 primarily due to an increasethe decrease in prepaymentscash and other receivables and an increase in assets classified as held for sale.cash equivalents. Short-term loans outstanding totaled RMB23,285RMB38,214 million and RMB28,676 millionRMB 28,842 as of December 31, 20132015 and 2014,2016, respectively. Long-term outstanding bank loans totaled RMB27,315RMB28,498 million and RMB30,513RMB 27,890 million as of December 31, 20132015 and 2014,2016, respectively.

41

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, our long-term debt to equity ratio was 0.96.0.75. The interest expenses associated with these debts may impair our future profitability. We expect that cash from operations and bank borrowings will be sufficient to meet our operating cash flow requirements, although events that materially and adversely affect our operating results can also have a negative impact on liquidity.

 

Our consolidated interest-bearing borrowings as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 for the purpose of calculating the indebtedness of our Company, were as follows:

 

                          As of December 31,  As of December 31, 
 2013 2014  2015  

2016

 
 (RMB in millions)  (RMB in millions) 
Secured  14,862   27,264   27,664   17,369 
Unsecured  35,738   31,925   39,048   39,363 
Total  50,600   59,189   66,712   56,732 

 

TheOur maturity profile of interest-bearing borrowings of our Company as of December 31, 20132015 and 20142016 was as follows:

 

                          As of December 31,  As of December 31, 
 2013 2014  2015 2016 
 (RMB in millions)  (RMB in millions) 
Within one year  23,285   28,676   38,214   28,842 
In the second year  6,606   8,801   10,306   4,833 
In the third to fifth year inclusive  9,952   10,868   8,224   13,281 
After the fifth year  10,757   10,844   9,968   9,776 
Total  50,600   59,189   66,712   56,732 

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, our interest rates relating to short-term borrowings ranged from 1.01%1.49% to 5.35%4.35%, while our fixed interest rates on our interest-bearing borrowings for long-term bank loans ranged from 5.535%3.40% to 5.99%4.41%. Our bank loans are denominated in Renminbi and U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2014,2016, our total bank loans denominated in Renminbi amounted to RMB16,205RMB57,793 million, while our total bank loans denominated in U.S. dollars amounted to US$7,0253.3 million. On March 6, 2014, our wholly-owned subsidiary EAO issued offshore CNY-denominated bonds in an amount of RMB2.5 billion at 4.8% due 2017, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Our CompanyWe guaranteed the bond issue. On May 14, 2014, EAO issued offshore CNY-denominatedCNY- denominated bonds in an amount of CNY0.8 billion at 4.8% due 2017, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Our CompanyWe guaranteed the bond issue. See Note 3334 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on our borrowings.

 

We have entered into credit facility agreements to meet our future working capital needs. However, our ability to obtain financing may be affected by: (i) our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and credit ratings; (ii) costs of financing in line with prevailing economic conditions and the status of the global financial markets; and (iii) our ability to obtain PRC government approvals required to access domestic or international financing or to undertake any project involving significant capital investment, which may include one or more approvals from the NDRC, SAFE, MOFCOM and/or the CSRC depending on the circumstances. If we are unable to obtain financing, for whatever reason, for a significant portion of our capital requirements, our ability to acquire new aircraft and to expand our operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, according to the relevant agreements, we expect our capital expenditures for aircraft, engines and related equipment to be in aggregate approximately RMB105,011RMB123,019 million, including approximately RMB25,830RMB28,384 million in 20152017 and approximately RMB18,249RMB32,306 million in 2016,2018, in each case subject to contractually stipulated increases or any increase relating to inflation. We plan to finance our other capital commitments through a combination of funds generated from operations, existing credit facilities, bank loans, leasing arrangements and other external financing arrangements.

 

C.Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

None.

 

62

D.Trend Information

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the period from January 1, 20142016 to December 31, 20142016 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.

 

E.Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating lease arrangements:

 

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any unconsolidated entity;

We have not entered into any obligations under any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own shares and classified as shareholder's equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements; and

We do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity.

·42We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any unconsolidated entity;

 

·F.We have not entered into any obligations under any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own shares and classified as shareholder's equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements; and

·We do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity.

F.Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following tables set forth selected information regarding our outstanding contractual and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2014:2016:

 

          More 
    Less Than 1       Than 
 Total Less Than 1
Year
 1-2 Years 2-5 Years More
Than
5 Years
  Total Year 1-2 Years 2-5 Years 5 Years 
Long-Term Debt(1)  41,210   10,697   8,801   10,868   10,844   29,749   1,859   4,833   13,281   9,776 
Capital Leases(2)  38,695   4,596   4,411   11,482   18,206   61,041   6,447   6,054   18,415   30,125 
Operating Leases(3)  26,671   4,020   3,672   8,404   10,665   23,889   4,176   3,349   8,027   8,337 
Unconditional Purchase Obligations(4)  105,011   25,830   18,249   30,952   29,980   123,019   28,384   32,306   47,317   15,012 
Other Long-term Obligations(5)(6)  2,756   -   -   -   -   3,874   -   -   -   - 
Post-retirement Benefit Obligations(5)  2,822   -   -   -   -   2,890   -   -   -   - 
Deferred Tax Liabilities(5)  26   -   -   -   -   86   -   -   -   - 
Short-term Bank Loans(7)  17,979   17,979   -   -   -   26,983   26,983   -   -   - 
Interest Obligations  6,870   1,753   1,246   2,459   1,412                     
Under Finance Leases  4,369   857   763   1,683   1,066   9,790   1,677   1,471   3,490   3,152 
Under Bank Loans  2,501   896   483   776   346   841   485   192   98   66 
Fixed Rate  99   95   4   -   -   240   238   1   1   - 
Variable Rate(8)  2,402   801   479   776   346   601   247   191   97   66 
Total  242,130   64,875   36,379   66,908   68,364                     

 

Note

(1)Excludes interest.

(2)Primarily comprise amounts paid/due under leases for the acquisition of aircraft.

(3)Primarily comprise amounts paid/due under leases for the rental of aircraft, engines and flight equipment.

(4)Primarily comprise capital expenditures.

(5)Figures of payments due by period are not available.

(6)Other long-term obligations include long-term duties and levies payable, and fair value of unredeemed points awarded under our Group's frequent flyer programs.
(7)Short-term bank loans are generally repayable within one year. As of December 31, 2014,2016, the weighted average interest rate of our short-term bank loans was 2.42%2.55% per annum (2013: 2.36%(2015: 2.57%).

(8)For our variable rate loans, interest rates range from six month LIBOR + 0.55%75% to six months LIBOR + 5.3%375%. Interest obligations relating to variable rate loans are calculated based on the relevant LIBOR rates as of December 31, 2014.2016. A 25 basis points increase in the interest rate would increase interest expenses by RMB161RMB140 million.

 

 Total Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period  Total Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period 
Other Commercial
Commitments/Credit Facilities
 Amounts
Committed
 Less Than 1
Year
 1-3 Years 4-5 Years After 5
Years
 
Other Commercial Amounts Less Than 1       After 5 
Commitments/Credit Facilities Committed Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years Years 
 (RMB in millions)  (RMB in millions) 
Lines of Credit  44,010   30,799   12,660   -   551   46,380   28,361   17,395   -   624 
Standby Letters of Credit  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Guarantees  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total  44,010   30,799   12,660   -   551   46,380   28,361   17,395   -   624 

 

Taxation

 

We had carried forward tax losses of approximately RMB2,275RMB1,637 million as of December 31, 2014,2016, which can be used to set off against future taxable income between 20152017 and 2019.2021.

 

Prior to 2008, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries located in Pudong District, Shanghai, were entitled to a reduced rate of 15% pursuant to the preferential tax policy in Pudong District, Shanghai. Under China's EIT Law, which was approved by the National People's Congress on March 16, 2007 and became effective from January 1, 2008, the Company and its Pudong subsidiaries are entitled to a transitional arrangement to gradually increase the applicable corporate income tax rate gradually to 25% over the next five years from 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2014,2015, the corporate income tax rate applicable to the Company and these subsidiaries was 25%. The net deferred tax positionChina Eastern Yunnan Airlines Co., Ltd. (“CEA Yunnan”), a subsidiary of the CompanyGroup, obtained approval from tax authorities and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 was insignificant and the change in tax rate had no material impact on our deferred tax position. Except for those subsidiaries that are incorporated in Hong Kong and therefore subjecthas been entitled to a Hong Kongreduced corporate income tax rate of 16.5%15% from January 1, 2011. The Company’s branches located in Sichuan, Gansu and Xibei also obtained approval from respective tax authorities and are entitled to a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%. OtherThe Company and subsidiaries except for CEA Yunnan, the Company’s branches located in Sichuan, Gansu and Xibei and those incorporated in Hong Kong, which are subject to Hong Kong profits tax rate of the Company16.5%, are generally subject to the PRC standard corporate income tax rate of 25%.

 

Inflation

In recent years, China has been experiencing increasing levels of inflation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China's overall national inflation rate, as represented by the general consumer price index, was approximately 2.6% in 2012, 2.6% in 2013 and 2.1% in 2014. Although neither inflation nor deflation in the past had any material adverse impact on our results of operations, we cannot assure you that the deflation or inflation of the Chinese economy in the future would not materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

New Pronouncements

 

For a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements, please see Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

G.Safe Harbor

 

See the section headed "Cautionary Statement With Respect To Forward-Looking Statements".

 

Item 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A.Directors and Senior Management

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our current Directors, supervisors and senior management members. Except as disclosed below, none of our Directors, supervisors or members of our senior management was selected or chosen as a result of any arrangement or understanding with any major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others. There is no family relationship between any Director, supervisor or senior management member and any other Director, supervisor or senior management member of our Company.

Name(1) Age Shares Owned Position
Liu Shaoyong 5658 - Chairman of the Board of Directors
Ma Xulun 5152 - President and Vice Chairman
Xu Zhao46-Director
Gu Jiadan59-Director
Li Yangmin 5253 3,960 A Shares Director and Vice President
Xu Zhao48-Director
Gu Jiadan60-Director
Tang Bing 4850 - Director and Vice President
Sandy Ke-Yaw LiuTian Liuwen 6757 - Independent Non-executive Director
Ji Weidong58-Independent Non-executive Director and Vice President
Li Ruoshan 6668 - Independent Non-executive Director
Ma Weihua 6768 - Independent Non-executive Director
Yu FamingShao Ruiqing 6159-Independent Non-executive Director
Cai Hongping62-Independent Non-executive Director
Xi Sheng54 - Chairman of the Supervisory Committee
Xi ShengBa Shengji 5259 - Supervisor
Ba ShengjiHu Jidong 5758 - Supervisor
Feng Jinxiong 5354 - Supervisor
Yan TaishengJia Shaojun 6149 - Supervisor
Tian Liuwen56-Vice President
Wu Yongliang 5253 3,696 A Shares Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Feng Liang 5152 - Vice President
Sun YouwenJiang Jiang 5552 62,731 A Shares- Vice President
Wang Jian 4243 - Board Secretary and Joint Company Secretary

 

43

Note:

(1) On March 24, 2014,June 15, 2016, Mr. Liu Shaoyong, Mr. Ma Xulun, Mr. Li Yangmin, Mr. Xu Zhao, Mr. Gu Jiadan, Mr Tang Bing and Mr. Tian Liuwen were elected as Directors of the eighth session of the Board of the Company, Mr. Li Ruoshan, Mr. Ma Weihua, Mr. Shao Ruiqing and Mr. Cai Hongping were elected as independent non-executive Directors of the eighth session of the Board of the Company, and Mr. Xi Sheng, Mr. Ba Shengji and Mr. Jia Shaojun were elected as the shareholder supervisors of the eighth session of the Supervisory Committee of the Company at the 2015 annual general meeting of the Company. On the same day, Mr. Cai Hongping was appointed as a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of the Board (in replacement of Mr. Shao Ruiqing). Mr. Li Ruoshan was appointed as a member of the Aviation Safety and Environment Committee (in replacement of Mr. Shao Ruiqing). Mr. Shao Ruiqing was appointed as member of Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Planning and Development Committee of the Board.

On June 15, 2016, Mr. Hu Jidong and Mr. Feng Jinxiong were elected as employee's representatives supervisors of the eighth session of the Supervisory Committee of the Company at the second joint meeting of team leaders in 2016 of the sixth session of the employee's representative's conference of the Company.

On June 15, 2016, Mr. Wang Jian, previously a joint company secretary of the Company, was appointed as the Company's company secretary.

On February 22, 2017, the fourth ordinary meeting of the seventheighth session of the Board considered and passed the resolution regarding the change in Vice Presidentof Directors of the Company and appointed Mr. Sun YouwenJiang Jiang as a Vice President of the Company. Mr. Shu Mingjiang ceased to be a Vice Presidentvice president of the Company due to work reallocation. Mr. Shao Ruiqing, due to personal commitments, tendered his resignation as an independent non-executive directorfor a term of office in line with the current session of the Company with effect from April 29, 2014 in accordance with the relevant requirements.Board.

 

Directors

 

Mr. LIULiu Shaoyong, is currently the Chairman of the Company and presidentChairman and deputy party secretary of CEA Holding. Mr. Liu joined the civil aviation industry in 1978 and was appointed as vice president of China General Aviation Corporation, deputy director of Shanxi Provincial Civil Aviation Administration of the PRC, general manager of the Shanxi Branch of the Company, and director general of Flight Standard Department of CAAC. Mr. Liu served as President of the Company from December 2000 to October 2002, vice minister of the CAAC from October 2002 to August 2004, president of China Southern Air Holding Company from August 2004 to December 2008, chairman of China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange)Limited. from November 2004 to December 2008. In December 2008, Mr. Liu was appointedserved as president and deputyvice party secretary of CEA Holding from December 2008 to December 2016, and became the Chairman of the Company since February 2009. He served as the Chairman and party secretary of CEA Holding since December 2016. Mr. Liu is also currently the boardcouncil member of International Air Transport Association and the boardcouncil member of Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the vice chairman of the first session of the supervisory committee of China's Listed Companies Association.Straits. Mr. Liu graduated from the China Civil Aviation Flight College and obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from Tsinghua University. Mr. Liu holds the title of commanding pilot.

 

Mr. MAMa Xulun, is currently the Vice Chairman, Presidentvice chairman and Deputy Party Secretarypresident of the Company, director, and vice party secretary of CEA Holding. Mr. Ma was previously vice president of China Commodities Storing and Transportation Corporation, deputy director general of the Finance Department of the CAAC and vice president of Air China Corporation Limited. In 2002, after the restructuring of civil aviation industry he was appointed as vice president of general affairs of Air China International Corporation Limited. Later on, Mr. Ma served as president and deputy party secretary of Air China International Corporation Limited (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) from September 2004 to January 2007. Mr. Ma became a party member of China National Aviation Holding Company from December 2004 to December 2008, and deputy general manager of China National Aviation Holding Company from January 2007 to December 2008. In December 2008, Mr. Ma was appointed as Presidentpresident and Deputy Party Secretarydeputy party secretary of the Company and deputy party secretary of CEA Holding. Since February 2009, Mr. Ma has become a Director of the Company. Mr. Ma served as party secretary of CEA Holding and Vice Chairmanvice president of the Company with effect from November 2011. MrHe served as party secretary of CEA Holding from November 2011 to December 2016. He served as director, president and vice party secretary of CEA Holding with effect from December 2016. Mr. Ma is also currently the Deputy Director- Generalvice president of Association of Shanghai Listed Companies. Mr. Ma graduated from Shanxi University of Finance and Economics and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Mr. Ma holds a master'smaster’s degree and is a PRC certified accountant.

 

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Mr. Li Yangmin, is currently a Director, party secretary and vice president of the Company, and vice party secretary and vice president of CEA Holding. Mr. Li joined the civil aviation industry in 1985. He was previously deputy general manager of the aircraft maintenance base and the manager of air route department of Northwest Company, general manager of the aircraft maintenance base of China Eastern Air Northwest Branch Company and vice president of China Eastern Air Northwest Branch Company. Since October 2005, he has also been a vice president of the Company. Since July 2010, he served as the Chairman of China Eastern Airlines Yunnan Co., Limited. He served as Safety Director of the Company from July 2010 to December 2012. He has become a party member of CEA Holding since May 2011. He was appointed the party secretary and Director of the Company with effect from June 2011. He served as the chairman of China Cargo Airlines Co., Limited. from February 2012 to January 2013. He served as the executive director of Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Limited from December 2012 to June 2016. Since August 2016, he served as vice party secretary and vice president of CEA Holding. Mr. Li also served as a director of TravelSky Technology Limited and chairman of China Aviation Supplies Co., Limited. Mr. Li graduated from the Civil Aviation University of China and Northwestern Polytechnical University with master’s degrees and obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Fudan University. He is also a qualified professor-level senior engineer.

 

Mr. XUXu Zhao, is currently a Director of the Company, and the chief accountant of CEA Holding. Mr. Xu served as engineer and accountant of Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited, manager of the finance department of Shanghai Yanhua High Technology Limited Company, and chief financial officer of Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automobile Co., Limited. Since November 2006, Mr. Xu has served as the chief accountant of CEA Holding. He was a Supervisor of the Company from June 2007 to November 2011. He has served as a Director of the Company since June 2012. Mr. Xu graduated from Chongqing University, majoring in moulding, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, majoring in accounting, and holds a master'smaster’s degree. Mr. Xu is qualified as an engineer and an accountant, and is a certified public accountant in the PRC.

 

Mr. GUGu Jiadan, is currently a Director of the Company, and vice president and a party member of CEA Holding.Company. Mr. Gu was the assistant to president, and the general manager of the commerce department and the party secretary of Shanghai Airlines Co., Limited From May 2005 to August 2009, he was a party member and vice president of Shanghai Airlines.Airlines Co., Limited From August 2009 to January 2010, he was the acting president of Shanghai Airlines.Airlines Co., Limited. From January 2010 to July 2011, he was vice president and a party member of CEA Holding and the party secretary of Shanghai Airlines. Since July 2011,Airlines Co., Limited. Mr. Gu has served as the vice president and a party member of CEA Holding.Holding from July 2011 to December 2016. He was appointed as a Director of the Company with effect from June 2012. Mr. Gu Jiadan holds a master'smaster’s degree and is a senior economist.

 

Mr. LI YangminTang Bing, is currently a Director, Party Secretary and Vice Presidentvice president of the Company, and a party member of CEA Holding. Mr. Li joined the civil aviation industry in 1985. He was previously deputy general manager of the aircraft maintenance base and the manager of air route department of Northwest Company, general manager of the aircraft maintenance base of China Eastern Air Northwest Company and vice president of China Eastern Air Northwest Branch Company. Since October 2005, he has also been a Vice President of the Company. He served as Safety Director of the Company from July 2010 to December 2012. He has become a party member of CEA Holding since May 2011. He was appointed the Party Secretary and Director of the Company with effect from June 2011. Mr. Li graduated from the Civil Aviation University of China and Northwestern Polytechnical University with master's degrees and obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from Fudan University. He is also a qualified professor-level senior engineer.

Mr. TANG Bing is currently a Director, Vice President of the Company, and party member of CEA Holding. Mr. Tang joined the civil aviation industry in 1993. He served as vice executive president (general manager in China Office)representing Chinese shareholder) of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd.Limited., office director of China Southern Airlines Holding Company and president of Chongqing Airlines Company Limited. From December 2007 to May 2009, he served as chief engineer and general manager of the Aircraft Engineering Department of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange).Limited. From May 2009 to December 2009, he was appointed as president of the Beijing Branch of the Company and was the president of Shanghai Airlines from January 2010 to December 2011. He served as the chairman of Shanghai Airlines since January 2012 and a Vice President of the Company since February 2010, and was appointed a party member of CEA Holding in May 2011 and a Director of the Company in June 2012. Since December 2016, he served as the vice president of CEA Holding. Mr. Tang graduated from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics majoring in electrical technology. He obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Administration Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, an EMBAExecutive Master of Business Administration degree from the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University and a doctoral degree in National Economicsnational economics from the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He is also a qualified senior engineer.

 

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Mr. Sandy Ke-Yaw LIUTian Liuwen, is currently an Independent Non-executivea Director, vice president of the Company and vice president and a party member of CEA Holding. Mr. Tian served as manager of the Beijing Sales Department under the Marketing and Sales Division of China General Aviation Corporation. He was also the head of the general manager office and chairman of the labour union and deputy general manager of the Shanxi Branch of the Company. From June 2002 to January 2008, he was the vice president and subsequently president of the Hebei Branch of the Company. From April 2005 to January 2008, he was the president of the Beijing Base of the Company. He served as general manager of China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu Co., from January 2008 to December 2011. Since December 2011, he has been the vice president of the Company. From December 2011 to June 2013, he was the president of Shanghai Airlines Co., Limited. Since June 2014, he has been a party member of CEA Holding. Since June 2015, he has been a Director of the Company. Mr. Sandy Ke-Yaw Liu joined the civil aviation industry in Taiwan in 1969, and served in China Airlines in various capacities, including airport manager in Honolulu International Airport, marketing director for the Americas, general manager for Hawaii District, regional director for Europe, director of corporate planning and director of marketing planning in its Corporate Office in Taiwan. With China Airlines,Since December 2016, he also served as vice president for marketing and sales and vice president for commerce, and president in the Corporate Office. In addition, Mr. Liu served as a director of Taiwan Mandarin Airlines, Taiwan Far Eastern Air Transport, Taiwan China Pacific Catering Service and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Service Company, as well as chairman of Taiwan Air Cargo Terminal. He served as the chief operating officer for the Asia regionvice president of American Expeditors International Logistics Company.CEA Holding. Mr. Liu has served asTian obtained an Independent Non-executive DirectorExecutive Master of our Company since June 2009. He graduatedBusiness Administration degree from Taiwan Shih HsinNanjing University and attended advanced study programs at Stanford University in 1990 and 1993.is qualified as senior economist.

 

Mr. JI WeidongLi Ruoshan, is currently an Independent Non-executiveindependent Director of the Company. Mr. Ji was an associate professor and professor at the School of Law of Kobe University, Japan. Since 2008, he has been the dean and chair professor of Koguan Law School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In addition, he is currently an honorary professor at Kobe University, Japan. Mr. Ji has served as an Independent Nonexecutive Director of our Company since March 2010. Mr. Ji graduated from the Department of Law of Peking University. Mr. Ji completed his Master and Doctoral Degrees in Law at the Graduate School of Kyoto University, Japan and obtained his doctoral degree from Kyoto University, Japan. From September 1991 to July 1992, he was a visiting scholar at Stanford Law School.

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Mr. LI Ruoshan is currently an Independent Non-executive Director of our Company. Mr. Li was a deputy dean of the School of Economics and a deputy director of the Accounting Department of the School of Economics of Xiamen University; and a deputy dean of the School of Management, director of the Accounting Department, and director of the Finance DepartmentFinancial department of Fudan University.University, a member of the Consultant Professional Committee for Listed Companies of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and a consultant professional of the Committee for Accounting Standards of the Ministry of Finance. Mr. Li is currently a professor and PhD supervisor of the Accounting Department of the School of Management of Fudan University. He is also the deputy director of the Members’ Rights Protection Commission of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the vice president of the Shanghai Accounting Society and Shanghai Auditing Society, a member of the Consultant Professional Committee for Listed Companies of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a consultant professional of the Committee for Accounting Standards of the Ministry of Finance and an independent director of each of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange) and Xi’an Shaangu Power Co. Ltd. (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange). Mr. Li served as an independent director of each of China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd. (a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) and Guangbo Group Co. Ltd. (a company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange). Mr. Li has served as an Independent Non-executive Director of our Company since June 2013.Society. In 2010,2001, Mr. Li was awarded the “The Best 10 Independent Directors in China” by the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Mr. Li graduated from Xiamen University, majoring in Accountingaccounting and obtained a Doctoral Degreethe first doctoral degree in Auditing.auditing in China. He further studied abroad in the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.

 

Mr. MAMa Weihua, is currently an Independent Non-executiveindependent Director of the Company. Mr. Ma is currently the chairman of Wing Lung Bank Limited in Hong Kong, a member of the Twelfth National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the vice chairmandirector-general of China ChamberCouncil of International Commerce,National Fund for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, a member of the Standing Council of China Society for Finance and Banking, the president of One Foundation, an independent director of each of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (中國石油化工股份有限公司) andBanking. Mr. Ma is currently an independent director of China World Trade Center Co., Ltd.Limited, Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Limited and Legend Holdings Corporation at the same time and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Taikang Life Insurance Co., Limited. Mr. Ma served as an executive director, president and chief executive officer of China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd,Limited, the chairman of Wing Lung Bank Limited in Hong Kong, the chairman of CIGNA & CMC Life Insurance Company Limited and the chairman of China Merchants Fund Management Co., Ltd. Mr. Ma has served as an Independent Non-executive Director of the Company since October 2013.Limited. Mr. Ma obtained a Doctorate Degreedoctorate degree in Economicseconomics and is an adjunct professor at several higher educational institutions including Peking University and Tsinghua University.

 

Mr. Shao Ruiqing, is currently an independent Director of the Company. Mr. Shao currently serves as a professor in accounting and a mentor to doctoral students at the Shanghai Lixin University of Commerce. He served as the deputy dean and dean of the School of Economics and Management of Shanghai Maritime University, the deputy dean of Shanghai Lixin University of Commerce and the independent director of China Shipping Haisheng Co., Limited., and SAIC Motor Corp Limited. Mr. Shao served as an independent Director of the Company from June 2010 to April 2014. Mr. Shao was awarded the special allowance by the State Council of the PRC in 1995. He is currently a consultative committee member of the Ministry of Transport, as an expert in finance and accounting and the deputy head of China Association of Communications Accountancy. Mr. Shao graduated from Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Tongji University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and master’s and doctoral degrees in management. Mr. Shao has spent two and a half years studying and being senior visiting scholar in the U.K. and Australia.

Mr. Cai Hongping, is currently an independent director of the Company. Mr. Cai currently serves as the chairman of AGIC Capital. He worked for the Industrial and Transportation Management Committee of the Shanghai Government and Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited (Sinopec Shanghai) from 1987 to 1991. He participated in the entire listing process of Sinopec Shanghai in Hong Kong and the United States and is one of the founders of H shares in China. From 1992 to 1996, he acted as a member of the Overseas Listing Team for Chinese Enterprises under the Restructuring Committee of the State Council and the chairman of the Joint Committee of Board Secretaries for H Share Companies in China. He served as a joint director of the investment banking division of Peregrine Investments Holdings Limited in Asia from 1997 to 2006, chairman of the investment banking division of UBS AG in Asia from 2006 to 2010, chairman of Deutsche Bank in the Asia Pacific region from 2010 to 2015, independent non-executive director of China Oceanwide Holdings Limited (formerly known as Hutchinson Harbour Ring Limited, stock code: 715) from November 2014 to present and independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Minmetals Development Co., Limited from April 2015 to December 2015. He became an external director of China Minmetals Corporation with effect from December 2015. Mr. Cai graduated from Shanghai Fudan University, majoring in mass communications.

Supervisory Committee

 

As required by the PRC Company Law and our Articles of Association, our Company has a supervisory committee (the "Supervisory Committee"), whose primary duty is the supervision of our senior management, including our Board of Directors, managers and senior officers. Supervisory Committee consists of five supervisors.

 

Mr. YU FamingXi Sheng, is currently the Chairmanchairman of Supervisory Committee of the Company, and a party member and the head of party disciplinary inspection group of CEA Holding. Mr. Yu served as deputy head of the Survey and Research Department of the Policy Research Office of the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources of the PRC, head of the Integration Division of the Department of Policy and Regulation of the Ministry of Labor of the PRC, deputy head of the Labor Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Labor of the PRC, deputy head and head of the Labor Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Labor Protection of the PRC and head of the Training and Employment Department of the Ministry of Labor Protection of the PRC. From June 2008 to May 2011, he served as head of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC. Since May 2011, he has been party member and head of party disciplinary inspection group of CEA Holding. Since June 2011, he has served as the Chairman of Supervisory Committee of the Company. Mr. Yu graduated from Shandong University majoring in philosophy. He holds the title of associate research fellow.

Mr. XI Sheng is currently a Supervisor of the Company and chief auditor of CEA Holding. Mr. Xi served as the deputy head of the foreign affairs department II of the foreign funds utilization and application audit department and the head of the liaison and reception office of the foreign affairs department of the National Audit Office of the PRC and the deputy head of the PRC Audit Institute. He was also the head of the fixed assets investment audit department of the National Audit Office of the PRC, and the party secretary and a special commissioner of the Harbin office of the National Audit Office of the PRC. He served as the head of the personnel and education department of the National Audit Office of the PRC from January 2007 to September 2009. He was the head of the audit department of CEA Holding from September 2009 to November 2012. Mr. Xi has served as the chief auditor of CEA Holding since September 2009 and2009. Since June 2012, he has been a Supervisorsupervisor of our Company sincethe Company. Since June 2012.2016, he has been the chairman of Supervisory Committee of the Company. Mr. Xi is also the council member of China Institute of Internal Audit a memberand vice chairman of International Institute of Internal Auditors and a committee member of international relationsexecutive committee of the institute.Asia Internal Audit Organisation. Mr. Xi graduated from Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics with undergraduate education background. He is a senior auditor, a Chinese Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an International Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

Mr. BABa Shengji, is currently a Supervisor of the Company and the chairman of the laborlabour union of CEA Holding. Mr. Ba joined the civil aviation industry in 1978. He served as the section manager and deputy head of the finance department. He was the chief officer of the auditing office of the Company from March 1997 to October 1997, chief officer of the auditing office of CEA Holding from October 1997 to July 2000, head of the audit department of CEA Holding from July 2000 to January 2003, chief officer of disciplinary committee office, head of supervision department and head of auditingaudit department of CEA Holding from January 2003 to May 2003. He served as the deputy head of party disciplinary inspection group, chief officer of disciplinary committee office, head of supervision department and head of the audit department of CEA Holding from May 2003 andto November 2006. He was the secretary of the disciplinary committee of the Company from November 2006 to November 2009 and the secretary of the disciplinary committee and chairman of the laborlabour union of the Company from November 2009 to November 2011. He served as the deputy secretary of the party committee and secretary of the disciplinary committee of the Company from November 2011 to August 2013. Since June 2013, he has been a supervisor of the Company. He has served as the chairman of the laborlabour union of CEA Holding since August 2013. Mr. Ba graduated from Shanghai Television University.

 

Mr. FENGHu Jidong, is currently a supervisor, deputy party secretary and chairman of the labour union of the Company. Mr. Hu joined the civil aviation industry in 1977. He has been the deputy head of the party promotion department of the Company, deputy head and head of the party working department of CEA Holding, and head of the party working department of CEA Holding. He was a member of the party standing committee and chairman of the labour union of the Company from December 2011 to August 2013; deputy party secretary, secretary of the disciplinary committee, and chairman of the labour union of the Company from August 2013 to August 2014; deputy party secretary and chairman of the labour union of the Company since August 2014; and supervisor of the Company since June 2016. Mr. Hu Jidong graduated from Shanghai University with a major in cultural management and Fudan University with a major in administrative management.

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Mr. Feng Jinxiong, is currently a Supervisor and General Managergeneral manager of the Audit Department of the Company and general managera head of the Audit Departmentaudit department of CEA Holding. Mr. Feng joined the civil aviation industry in 1982, and served as Deputy Headdeputy head and Headhead of the Planning Department of the Company, head of the Finance Department and deputy chief accountant of CEA Holding, Managermanager of the Human Resources Department of the Company, vice president of CES Finance, and Deputy General Managerdeputy general manager of the Shanghai Security Department of the Company. He also served as president of the China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co., Ltd.Limited from 2007 to 2009. Since February 2009, he has been General Managergeneral manager of the Audit Department of the Company. He has been a Supervisor of the Company since March 2009. He has been the head of the audit department of CEA Holding from May 2014. Mr. Feng graduated from the Civil Aviation University of China and the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, holding a master'smaster’s degree.

 

Mr. YAN TaishengJia Shaojun, is currently a Supervisor of our Company. Mr. Yan joined the civil aviation industry in 1973, and served as chiefsupervisor of the board secretariat of the general office of the Company, general manager of Shanghai Civil Aviation Dong Da Industry Company and deputy head and head of the general office of the labor union of the Company. He served as the vice chairman of the labor union of the Company from 2005 to 2014. He served as a Supervisor since March 2009. He has been retired since June 2014. Mr. Yan graduated from East China Normal University.

Senior Management

Mr. TIAN Liuwen is currently a Vice President of the Company and a party member of party disciplinary inspection groupfinancial department of CEA Holding. Mr. Tian served asJia was general manager of the Beijing Sales Department under the Marketingfinancial department and Sales Divisionsecretary of China General Aviation Corporation. He was also the Headparty general branch of the General Manager Office and Chairman of the Labor Union and Deputy General Manager of the Shanxi Branch of the Company. From June 2002 to January 2008, he was the Vice President and subsequently President of the Hebei Branch of the Company. From April 2005 to January 2008, he was President of the Beijing Basefinancial department of the Company. He served as general manager of China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu Co., from January 2008 to December 2011. Since December 2011, he has been Vice Presidentthe finance and accounting department of the Company. FromCompany from December 2011 to June 2013, he wasNovember 2012 and head of the president of Shanghai Airlines. Since June 2014, he has been a party member of party disciplinary inspection groupaudit department of CEA Holding.Holding from November 2012 to May 2014. He obtainedhas acted as head of the financial department of CEA Holding since May 2014. He has acted as supervisor of the Company since June 2016. Mr. Jia graduated from Civil Aviation College of China and Fudan University School of Management, holding an EMBA degree from Nanjing University andexecutive MBA degree. He is qualified as a senior economist.accountant.

Senior Management

 

Mr. WUWu Yongliang, is currently a Vice Presidentvice president and Chief Financial Officerchief financial officer of the Company. Mr. Wu joined the civil aviation industry in 1984 and served as Deputy Headdeputy head and subsequently Headhead of the Finance Department of the Company, Headhead of Planning and Finance Department of the Company and head of the Finance Department of CEA Holding. From 2001 to March 2009, he served as deputy chief accountant and head of the Finance Department of CEA Holding. From April 2009 onwards, he has served as Chief Financial Officerchief financial officer of the Company. He has been a Vice Presidentvice president and chief financial officer of the Company since December 2011. Mr. Wu graduated from the Faculty of Economic Management of Civil Aviation University of China, majoring in planning and finance. He also graduated from Fudan University, majoring in business administration (MBA).administration. Mr. Wu was awarded the postgraduate qualification and is a certified accountant.

 

Mr. FENGFeng Liang, is currently a Vice Presidentvice president and the Chief Engineerchief engineer of the Company. Mr. Feng joined the civil aviation industry in 1986 and worked in the aircraft maintenance base routes department of the Company. From 1999 to 2006, he used to serve as the head of the aircraft maintenance base engineering technology department, chief engineer of the base and general manager of the base. He also served as the general manager of China Eastern Air Engineering & Technique after it was established.established in September 2006. He has served as the Chief Engineerchief engineer of the Company since August 2010. He served as2010, the Chief Security Officerchief security officer of the Company from December 2012 to December 2014 and the Vice Presidentvice president of the Company since August 2013. Mr. Feng was graduated from Civil Aviation University of China, majored in aircraft electrical equipment maintenance and obtained an MBA degree from Shanghai JiaotongJiao Tong University. He is also a senior engineer.

Mr. SUN YouwenJiang Jiang, is currently the Vice Presidenta vice president of the Company.Company, and general manager of China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co., Limited Mr. SunJiang joined the civil aviation industry in 1980,1986, and has worked in the Civil Aviation Industry Airline Corporation and China General Aviation Corporation. From June 1999 to April 2005, he served as a squadron leaderthe deputy manager and the leadermanager of the shanghai flight division of the Shanxi Branch of the Company. HeFrom April 2005 to July 2010, he was the deputy general manager of the Shanxi Branch. From July 2010 to June 2014, he served as the general manager and the deputy secretary of the party committee of the Shanxi Branch. From June 2014 to December 2016, he served as general manager and the deputy secretary of the party committee of the China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co., Limited From December 2016 to February 2017, he has served as the person-in-charge of the safety operation management of the Company and general manager of China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co., Limited Since February 2017, he has served as the vice president of the Company and general manager of China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu CorporationWuhan Co., Limited from April 2007 to November 2009 and the general manager of the shanghai flight division of the Company from December 2009 to April 2012. He was appointed as the chief pilot of the Company and the general manager of the shanghai flight division of the Company from April 2012 to July 2014 and has served as the Vice President of the Company since March 2014. Mr. SunJiang graduated from the Flight College of Civil Aviation Flight University of China, majored in aircraft pilotingaviation transportation and obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from the Institute of Management of Fudan University. He has the professional title of Level 1 pilot.

 

Mr. WANGWang Jian, aged 42, is currently the Company’s Board Secretary, the Head of the Board secretariat of the Company, Joint Company Secretarysecretary and Authorized Representative of the Company.company secretary. Mr. Wang joined the Company in 1995 and served as Deputy Headdeputy head of the Company'sCompany’s office and Deputy General Managerdeputy general manager of the Shanghai Business Office of the Company. From September 2006 to May 2009, he was the deputy general manager in the Shanghai Base of China Southern Airlines Company Limited. Since May 2009, he hasHe served as the Headhead of the Board secretariat of the Company. He wasCompany and a representative of the Company'sCompany’s Securities affairs from May 2009 to April 2012. He was appointedserved as the Board Secretary, Joint Company Secretarysecretary and Authorized Representativethe head of the Board secretariat of the Company in April 2012.2012 to May 2016. From May 2016, he served as a secretary to the Board of the Company. During his term as secretary to the Board and his relevant work, he designed and promoted to implement several capital and strategic projects of the Company. Mr. Wang graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has an MBAMaster of Business Administration postgraduate degree from East China University of Science and Technology and an EMBAExecutive Master of Business Administration degree from Tsinghua University as well as a qualification certificate for board secretaries of listed companies issued by the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Retired Director and Supervisor During the Reporting Period

Mr. Ji Weidong, was an independent Director of the Company during the reporting period. Mr. Ji was an associate professor and professor at the School of Law of Kobe University, Japan. Since 2008, he has been the dean and chair professor of Koguan Law School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In addition, he is currently an honorary professor at Kobe University, Japan. Mr. Ji graduated from the Department of Law of Peking University. Mr. Ji completed his masters and doctoral degrees in law at the Graduate School of Kyoto University, Japan and obtained his doctoral degree from Kyoto University, Japan. From September 1991 to July 1992, he was a visiting scholar at Stanford Law School.

Mr. Yu Faming, was the chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Company during the reporting period. Mr. Yu served as deputy head of the Survey and Research Department of the Policy Research Office of the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources of the PRC, head of the Integration Division of the Department of Policy and Regulation of the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources of the PRC, deputy head of the Labour Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Labour of the PRC, deputy head and head of the Labour Science Research Institute of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the PRC and head of the Training and Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the PRC. From June 2008 to May 2011, he served as head of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC. From May 2011 to July 2015, he has been a party member and head of party disciplinary inspection group of CEA Holding. He has served as the chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Company from June 2011 to June 2016. He has been a party member of CEA Holding from July 2015 to February 2016. Mr. Yu graduated from Shandong University majoring in philosophy. He holds the title of associate research fellow.

Mr. Xu Haihua, was a supervisor of the Company during the reporting period. Mr. Xu joined the civil aviation industry in 1982. He served as the deputy secretary of the Party committee and secretary of the disciplinary committee of China Eastern Air Catering Investment Co., Limited from April 2005 to March 2010. He served as the deputy secretary of the Party committee, secretary of the disciplinary committee and chairman of the labour union of Eastern Air Tourism Investment Group Co., Limited from April 2010 to September 2012. He has been the head of the general office of the labour union of the Company from October 2012 to August 2014. He has been the vice chairman of the labour union of the Company and the Director of the General Office of the labour union from September 2014 to February 2016. He has been a supervisor of the Company from June 2015 to June 2016. Mr. Xu graduated from Macau International Public University majoring in business administration and obtained postgraduate qualification.

Mr. Sun Youwen, was the vice president of the Company during the reporting period. Mr. Sun joined the civil aviation industry in 1980, and served as a squadron leader and the leader of the Shanghai flight division. He served as the vice president of Eastern Jiangsu from April 2007 to November 2009 and the general manager of the Shanghai flight division of the Company from December 2009 to April 2012. He was appointed as the chief pilot of the Company and the general manager of the Shanghai flight division of the Company from April 2012 to March 2014 and has served as the vice president and chief pilot of the Company from March 2014 to July 2014. He has been a vice president of the Company from July 2014 to February 2017. Mr. Sun graduated from the Flight College of Civil Aviation Flight University of China, majored in aircraft driving and obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the Institute of Management of Fudan University.

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B.Compensation

 

The aggregate amount of cash compensation paid by us to our Directors, supervisors and the senior management during 20142016 for services performed as Directors, supervisors and officers or employees of our Company was approximately RMB9.3RMB5.9 million. In addition, Directors and supervisors who are also officers or employees of our Company receive certain other in-kind benefits which are provided to all of our employees.

 

Details of the emoluments paid to our Directors, supervisors and senior management for the year 20142016 are as follows:

 

Name and Principal Position Total 
Name and Principal Position RMB'000 
Directors    
Liu Shaoyong*  - 
Ma XulunXulun*  745- 
Xu Zhao*  - 
Gu Jiadan*  - 
Li YangminYangmin*  669- 
Tang BingBing*  632-
Tian Liuwen*- 
Independent non-executive Directors    
Liu KeyaLi Ruoshan  120160 
Ji Weidong120
Shao Ruiqing**Weidong***  - 
Li RuoshanShao Ruiqing  120160 
Ma Weihua  120160 
Cai Hongping**100
Supervisors    
Yu Faming*&****  - 
Xi Sheng*  - 
Xu Haihua*****288
Feng Jinxiong  436
Yan Taisheng175535 
Ba Shengji*-
Hu Jidong**426
Jia Shaojun*&**  - 
Senior Management    
Tian Liuwen518
Wu Yongliang  504851 
Feng Liang  491851 
Sun Youwen**Jiang Jiang  739- 
Wang Jian  487806 
Shu Mingjiang***Sun Youwen  2621,597 
Total  6,1395,934 

 

*These Directors and supervisors of our Company received emoluments from CEA Holding, our parent company, part of which iswere in respect of their services to our Company and our subsidiaries. No apportionment has been made, as it is impracticable to apportion this amount between their services to our Companyus and their services to CEA Holding. The confirmation of remuneration of the Company’s senior management is based on the System Plan on the Work Position and Remuneration of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited;

**These directors and supervisors of the Company were newly appointed during the year ended December 31, 2016. According to relevant regulations and assessment schemes, a portion of remuneration payment of the Company’s certain Supervisors and senior management was deferred according to assessment. The deferred remuneration payment for prior years received in 2016 by Mr. Hu Jidong, a Supervisor, Mr. Wu Yongliang, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Feng Liang, Vice President and Mr. Sun Youwen has been(Vice President in the senior management of the Company since March 24, 2014. He is a pilotreport period) was approximately RMB233,900 per person and hisdeferred remuneration includes air crewman packages.payment for prior years received by Mr. Wang Jian, Board Secretary was approximately RMB220,900;

 

***Mr. Shu Mingjiang wasJi Weidong has filed his retirement during the senior management ofyear ended December 31, 2015 and has fulfilled his responsibility until new director being appointed by the Company before March 24, 2014. He is a pilot and his remuneration includes air crewman packages.board in June 2016;

 

****Mr. Shao Ruiqing, dueYu Faming retired during the year ended December 31, 2016. Terms of service of Supervisor Mr. Hu Jidong started from June 15, 2016. Therefore, the remuneration disclosure period is from June to personal commitments, tendered his resignation as an independent non-executive directorDecember 2016. Supervisor Mr. Xu Haihua ceased to be the supervisor of the Company with effectsince June 15, 2016. Therefore, the remuneration disclosure period is from April 29, 2014January to June 2016;

*****Mr. Xu Haihua retired during the year ended December 31, 2016. Terms of service of Mr. Jiang Jiang, Vice President, started from February 22, 2017; Mr. Sun Youwen (Vice President in accordance with relevant requirement.the reporting period) is a pilot, whose salary includes the flight service benefits.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, no Directors or supervisors waived their compensation.

 

C.Board Practices

 

All of our Directors and supervisors serve a term of three years or until such later date as their successors are elected or appointed. Directors and supervisors may serve consecutive terms. Two of the supervisors are employee representatives appointed by our employees, and the rest are appointed by the shareholders. The following table sets forth the number of years our current Directors, executive officers and supervisors have held their positions during their current term and the expiration of their current term.

 

47

Name(1) Position Held Position Since Expiration of Term
Liu Shaoyong Chairman of the Board of Directors June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Ma Xulun Vice Chairman June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
  President June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019

Name(1)Li Yangmin PositionDirector Held Position SinceJune 15, 2016 Expiration of TermJune 30, 2019
Vice PresidentJune 15, 2016June 30, 2019
Xu Zhao Director June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Gu Jiadan Director June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Li YangminTang Bing Director June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
  Vice President June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Tang BingTian Liuwen Director June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
  Vice President June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 2016
Sandy Ke-Yaw LiuIndependent non-executive DirectorJune 26, 2013June 26, 2016
Ji WeidongIndependent non-executive DirectorJune 26, 2013June 26, 201630, 2019
Li Ruoshan Independent non-executiveNon-executive Director June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Ma Weihua Independent non-executiveNon-executive Director October 29, 2013June 15, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Yu FamingShao RuiqingIndependent Non-executive DirectorJune 15, 2016June 30, 2019
Cai HongpingIndependent Non-executive DirectorJune 15, 2016June 30, 2019
Xi Sheng Chairman of the Supervisory Committee June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 2016
Xi ShengSupervisorJune 26, 2013June 26, 201630, 2019
Ba Shengji Supervisor June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26,30, 2019
Hu JidongSupervisorJune 15, 2016June 30, 2019
Feng Jinxiong Supervisor June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Yan TaishengJia Shaojun Supervisor June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 2016
Tian LiuwenVice PresidentJune 26, 2013June 26, 201630, 2019
Wu Yongliang Vice President June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
  Chief Financial Officer June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Feng Liang Vice President August 27, 2013June 15, 2016 June 26, 201630, 2019
Sun YouwenJiang Jiang Vice President March 24, 2014February 22, 2017 June 26, 201630, 2019
Wang Jian Board Secretary and Joint Company Secretary June 26, 201315, 2016 June 26, 2016
Ngai Wai FungJoint Company SecretaryJune 26, 2013June 26, 201630, 2019

Note:

Note:

(1) On March 24, 2014,June 15, 2016, Mr. Liu Shaoyong, Mr. Ma Xulun, Mr. Li Yangmin, Mr. Xu Zhao, Mr. Gu Jiadan, Mr Tang Bing and Mr. Tian Liuwen were elected as Directors of the eighth session of the Board of the Company, Mr. Li Ruoshan, Mr. Ma Weihua, Mr. Shao Ruiqing and Mr. Cai Hongping were elected as independent non-executive Directors of the eighth session of the Board of the Company, and Mr. Xi Sheng, Mr. Ba Shengji and Mr. Jia Shaojun were elected as the shareholder supervisors of the eighth session of the Supervisory Committee of the Company at the 2015 annual general meeting of the Company. On the same day, Mr. Cai Hongping was appointed as a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of the Board (in replacement of Mr. Shao Ruiqing). Mr. Li Ruoshan was appointed as a member of the Aviation Safety and Environment Committee (in replacement of Mr. Shao Ruiqing). Mr. Shao Ruiqing was appointed as member of Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Planning and Development Committee of the Board.

On June 15, 2016, Mr. Hu Jidong and Mr. Feng Jinxiong were elected as employee’s representative's supervisors of the eighth session of the Supervisory Committee of the Company at the second joint meeting of team leaders in 2016 of the sixth session of the employee's representative's conference of the Company.

On June 15, 2016, Mr. Wang Jian, previously a joint company secretary of the Company, was appointed as the Company’s company secretary.

On February 22, 2017, the fourth ordinary meeting of the seventheighth session of the Board considered and passed the resolution regarding the change in Vice Presidentof Directors of the Company and appointed Mr. Sun YouwenJiang Jiang as a Vice President of the Company. Mr. Shu Mingjiang ceased to be a Vice Presidentvice president of the Company due to work reallocation. Mr. Shao Ruiqing, due to personal commitments, tendered his resignation as an independent non-executive directorfor a term of office in line with the current session of the Company with effect from April 29, 2014 in accordance with the relevant requirements.Board.

 

None of our Directors, supervisors or members of our senior management has entered into any agreement or reached any understanding with us requiring our Company to pay any benefits as a result of termination of their services.

Audit and Risk Management Committee

 

Our Board of Directors established the audit committee in August 2000 in accordance with the listing rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2014, ourOur audit and risk management committee comprises Mr. Li Ruoshan, Mr. Ji WeidongShao Ruiqing and Mr. Xu Zhao as the members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and Mr. Li Ruoshan was appointed as the chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. Mr. Li Ruoshan and Mr. Ji WeidongShao Ruiqing are independent non-executive directors. Mr. Xu Zhao, although as a Director, is not an affiliate as defined under Rule10A-3, since he (i) is not the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of any class of voting equity securities of China Eastern Airlines Inc.; and (ii) is not an executive officer of either China Eastern Airlines Inc. or any of its subsidiaries and does not receive any compensation from either China Eastern Airlines Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. Therefore, Mr. Xu Zhao falls into the safe harbor created by paragraph(e)(1)(ii)(A) under Rule10A-3 and shall be deemed not to be in “control” for purposes of the definition of “affiliate” under Rule10A-3. Our audit and risk management committee satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and NYSE Rule 303A.06 relating to audit committees, including the requirements relating to independence of the audit committee members.

 

The audit and risk management committee is authorized to, among other things, examine our internal control, system,internal audit and risk management systems, review auditing procedures and financial reports with our auditors, evaluate the overall risk management and corporate governance of our Company and prepare relevant recommendations to our Board of Directors. Subject to the approval of the shareholders' meeting, the audit and risk management committee of our Company is also directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our external auditors, including resolving disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting. The external auditors report directly to the audit and risk management committee. The audit and risk management committee holds at least three meetings each year. The audit and risk management committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by our Company regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters, and procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The audit and risk management committee has the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisors, as it determines necessary, to carry out its duties. Our Company provides appropriate funding, as determined by the audit and risk management committee, for payment of compensation to the external auditors, advisors employed by the audit committee, if any, and ordinary administrative expenses of the audit committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. The audit and risk management committee held nineten meetings in 2014.2016.

 

Nominations and Remuneration Committee

 

On June 29, 2007, the fifth session of the Board of the Company held the first meeting for 2007 and initially appointed Mr. Zhou Ruijin, Mr. Luo Chaogeng and Mr. Wu Baiwang as the remuneration and appraisal committee of the Company (the "Remuneration and Appraisal Committee"), and Mr. Zhou Ruijin was elected as the chairman of Remuneration and Appraisal Committee. On March 19, 2010, the Board of the Company passed a resolution to merge the Nominations Committee of our Company and Remuneration and Appraisal Committee to form the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. On March 19, 2010, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Liu Shaoyong, Mr. Sandy Ke-Yaw Liu and Mr. Ji Weidong as the members of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of the fifth session of the Board. Mr. Liu Shaoyong was elected as the chairman of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. On April 27, 2012, we amended the Detailed Working Rules for the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, with retroactive effect from April 1, 2012. For remuneration related matters considered and approved by the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, duties of the Chairman shall be performed by an independent non-executive director from among the members of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee. See the announcement furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K dated April 27, 2012. On December 31, 2014, our nominationsOur Nominations and remuneration committeeRemuneration Committee comprises three members: Mr. Liu Shaoyong, the Chairman, Mr. Sandy Ke-Yaw LiuMa Weihua and Mr. Ma Weihua, theCai Hongping, both of whom are independent non-executive Directors.directors. When considering and approving nomination related matters, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee will be chaired by Mr. Liu Shaoyong; when considering and approving remuneration related matters, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee will be chaired by Mr. Ma Weihua.

 

The Nominations and Remuneration committee is authorized to make recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding its size and composition based on the relevant provisions of the Company Law and in the light of specific circumstances such as the characteristics of the Company’s equity structure, determine standards and procedures for the nomination of Directors and senior management of the Company, examine the remuneration policies of Directors and senior management of the Company, review the performance of our Directors and senior management as well as determine their annual compensation level. The Nominations and Remuneration Committee submits to our Board of Directors or shareholders' meeting for approval compensation plans and oversee the implementation of approved compensation plans. The Nominations and Remuneration Committee may consult financial, legal or other outside professional firms in carrying out its duties. Prior to the establishment of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, Remuneration and Appraisal Committee did not hold any meetings in 2009. Under the guidance of Remuneration and Appraisal Committee, we renewed liability insurance for our Directors, supervisors and senior management in August 2009.2015. The Nominations and Remuneration Committee held threefour meetings in 2014.2016.

48

 

We follow our home country practice in relation to the composition of our Nominations and Remuneration Committee in reliance on the exemption provided under NYSE Corporate Governance Rule 303A.00 available to foreign private issuers. Our home country practice does not require us to establish a remuneration committee composed entirely of independent directors.

Planning and Development Committee

 

As of December 31, 2014, theThe Planning and Development Committee comprises three members: Mr. Li Yangmin and Mr. Tang Bing and Mr. Ji Weidong, allboth of whom are Directors.Directors, and Mr. Shao Ruiqin, an independent non-executive director. Mr. Li Yangmin a Director, is the chairman of the committee.

 

The Planning and Development Committee, a specialized committee under our Board of Directors, is responsible for studying, considering, and developing plans and making recommendations with regard to the long-term development plans and material investment decisions of the Company. The members of the committee also oversee the implementation of such plans. The Planning and Development Committee held eightseven meetings in 2014.2016.

 

Aviation Safety and Environment Committee

 

The three members of the Aviation Safety and Environment Committee arecomprises Mr. Ma Xulun Mr. Sandy, Ke-Yaw Liu and Mr. Li Yangmin.Yangmin, both of whom are Directors, and Mr. Li Ruoshan, an independent non-executive director. Mr. Ma Xulun isserves as the Chairmanchairman of the committee.

 

The Aviation Safety and Environment Committee, a specialized committee under ourthe Board of Directors, is responsible for consistent implementation of relevant laws or regulations regarding national aviation safety and environmental protection, examining and overseeing the aviation safety management of the Company, studying, considering and making recommendations with regard to aviation safety duty plans and significant issues resulting from related safety duties as well as implementing such safety duty plans. In addition, the Aviation Safety and Environment Committee performs studies, and makes recommendations on significant environmental protection issues, including carbon emissions on our domestic and international aviation routes and carbon emission programs, and overseeing their implementation. The Aviation Safety and Environment Committee held two meetingmeetings in 2014.2016.

 

D.Employees

 

Our employees are members of a labor association, which represents employees with respect to labor disputes and certain other employee matters. We believe that we maintain good relations with our employees and with their labor association.

 

The table below sets forth the number of our employees as of December 31, 2012, 20132014, 2015 and 2014,2016, respectively:

 

 As of December 31,  As of December 31, 
 2012 2013 2014  2014  2015 2016 
Pilots  5,562   5,841   6,502   6,502   6,386   6,759 
Flight attendants and other aircrew staff  10,114   11,201   12,203   12,203   13,225   15,494 
Maintenance personnel  12,698   10,933   10,542   10,542   10,890   11,621 
Sales and marketing  3,960   3,573   3,892   3,892   3,980   4,739 
Operation control  2,461   2,097   2,004   2,004   1,983   2,180 
Information technology  502   645   670   670   707   860 
Management  5,462   4,090   4,072   4,072   4,125   4,001 
Ground Services and others  25,448   30,494   30,261   30,261   29,737   29,679 
Total  66,207   68,874   69,849   70,146   71,033   75,333 

 

 AsIn 2016, we placed great emphasis on employees training by improving the structure of December 31, 2014,our training system, strengthening frontline training, intensifying management training and implementing an innovating cultivation model to nurture a team of excellent talents to better satisfy our business development needs and talent team building requirements. In 2016, we had 69,849 employees in service. In 2014,organized 182 sessions of multi-tier training with a total of 11,249 participants, and optimized the number of the Company's core technical team, core technical personnel"Sailing Program", a training program for new management trainees incorporating closed-door training with seminars, experimental and pilots remained stable. We recruited 838 pilot trainees in 2014. As of October 31, 2014, we completed the recruitment of 205 captains, 49 airline captains and 465 co-pilots. We arranged for training for 306 new employees in 2014 and continued to provide trainings for our existing employee. For instance, we provided maintenance and engineering personnelinspirational teaching with trainings260 participants. Focusing on major topics such as aircraft model training, practical training, engineeringproject management and qualityinternet development, we organized management forums and safety training.invited domestic and international renowned scholars to deliver lectures and attend informational exchange sessions. We outsourced some ofhave developed our IT services in 2014. own “Lean Six Sigma Green-belt Program (Ver. 2.0)” with a view to continually optimizing our training system.

See NotesNote 37 and 38 to our audited consolidated financial statements for changes in our retirement benefits.

 

E.Share Ownership

 

See Item 6.A and Item 6.B above.

 

In 2012, we implemented an H shares appreciation rights scheme, under which H shares appreciation rights were granted to the Directors and senior management on November 30, 2012 at an exercise price of HK$2.67. The H share appreciation rights granted under this scheme are valid for a period of 5five years from the date of grant. The lock-up period of the share appreciation rights shall be the 24 months from the date of grant, during which no share appreciation right shall be exercised. Subject to the satisfaction of performance appraisal indicators, incentive recipients may exercise their share appreciation rights in equal instalments within three years after the expiration of the lock-up period. For details, please refer to the our announcements in the Form 6-K filed with the SEC dated August 29, 2012, October 19, 2012, November 9, 2012 and November 30, 2012.

There was no granting or exercise of rights under the H shares appreciation rights of our Company during 2013. The first tranche of H shares appreciation rights, amounting to one third of the total H shares appreciation rights of our Company, was originally planned to be exercised on December 1, 2014. However, as our Company did not satisfy the exercising conditions in 2013, such tranche expired automatically.

 

Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A.Major Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of our capital stock as of December 31, 20142016 by all persons who were known to us to be the beneficial owners of 5% or more of any class of our capital stock:issued share capital:

 

        Percent of 
        Total 
      Percent of Class Shares 
Title of Class Identity of Person or Group Amount Owned Percent of Class
(%)
 Percent of
Total
Shares
(%)
  Identity of Person or Group Amount Owned (%) (%) 
Domestic A Shares CEA Holding(1)  5,530,240,000   56.38   38.23 
Domestic A Shares CEA Holding(1)  5,530,240,000   65.21   43.64  China National Aviation Fuel Holding Company  586,300,252   5.98   4.05 
H Shares CEA Holding(2)  2,626,240,000   62.63   20.72  CES Global (2)  2,626,240,000   56.37   18.15 
H Shares HKSCC Nominees Limited(3)  4,179,493,198   99.67   32.97  HKSCC Nominees Limited(3)  4,181,677,289   89.75   28.90 
H Shares Delta Air Lines(4)  465,910,000   10.00   3.22 

49

 

Notes:

 

Based on the information available to the Directors (including such information as was available on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) and so far as they are aware, of, as atof December 31, 2014:2016:

 

(1)Among such A shares, 5,072,922,927 A shares were held directly held by CEA HoldingHolding; and 457,317,073 A shares were held directly held by CES Finance, which in turn was 100%were entirely held by CEA Holding.

 

(2)SuchThose H shares were held by CES Global in the capacity of beneficial owner, which in turn was 100%were entirely held by CEA Holding.

 

(3)

Among the 4,179,493,1984,181,677,289 H shares held by HKSCC Nominees Limited, 2,626,240,000 H shares (representing approximately 62.85%56.37% of the Company’sGroup’s then total issued H shares) were held by CES Global in the capacity of beneficial owner, which in turn was 100%were entirely held by CEA Holding.

(4)Those H shares were held by Delta Air Lines, Inc. in the capacity of beneficial owner, and represented approximately 10.00% of the Group’s then total issued H shares

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, CEA Holding directly or indirectly held 64.4%56.38% of our issued and outstanding capital stock, and neither it nor HKSCC Nominees Limited has any voting rights different from those of other shareholders. We are not aware of any arrangement which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of our Company.

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, there were 4,193,190,0004,659,100,000 H Shares issued and outstanding. As of December 30, 2016 (December 31, 20142016 being a Saturdary) and April 17, 2015,21, 2017, there were respectively, 41 and 40 registered holders, respectively, of American depositary receipts evidencing 955,2902,009,506 and 1,127,0391,950,955 ADSs, respectively. Since certain of the ADSs are held by nominees, the above number may not be representative of the actual number of U.S. beneficial holders of ADSs or the number of ADSs beneficially held by U.S. persons.

 

Our Company is currently a majority-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding. CEA Holding itself is a wholly state-owned enterprise under the administrative control of the SASAC. CEA Holding's shareholding in our Company is in the form of ordinary domestic shares, through which it, under the supervision of the SASAC, enjoys shareholders' rights and benefits on behalf of the PRC government.

 

B.Related Party Transactions

 

Relationship with CEA Holding and Associated Companies

 

We enter into transactions from time to time with CEA Holding and its subsidiaries. For a description of such transactions, see Note 4647 to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Related Business Transactions

 

As our Company and EA Group and its subsidiaries were a single group prior to the restructuring in 2002, certain arrangements among us have continued after the restructuring and the establishment of CEA Holding. Although we do not currently intend to enter into any equivalent contracts with third parties, each of these arrangements is non-exclusive.

 

Eastern Aviation Import and Export Corporation ("EAIEC"), a 55% owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

 

Import and Export Services (previously known as Import and Export Agency ServicesServices)

 

On October 15, 2010, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing import and export agency agreement with the with EAIEC on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which EAIEC and its subsidiaries will from time to time as its agent provide us with agency services for the import and export of aircraft and related raw materials, accessories, machinery and equipment required in our daily airlines operations and civil aviation business. The Import and Export Agency Renewal Agreement will be effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013. On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing import and export agency agreement with EAIEC on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which EAIEC and its subsidiaries will from time to time as its agent provide the Group with agency services for the import and export of goods, including aircraft and related raw materials, accessories, machinery and equipment, together with related insurance and financial services, required in the daily airlines operations and civil aviation business of the Group. The Import and Export Agency Renewal Agreement will bewas effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.

 

On August 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing Import and Export Agency Agreement with EAIEC, pursuant to which EAIEC and its subsidiaries will from time to time provide our Group with a range of import and export services including: (i) agency services for the import and export of goods, including aircraft and related raw materials, accessories, machinery and equipment, together with related insurance and financial services, required in the daily airlines operations and civil aviation business of the Group; (ii) the provision of transportation services as required by our Group in the conduct of foreign trade; and (iii) provision of aircraft on-board supplies. The Import and Export Services Renewal Agreement (previously known as Import and Export Agency Renewal Agreement) is effective for a term of three years, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, we paid handling charges to EAIEC of approximately RMB120 million.RMB105 million to EAIEC. We currently have certain balances with EAIEC, which are unsecured, interest-free and have no fixed term of repayment. See Note 46(b)47(b) to our audited consolidated financial statements for more details.

 

SA Import and Export Disposal

On July 28, 2010, ShanghaiChina Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into the SA Import and Export Share Transfer Agreement with EAIEC, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines agreed to sell and EAIEC agreed to purchase the SA Import & Export Equity Interests, representing 89.7% of the entire issued share capital of SA Import & Export, and Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to sell and EAIEC agreed to purchase the SA Import & Export Equity Interests II, representing 10.3% of the entire issued share capital of SA Import & Export.

Media Co. Ltd. ("CEA Media") (previously known as Eastern Aviation Advertising Service Co., Ltd. ("Eastern Aviation Advertising")), a 55% owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

 

Advertising Service Agreement

On April 29, 2008, we entered into an agreement to renew our agreement entered into with Eastern Aviation Advertising dated May 12, 2005 regarding the provision of advertising services on substantially the same terms, for an additional term of three years commencing from July 1, 2008. On October 15, 2010, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing Advertising Services Agreement with Eastern Aviation Advertising on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which Eastern Aviation Advertising and its subsidiaries will, from time to time, provide us with multi-media advertising services to promote its business and to organize promotional functions and campaigns to enhance its reputation in the civil aviation industry. The advertising services renewal agreement will be effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

 

On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing advertising services agreement with Eastern Aviation Advertising on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which Eastern Aviation Advertising and its subsidiaries will from time to time provide the Group with multi-media advertising services to promote its business and to organize promotional functions and campaigns to enhance its reputation in the civil aviation industry. The Advertising Services Renewal Agreement will bewas effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we paid to Eastern Aviation Advertising approximately RMB5 million for advertising services.

Media Resources Agreement and Agreement with CES Media

 

On March 24, 2010, our Company and Eastern Aviation Advertising, which is 55% owned by CEA Holding, entered into an exclusive media resources agreement in which we granted Eastern Aviation Advertising the exclusive rights to operate the media resources of the Company. Pursuant to the agreement, Eastern Aviation Advertising will have the exclusive rights to: (i) distribute in-flight reading materials; (ii) operate aircraft cabin-based, in-flight and facilities advertising; and (iii) purchase in-flight entertainment programming from third parties or to self-produce such programming. The term of this agreement is for three years, commencing March 24, 2010, with the relevant terms to increase the fees payable to the Company in accordance with the expansion of the Company's aircraft fleet.

On October 15, 2010,August 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing Media ResourcesExisting Advertising Services Agreement with Eastern Aviation AdvertisingCEA Media on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which we agreed to grant Eastern Aviation AdvertisingCEA Media and its subsidiaries exclusive rightswill from time to operatetime provide our media resources.Group with multi-media advertising services to promote our Group's business and to organize promotional functions and campaigns to enhance our Group's reputation in the civil aviation industry. The Media ResourcesAdvertising Services Renewal Agreement will beis effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 20112017 to December 31, 2013.2019.

50

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid to Eastern Aviation Advertising approximately RMB36 million for advertising services.

Media Resources Agreement and Agreement with CES Media

 

On September 27, 2013, we entered into an agreement with CES Media, pursuant to which we and certain of our subsidiaries agreed to transfer the exclusive rights to use certain media and advertising resources to CES Media and certain of its subsidiaries for a period of 15 years (from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2028). CES Media is a subsidiary of and thus an associate of CEA Holding, which in turn is a controlling shareholder of the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, Eastern Aviation Advertising paid approximately RMB16RMB17 million forin media royalty fee.

SA Media Disposal

On July 28, 2010, Shanghai Airlines and Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into the SA Media Share Transfer Agreement with Eastern Aviation Advertising, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines agreed to sell and Eastern Aviation Advertising agreed to purchase the SA Media Equity Interests I, representing 49% of the entire issued share capital of SA Media, and Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to sell and Eastern Aviation Advertising agreed to purchase the SA Media Equity Interests II, representing 51% of the entire issued share capital of SA Media.fees.

 

China Eastern Air Catering Investment Co., Ltd. ("CEA Catering"), a 55% owned subsidiary of CEA Holding with the remaining by our Company

 

Catering Service Agreements

On May 12, 2005, our Company entered into certain catering service agreements with a number of subsidiaries of CEA Catering (including Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Co., Ltd.) regarding the provision of in-flight catering services (including the supply of in-flight meals and beverages, cutlery and tableware) and related storage and complementary services required in our Company's daily airline operations and civil aviation business.

On April 29, 2008, we entered into a service agreement with CEA Catering in substantially the same terms to supersede our agreements dated May 12, 2005. The agreement, regarding the provision of in-flight catering services (including the supply of in-flight meals and beverages, cutlery and tableware) and related storage and complementary services required in our Company's daily airline operations and civil aviation business, was for a term of three years commencing from July 1, 2008.

On October 15, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing catering services agreement with the CEA Catering on substantially the same terms pursuant to which CEA Catering and the subsidiaries of CEA Catering will from time to time provide our Group with in-flight catering services (including the supply of in-flight meals and beverages, cutlery and tableware) and related storage and complementary services required in the daily airline operations and civil aviation business of our Group. CEA Catering and its subsidiaries provide their services in accordance with the specifications and schedules as from time to time specified by the relevant member(s) of our Group to accommodate its operation needs. The catering services renewal agreement will be effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

 

On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing catering services agreement with the Eastern Air Catering Company on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which the Eastern Air Catering Company and its subsidiaries willwould from time to time provide the Group with in-flight catering services (including the supply of in-flight meals and beverages, cutlery and tableware) and related storage and complementary services required in the daily airline operations and civil aviation business of the Group. The Eastern Air Catering Entities provide their services in accordance with the specifications and schedules as from time to time specified by the relevant member(s) of the Group to accommodate its operation needs. The Catering Services Renewal Agreement was approved onat the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on October 29, October 2013 and will bewas effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.

On August 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the Existing Catering Services Agreement with CEA Catering, pursuant to which CEA Catering and its subsidiaries (each an “Eastern Air Catering Entity” and collectively the “Eastern Air Catering Entities”) will from time to time provide our Group with catering services (including the supply of meals and beverages, cutlery and tableware) and related storage and complementary services required in the day-to-day airline and ground operation of our Group. The Eastern Air Catering Entities provide their services in accordance with the specifications and schedules as from time to time specified by the relevant member(s) of our Group to accommodate the operational needs of our Group.

For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, we paid approximately RMB851RMB1,054 million to the subsidiaries of CEA Catering for the supply of in-flight meals and other services.

SA Catering Disposal

On July 28, 2010, Shanghai Airlines and SA Industry entered into the SA Catering Share Transfer Agreement with CEA Catering, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines agreed to sell and CEA Catering agreed to purchase the SA Catering Equity Interests I, representing 50% of the entire issued share capital of SA Catering, and SA Industry agreed to sell and CEA Catering agreed to purchase the SA Catering Equity Interests II, representing 20% of the entire issued share capital of SA Catering.

 

Eastern Air Group Finance Co., Ltd., ("Eastern Finance"), a 53.75% owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

 

Our Company and Eastern Finance have entered into a financial services agreement dated May 12, 2005 to supersede our agreement with Eastern Finance dated January 8, 1997, regarding the provision of deposit services, loan and financing services and certain other financial services such as the provision of trust loans, financial guarantees and credit facilities and credit references for a term of three years commencing from July 1, 2005. The agreement is subject to renewal. Pursuant to this agreement, we may place deposits with, and obtain loans from, Eastern Finance.

Pursuant to the financial services agreement, Eastern Finance shall deposit all monies deposited by our Company under the agreement with commercial bank(s) in China, including, for example, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agriculture Bank of China and Bank of Communications. Eastern Finance has also undertaken under the financial services agreement that all outstanding loans it provides to CEA Holding and its subsidiaries (other than our Company) will not at any time and from time to time exceed the aggregate amount of its equity capital, surplus reserves and deposits received from other parties.

On April 29, 2008, we entered into a financial services agreement to renew our agreement dated May 12, 2005 regarding the provision of deposit services, loan and financing services and certain other financial services such as the provision of trust loans, financial guarantees and credit facilities and credit references, in substantially the same terms, for an additional term of three years commencing from July 1, 2008.

On October 15, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing financial services agreement with Eastern Finance, pursuant to which Eastern Finance and its subsidiaries will from time to time provide us with a range of financial services including: (i) deposit services; (ii) loan and financing services; and (iii) other financial services such as the provision of trust loans, financial guarantees and credit references (the scope of "other financial services" is not limited and different services may be provided to us as and when they are needed). The financial services renewal agreement will be effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

On January 16, 2013, the Company entered into a supplemental agreement with Eastern Finance to further regulate the balances of the our deposits and loans with Eastern Finance and its subsidiaries on a pre-condition that the agreed maximum daily balance of each of the deposits and the loans under the financial services agreement dated October 15, 2010 remainsremained unchanged. For details, please refer to the our announcement in the Form 6-K filed with the SEC dated January 16, 2013. On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing financial services agreement with Eastern Finance and CES Finance, pursuant to which Eastern Finance and its subsidiaries (each aan “Eastern Air Finance Entity” and collectively the “Eastern Air Finance Entities”) and CES Finance and its subsidiaries (each a “CES Finance Entity” and collectively the “CES Finance Entities”) will from time to time provide the Group with a range of financial services including: (i) deposit services by Eastern Air Finance Entities; (ii) loan and financing services by Eastern Air Finance Entities; and (iii) other financial services such as: (a) the provision of trust loans, financial guarantees, credit references by Eastern Air Finance Entities; and (b) broker services for future products (e.g. crude oil, foreign exchange and national debt) by CES Finance Entities (the scope of “other financial services” is not limited and different services may be provided to the Group as and when they are needed). The Financial Services Renewal Agreement was approved onat the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on October 29, 2013 and will bewas effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.

 

On August 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the Existing Financial Services Agreement with Eastern Finance and CES Finance, on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which Eastern Finance and its subsidiaries (each an “Eastern Air Finance Entity” and collectively the “Eastern Air Finance Entities”) and CES Finance and its subsidiaries (each a “CES Finance Entity” and collectively the “CES Finance Entities”) agreed from time to time provide our Group with a range of financial services including: (i) deposit services by the Eastern Air Finance Entities; (ii) loan and financing services by the Eastern Air Finance Entities; and (iii) other financial services, such as: (a) the provision of services such as trust loans, financial guarantees and credit references by the Eastern Air Finance Entities; and (b) the provision of services such as broker services for future products (e.g. crude oil, foreign exchange and national debt) by the CES Finance Entities (the scope of “other financial services” is not limited and different services may be provided to the Group as and when they are needed). The Financial Services Renewal Agreement is effective for a term of three years, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2014,2016, we had deposits amounting to RMB369RMB1,296 million placed with Eastern Finance, which paid interest to us at 0.35% per annum. In addition, as of December 31, 2014,2016, our Company haddid not have any loans of RMB198 million from Eastern Finance. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the weighted average interest rate on the loan was 2.26% per annum for short-term loans and 5.73% for long-term loans.

 

CEA Development Co. ("CEA Development"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

On October 28, 2008, our Company and CEA Development entered into an automobile repair service agreement, pursuant to which CEA Development will, from time to time, provide maintenance and repair services for our automobiles that are used in our ground services and daily operations for a term commencing from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. On April 29, 2008, we entered into a service agreement with Shanghai Eastern Aviation Equipment Manufacturing Corporation, or SEAEMC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEA Development, to renew our agreement with SEAEMC dated May 12, 2005, in substantially the same terms. The agreement regarding the provision of comprehensive services in relation to maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and aviation equipment, and procurement of related equipment and materials required in our daily operations extends for an additional term of three years commencing from July 1, 2008.

On October 15, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement relating to the consolidation and renewal of the existing maintenance services agreement and the existing automobile repairing services agreement on substantially the same terms with CEA Development pursuant to which CEA Development and its subsidiaries will from time to time provide certain services to the Company, including: (i) maintenance and repair services to the Company's automobiles that are used in ground services and daily operations; (ii) comprehensive services in relation to maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and aviation equipment, and procurement of related equipment and materials required in the daily operations of our Group; (iii) various special vehicles and equipment for airline use, such as air stairs, freight cars, luggage trailers, garbage truck, food cars, freight containers, freight board; and (iv) aircraft on-board supplies. The maintenance and repair services renewal agreement will be effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

 

On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing maintenance and repair services agreement with CEA Development on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which CEA Development and its subsidiaries (each a “CEA Development Entity” and collectively the “CEA Development Entities”) willwould from time to time provide certain services, to us, including: (a)(i) maintenance and repair services to our aeroplanesairplanes and automobiles that are used in ground services and daily operations; (b)(ii) comprehensive services in relation to maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft, aviation equipment and ancillaries; (c)(iii) various special vehicles and equipment for airline use, such as air stairs, freight cars, luggage trailers, garbage truck, aircraft portable water vehicle, aircraft sewage disposal vehicle, food cars, freight containers, freight board; (d)(iv) aircraft on-board supplies; and (e)(v) warehousing management (the “Maintenance and Repair Services Renewal Agreement”). Maintenance and Repair Services Renewal Agreement will bewas effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.

On August 30, 2016, we entered into the Complementary Services Renewal Agreement (previously known as the Existing Maintenance and Repair Services Agreement) with CEA Development, pursuant to which CEA Development and its subsidiaries (each a “CEA Development Entity” and collectively the “CEA Development Entities”) will from time to time provide our Group with a range of services including: (i) supply of equipment and materials and provision of maintenance and repair services to our automobiles and equipment; (ii) provision of property management services; (iii) provision of hotel accommodation services; and (iv) other complementary aviation services. The Complementary Services Renewal Agreement is effective for a term of three years, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, production and maintenance services fees paid to CEA Development Entity amounted wereto approximately RMB142RMB97 million.

 

Great Wall Airlines, a non-wholly owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

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On December 20, 2010, China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of our Company, as purchaser, and Great Wall Airlines, as vendor, entered into a purchase agreement for the acquisition of the assets, being all valuable business carried on by, and all valuable assets of, Great Wall Airlines, at RMB386.9 million (subject to adjustments). The acquisition obtained the approval from CAAC, NDRC and MOFCOM, and was completed on June 1, 2011. The acquisition is to align with the development strategy of our Company and enhances China Cargo Airlines' capability for sustainable development, while avoiding horizontal competition.

 

Shanghai Eastern Airlines InvestmentAir Logistics Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Eastern Investment"Logistics"), aan indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding

 

Disposal of the entire equity interest in Eastern Air Logistics

On November 4, 2011, our Company29, 2016, we entered into ana disposal agreement with Shanghai Eastern Airlines Industry Investment Company Limited, pursuant to which, Shanghaiwe have conditionally agreed to sell, and Eastern Airlines Industry Investment acquired 5% of theCompany Limited has conditionally agreed to purchase, their entire issued share capital of CEA Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd. ("CEA Real Estate"), an entity held by our Company, forequity interest in Eastern Logistics at a consideration of RMB100.7 million. The terms and conditions of the transaction were agreed to after arm's length negotiations between the parties. The transaction was conducted in accordance to the requirements of the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC and the relevant requirements of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. We believe this transaction will not only lower the risks of our external investments but will also allow us to focus more on our core aviation business and related businesses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we received approximately RMB93.7 million from Shanghai Eastern Investment for the disposal of 5% of the entire share capital of CEA Real Estate.

Shanghai Dongmei, a wholly- owned subsidiary of Company

On May 12, 2005, our Company entered into certain sales agency services agreements with several subsidiaries of CEA Holding regarding the sales of our air tickets by such subsidiaries of CEA Holding as our sales agents and the provision of complementary services for a term of three years commencing from July 1, 2005. The agreement is subject to renewal. Under such agreements, the sales agents charge commissions at ratesRMB2,432,544,211.50, determined with reference to those prescribed by the CAAC and the International Aviation Transportation Association, as determined following arm's length negotiations. Such commissions are payable monthly in arrears. The parties will perform an annual reviewrelevant valuation report. Upon completion of the then prevailing commission rate before December 31 ofdisposal, Eastern Logistics would cease to be a subsidiary.

Freight Logistics Daily Connected Transactions Framework Agreement with Eastern Logistics

As Eastern Logistics would cease to be our subsidiary, each calendar year, and agree on any required adjustments to such commission rate in respectmember of the next calendar year.

On AprilEastern Logistics Group will become a connected person of us. Therefore, on November 29, 2008,2016, we entered into certain sales agency service agreements to renew our agreements dated May 12, 2005 regarding the sales of our air tickets by certain subsidiaries of CEA Holding as our sales agents andFreight Logistics Daily Connected Transactions Framework Agreement with Eastern Logistics. We will provide the provision of complementaryfollowing services in substantially the same terms, for an additional term of three years commencing from July 1, 2008.

On October 15, 2010, our Company entered into an agreement relating to the renewalEastern Logistics Group, required for the daily operation of its freight logistics business: (i) aircraft maintenance and its ancillary support services; (ii) information technology support services; (iii) cleaning services; (iv) training services; and (v) other daily support services. The Eastern Logistics Group will provide us the existing sales agency services agreements with Shanghai Dongmei on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which Shanghai Dongmei Entities will from time to time provide our Group as its agents with services for sale of air tickets and the provision of complementaryfollowing services required in thefor our daily airline operationsbusiness operation: (i) apron transfer services, cargo terminal operation services and civil aviation business of our Group.security inspection services; and (ii) other daily support services. The Sales Agency Services RenewalFreight Logistics Daily Connected Transactions Framework Agreement will be effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2011the date on which the entire equity interest in Eastern Logistics is transferred from us to the Purchaser pursuant to the disposal agreement, and ending on December 31, 2013.2019.

 

Bellyhold Space Management Agreement

As Eastern Logistics would cease to be our subsidiary, each member of the Eastern Logistics Group will become a connected person of us. Moreover, our bellyhold space business will be in competition with the all-cargo aircraft freight business of China Cargo Airlines. In view of this, within a certain period of time upon completion of the Disposal, entrusted management of bellyhold space will be arranged by us as a transitional solution to avoid competition. At such time as appropriate, we will negotiate with Eastern Logistics a thorough solution to the competition problem such as the buyout of the bellyhold space business. Therefore, On August 30, 2013, our CompanyJanuary 1, 2017, we entered into an agreement relatingthe Bellyhold Space Management Agreement withChina Cargo Airlines. Under the Bellyhold Space Management Agreement, China Cargo Airlines is entrusted to manage our bellyhold space freight business, including the renewalbusinesses of bellyhold cargo sales, settlement and relevant operational support in all of the Existing Sales Agency Services Agreements with Shanghai Dongmei on substantially the same terms, pursuant to which Shanghai Dongmei Entities will from time to time provide the Group as its agents with services for sale of air ticketspassenger flights under us, our branches and with complementary services required in the daily airline operations and civil aviation business of the Group.subsidiaries. The Sales Agency Services RenewalBellyhold Space Management Agreement will beis effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2014 to2017 until December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2014, sales agency services fees paid to Shanghai Dongmei amounted were approximately RMB 5 million.2019.

 

On August 15, 2014, Shanghai Airlines Tours, a subsidiary of our Company, entered into the equity transfer agreement with Eastern Air Tourism Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Air Tourism”), pursuant to which, Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to acquire 72.84% equity interest in Shanghai Dongmei held by Eastern Air Tourism. This acquisition has been completed and Shanghai Dongmei has become a subsidiary of the Group with its consolidated financial information consolidated into the Group’s financial statements. Upon the completion of the acquisition, the provision of sales agency services to the Group by Shanghai Dongmei no longer constitutes daily connected transactions.

On December 27, 2012, Shanghai Airlines Tours a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an equity transfer agreement with Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to acquire the entire equity interests in Xi'an Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd ("Xi'an Dongmei") from Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei in consideration of RMB3,300,400 in total (the "Xi'an Dongmei Acquisition").

On December 27, 2012, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an equity transfer agreement with Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to acquire the entire equity interests of Kunming Dongmei from Eastern Tourism and Shanghai Dongmei in consideration of RMB10,551,000 in total (the "Kunming Dongmei Acquisition"). For the year ended December 31, 2012, we paid to Shanghai Dongmei, Kunming Dongmei and Xi'an Dongmei an aggregate amount of approximately RMB19.8 million of commissions for the agency services of air tickets sales.

On January 10, 2013, Shanghai Airlines Tours entered into an equity transfer agreement with Eastern Tourism, pursuant to which Shanghai Airlines Tours agreed to acquire the entire equity interests of Eastern Travel from Eastern Tourism in consideration of RMB11,876,200 in total (the "Eastern Travel Acquisition"). Based on the valuation prices, we paid RMB13.9 million for the Eastern Travel Acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Eastern Tourism is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding, which in turn is a controlling shareholder of the Company. Eastern Tourism is thus a connected person of the Company under the Listing Rules. Shanghai Dongmei is interested as to 72.84% by, and is thus an associate of, CEA Holding. Shanghai Dongmei is thus a connected person of the Company under the Listing Rules. Therefore, each of Xi'an Dongmei Acquisition, the Kunming Dongmei Acquisition and Eastern Travel Acquisition constitutes a connected transaction of the Company. The main purpose of Xi'an Dongmei Acquisition, the Kunming Dongmei Acquisition and Eastern Travel Acquisition is to reorganize and intergrade the tourism business of the Group. For details, please refer to the announcements in the 6-K filed with the SEC dated January 10, 2013.

Shanghai Aviation Import & Export Com. Ltd. ("SA Import & Export"), which is indirectly held as to 55% by CEA Holding and 45% by our Company

On December 6, 2012, we entered into an agreement with SA Import & Export, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase and SA Import & Export agreed to sell the 13.98% of the entire issued share capital of Shanghai Airlines Tours held by SA Import & Export. Shanghai Airlines Tours was previously directly held as to 86.02% by our Company and 13.98% by SA Import & Export, and after completion of the acquisition, it has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company. We paid to SA Import & Export RMB20.7 million for the acquisition as of December 31, 2012.

The main purpose of the acquisition was to resolve the issue of intra-group competition. The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on our normal operations and financial condition. The terms and conditions of the acquisition are agreed after arm's length negotiations between the parties.

Property Leases

Our Company and EA Group had entered into an office lease agreement dated January 7, 1997 in respect of office premises located at Kong Gang San Road, Number 92, Shanghai, China. The lease term is one year and renewable by the parties, subject to mutual agreement with respect to rental terms. The total rental payment is approximately RMB158,342 per month. In addition, our Company and EA Group had entered into a staff dormitory lease agreement dated December 31, 1996, pursuant to which EA Group had agreed to enter into lease arrangements with our employees for dormitories in Shanghai, Anhui Province, Shandong Province and Jiangxi Province. The term of the lease and the rental payments are set in accordance with Chinese regulations and the rate prescribed by the Shanghai Municipal Government. CEA Holding has assumed EA Group's rights and liabilities under those lease agreements after its establishment.

On May 12, 2005, we entered into a property leasing agreement with CEA Holding, CEA Northwest and CEA Yunnan for a term of three years, subject to renewal of another three years.

On April 29, 2008, we entered into an agreement to renew the property leasing agreement dated May 12, 2005 for an additional term of three years commencing July 1, 2008. Pursuant to the agreement, we will renew our lease on all properties covered by the previous property leasing agreement entered into on May 12, 2005, except that where we previously leased 81 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities, we will instead lease 77 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities covering an aggregate floor area of approximately 452,949 square meters. In addition, CEA Holding will be the only counterparty in the property leasing renewal agreement. Under the property leasing renewal agreement, our Company will pay annual rentals of approximately RMB55.1 million.

On October 15, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing property leasing agreement with CEA Holding on substantially the same terms. Pursuant to this property leasing renewal agreement, we leased from CEA Holding, for our use in daily business operations: (i) 33 land properties owned by CEA Northwest, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 692,539 square meters primarily located in Xi'an, Xianyang and Lanzhou, with a total of 225 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 269,148 square meters; (ii) seven land properties owned by CEA Yunnan, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 420,768 square meters primarily located in Kunming, together with a total of 77 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 452,949 square meters; (iii) building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 8,853 square meters located in Shijiazhuang; building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 63,552 square meters located in Taiyuan; (iv) seven building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 13,195 square meters located in Shanghai; (v) 29 guest rooms and two suites at the Eastern Hotel owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 1,500 square meters located in Shanghai; and (vi) other property facilities owned by CEA Holding and/or its subsidiaries that are leased to us from time to time for various operational needs. Under the property leasing agreement, we are required to pay annual rental payments to CEA Holding. The rentals are payable half-yearly in advance, and are subject to review and adjustments provided that the adjustments shall not exceed the applicable inflation rates published by the relevant local PRC authorities. The Property Leasing Renewal Agreement will be effective for a term of three years commencing from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

 

On August 30, 2013, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing property leasing agreement with CEA Holding on substantially the same terms. Pursuant to the Property Leasing Renewal Agreement, we leased the Company will leasefollowing properties from CEA Holding and its subsidiaries, the following properties, for use by the Group in itsour daily airlinesairline and other business operations:

 

(a)(i) a maximum of 36 land properties owned by CEA Northwest, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 713,632 square meters together with a total of 172 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 240,601 square meters;

 

(b)(ii) a maximum of three land properties owned by CEA Yunnan, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 43,258 square meters together with a total of 24 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 77,401 square meters;

 

(c)(iii) building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 8,853 square meters located in Shijiazhuang;

 

(d)(iv) building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 63,552 square meters located in Taiyuan;

(e)

(v) a total of 7 building properties and related construction, infrastructure and facilities owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 13,195 square meters located in Shanghai;

 

(f)(vi) a total of 33 guest rooms in Eastern Hotel owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 1,500 square meters located in Shanghai; and

 

(g)(vii) other property facilities owned by CEA Holding as may be leased to the Companyus from time to time, due to theour business needs of the Company.

 

In addition to and on the terms and conditions to be further agreed, the Company shallwe will lease some of the properties legally owned or leased by the Groupus to subsidiaries of CEA Holding as needed by the subsidiaries of CEA Holding. The Property Leasing Renewal Agreement will bewas effective for a term of three years, commencing from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016.

 

On August 30, 2016, we entered into an agreement relating to the renewal of the existing property leasing agreement with CEA Holding. Pursuant to the property leasing renewal agreement, we will lease from CEA Holding and its subsidiaries the following properties, for use in our daily airlines and other business operations:

(a) altogether 17 land properties owned by CEA Holding in Lanzhou, Gansu, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 234,989 square metres together with a total of 81 building properties, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 54,290 square metres;

(b) altogether three land properties owned by CEA Holding in Kunming, Yunnan, covering an aggregate site area of 44,835 square metres together with a total of 24 building properties, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 67,992 square metres;

(c) one building property, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities owned by CEA Holding in Shijiazhuang, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 8,853 square metres;

(d) a total of 67 building properties, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities owned by CEA Holding in Taiyuan, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 45,068 square metres;

(e) a total of 7 building properties, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities owned by CEA Holding in Shanghai, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 13,195 square metres;

(f) altogether 16 land properties owned by CEA Northwest, covering an aggregate site area of approximately 393,929 square metres together with a total of 115 building properties, construction, structures and other ancillary facilities occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 88,440 square metres;

(g) a total of altogether 33 guest rooms in Eastern Hotel owned by CEA Holding, occupying an aggregate floor area of approximately 1,500 square metres located in Shanghai; and

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(h) other land and property facilities owned by CEA Holding as may be leased to us from time to time due to our business and operational needs.

In addition to the above and on terms and conditions to be further agreed, we will lease some of the properties legally owned or leased by us to subsidiaries of CEA Holding as needed by the subsidiaries of CEA Holding. The property leasing renewal agreement will be effective for a term of three years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, we paid a rental fee of RMB50RMB54 million under this property leasing renewal agreement.

 

Guarantee by CEA Holding

 

As of December 31, 2013,2014, bonds of our Group withissued by us in an aggregate amount of RMB4.8 billion were guaranteed by CEA Holding. As of December 31, 2014,2015, bonds issued by us in an aggregate amount of our GroupRMB4.8 million guaranteed by CEA Holding were RMB4.8 billion.Holding. As of December 31, 2016, bonds issued by us in an aggregate amount of RMB7.8 million guaranteed by CEA Holding. See Note 46(d)47(d) to our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Subscription AgreementsAgreement in relation to Aircraft Finance Lease with CEA Leasing

On May 5, 2015, we entered into a master lease agreement with CES Leasing, pursuant to which CES Leasing agreed to provide finance leasing to us in relation to 23 aircraft in accordance with the terms and conditions of the master lease agreement and the relevant implementation agreements. CES Leasing is a non-wholly owned subsidiary of CEA Holding, which in turn is the controlling shareholder of the Company.

On April 28, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement with CES GlobalLeasing, pursuant to which CES Leasing agreed to provide finance leasing to us in relation to the leased aircraft, as and when we consider desirable, in our interests and the interests of the Shareholders as a whole in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2016 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement and the relevant implementation agreements contemplated thereunder. The 2016 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement was effective for a term of one year commencing January 1, 2016.

On April 28, 2016, we entered into the 2017–2019 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement with CES Leasing, pursuant to which CES Leasing agreed to provide finance leasing to us in relation to the Leased Aircraft, as and when we consider desirable, in our interests and the interests of the Shareholders as a whole in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2017–2019 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement and the relevant implementation agreements contemplated thereunder. The 2017–2019 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement is effective for a term of three years, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid a rental fee of RMB2,721 million under the 2016 Aircraft Finance Lease Framework Agreement.

Airline Service Agreement with TravelSky Technology Limited (“TravelSky”)

 

On December 10, 2008, CEA Holding entered into an A Share Subscription Agreement (the "Original A Share Subscription Agreement") with our Company to subscribe for new A shares to be issued by our Company. Simultaneously with entering into Original A Share Subscription Agreement, CES Global entered into an H Share Subscription Agreement with our Company (the "Original H Share Subscription Agreement") to subscribe for new H shares to be issued by our Company. Subsequently, the parties made amendments to certain terms of Original A Share Subscription Agreement and Original H Share Subscription Agreement; and on December 29, 2008, CEA Holding entered into a revised A Share Subscription Agreement with our Company to subscribe in cash for 1,437,375,000 new A shares in our Company at the subscription price of RMB3.87 per share with a total subscription price of approximately RMB5,563 million, and CES Global entered into a revised H Share Subscription Agreement with our Company to subscribe in cash for 1,437,375,000 new H shares in our Company at the subscription price of RMB1.00 per share with a total subscription price of approximately RMB1,437 million, respectively. Original A Share Subscription Agreement and Original H Share Subscription Agreement were cancelled accordingly.

On February 26, 2009, we convened a class meeting of A Share Shareholders, a class meeting of H Share Shareholders, and an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, at which special resolutions were passed to approve both the non-public issuance of 1,437,375,000 new A Shares at subscription price of approximately RMB5,563 million to CEA Holding and the issuance of 1,437,375,000 new H Shares at subscription price of approximately RMB1,437 million to CES Global. On May 22, 2009, we had received an approval issued by CSRC dated May 19, 2009 in relation to our proposed issue of 1,437,375,000 new H Shares at a price of RMB1.00 per share to CES Global. In June 2009, the CSRC approved the non-public issuance of 1,437,375,000 new A Shares. We issued 1,437,375,000 new A Shares to CES Holding and 1,437,375,000 new H shares to CES Global on June 25, 2009 and June 26, 2009, respectively.

On July 10, 2009, our Board approved an issuance of not more than 1,350,000,000 new A shares of the Company to 10 or less specific investors and the issuance of not more than 490,000,000 new H shares of the Company to CES Global. As part of this contemplated new A share issuance, CEA Holding entered into a subscription agreement with the Company on July 10, 2009, pursuant to which CEA Holding would subscribe in cash for not more than 490,000,000 new A shares at a subscription price of not less than RMB4.75 per A share. CES Global entered into another subscription agreement with the Company on the same day, pursuant to which CES Global would subscribe in cash for not more than 490,000,000 new H shares at the subscription price of not less than HK$1.40 per H share. The issuances of the A shares to CEA Holding and H shares to CES Global were completed on December 23, 2009 and December 10, 2009, respectively.

On September 11, 2012, CEA Holding and CES Finance entered into an A Shares Subscription Agreement with our Company. Pursuant to the A Shares Subscription Agreement: (i) CEA Holding, at the subscription price of RMB3.28 per share, subscribed in cash for 241,547,927 new A Shares with a total subscription price of RMB792,277,200.56; and (ii) CES Finance, at the subscription price of RMB3.28 per share, subscribed in cash for 457,317,073 new A Shares with a total subscription price of RMB1,499,999,999.44.

Simultaneously with the entering into of the A Shares Subscription Agreement, CES Global entered into the H Shares Subscription Agreement with the Company. Pursuant to the H Shares Subscription Agreement, CES Global, at the subscription price of HK$2.32 per share, subscribed in cash for 698,865,000 new H Shares with a total subscription price of HK$1,621,366,800.

Both CES Finance and CES Global are wholly-owned subsidiaries of CEA Holding. The subscriptions will significantly enhance the capital structure and financial position of our Company by improving our financial position and leverage ratios, and thus strengthen the core competitiveness and risk-resistance capability of our Company. The terms and conditions of the Subscriptions are agreed after arm's length negotiations between the parties. For details, please refer to the announcement furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K dated September 24, 2012.

Equity Transfer Agreements with CEA Holding

On October 29, 2010,2015, the Company entered into two equity transfer agreementsthe Airline Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) with CEA HoldingTravelSky in Shanghai.Shanghai for a term commencing January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2016. Pursuant to these agreements, the Agreement, TravelSky will provide the Group with an inventory control system, a computer reservation system, extended reservation services and related products and services, as well as civil aviation and commercial data network services. The Company acquired 5% ofwill pay the equity interest in Flight Training Company and 14.14% ofservice fees by reference to the equity interest in Eastern Airlines Hotel heldstandards set by CEA Holding by way of cash.the CAAC. The acquisition prices were determined onannual caps for the basis of the appraised net asset value as of June 30, 2010, being the record date in respect of their respective valuations. The resolutions in respect of the saiddaily connected transactions between Travelsky and us in 2015 and 2016 were unanimously approved by the independent directorsestimated to be RMB650 million and RMB730 million. Given that Mr. Li Yangmin, a Director and vice president of the Company present at the meeting, who also expressed their independent opinions.

Upon the completionis a director of the equity transfers under these connected transactions, Flight Training Company and Eastern Airlines Hotel will become wholly-owned subsidiariesTravelsky, Travelsky is a related party of the Company. The Company will be able to direct and manage Flight Training Company and Eastern Airlines Hotel in a more flexible manner, so as to ensure that they better serve the Company's requirements by providing protection and servicesus pursuant to the air crew and to endeavor to open up external markets.

On August 22, 2012, we entered into an agreement with CEA Holding, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase and CEA Holding agreed to sell means 20%Rules Governing the Listing of Stocks on the entire issued share capital of the China United Airlines held by CEA Holding. China United Airlines was held 80% by the Company and 20% by CEA Holding before the transaction. After the completion of the acquisition, China United Airlines has become our wholly-owned subsidiary, which will enable us to manage and conduct internal integration of the Group. The terms and conditions of the acquisition are agreed after arm's length negotiations between the parties.

Subscription Agreement with China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company ("COSCO"), which is a substantial shareholder of Eastern Logistics which in turn is a subsidiary of the Company

On December 6, 2012, we entered into an agreement with COSCO, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase and COSCO agreed to sell 29.7% of the entire issued share capital of Eastern Logistics held by COSCO. On the same day, we also entered into an agreement with China Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd., or China Cargo, pursuant to which we agreed to purchase and China Cargo agreed to sell its 1% equity interests in Eastern Logistics COSCO is a substantial shareholder of Eastern Logistics which in turn is a subsidiary of the Company, and COSCO is thus a connected person of the Company.

COSCO is principally engaged in the business of global passenger and cargo shipping, charter booking, voyage charter, time charter, leasing, ship building, purchase and sale of ships, container manufacturing and repairing and accessory making, warehousing, forwarding, multimodal transport and door-to-door transport, and other approved overseas futures business.

Eastern Logistics is principally engaged in the business of shipping agency, ground cargo handling, road freight transport (general freight), warehousing and property management. In order to integrate the freight transportation business of the Group, expand the business of air-ground transportation, and provide "end-to-end, door-to-door" service, we acquired the equity interests in Eastern Logistics held by COSCO and China Cargo. After the completion of the acquisitions, Eastern Logistics has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

The terms and conditions of the acquisitions are agreed after arm's length negotiations between the parties. The resolution regarding considering and approving the acquisitions has been passed at the 2012 fifth regular meeting of the Board held on October 30, 2012.Shanghai Stock Exchange.

 

C.Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

Item 8.Financial Information

 

A.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

Financial Statements

 

You shouldPlease read "Item 18. Financial Statements" for information regarding our audited consolidated financial statements and other financial information.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in routine litigation and other proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe that any of these proceedings are likely to be material to our business operations, financial condition or results of operations. In 2005, the family members of certain victims in the aircraft accident (the aircraft was then owned and operated by China Eastern Air Yunnan Company), which occurred in Baotou city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on November 21, 2004, sued, among other defendants, our Company in a U.S. court for compensation, the amount of which was not determined. We had filed a motion to contest the claim in the U.S. court because we expressly did not assume the legal liability of such incident in our acquisition of certain selected assets relating to the aviation business of CEA Yunnan. The family members of the 32 victims have reached a settlement with us and applied to the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court to withdraw their actions. On May 31, 2013, the Beijing Second Intermediate People’s Court accepted the withdrawal. The California Court in the US ruled to terminate the proceedings in the U.S. on October 24, 2013. Since then, all the local and overseas proceedings with respect to this case have been closed. Accordingly, the management of our Group believes that there has been no material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of our Company. Save as disclosed above, we were not involved in any other new material litigation in the period of this report.

 

Dividends and Dividend Policy

 

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, our Board of Directors did not recommend any dividend payouts due to our total accumulated losses of RMB12,855 million, RMB8,039 million, RMB4,967 million and RMB2,595 million, respectively. Under PRC law, we cannot convert funds from the common reservereserves to increase our share capital during this period.Based on the audited financial statements of the Company under thePRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises as of and for the year 2014, the retained earnings of the parent company waswere RMB21 million as of December 31, 2014. Based on the audited financial statements of the Company under IFRSIFRSs as of and for the year 2014, the accumulated loss of the parent company was RMB385 million. Pursuant to the PRC Company Law and its Articles of Association, the Company must recover its losses incurred in previous years with its profit for the year before any dividend distributions are made to its shareholders. The basis of dividend distribution of the Company is the distributable profit of the parent company, which is subject to the principle of adopting the lesser of the profit after tax under the PRC accounting standards and IFRS.IFRSs. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has been recording accumulated losses under IFRS.IFRSs. The Board recommended that no dividend be distributed for the year 2014 and no share capital of the Company not be increased through capitalization of its capital reserve. Based on the audited financial statements of the Company under thePRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises as of and for the year 2015, the retained profits of the parent company were RMB1,680 million as of December 31, 2015. Based on the audited financial statements of the Company under IFRSs as of and for the year 2015, the retained profits of the parent company were RMB1,164 million.

In accordance with Rule 17 of Measures on the Administration of Securities Issuance and Underwriting by the CSRC, if listed companies with a plan for issuance of securities have any profit distribution proposal or proposal for capital increase with capital surplus, that has not yet been submitted to general meeting for voting or has been approved by shareholders’ general meeting but not yet implemented, the issuance of securities may only proceed after such proposals have been implemented. Given that the Company’s application for non- public issuance of A shares was approved by the CSRC in January 2016 and will expire on July 5, 2016, if the Company had implemented profit distribution in 2015, approval for the profit distribution proposal would have been needed at the 2015 general meeting and the non-public issuance of A shares could only be implemented after the implementation of the profit distribution proposal. This would have narrowed the time frame for the non-public issuance of A shares or would even have made it impossible to implement, in which case the implementation of the Company’s non-public issuance project and long-term development would have been severely hampered.

53

In consideration of factors such as shareholders’ interests and the Company’s development, the profit distribution proposal recommended by the Board of the Company for the year 2015 is as follows: No profit shall be distributed for the year 2015 and no share capital of the Company shall be increased with its capital reserve. The Group profit distribution proposal for the year 2015 will be submitted to the 2015 annual general meeting for consideration. The Board of the Company also intends for, a cash dividend distribution in the interim period for the year 2016 of not less than 40% of the net profit of the Company of the year 2015 under the PRC Accounting Standards.

On October 27, 2016, the interim profit distribution plan was approved at the extraordinary general meeting of the Company. The 2016 interim distribution was approximately RMB737.8 million in cash. Based on our total share capital of 14,467,585,682 shares, the cash distribution per share was RMB0.051 (before tax) in cash.

On March 30, 2017, the Board considered and approved the 2016 annual profit distribution proposal. It was recommended by the Board that the 2016 annual distribution be approximately RMB708.9 million in cash. Based on the total share capital of 14,467,585,682 shares of the Company, the cash distribution per share would be RMB0.049 (before tax) in cash which will be distributed to holders of A shares of the Company in RMB and to holders of H shares of the Company in HKD.

The independent non-executive directors of the Company are of the view that the aforesaid annual profit distribution proposal is in line with the objective situation of the Company, in the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders, in compliance with relevant laws, regulations and the articles of association of the Company, and not detrimental to the interests of investors (especially minority shareholders) of the Company.

The aforesaid profit distribution proposal of the Group is subject to consideration and approval by the shareholders at the 2016 general meeting of the Company. If the 2016 annual profit distribution proposal is approved at the general meeting, the Company expects that the cash distribution will be paid on August 10, 2017.

 

Our Board declares dividends, if any, in Renminbi, with respect to H Shares on a per share basis and pays such dividends in HK dollars. Any final dividend for a fiscal year is subject to shareholders' approval. The Bank of New York Mellon (the "BNYM"), as depositary, converts the HK dollar dividend payments and distributes them to holders of ADSs in U.S. dollars, less expenses of conversion.conversion expenses. Under PRC Company Law and our Articles of Association, all of our shareholders have equal rights to dividends and distributions. The holders of the H Shares share proportionately on a per share basis in all dividends and other distributions declared by our Board, if any, based on the foreign exchange conversion rate published by PBOC, on the date of the distribution of the cash dividend.

 

We believe that our dividend policy strikes a balance between two important goals providing our shareholders with a competitive return on investment and assuring sufficient reinvestment of profits to enable us to achieve our strategic objectives. The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of our Board, which takes into account the following factors:

 

·our financial results;
our financial results;

 

·capital requirements;
capital requirements;

 

·contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our shareholders or by our subsidiaries to us;
contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our shareholders or by our subsidiaries to us;

 

·our shareholders interests;
·the effect on our creditworthiness;
our shareholders interests;

 

·general business and economic conditions; and
the effect on our creditworthiness;

 

·other factors our Board may deem relevant.
general business and economic conditions; and

other factors our Board may deem relevant.

 

Pursuant to PRC laws and regulations, dividends may only be distributed after allowance has been made for: (i) recovery of losses, if any and (ii) allocations to the statutory surplus reserve. The allocationsallocation to the statutory surplus reserve is 10% of our net profit determined in accordance with PRC Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Our distributable profits for the current fiscal year will be equal to our net profits determined in accordance with IFRS,IFRSs, less allocations to the statutory surplus reserve.

 

B.Significant Changes

 

Significant Post Financial Statements Events

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.The Offer and Listing

 

A.Offer and Listing Details

 

The principal trading market for our H Shares is the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The ADSs, each representing 50 H Shares, have been issued by BNYM as the Depositary and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to our initial public offering and subsequent listings on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on February 4 and 5, 1997, respectively, there was no market for our H Shares or ADSs. Our publicly traded domestic shares, or A shares, have been listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since November 5, 1997.

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, there were 4,193,190,0004,659,100,000 H Shares issued and outstanding. As of December 30, 2016 (December 31, 20142016 being a Saturday) and April 17, 2015,21, 2017, there were respectively, 41 and 40 registered holders, respectively, of American depositary receipts evidencing 955,2902,009,506 and 1,127,039,1,950,955 ADSs, respectively. Since nominees hold certain of the ADSs, are held by nominees, the above number may not be representative of the actual number of U.S. beneficial holders of ADSs or the number of ADSs beneficially held by U.S. persons. A total of 8,481,078,8609,808,485,682 domestic ordinary shares were also outstanding as of December 31, 2014.2016.

54

 

The table below sets forth certain market information relating to the trading prices of our H Shares and ADSs in respect of the period from 20092012 to April 17, 2015.21, 2017.

 

     New York Stock 
  Hong Kong Stock Exchange  Exchange 
  Price Per H Share  Price Per ADS 
  (HK$)  (US$) 
  High  Low  High  Low 
Yearly            
2012  3.20   2.19   20.66   14.03 
2013  3.72   2.24   23.67   14.76 
2014  4.05   2.30   26.57   14.85 
2015  7.56   2.33   49.50   22.13 
2016  4.87   3.26   31.59   21.20 
Quarterly                
2015                
First Quarter 2015  4.08   2.33   32.29   22.13 
Second Quarter 2015  7.56   4.86   46.55   32.30 
Third Quarter 2015  7.07   3.61   49.50   23.29 
Fourth Quarter 2015  5.15   3.80   33.04   24.83 
2016                
First Quarter 2016  4.43   3.26   27.34   21.20 
Second Quarter 2016  4.87   3.84   31.59   24.83 
Third Quarter 2016  4.64   3.52   29.72   22.91 
Fourth Quarter 2016  3.84   3.29   24.38   21.38 
Monthly                
October 2016  3.77   3.42   24.38   22.30 
November 2016  3.84   3.40   24.21   22.10 
December 2016  3.80   3.29   23.94   21.38 
First Quarter 2017                
January 2017  4.03   3.54   25.96   22.76 
February 2017  4.58   3.83   28.41   24.50 
March 2017  4.99   4.06   30.90   26.10 
April 2017 (up to April 21, 2017)  4.61   4.16   29.51   26.85 

  Hong Kong Stock Exchange  New York Stock Exchange 
  Price Per H Share
(HK$)
  Price Per ADS
(US$)
 
  High  Low  High  Low 
2010  5.38   2.53   58.79   23.10 
2011  4.46   2.10   27.49   13.25 
2012  3.20   2.19   20.66   14.03 
2013  3.72   2.24   23.67   14.76 
First Quarter 2013  3.72   3.14   23.67   20.15 
Second Quarter 2013  3.46   2.24   22.14   14.76 
Third Quarter 2013  2.73   2.29   17.69   14.97 
Fourth Quarter 2013  3.27   2.47   21.18   15.96 
2014  4.05   2.30   26.57   14.85 
First Quarter 2014  3.04   2.42   19.60   16.02 
Second Quarter 2014  2.72   2.30   17.61   14.85 
Third Quarter 2014  2.72   2.38   17.55   15.22 
Fourth Quarter 2014  4.05   2.54   26.57   15.63 
October 2014  2.95   2.54   18.99   15.63 
November 2014  3.88   3.10   24.95   19.57 
December 2014  4.05   3.63   26.57   23.18 
January 2015  4.08   3.60   26.98   23.68 
February 2015  3.97   3.56   25.66   22.87 
March 2015  2.72   2.33   32.29   22.13 
April 2015 (up to April 17, 2015)  6.80   4.86   42.15   32.19 

B.Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C.Markets

 

Our H shares are listed for trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Code: 00670), our ADSs are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CEA" and our A shares are listed for trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (Code: 600115).

 

D.Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

E.Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F.Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10.Additional Information

 

A.Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

B.Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of our Articles of Association, as amended. Such summary does not purport to be complete. For further information, you and your advisors should refer to the text of our Articles of Association, as amended, and to the texts of applicable laws and regulations. A copy of the English translation of our Articles of Association, as amended on June 26, 2014,September 9, 2015, is attached as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 20-F (which is incorporated by reference).

 

Selected Summary of the Articles of Association

 

We are a joint stock limited company established in accordance with theCompany Law of the People's Republic of China (the(the "Company Law"), the "State Council's Special Regulations Regarding the Issue of Shares Overseas and the Listing of Shares Overseas by Companies Limited by Share" (the "Special Regulations") and other relevant laws and regulations of the State. We are established by way of promotion with the approval under the document "Ti Gai Sheng" 1994 No. 140 of the PRC State Commission for Restructuring the Economic System. We are registered with and have obtained a business license from China's State Administration Bureau of Industry and Commerce on April 14, 1995. Our business license number is:is 10001767-8. We changed our registration withto Shanghai Administration for Industry and Commerce on October 18, 2002. The number of our Company's business license is: Qi Gu Hu Zong Zi No. 032138.

 

We were incorporated in the PRC for the purpose of providing the public with safe, punctual, comfortable, fast and convenient air transport services and other ancillary services, to enhance the cost-effectiveness of thethese services and to protect the lawful rights and interests of shareholders.

 

Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven (11) directors, who are to be elected at the shareholders' general meeting and will hold a term of office for three (3) years. At least one-third of the members of the Board of Directors shall be independent directors. The Directors are not required to hold shares of our Company.

Directors who are either directly or indirectly materially interested in a contract, transaction or arrangement or proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with our Company (other than his contract of service with our Company) shall declare the nature and extent of his interests to the Board of Directors at the earliest opportunity, whether or not the contract, transaction or arrangement or proposal therefore is otherwise subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

55

 

In accordance with our Articles, a director shall abstain from voting at a board meeting, the purpose of which is to approve contracts, transactions or arrangements that such director or any of his or her associates (as defined in the relevant rules governing the listing of securities) has a material interest.interest in. Such director shall not be counted in the quorum for the relevant board meeting.

 

Unless the interested director discloses his interests in accordance with our Articles of Association and the contract, transaction or arrangement is approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting in which the interested director is not counted in the quorum and refrains from voting, a contract, transaction or arrangement in which that director is materially interested is voidable at the instance of our Company except as against a bona fide party thereto acting without notice of the breach of duty by the interested director. A director is also deemed to be interested in a contract, transaction or arrangement in which an associate of the director is interested.

 

Our Articles provide that our Company shall not in any manner pay taxes for or on behalf of a director or make directly or indirectly a loan to or provide any guarantee in connection with the making of a loan to a director of our Company or of our Company's holding company or any of their respective associates. However, the following transactions are not subject to such prohibition: (1)(i) the provision by our Company of a loan or a guarantee of a loan to a company which is a subsidiary of our Company; (2)(ii) the provision by our Company of a loan or a guarantee in connection with the making of a loan or any other funds to any of its directors, administrative officers to meet expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him for the purposes of our Company or for the purpose of enabling him to perform his duties properly, in accordance with the terms of a service contract approved by the shareholders in general meeting; (3)(iii) our Company may make a loan to or provide a guarantee in connection with the making of a loan to any of the relevant directors or their respective associates in the ordinary course of its business on normal commercial terms, provided that the ordinary course of business of our Company includes the lending of money or the giving of guarantees.

 

Our Articles do not contain any requirements for (i) the directors' power to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body, in the absence of an independent quorum or (ii) the directors to retire by a specified age.

 

Description of the Shares

 

As of December 31, 2014,2016, our share capital structure was as follows: 12,674,268,86014,467,585,682 ordinary shares of which (a) 698,865,0001,327,406,822 A shares subject to trading moratorium, which represented 5.5%9.18% of our share capital, were held by CEAShanghai Licheng Information Technology Consulting Co., Limited, China National Aviation Fuel Holding Company, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited and CES Finance;Caitong Fund Management Co., Limited, respectively; (b) 7,782,213,8608,481,078,860 A shares without trading moratorium, which represented 61.4%58.62% of our share capital, were issued to investors in China; and (c) 698,865,000 H shares subject to trading moratorium, which represented 5.5% of our share capital, were issued to CES Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEA Holding; and (d) 3,494,325,0004,659,100,000 H shares without trading moratorium, which represented 27.6%32.20% of our share capital.

 

Our ordinary shareholders shall enjoy the following rights:

 

(i)the right to dividends and other distributions in proportion to the number of shares held;

 

(ii)the right to attend or appoint a proxy to attend Shareholders' general meetings and to vote thereat;

 

(iii)the right of supervisory management over the Company's business operations, and the right to present proposals or enquiries;

 

(iv)the right to transfer shares in accordance with laws, administrative regulations and provisions of these Articles of Association;

 

(v)the right to obtain relevant information in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Association, including:

 

(1)the right to obtain a copy of these Articles of Association, subject to payment of the cost of such copy;

 

(2)the right to inspect and copy, subject to payment of a reasonable charge;

 

(vi)all parts of the register of shareholders;

(vii)personal particulars of each of the Company's directors, supervisors, general manager, deputy general managers and other senior administrative officers, including:

 

(1)present name and alias and any former name or alias;

 

(2)principal address (residence);

 

(3)nationality;

 

(4)primary and all other part-time occupations and duties;

 

(5)identification documents and their relevant numbers;

 

(viii)state of the Company's share capital;

 

(ix)reports showing the aggregate par value, quantity, highest and lowest price paid in respect of each class of shares repurchased by the Company since the end of the last accounting year and the aggregate amount paid by the Company for this purpose;

 

(x)minutes of Shareholders' general meetings and the accountant's report,

 

(xi)in the event of the termination or liquidation of the Company, to participate in the distribution of surplus assets of the Company in accordance with the number of shares held; or

 

(xii)other rights conferred by laws, administrative regulations and these Articles of Association.

 

A shareholder (including a proxy), when voting at a Shareholders' general meeting, may exercise such voting rights in accordance with the number of shares carrying the right to vote and each share shall have one vote. Resolutions of shareholders' general meetings shall be divided into ordinary resolutions and special resolutions. To adopt an ordinary resolution, votes representing more than one half of the voting rights represented by the shareholders (including proxies) present at the meeting must be exercised in favor of the resolution in order for it to be passed. To adopt a special resolution, votes representing more than two-thirds of the voting rights represented by the shareholders (including proxies) present at the meeting must be exercised in favor of the resolution in order for it to be passed. Our ordinary shareholders are entitled to the right to dividends and other distributions in proportion to the number of shares held, and they are not liable for making any further contribution to the share capital other than as agreed by the subscriber of the relevant shares on subscription. Our Articles provide that a controlling shareholder (as defined in the Articles) shall not approve certain matters which will be prejudicial to the interests of all or some of other shareholders by exercising his/her voting rights.

 

The Listing Agreement between us and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange further provides that we may not permit amendments to certain sections of the Articles of Association subject to the Mandatory Provisions for the Articles of Association of Companies Listed Overseas promulgated by the State Council Securities Commission and the State Restructuring Commission on August 27, 1994 (the "Mandatory Provisions"). These sections include provisions relating to (i) varying the rights of existing classes of shares; (ii) voting rights; (iii) our power to purchase our own shares; (iv) rights of minority shareholders; and (v) procedures upon liquidation. In addition, certain amendments to the Articles of Association require the approval and assent of relevant PRC authorities.

 

56

Shareholders' Meetings

 

Shareholders' general meetings are divided into annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. Shareholders' general meetings shall be convened by the Board of Directors. Annual general meetings are held once every year and within six (6) months from the end of the preceding financial year. The Board of Directors shall convene an extraordinary general meeting within two (2) months of the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

(i)where the number of Directors is less than the number of Directors required by Company Law or two-thirds of the number of Directors specified in these Articles of Association;

 

(ii)where the unrecovered losses of the Company amount to one-third of the total amount of its share capital;

 

(iii)where shareholder(s) holding 10 per cent or more of the Company's issued and outstanding shares carrying voting rights request(s) in writing the convening of an extraordinary general meeting; or

(iv)when deemed necessary by the Board of Directors or as requested by the supervisory committee.

 

When we convene a shareholders' general meeting, written notice of the meeting shall be given forty five (45) days before the date of the meeting to notify all of the shareholders in the share register of the matters to be considered and the date and place of the meeting. A shareholder who intends to attend the meeting shall deliver his written reply concerning the attendance of the meeting to us twenty (20) days before the date of the meeting. When we convene a shareholders' annual general meeting, shareholders holding three per cent or more of the total voting shares of the Company shall have the right to propose new motions in writing, and we shall place those matters in the proposed motions within the scope of functions and powers of the Shareholders' general meeting on the agenda.

 

Shareholders' Rights

 

Set forth below is certain information relating to the H Shares, including a brief summary of certain provisions of the Articles, and selected laws and regulations applicable to us.

 

Sources of Shareholders' Rights

 

The rights and obligations of holders of H Shares and other provisions relating to shareholder protection are principally provided in the Articles of Association and Company Law. The Articles of Association incorporate mandatory provisions in accordance with Mandatory Provisions. We are further subject to management ordinances applicable to the listed companies in Hong Kong SAR and the United States, as our H Shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (in the form of ADSs).

 

In addition, for so long as the H Shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we are subject to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKSE Rules"), theSecurities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong (the "SFO") and the Hong Kong Code on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Repurchases.

 

Unless otherwise specified, all rights, obligations and protections discussed below are derived from the Articles of Association, Company Law and abovementioned laws and regulations.

 

Significant Differences in the H Shares and A Shares

 

Holders of H Shares and A Shares, with minor exceptions, are entitled to the same economic and voting rights. The Articles of Association provide that dividends or other payments payable to H Share holders shall be declared and calculated in Renminbi and paid in Renminbi, while those to A Share holders shall be declared and calculated in Renminbi and paid in the local currency at the place where such A Shares are listed (if there is more than one place of listing, then the principal place of listing as determined by the Board of Directors). In addition, the H Shares can only be traded by investors of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and any country other than the PRC, while A Shares may be traded only by investors within the territory of the PRC.

 

Restrictions on Transferability and the Share Register

 

H Shares may be traded only among investors who are not PRC persons, and may not be sold to PRC investors. There are no restrictions on the ability of investors who are not PRC residents to hold H Shares.

 

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, we may refuse to register a transfer of H Shares unless:

 

(1)a fee (for each instrument of transfer) of two Hong Kong dollars and fifty centsHK$2.50 or any higher fee as agreed by the Stock Exchange has been paid to us for registration of any transfer or any other document which is related to or will affect ownership of or change of ownership of the shares;

 

(2)the instrument of transfer only involves H Shares;

 

(3)the stamp duty chargeable on the instrument of transfer has been paid;

 

(4)the relevant share certificate and upon the reasonable request of the Board of Directors any evidence in relation to the right of the transferor to transfer the shares have been submitted;

 

(5)if it is intended to transfer the shares to joint owners, then the maximum number of joint owners shall not exceed four (4); or

(6)we do not have any lien on the relevant shares.

 

If we refuse to register any transfer of shares, we shall within two months of the formal application for the transfer provide the transferor and the transferee with a notice of refusal to register such transfer. No changes in the shareholders' register due to the transfer of shares may be made within thirty (30) days before the date of a Shareholders' general meeting or within five (5) days before the record date established for the purpose of distributing a dividend.

 

Merger and Acquisitions

 

In the event of the merger or division of our Company, a plan shall be presented by our Board of Directors and shall be approved in accordance with the procedures stipulated in our Articles of Association and then the relevant examining and approving formalities shall be processed as required by law. A shareholder who objects to the plan of merger or division shall have the right to demand that we or the shareholders who consent to the plan of merger or division acquire such dissenting shareholders' shareholding at a fair price. The contents of the resolution of merger or division of our Company shall be made into special documents for shareholders' inspection.

 

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Repurchase of Shares

 

We may, with approval according to the procedures provided in these Articles of Association and subject to the approval of the relevant governing authority of the State, repurchase our issued shares under the following circumstances:

 

(i)cancellation of shares for the reduction of capital;

 

(ii)merging with another company that holds shares in our Company; or

 

(iii)other circumstances permitted by relevant laws and administrative regulations.

 

We shall not repurchase our issued shares except under the circumstances stated above.

 

We may, with the approval of the relevant State governing authority for repurchasing shares, conduct the repurchase in one of the following ways:

 

(i)making a pro rata general offer of repurchase to all our shareholders;

 

(ii)repurchasing shares through public dealing on a stock exchange; or

 

(iii)repurchasing shares by an off-market agreement off of a stock exchange.

 

Interested Shareholders

 

Articles 88 and 89 of our Articles of Association provide the following:

 

Article 88: the following circumstances shall be deemed to be a variation or abrogation of the class rights of a class:

 

(i)to increase or decrease the number of shares of such class, or increase or decrease the number of shares of a class having voting or equity rights or privileges equal or superior to those of the shares of that class;

 

(ii)to effect an exchange of all or part of the shares of such class into shares of another class or to effect an exchange or create a right of exchange of all or part of the shares of another class into the shares of such class;

 

(iii)to remove or reduce rights to accrued dividends or rights to cumulative dividends attached to shares of such class;

 

(iv)to reduce or remove a dividend preference or a liquidation preference attached to shares of such class;

 

(v)to add, remove or reduce conversion privileges, options, voting rights, transfer or pre-emptive rights, or rights to acquire securities of the Company attached to shares of such class;

 

(vi)to remove or reduce rights to receive payment payable by the Company in particular currencies attached to shares of such class;

(vii)to create a new class of shares having voting or equity rights or privileges equal or superior to those of the shares of such class;

 

(viii)to restrict the transfer or ownership of the shares of such class or add to such restrictions;

 

(ix)to allot and issue rights to subscribe for, or convert into, shares in the Company of such class or another class;

 

(x)to increase the rights or privileges of shares of another class;

 

(xi)to restructure the Company where the proposed restructuring will result in different classes of shareholders bearing a disproportionate burden of such proposed restructuring;

 

(xii)to vary or abrogate the provisions of this Chapter.

 

Article 89. Shareholders of the affected class, whether or not otherwise having the right to vote at Shareholders' general meetings, shall nevertheless have the right to vote at class meetings in respect of matters concerning sub-paragraphs (2) to (8), (11) and (12) of Article 88, but interested shareholder(s) shall not be entitled to vote at class meetings.

 

The meaning of "interested shareholder(s)" as mentioned in the preceding paragraph is:

 

(i)in the case of a repurchase of shares by offers to all shareholders or public dealing on a stock exchange under Article 30, a "controlling shareholder" within the meaning of Article 53;

 

(ii)in the case of a repurchase of shares by an off-market contract under Article 30, a holder of the shares to which the proposed contract relates; and

 

(iii)in the case of a restructuring of the Company, a shareholder within a class who bears less than a proportionate obligation imposed on that class under the proposed restructuring or who has an interest in the proposed restructuring different from the interest of shareholders of that class.

 

Ownership Threshold

 

There are no ownership thresholds above which shareholder ownership is required to be disclosed.

 

Changes in Capital

 

Article 78(1) provides that any increase or reduction in share capital shall be resolved by a special resolution at a shareholders' general meeting.

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Changes in Registered Capital

 

The Company may reduce its registered share capital. It shall do so in accordance with Company Law, any other relevant regulatory provisions and the Articles of Association.

 

Recent Amendments to the Articles of Association

 

On February 2, 2010, our shareholders approved amendments to the Articles of Association, which was amended, respectively, as follows:

 

Article 20: "As approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the total amount of shares of the Company is 11,276,538,860 shares."

 

Article 21: "The Company has issued a total of 11,276,538,860 ordinary shares, comprising a total of 7,782,213,860 A shares, representing 69.01% of the total share capital of the Company, a total of 3,494,325,000 H shares, representing 30.99% of the total share capital of the Company."

 

Article 24: "The Company's registered capital is Renminbi 11,276,538,860."

 

The CSRC has enacted regulations in recent years whichthat affect the corporate governance of PRC listed companies and Company Law has also been amended in various areas. As such, the Board proposed to amend certain provisions in our Articles of Association in accordance with the rules and regulations applicable to our Company. Such amendments relate to the general provisions of the Articles of Association, reduction of capital and repurchase of shares, shareholders and register of shareholders, shareholders' general meeting, board of directors, supervisory committee, financial and accounting systems and profit distribution, merger and division and dissolution and liquidation of our Company. All such amendments were approved at our Annual General Meeting that took place on June 13, 2010.

 

On November 9, 2012, our shareholders approved further amendments to the Articles of Association, which was amended, respectively, as follows:

 

Article 146: "The financial statements of the Company shall, in addition to being prepared in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations, be prepared in accordance with either international accounting standards, or that of the place outside the PRC where the Company's shares are listed. If there is any material difference between the financial statements prepared respectively in accordance with the two accounting standards, such difference shall be stated in the financial statements. When the Company is to distribute its after-tax profits, the lower of the after-tax profits as shown in the two financial statements shall be adopted. According to the relevant laws and regulations, profit distribution by the Company shall be based on the distributable profit of the Company (non-consolidated statements). "

 

Article 157: "The Company's profit distribution policy should pay close attention to ensuring a reasonable return of investment to investors, and such profit distribution policy should maintain continuity and stability. The Company shall reasonably distribute cash dividends according to laws and regulations and requirements of securities regulatory authorities, as well as the Company's own operating performance and financial condition. "

 

Article 157 (A): "Profit distribution manner: The Company may distribute dividends by way of cash, shares, a combination of cash and shares or in other reasonable manner in compliance with laws and regulations. "

 

Article 157 (B): "Procedures for decision-making on profit distribution by the Company: After the end of each accounting year, the board of directors shall carefully study and examine the profit distribution plan and listen fully to the views of independent directors. The independent directors shall fulfill their responsibilities and play their roles to give specific views. After consideration and approval by the board of directors, the profit distribution plan shall be proposed to the general meeting for voting. Implementation of the profit distribution plan shall be subject to consideration and approval at the general meeting. The board of directors of the Company shall finish distributing the profit within two months after the general meeting is held. "

 

When considering the profit distribution plan at the general meeting of the Company, the board of directors shall communicate and exchange opinions with shareholders, especially minority shareholders, in a proactive manner, fully consider the opinions and requests from minority shareholders and respond to the issues which are of concern to them on a timely basis."

 

Article 157 (C): "Amendments to profit distribution policy of the Company: The board of directors of the Company shall carefully study and examine and strictly follow the decision-making procedures in the event that the profit distribution policy needs to be adjusted by reason of any changes in PRC laws and regulations and regulatory policies, or significant changes of external operating environment or operating condition of the Company. In the event of amendments to the profit distribution policy of the Company, the board of directors shall consider the revised plan and the independent directors shall express their independent opinions thereon. Such amendments shall be disclosed to the public upon consideration and approval at the general meeting. "

 

Article 157 (D): "Conditions and proportion of distribution of cash dividends by the Company:

 

Proposal and implementation of cash dividends distribution by the Company shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(1)The Company records a profit for the year, and the audit institution issues an unqualified audited report o non the Company's financial statements for that particular year;

 

(2)The distributable profit (i.e. the after-tax profit of the Company after making up for losses, allocation to the statutory common reserve fund and discretionary common reserve fund) realized by the Company for the year is positive in value;

(3)The Company has sufficient cash flow, and distribution of cash dividends will not affect the Company's normal operation and sustainable development.

 

Provided that the Company is in good operating condition and has sufficient cash flow to meet the needs for its normal operation and sustainable development, the Company will proactively distribute cash dividends in return to its shareholders, and the accumulated profit distribution made in cash by the Company in the latest three years shall not be less than 30% of the average annual distributable profit in the latest three years. In the event that the said payout ratio of cash dividends cannot be met due to special reasons, the board of directors may adjust the payout ratio of dividends according to actual circumstances and state the reasons therefor. "

 

Article 157 (E): "Conditions of profit distribution by way of share dividends by the Company:

Provided that a reasonable scale of share capital and shareholding structure of the Company are ensured, the Company may consider distributing profits by way of share dividends according to its profitability, cash flow position and business growth for the year. "

 

Article 157 (F): "Intervals for profit distribution by the Company: Provided that the conditions of profit distribution are met and the Company's normal operation and sustainable development are ensured, the Company shall generally distribute profit on an annual basis. The board of directors of the Company may also propose interim profit distribution based on the profitability and capital position of the Company. "

 

Article 157 (G): "Information disclosure if the Company fails to distribute cash dividends: In the event that the board of directors of the Company does not propose any profit distribution plan, the board of directors of the Company shall disclose the reasons therefor and the use of such retained funds that would have been otherwise available for distribution in its periodic report. "

59

 

On June 26, 2013, our shareholders approved further amendments to the Articles of Association to reflect the expansion of our business scope and the completion of the issue of new shares, as follows:

 

Article 13: "The scope of business of the Company shall comply with those items approved by the companies registration authority.

 

The scope of business of the Company includes: domestic and approved international and regional business for air transportation of passengers, cargo, mail, luggage and extended services; general aviation business; maintenance of aviation equipment and machinery; manufacture and maintenance of aviation equipment; agency business for domestic and overseas airlines and other business related to air transportation; insurance by-business agency services; e-commerce; in-flight supermarket; wholesale and retail of goods; and other lawful businesses that can be carried on by a joint stock limited company formed under Company Law."

 

Article 20: "As approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the total amount of shares of the Company is 12,674,268,860 shares."

 

Article 21:" The Company has issued a total of 12,674,268,860 ordinary shares, comprising a total of 8,481,078,860 A shares, representing 66.92% of the total share capital of the Company, a total of 4,193,190,000 H shares, representing 33.08% of the total share capital of the Company."

 

Article 24: "The registered capital of the Company is RMB12,674,268,860."

 

According to the relevant requirements of CSRC and the Shanghai Stock Exchange, our Board of Directors approved at the 2014 second regular meeting that amendments be made to corresponding terms in the articles of association of our Company in connection with the priority of cash dividends to share dividends in profit distributions and intervals for cash dividend distributions. Such amendments will be submitted to the 2013 annual general meeting of our Company for approval.

��

The amendments to the Articles of Association are as follows:

 

Article 157: “The"The Company’s profit distribution should pay close attention to ensuring a reasonable return of investment to investors, and such profit distribution policy should maintain continuity and stability. The Company shall reasonably distribute cash dividends according to laws and regulations and requirements of securities regulatory authorities, as well as the Company’s own operating performance and financial condition."

Article 157: “The"The Company’s profit distribution should pay close attention to ensuring a reasonable return of investment to investors, and such profit distribution policy should maintain continuity and stability. The Company shall reasonably distribute dividends according to laws and regulations and requirements of securities regulatory authorities, as well as the Company’s own operating performance and financial condition, and shall adopt cash distribution as the prioritized means of distribution to distribute profit."

 

Article 157(F): “Intervals"Intervals for profit distribution by the Company: Provided that the conditions of profit distribution are met and the Company’s normal operation and sustainable development are ensured, the Company shall generally distribute profit on an annual basis. The board of directors of the Company may also propose interim profit distribution based on the profitability and capital position of the Company."

 

Article 157(F): “Intervals"Intervals for profit distribution by the Company: Provided that the conditions of profit distribution are met and the Company’s normal operation and sustainable development are ensured, the Company shall generally distribute profit on an annual basis. The board of directors of the Company may also propose interim profit distribution based on the profitability and capital position of the Company. Subject to fulfillment of the cash distribution conditions under the articles of association of the Company, the Company shall implement annual cash distribution once a year in principle."

 

On June 26, 2014, our shareholders approved the above mentioned amendments.

 

On August 28, 2015, the Resolution on Amendments to Parts of the Terms of the Articles of Association was considered and approved at the seventeenth ordinary meeting of the seventh session of the Board of the Company. As authorized by the general meeting of the Company, the Board agreed to make amendments to corresponding terms in the Articles of Association in connection with the changes made to the share capital of the Company following the completion of the issue of H Shares of the Company to Delta Air Lines.

Article 20: “As approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the total amount of shares of the Company is 13,140,178,860 shares.”

Article 21: "The Company has issued a total of 13,140,178,860 ordinary shares, comprising a total of 8,481,078,860 A shares, representing 64.54% of the total share capital of the Company, a total of 4,659,100,000 H shares, representing 35.46% of the total share capital of the Company."

Article 24: "The registered capital of the Company is RMB13,140,178,860."

On June 16, 2016, our shareholders approved the amendments to the Articles of Association in relation to profit distribution.

The amendments to the Articles of Association are as follows:

Article 157(D): "Conditions and proportion of distribution of cash dividends by the Company:

Proposal and implementation of cash dividends distribution by the Company shall be subject to the following conditions:

C.(1)The Company records a profit for the year, and the audit institution issues an unqualified audited report on the Company’s financial statements for that particular year;

(2)The distributable profit (i.e. the after-tax profit of the Company after making up for losses, allocation to the statutory common reserve fund and discretionary common reserve fund) realized by the Company for the year is positive in value;

(3)The Company has sufficient cash flow, and distribution of cash dividends will not affect the Company’s normal operation and sustainable development.

Provided that the Company is in good operating condition and has sufficient cash flow to meet the needs for its normal operation and sustainable development, the Company will proactively distribute cash dividends in return to its shareholders, and the accumulated profit distribution made in cash by the Company in the latest three years shall not be less than 30% of the average annual distributable profit attributable to the owners of the parent company in the consolidated statements in the latest three years. In the event that the said payout ratio of cash dividends cannot be met due to special reasons, the board of directors may adjust the payout ratio of dividends according to actual circumstances and state the reasons therefor."

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On July 4, 2016, the Resolution on Amendments to the Articles of Association was considered and approved at the second ordinary meeting of the eighth session of the Board of the Company, to in order to reflect the changes to the registered capital of the Company following the closing of the Share Issue.

The amendments to the Articles of Association are as follows:

Article 20: “As approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the total amount of shares of the Company is 14,467,585,682 shares.”

Article 21: "The Company has issued a total of 14,467,585,682 ordinary shares, comprising a total of 9,808,485,682 A shares, representing 67.80% of the total share capital of the Company, a total of 4,659,100,000 H shares, representing 32.20% of the total share capital of the Company."

Article 24: "The registered capital of the Company is RMB14,467,585,682."

C.Material Contracts

 

For a summary of any material contracts entered into by our Company or any of our consolidated subsidiaries outside of the ordinary course of business during the last two years, see "Item 4. Information on the Company", "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions".

 

In addition, we entered into the following agreements to purchase aircraft, which are filed with this Annual Report as exhibits:  

·D.Purchase Agreement Number PA-4076 relating to Boeing Model 737-8Aircraft, dated June 13, 2014,between our Company and the Boeing Company.
·Purchase Agreement Number PA-4077 relating to Boeing Model 737-800 Aircraft, dated June 13, 2014, between our Company and the Boeing Company.
·Purchase Agreement relating to Airbus A320NEO Aircraft, date February 28, 2014 between our Company and Airbus SAS.

D.Exchange Controls

 

The Renminbi is not currently a freely convertible currency. SAFE, under the authority of PBOC, controls the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency. Prior to January 1, 1994, Renminbi could be converted to foreign currency through the Bank of China or other authorized institutions at official rates fixed daily by SAFE. Renminbi could also be converted at swap centers open to Chinese enterprises and foreign invested enterprises subject to SAFE approval of each foreign currency trade, at exchange rates negotiated by the parties for each transaction. Effective January 1, 1994, a unitary exchange rate system was introduced in China, replacing the dual-rate system previously in effect. In connection with the creation of a unitary exchange rate, the PRC government announced the establishment of an inter-bank foreign exchange market, the China Foreign Exchange Trading System, or CFETS, and the phasing out of the swap centers. Effective December 1, 1998, the swap centers were abolished by the PRC government.

 

On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy has resulted in a significant appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. While the international reaction to Renminbi revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

In general, under existing foreign exchange regulations, domestic enterprises operating in China must price and sell their goods and services in China in Renminbi. Any foreign exchange received by such enterprises must be sold to authorized foreign exchange banks in China. A significant portion of our revenue and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi, while a portion of our revenue, capital expenditures and debts are denominated in U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. Renminbi is currently freely convertible under the current account, which includes dividends, trade and service-related foreign currency transactions, but not under the capital account, which includes foreign direct investment, unless the prior approval of the SAFE, is obtained. As a foreign investment enterprise approved by the MOC, we can purchase foreign currency without the approval of SAFE for settlement of current account transactions, including payment of dividends, by providing commercial documents evidencing these transactions. We can also retain foreign exchange in our current accounts, subject to a maximum amount approved by SAFE, to satisfy foreign currency liabilities or to pay dividends. However, the relevant PRC government authorities may limit or eliminate our ability to purchase and retain foreign currencies in the future. Foreign currency transactions under the capital account are still subject to limitations and require approvals from SAFE. This may affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equity financing, including by means of loans or capital contributions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to pay dividends or satisfy our foreign exchange liabilities.

 

E.E.Taxation

 

The taxation of income and capital gains of holders of H Shares or ADSs is subject to the laws and practices of China and of jurisdictions in which holders of H Shares or ADSs are resident or otherwise subject to tax. The following summary of certain relevant taxation provisions is based on current law and practice, is subject to change and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The discussion does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the H Shares or ADSs. In particular, the discussion does not address the tax consequences under state, local and other laws, such as non-U.S. federal laws. Accordingly, you should consult your own tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of an investment in the H Shares and ADSs. The discussion is based upon laws and relevant interpretations in effect as of the date of this Annual Report, all of which are subject to change.

 

Hong Kong Taxation

 

The following discussion summarizes the relevant Hong Kong tax rules relating to the ownership of H shares or ADSs purchased in connection with the global offering and held by you.

 

Dividends

 

Under current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department practice, no profits tax is payable by the recipient in respect of dividends paid by us.

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

Gains derived from the sale of capital assets are specifically exempt from profits tax. Thus,no profits tax is imposed on capital gains arising from the sale of property (such as H shares) acquired and held as investment assets.a capital asset. However, whether or not there has been a sale of a capital asset depends upon the particular circumstances of a case. If a person carries on a business in Hong Kong of trading and dealing in securities and derives trading gains from that business in Hong Kong, that person could be subject to profits tax on any assessable gains. Assessable gains include gains derived from the sales of H shares effected on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as these gains are considered to derivebe trading gains derived from Hong Kong. Profits tax is currently charged at the rate of 16.5% for corporations and at the rate of 15% forunincorporatedfor unincorporated businesses (i.e. individuals).

 

No profits tax liability will arise on trading gains arising from the sale of ADSs where the purchase and sale is effected outside Hong Kong (e.g. on the NYSE).

 

Hong Kong Stamp Duty

 

Stamp duty is payable by each of the seller and the purchaser for every sold note and every bought note created for every sale and purchase of the H shares. Stamp duty is levied at the total rate of 0.2% (0.1% for each of sold note and bought note) of the value of the H shares transferred (the buyer and seller each paying half of such stamp duty). In addition, a fixed duty of HK$5 is currently payable on an instrument of transfer of H shares. If one of the parties to a sale is a non-resident of Hong Kong and does not pay the required stamp duty, the amount of unpaid stamp duty will be assessed on the instrument of transfer (if any), and the transferee will be liable for payment of such unpaid amount.

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If the withdrawal of H shares when ADSs are surrendered or the issuance of ADSs when H shares are deposited results in a change of beneficial ownership in the H shares under Hong Kong law, stamp duty at the rate cited above for a sale and purchase transaction will apply. The issuance of ADSs for deposited H shares issued directly to the depositary, or for the account of the depositary, should not result in any stamp duty liability. Holders of the ADSs are not liable for the stamp duty on transfers of ADSs outside of Hong Kong so long as the transfers do not result in a change of beneficial interest in the H shares under Hong Kong law.

 

Hong Kong Estate Duty

 

Hong Kong estate duty was abolished with respect to persons passing away on or after February 11, 2006.

 

China Taxation

 

The following is a general summary of certain Chinese tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the H Shares and ADSs. This summary does not purport to address all material tax consequences of the ownership of Shares or ADSs, and does not take into account the specific circumstances of any particular investors. This summary is based on the tax laws of China as in effect on the date of this Annual Report, as well as on the U.S.-ChinaU.S.- China Treaty, all of which are subject to change (or changes in interpretation), possibly with retroactive effect.

 

In general, and taking into account the earlier assumptions, for Chinese tax purposes, holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be treated as the owners of the H Shares represented by those ADSs, and exchanges of H Shares for ADSs, and ADSs for H Shares, will not be subject to Chinese tax.

 

Taxation of Dividends by China

 

Individual investors

 

The Provisional Regulations of China Concerning Questions of Taxation on Enterprises Experimenting with the Share System,or the Provisional Regulations, provide that dividends from Chinese companies are ordinarily subject to a Chinese withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 20%. However on July 21, 1993, the Chinese State Tax Bureau issued on July 21, 1993, a Notice Concerning the Taxation of Gains on Transfer and Dividends from Shares (Equities) Received by Foreign Investment Enterprises, Foreign Enterprises and Foreign Individuals Numbered Guo Shui Fa [1993] No. 045, or No. 45 Document which provides that dividends from a Chinese company on shares listed on an overseas stock exchange, or Overseas Shares, such as H Shares (including H Shares represented by ADSs), would not be subject to Chinese withholding tax. The relevant tax authority has not collected withholding tax on dividend payments on Overseas Shares.

 

Nevertheless, No.45 Document was abolished on January 4, 2011 and the Chinese State Tax Bureau issued, on June 28, 2011, a Notice on Issues Concerning the Levy of Individual Income Tax following the Abolishment of the Document Numbered Guo Shui Fa [1993] No. 045, according to which dividends from a Chinese company are ordinarily subject to a Chinese withholding tax levied at a flat rate of 20% unless otherwise provided in applicable tax treaties between the PRC and the jurisdiction in which the relevant non-resident shareholder resides. The tax rate of dividends income tax applicable to Hong Kong residents and U.S. residents is 10% of the gross amount of interest.

 

On October 31, 2014, CSRC, MOF and STA together promulgated The Notice of the Relevant Tax Policy of the Pilot Program for the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect (Hereinafter refer to as Notice 81) which has been effective from November 17, 2014. Pursuant to the Notice 81, for dividends acquired by mainland individual investors through investment in H-shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange via Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect, the H-share company shall apply to China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (Hereinafter refer to as Chinese Clearing). Chinese Clearing shall provide the H-share company with the mainland individual's investor rosters. The H-share company withholds the individual income tax at the tax rate of 20%. For dividends acquired by mainland securities investment funds through investment in shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange via Hong Kong-ShanghaiKong- Shanghai Stock Connect, the individual income tax shall be collected according to the regulations hereinbefore.

 

For dividends acquired by Hong Kong investors' (including enterprises and individuals) through investment in A-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, before Hong Kong Securities Clearing Limited (Hereinafter refer to as Hong Kong Clearing) meet the conditions to provide Chinese Clearing with detailed data of investors' identity certification and time of shareholding, the different tax policy according to time of shareholding will temporarily not to be implemented. The listed company shall withhold the income tax at the tax rate of 10% and, declare, and pay to the tax authorities.

Enterprises

 

Under the newly enacted the EIT Law and the implementation regulations to the EIT Law, effective January 1, 2008, PRC income tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to dividends payable to investors that are "non-resident enterprises", which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business. The rate could be reduced or eliminated pursuant to an applicable double taxation treaty.

 

In accordance with the Notice 81, (a) for dividends acquired by mainland enterprise investors through investment in shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange via Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect they will be accounted into thetheir total income and subject to enterprise income tax according to the laws. Among those, for the dividends acquired by mainland enterprise investors through continuing holding H shares for 12 months, the enterprise income tax shall be exempted according to the laws; (b) the H-share company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange shall apply to the Chinese Clearing to offer them the mainland enterprise investor rosters. The H-share company does not withhold income tax from dividends for mainland enterprise investors. The enterprises shall declare and pay by themselves; and (c) the mainland enterprise investors may apply for tax creditcredits for dividends already withheld by non-H-share listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange when declaring and paying the enterprise tax income.

 

Tax Treaties

 

Non-Chinese investors resident in countries, which have entered into double-taxation treaties with China, may be entitled to a reduction of the withholding tax imposed on the payment of dividends to non-Chinese investors of our Company. China currently has double-taxation treaties with a number of other countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.

 

Notice 81 is explicitly stipulated that for Hong Kong investors who are tax residents of other countries that have signed the tax agreement with China to regulate the tax rate for dividends, that income tax to be less than 10%, the enterprise or individual may, by themselves or withholding agents, apply for the treatment of the tax agreement to the tax authorities of listed companies. After examination and verification, the tax authorities shall reimburse the difference between the levied tax and the payable tax according to the tax agreement.

 

Under the U.S.-China Treaty, China may tax a dividend paid by our Company to a U.S. holder of H Shares or ADSs only up to a maximum of 10% of the gross amount of such dividend.

 

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Taxation of Capital Gains by China

Individual Investors

 

According to the Law of Individual Income Tax and its implementation regulations, holders of H Shares or ADSs who have no domiciles and do not reside in China or who have no domiciles but have resided in China for less than one year shall be subject to individual income tax on their income gained within China, unless otherwise reduced or eliminated pursuant to an applicable double taxation treaty.

 

Notice 81 requires, (a) from November 17, 2014 to November 16, 2017, the income tax from transfer price difference will be temporarily exempted for mainland individual investors' investment in shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect; (b) for mainland individual investors, the business tax from transfer price difference in the trading of shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through Hong Kong-ShanghaiKong- Shanghai Stock Connect will be temporarily exempted according to current policy; and (c) the income tax and the business tax from transfer price difference will be temporarily exempted for Hong Kong individual investors' investment in A-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

 

Under the U.S.-China Treaty, China may only tax gains from the sale or disposition by a U.S. holder of H Shares or ADSs representing an interest in the company of 25% or more.

 

Enterprises

 

Under the EIT Law and the implementation regulations to the EIT Law, gains realized upon the sale of Overseas Shares by "non-resident enterprises" may be subject to PRC taxation at the rate of 10% (or lower treaty rate).

 

Pursuant to Notice 81, the income tax from transfer price difference will be accounted into the total income and subject to enterprise income tax according to the laws for mainland enterprise investors' investment in shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect. For mainland enterprise investors, the business tax from transfer price difference in the trading of shares listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange through Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect shall be levied and exempted according to current policy. And the incomeIncome tax and the business tax from transfer price difference will be temporarily exempted for Hong Kong enterprise investors' investment in A-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

PRC Stamp Tax

Chinese stamp tax imposed on the transfer of shares of Chinese publicly traded companies under the Share System Tax Regulations should not apply to the acquisition or disposition by non-Chinese investors of H Shares or ADSs outside of China by virtue of the Provisional Regulations of the People's Republic of China Concerning Stamp Tax, which provides that Chinese stamp tax is imposed only on documents executed or received within China or that should be considered as having been executed or received within China.

 

According to Notice 81, Hong Kong investors shall pay stamp duty according to mainland current tax policy when trading, inheriting, gifting the A-sharesA- shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange through Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

Each potential investor is strongly urged to consult his or her own tax advisor to determine the particular U.S. federal, state, local, treaty and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of the H Shares or ADSs.

 

The following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the H Shares or ADSs if you are a U.S. Holder, as defined below, and hold the H Shares or ADSs as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of theU.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code"). This discussion does not address all of the tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the H Shares or ADSs, and does not take into account U.S. Holders (defined below) who may be subject to special rules including:

 

·tax-exempt entities;
tax-exempt entities;

 

·banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies;
banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies;

 

·real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies and grantor trusts;
real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies and grantor trusts;

 

·dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies;
dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies;

 

·U.S. Holders that own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our voting stock;
U.S. Holders that own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of our voting stock;

 

·persons who receive the H Shares or ADSs as compensation for services;
persons who receive the H Shares or ADSs as compensation for services;

 

·U.S. Holders that hold the H Shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction;
U.S. Holders that hold the H Shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction;

 

·persons that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
persons that generally mark their securities to market for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

·U.S. citizens or tax residents who are residents of the PRC;
U.S. citizens or tax residents who are residents of the PRC;

 

·U.S. citizens or tax residents who are subject to Hong Kong profits tax;
U.S. citizens or tax residents who are subject to Hong Kong profits tax;

 

·certain U.S. expatriates;
certain U.S. expatriates;

 

·dual resident corporations; or
dual resident corporations; or

 

·U.S. Holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.
U.S. Holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar.

 

Moreover, this description does not address U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum taxes, the U.S. federal unearned Medicare contribution tax, or any state or local tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the H Shares or ADSs.

 

This discussion is based on the Code, its legislative history, final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions as in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, or changes in interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, this discussion is based in part upon representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreements will be performed according to its terms.

You are a "U.S. Holder" if you are a beneficial owner of H Shares or ADSs and are:

 

 ·63an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

·a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

 

·an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source; or
an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

·a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust, or (ii) such trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax without regard to its source; or

a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over it's administration, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of such trust, or (ii) such trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of the H Shares or ADSs, the treatment of the partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If an investor is a partner in a partnership that holds H Shares or ADSs, such investor should consult its tax advisor.

 

In general, if you hold ADRs evidencing ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the H Shares represented by the ADSs. Exchanges of H shares for ADRs, and ADRs for H shares, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE H SHARES OR ADSs, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAX LAWS OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS, ANY CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND ANY PENDING OR PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR REGULATIONS.

 

Distributions on the H Shares or ADSs

 

Subject to the discussion below under "— Passive Foreign Investment Company", the gross amount of any distribution (without reduction for any withheld PRC tax withheld)tax) we make on the H Shares or ADSs out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will be includible in your gross income as ordinary dividend income when the distribution is actually or constructively received by you, or by the depositary in the case of ADSs. Distributions that exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to you to the extent of your basis in the H Shares or ADSs and thereafter as capital gain. We, however, may not calculate earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. tax principles. Accordingly, all distributions by us to U.S. Holders will generally be treated as dividends. Any dividend will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of such distribution.

 

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by certain non-corporate holders will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 20% if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid on H Shares or ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if either (i) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, or (ii) the dividends are, with respect to ADSs, readily tradable on a U.S. securities market, provided that we were not, in each case, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC. The Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (the "Treaty") has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and we expect to qualify for benefits under the Treaty. We are considered a qualified foreign corporation with respect to the ADSs because our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Finally, based on our audited consolidated financial statements and relevant market data, we believe that we did not satisfy the definition for PFIC status for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 20142016 taxable year. In addition, based on our audited consolidated financial statements and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, the sources and nature of our income, and relevant market data, we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our 20152017 taxable year or any future year. However, our status in the current year and future years will depend on our income and assets (which for this purpose depends in part on the market value of the H Shares or ADSs) in those years. See the discussion below under "— Passive Foreign Investment Company".

Holders of H Shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisersadvisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of their own particular circumstances.

 

If we make a distribution paid in HK dollars, you will be considered to receive the U.S. dollar value of the distribution determined at the spot HK dollar/U.S. dollar rate on the date such distribution is received actually or constructively received by you, regardless of whether you convert the distribution into U.S. dollars. Any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment is includible in your income to the date you convert the distribution into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss from U.S. sources. If dividends received in HK dollars are converted into U.S. dollars on the day they are received, the U.S. Holder generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

 

Subject to various limitations, any PRC tax withheld from distributions in accordance with the Treaty will be deductible or creditable against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Dividends paid by us generally will constitute income from sources outside the United States for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes and will be categorized as "passive category income" or, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, as "general category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

In the event we are required to withhold PRC income tax on dividends paid to U.S. Holders on the H Shares or ADSs (see discussion under the "China Taxation"), you may be able to claim a reduced 10% rate of PRC withholding tax if you are eligible for benefits under the Treaty. You should consult your own tax advisor about the eligibility for reduction of PRC withholding tax.

 

You may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit (and instead may claim a deduction) for non-U.S. taxes imposed on dividends paid on the H Shares or ADSs if you (i) have held the H Shares or ADSs for less than a specified minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss with respect to such shares, or (ii) are obligated to make payments related to the dividends (for example, pursuant to a short sale). The rules relating to the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex and U.S. Holders may be subject to various limitations on the amount of foreign tax credits that are available. In addition, if the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income (as discussed above), the amount of the dividend taken into account for purposes of calculating a U.S. Holder's foreign tax credit limitation will generally be limited to the gross amount of the taxable dividend, multiplied by the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income and divided by the highest tax rate normally applicable to dividends. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of these rules in their particular circumstance.

 

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition

 

Subject to the discussion below under "— Passive Foreign Investment Company", upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the H Shares or ADSs, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized and your tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in such H Shares or ADSs. Generally, gain or loss recognized upon the sale or other disposition of H Shares or ADSs, will be capital gain or loss, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period for such H Shares or ADSs exceeds one year, and will be income or loss from sources within the United States for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. For non-corporate U.S. Holders, the United StatesU.S. income tax rate applicable to net long-term capital gain currently will not exceed 20.0%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

64

 

A U.S. Holder that receives foreign currency from a sale or disposition of H Shares or ADSs generally will realize an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency determined on (i) the date of receipt of payment in the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder and (ii) the date of disposition in the case of an accrual basis U.S. Holder. If Shares are treated as traded on an "established securities market", a cash basis taxpayer or, if it so elects, an accrual basis taxpayer, will determine the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized by translating the amount received at the spot rate of exchange on the settlement date of the sale. A U.S. Holder will have a tax basis in the foreign currency received equal to the U.S. dollar amount realized. Any currency exchange gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion of the foreign currency into U.S. dollars for a different amount generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States. However, if such foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars on the date received by the U.S. Holder, a cash basis or electing accrual basis U.S. Holder should not recognize any gain or loss on such conversion.

 

Any gain or loss will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes and as a result of the U.S. foreign tax credit limitation, foreign taxes, if any, imposed upon capital gains in respect of H Shares or ADSs may not be currently creditable. Under the Treaty, however, if any PRC tax were to be imposed on any gain from the disposition of H Shares or ADSs, the gain could be treated as PRC-source income. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the interaction of the foreign tax credit and the Treaty "resourcing" rule.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

In general, a foreign corporation is a PFIC for any taxable year in which, after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of subsidiaries:

 

·75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income, such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the sale of assets that give rise to such income; or
75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income, such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the sale of assets that give rise to such income; or

 

·50% or more of the average quarterly value of its gross assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.
50% or more of the average quarterly value of its gross assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.

 

"Passive income" for this purpose includes, for example, dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions. Passive income does not include rents and royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business. If the stock of a non-U.S. corporation is publicly traded for the taxable year, the asset test is applied using the fair market value of the assets for purposes of measuring such corporation's assets. If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate share of the other corporation's assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporation's income for purposes of the PFIC income and asset tests.

 

Based on the current and anticipated composition of our assets and income and the current expectations regarding the price of the H Shares and ADSs, we believe that we were not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to our 20142016 taxable year and we do not intend to become or anticipate becoming a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. However, the determination of PFIC status is a factual determination that must be made annually at the close of each taxable year and therefore, there can be no certainty as to our status in this regard until the close of the 20152017 taxable year. Changes in the nature of our income or assets or a decrease in the trading price of the H Shares or ADSs may cause us to be considered a PFIC in the current or any subsequent year.

 

If we were a PFIC in any taxable year that you held the H Shares or ADSs, you generally would be subject to special rules with respect to "excess distributions" made by us on the H Shares or ADSs and with respect to gain from your disposition of the H Shares or ADSs. An "excess distribution" generally is defined as the excess of the distributions you receive with respect to the H Shares or ADSs in any taxable year over 125% of the average annual distributions you have received from us during the shorter of the three preceding years, or your holding period for the H Shares or ADSs. Generally, you would be required to allocate any excess distribution or gain from the disposition of the H Shares or ADSs ratably over your holding period for the H Shares or ADSs. The portion of the excess distribution or gain allocated to a prior taxable year, other than a year prior to the first year in which we became a PFIC, would be taxed at the highest U.S. federal income tax rate on ordinary income in effect for such taxable year, and you would be subject to an interest charge on the resulting tax liability, determined as if the tax liability had been due with respect to such particular taxable years. The portion of the excess distribution or gain that is not allocated to prior taxable years, together with the portion allocated to the years prior to the first year in which we became a PFIC, would be included in your gross income for the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition and taxed as ordinary income. If we were a PFIC in any year during a U.S. Holder's holding period, we would generally be treated as a PFIC for each subsequent year absent a "purging" election by the U.S. Holder.

 

These adverse tax consequences may be avoided if the U.S. Holder is eligible to and does elect to annually mark-to-market the H Shares or ADSs. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, such holder will generally include as ordinary income the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the H Shares or ADSs at the end of each taxable year over their adjusted basis, and will be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the H Shares or ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year (but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-market election). Any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the H Shares or ADSs will be treated as ordinary income. The mark-to-market election is available only for "marketable stock," which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in the applicable Treasury regulations. The ADSs should qualify as "marketable stock" because the ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. However, the stock of any of our subsidiaries that were PFICs would not be eligible for the mark-to-market election.

 

A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the H Shares or ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years, unless the H Shares or ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in their particular circumstances.

 

Alternatively, a timely election to treat us as a qualified electing fund could be made to avoid the foregoing rules with respect to excess distributions and dispositions. You should be aware, however, that if we become a PFIC, we do not intend to satisfy record keeping requirements that would permit you to make a qualified electing fund election.

If we were regarded as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder of H Shares or ADSs generally would be required to file an information return on IRS Form 8621 for any year in which the holder received a direct or indirect distribution with respect to the H Shares or ADSs, recognized gain on a direct or indirect disposition of the H Shares or ADSs, or made an election with respect to the H Shares or ADSs, reporting distributions received and gains realized with respect to the H Shares or ADSs. In addition, pursuant to recently enacted legislation, if we were regarded as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be required to file an annual information return (also on IRS Form 8621) relating to the holder's ownership of the shares or ADSs. This requirement would be in addition to other reporting requirements applicable to ownership in a PFIC.

 

We encourage you to consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding the H Shares or ADSs that would arise if we were considered a PFIC.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

 

In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends in respect of the H Shares or ADSs or the proceeds of the sale, exchange, or redemption of the H Shares or ADSs paid within the United States, and in some cases, outside of the United States, other than to various exempt recipients, including corporations. In addition, you may, under some circumstances, be subject to "backup withholding” with respect to dividends paid on the H Shares or ADSs or the proceeds of any sale, exchange or transfer of the H Shares or ADSs, unless youyou:

 

 ·65are a corporation or fall within various other exempt categories, and, when required, demonstrate this fact; or

 

·provide a correct taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 or a substitute form, certify that you are exempt from backup withholding and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or

 

·provide a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN, certifying your status as a non-U.S. Holder.
are a corporation or fall within various other exempt categories, and, when required, demonstrate this fact; or

provide a correct taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 or a substitute form, certifying that you are exempt from backup withholding and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules; or

provide a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN, certifying your status as a non-U.S. Holder.

 

Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be creditable against your U.S. federal income tax liability or may be refunded to the extent they exceed such liability provided that you furnish the required information to the IRS in a timely manner. If you do not provide a correct taxpayer identification number you may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS.

 

Certain U.S. Holders may be required to report information with respect to such holder's interest in “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code), including stock of a non-U.S. corporation that is not held in an account maintained by acertain financial institution,institutions, if the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds certain dollar thresholds. Persons who are required to report specified foreign financial assets and fail to do so may be subject to substantial penalties. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisersadvisors regarding the foreign financial asset reporting obligations and their possible application to the holding of H Shares or ADSs.

 

F.Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G.Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H.Documents on Display

 

You may read and copy documents referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at its public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

I.Subsidiary Information

 

For a listing of our significant subsidiaries, see "Item 4. Information on the Company — History and Development of the Company".

 

Item 11.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our debts include both fixed-rate and variable-rate long-term loans and other loans. As a result, we are subject to the market risk of fluctuation of interest rates which may affect the estimated fair value of our debt liabilities or result in losses in cash flow. We use interest rate swaps to reduce risks related to changes in market interest rates. As of December 31, 2014,2016, the notional amount of theour outstanding interest rate swap agreements was approximately US$8011,636 million. The net fair value of the outstanding interest rate swap agreements wasgave rise to an asset of approximately US$14.2RMB90 million. These interest rate swap agreements will expire between 20152018 and 2024.2025. If the interest rate had been 25 basis points higher with all other variables held constant, interest expenses on our floating rate instruments would have increased by RMB107RMB148 million in 20132015 and RMB161RMB140 million in 2014.2016.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

Although we derive most of our income from China in Renminbi, our financial lease obligations as well as certain bank loans are denominated in U.S. dollars and Renminbi. Pursuant to current foreign exchange regulations in China, we may retain our foreign currency earnings generated from ticket sales made in our overseas offices subject to the approval of SAFE. We use forward contracts to reduce risks related to changes in currency exchange rates in respect of ticket sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2014,2016, the notional amount and the net fair value of the outstanding currency forward contracts was approximately US$39440 million, and US$4.4 million, respectively, which will expire between 2015 andin 2017.

 

Pursuant to IFRS,IFRSs, our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are required to be translated into Renminbi at the year endyear-end, at exchange rates announced by the PBOC. Transactions in currencies other than the Renminbi during the year are converted into Renminbi at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in our profit or loss account. In 20132015 and 2014,2016, we had foreign exchange gainslosses of RMB1,977RMB5,480 million and foreign exchange losses of RMB203RMB3,246 million, respectively. Any fluctuation of the exchange rates between Renminbi and foreign currencies may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Following the measures introduced by the PRC government in July 2005 to reform the Renminbi exchange rate regime, the Renminbi has appreciated significantly against certain foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen. The following table shows the effect on our profit and loss account as a result of the impact on our non-Renminbi denominated monetary assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20142016 as a consequence of a fluctuation in value of the following major foreign currencies.

 

  Profit and Loss Account
(Decrease)/Increase 
U.S. dollar depreciates by 1%  628377 
Japanese yen depreciates by 1%  (2)
Euro depreciates by 1%  431
KRW depreciates by 1%6
Fuel Hedging Risk 

 

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Fuel Hedging Risk

 

In order to control fuel costs, we enter into fuel hedging transactions using financial derivative products linked to the price of underlying assets such as United States WTI crude oil and Singapore jet fuel. In the face of continuing increases in fuel prices, we reduced the impact of the fluctuation in aviation fuel prices through various financial derivative instruments. For 2011, we hedged 17.0% of our annual fuel consumption.

 

We engage in aviation fuel hedging for the purpose of locking in aviation fuel costs. By selecting appropriate instruments, we lock in costs within a hedged price range. However, high fluctuations in aviation fuel prices exceeding the locked-in price ranges has resulted in our Company incurring actual realized and unrealized settlement losses. If the oil price had increased or decreased by 5% compared to the closing price as of December 31, 2014,2015, the fair value gain as of December 31, 20142016 would have increased or decreased by approximately RMB1,512RMB981 million. All crude oil option contracts signed in past years were settled before December 31, 2012.

Item 12.         Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Item 12.Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 

A.Debt Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

B.Warrants and Rights

 

Not applicable.

 

C.Other Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

D.American Depositary Shares

 

Our ADSs, each representing 50 H shares, are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CEA." The ADSs are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, issued by BNYM, as depositary under the Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 5, 1997, among the Company, BNYM and holders and beneficial owners of ADSs. BNYM's principle executive office is at 1 Wall Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. ADS holders are required to pay the following service fees to BNYM:

 

Service Fees (in U.S. dollars)
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property US$5.00 (or less) per ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates Cancellation fees
Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders N/A
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
Depositary services N/A
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares Registration or transfer fees
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement) Expenses of the depositary
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars Foreign exchange fees
As necessary Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
As necessary Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities

For the past annual period, from January 1, 20142016 to December 31, 2014,2016, the Company received from the depositary an aggregate of US$32,503.5390,312.05 for continuing stock exchange annual listing fees and reimbursement fees, and waived standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of administrative expenses) of US$130,187.52.130,048.18.

 

BNYM, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred in the future in relation to the establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, which include standard out-of-pocket expenses such as postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports and all related administrative and documentary expenses. BNYM has agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programs and promotional activities. There are limits as to the amount of reimbursable expenses and this amount is not necessarily commensurate with the amount of fees BNYM collects from ADS investors. BNYM collects fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal. BNYM collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay fees. BNYM may also collect its annual fee by deducting cash distributions or by directly billing investors, or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for investors.

 

PART II

 

Item 13.         Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Item 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

None.

 

Item 14.         Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use Of Proceeds

Item 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use Of Proceeds

 

On August 10, 2010, we effected an ADS split whereby each ADS now represents 50 H shares. There was no change to the rights and preferences of the underlying H shares.

 

Item 15.         Controls and Procedures

Item 15.Controls and Procedures

 

67

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Our management, with the participation of President and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file and furnish under Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) and havehas designed internal control procedures over financial reporting or caused internal control procedures over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as applicable. Under the supervision and with the participation of our President and our Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142016 based upon the criteria in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992(2013 framework)(the COSO criteria). Based on that evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 20142016 in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.IFRSs.

103

 

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

 

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142016 has been audited by Ernst & Young, an independent registered public accounting firm in Hong Kong, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During 2014,2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A.           Audit Committee Financial Expert

Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Li Ruoshan, the chairman of our audit committee, is an independent financial expert serving on our audit committee, given his experience in the academic aspects of accounting and notable achievements in accounting education and academic research. Mr. Li Ruoshan is independent of the Board of Directors, senior management, Supervisorssupervisors or substantial shareholders of our Company.

 

Item 16B.           Code of Ethics

Item 16B.Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Directors, supervisors, President, Chief Financial Officer and other senior managers of our Company. We have filed this code of ethics as Exhibit 11.1 to this annual Reportreport (which is incorporated by reference). A copy of our code of ethics will be provided to any person free of charge upon written request to Wang Jian, Secretary Office of the Board of Directors, China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited at Kong Gang San Road, Number 92, Shanghai 200335, the People's Republic of China.

 

Item 16C.           Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Item 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees of our principal accountants, Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP for the yearyears ended December 31, 20132015 and Ernst & Young for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, and all other fees billed for products and services provided by our principal accountants other than the audit fees and audit-related fees and tax fees:

 

  Audit Fees  Audit-Related
Fees
  Tax Fees  All Other
Fees
 
  (RMB)  (RMB)  (RMB)  (RMB) 
             
2013  14,500,000          
2014  14,500,000          

  Audit-Related  All Other 
  Audit Fees  Fees  Tax Fees  Fees 
  (RMB)  (RMB)  (RMB)  (RMB) 
             
2015  15,670,000   700,000       
2016  17,790,000   460,000   101,000    

 

Before our principal accountants were engaged by our Company or our subsidiaries to render audit or non-audit services, the engagements were approved by our audit committee.committee approved the engagements.

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit fees primarily consist of fees for the audits of the Company's financial statements prepared under both of IFRSIFRSs &PRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises as of and for the years ended December 31, 20132015 and 2014.2016.

 

Item 16D.           Exemptions fromAudit-Related Fees

Audit-Related fees for the Listing Standardsyear ended December 31, 2016 primarily consist of fees for Audit Committeesthe verification services of greenhouse gas emissions for Airlines in accordance with EU commission regulation 600/2012 on the verification of GHG emissions report and the accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC.

Audit-Related fees for the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily consist of fees for the services provided in connection with the Company’s entering into the Master Lease Agreement with CES International Financial Leasing Corporation Limited ("CES Leasing").

Item 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

Not applicable.

Item 16E.           Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

68

Item 16E.Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

On November 9, 2012, we held an extraordinary general meeting to approve, among other things, the proposals for the non-public issuance of A Shares and H Shares to specific placees.

 

On April 9, 2013, the Company obtained an approval from the CSRC, pursuant to which the CSRC approved the non-public issue by the Company to CEA Holding and CES Finance forof no more than 698,865,000 new A Shares. On April 16, 2013, the proceduresprocedure for registration of the new A Shares with the Shanghai Branch of China Securities Depository & Clearing Co. Ltd. was completed. The 698,865,000 new A Shares under this issue, at an issue price of RMB3.28 per share, under this issue are subject to a lock-up period of 36 months from the completion date of the issue and are expected to be listed on April 17, 2016.

 

The issuance of new H Shares was completed on June 21, 2013. A total of 698,865,000 new H Shares were issued to CES Global at the price of HK$2.32 per share.

 

Item 16F.           
Item 16F.Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant

(a)Change of Principal Accountant

 

On March 26, 2013, the Board approved not to re-appoint our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers due to the relevant regulations issued by the MOF and the SASAC in December 2011. The relevant regulations restrict and limit the number of years that audit services can be continuously provided by an accounting firm to a PRC state-owned enterprise and its subsidiaries.

The independent audit reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers on our consolidated financial statements for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were such reports qualified or modified in any way as to any uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and up to April 24, 2013, there were no disagreements (as that term is used in Item 16F (a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F) with PricewaterhouseCoopers on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PricewaterhouseCoopers, would have caused PricewaterhouseCoopers to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on the consolidated financial statements during the end of such fiscal years.

During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and up to April 24, 2013, there were no "reportable events" (defined below) requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F. As used herein, the term "reportable event" means any of the items listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(v)(A)-(D) of Item 16F of Form 20-F.

We have provided PricewaterhouseCoopers with a copy of the disclosures under Item 16F(a) as included herein and have requested that PricewaterhouseCoopers furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether PricewaterhouseCoopers agrees with the foregoing statements. A copy of the letter dated April 24, 2013, furnished by PricewaterhouseCoopers in response to that request was filed as Exhibit 13.3 to this Form 20-F (which is incorporated by reference).

On March 26, 2013, the Board resolved to propose to appoint Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, which was approved by our shareholders at the annual general meeting held on June 26, 2013.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and up to June 26, 2013, we did not consult, and have not authorized anyone on our behalf to consult Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP with respect to either: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to us that Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" (as that term is used in Item 16F (a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F) with PricewaterhouseCoopers or a "reportable event" (as described in Item 16F (a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).

On March 26, 2014, Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP was not re-appointed as our independent registered public accounting firm.

The independent audit report of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was such report qualified or modified in any way as to any uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and up to June 26, 2014, there were no disagreements (as that term is used in Item 16F (a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F) with Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP, would have caused Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on the consolidated financial statements during the end of such fiscal years.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and up to June 26, 2014, there were no "reportable events" (defined below) requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F. As used herein, the term "reportable event" means any of the items listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(v)(A)-(D) of Item 16F of Form 20-F.

We have provided Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP with a copy of the disclosures under Item 16F(a) as included herein and have requested that Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP agrees with the foregoing statements. A copy of the letter dated April 22, 2015, furnished by Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP in response to that request was filed as Exhibit 13.4 to this Form 20-F.Not applicable.

 

Item 16G.(b)Engagement of New Principal AccountantCorporate Governance

  On March 26, 2014, the Board resolved to appoint Ernst & Young as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, which was approved by our shareholders at the annual general meeting held on June 26, 2014.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 and up to June 26, 2014, we did not consult, and have not authorized anyone on our behalf to consult Ernst & Young with respect to any matter that was either the subject of a "disagreement" (as that term is used in Item 16F (a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F) with Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP or a "reportable event" (as described in Item 16F (a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).

Item 16G.           Corporate Governance

 

The NYSE has imposed a series of corporate governance listing standards for companies listed on the NYSE in Section 303A of its listing rules. However, the NYSE provides that listed companies that are foreign private issuers, subject to certain limitations and conditions, are permitted to follow "home country" practice in lieu of the provisions of Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. To qualify for this exemption, a listed foreign private issuer must disclose any significant differences between their corporate governance practices and the requirements of the NYSE corporate governance standards.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are subject to more than one set of corporate governance requirements. In the table below, we set out material differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE's corporate governance requirements as set out in Section 303A of the Listed Company Manual:

 

  NYSE Listed Company
Manual Requirements on
Corporate Governance Company’s Practices
    Company’s Practices
Majority independent requirement of the Board of Directors Section 303A.01 of the Listed Company Manual requires that listed companies must have a majority of independent Directors. TheThere is no identical corporate governance requirement in the PRC. As a company listed in the PRC, the Company is subject to the requirement under the Independent Director  Guidance that at least one-third of the Board be independent as determined thereunder. The      standards for establishing independence set forth under the Independent Director Guidance of the PRC differ, to some extent, from those set forth in theNYSE Listed Company Manual. We currently have four independent Directorsdirectors out of a total of ten Directors.
     
Non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management Section 303A.03 of the Listed Company Manual requires non-managementnon- management directors of each listed company to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management participation. There is no identical corporate governance requirement in the PRC.

69

 

Audit and Risk Management

Committee

 

Sections 303A.06 and 303A.07 of theNYSE Listed Company Manualprovides that listed companies must have an audit committee composed entirely of independent directors. In addition, audit committee members must satisfy the independence requirements set forth in Section 303A.02(a)(ii). The factors to be considered for independence include whether the committee member receives any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the company and whether such director is affiliated with the listed company or its subsidiary.

 

There is no identical corporate governance requirement in the PRC. Under the PRC laws and the applicable listing rules in the PRC, a majority of the members of the audit committee must be independent directors. As above, the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Company is composed of two independent non-executive Directors and one Directors.

Director, which also satisfies the requirement of Sections 303A.06.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Section 303A.04 of the Listed Company Manual requires that (i) listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors and (ii) the nominating/corporate governance committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities and an annual performance evaluation of the committee. We have established a Nominations and Remuneration Committee. As of December 31, 2014, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee consists of three members, two of which are independent non-executive Directors of the Company. The merger of the Nomination Committee and Remuneration and Appraisal Committee into the Nominations and Remuneration Committee was agreed at the ordinary meeting of the Board of the Company held on March 19, 2010. The Nominations and Remuneration Committee currently consists of three members, two of which are independent non-executive directors of the Company.
     
    The Nominations and Remuneration Committee is a specialized committee under the Board. It is responsible for the discussion in regard to nominees, standards and procedures for selecting directors and senior management of the Company and making recommendations; responsible for studying and examining the remuneration policy and solutions of directors and senior management of the Company; responsible for studying the performance appraisal standards for directors and senior management of the Company, conducting appraisals and making recommendation.
Compensation Committee Section 303A.05 of the Listed Company Manual requires that listed companies must (i) have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors and (ii) the compensation committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities and an annual performance evaluation of the committee. We have established a Nominations and Remuneration Committee. As of December 31, 2014, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee consists of three members, two of which are independent non-executive Directors of the Company. The merger of the Nomination Committee and Remuneration and Appraisal Committee into the Nominations and Remuneration Committee was agreed at the ordinary meeting of the Board of the Company held on March 19, 2010. The Nominations and Remuneration Committee currently consists of three members, two of which are independent nonexecutive directors of the Company.
     
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Section 303A.10 requires a listed company to adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers from the code for directors or executive officers. As required under theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company has adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to the Company’s Directors, Supervisors, President, Chief Financial Officer and other senior managers.

In addition, we have posted a description of such differences under the section entitled "Report of Directors" of our 20142016 Hong Kong Annual Report, which can be accessed through the following link on our website:

http://en.ceair.com/upload/2015/4/16212643157.pdfwww.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2017/0424/LTN201704241471.pdf

 

Item 16H.           Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

Item 17.         Financial Statements

Item 17.Financial Statements

 

We have elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of Item 17.

 

Item 18.         Financial Statements

Item 18.Financial Statements

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 to F-74.F-82.

 

Item 19.         Exhibits

Item 19.Exhibits

 

(a)          See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report.

(a)See Item 18 for a list of the financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report.

 

(b)          Exhibits to this Annual Report:

(b)Exhibits to this Annual Report:

 

70

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibits

 

Description

   
1.1 Articles of Association as amended on June 26, 2014July 4, 2016 (English translation).(4)
   
2.1 Specimen Certificate for the H Shares.(1)
   
2.2 Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, The Bank of New York, as depositary, and Owners and Beneficial Owners from time to time of American Depositary Receipts.(2)
   
4.1 Aircraft Sale and Purchase Agreement relating to the disposal of eight Bombardier CRJ-200 Aircraft and ten Embraer ERJ-145 Aircraft, dated November 23, 2012, among our Company, Airbus SAS and other parties.(3)(5)

4.2 Amendment No. 2 to the A 320 Family Purchase Agreement dated December 30, 2010, dated November 23, 2012, between our Company and Airbus SAS.(3)(5)
   
4.3 Acquisition Agreement for Used Aircraft relating to five Airbus Model A340-642 Aircraft, dated April 27, 2012, between our Company and Boeing Aircraft Holding Company.(3)(5)
   
4.4 Purchase Agreement Number PA-03746 relating to Boeing Model 777-300ER Aircraft, dated April 27, 2012, between our Company and the Boeing Company.(3)(5)
   
4.5 Purchase Agreement Number PA-4076 relating to Boeing Model 737-8Aircraft,737-8 Aircraft, dated June 13, 2014,between our Company and the Boeing Company.(5)(6)
   
4.6 Purchase Agreement Number PA-4077 relating to Boeing Model 737-800 Aircraft, dated June 13, 2014, between our Company and the Boeing Company.(5)(6)
   
4.7 Purchase Agreement relating to Airbus A320NEO Aircraft, dated February 28, 2014, between our Company and Airbus SAS.(5)(6)
4.8Supplemental Agreement No.1 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-4077 relating to Boeing Model 737-800 Aircraft, dated July 9, 2015, between our Company and the Boeing Company.(5)(7)
8.1 List of Subsidiaries (as of April 22, 2015)December 31, 2016).
   
11.1 Code of Ethics (English translation).(6)(8)
   
12.1 Certification of the President pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   
12.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   
13.1 Certification of the President pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b).
   
13.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b).
13.3

Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers with respect to the disclosures under Item 16F(a).(7)

13.4Letter from Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP with respect to the disclosures under Item 16F(a).

Note:

 

(1)Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-6260), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 9, 1997.

(2)Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-6284), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American Depositary Shares representing our H Shares.

(3)Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-14550), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2013.

(4)Incorporated by reference to our announcement furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K dated June 26, 2014.July 5, 2016.

(5)Portions of this document have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request, and the full, unredacted document has been separately submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission with a confidential treatment request.

(6)Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-14550), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2015.

(6)(7)Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-14550), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2016.

(8)Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-14550), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2008.
(7)

Incorporated by reference to our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-14550), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2014.

  

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.

 

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES CORPORATION LIMITED

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES CORPORATION LIMITED

 

By:/s/ Liu Shaoyong 
 Name: Liu Shaoyong 
 Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors 

 

Date: April 22, 201527, 2017

71

Audited Financial Statements

CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES CORPORATION LIMITED

Consolidated Financial Statements

For The Years Ended(Established in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

 

December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014


 

Ernst & Young

22/F, CITIC Tower

1 Tim Mei Avenue

Central, Hong Kong

 

安永會計師事務所

香港中環添美道1號

中信大廈22樓

 

Tel電話: +852 2846 9888

Fax傳真: +852 2868 4432

ey.com

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statementstatements of financial position of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014,2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the yearthree years in the period ended December 31, 2014.2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.audits.

 

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited at December 31, 2014,2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of itstheir operations and itstheir cash flows for each of the yearthree years in the period ended December 31, 2014,2016, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992(2013 framework), and our report dated April 22, 201527, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young

Hong Kong

April 22, 201527, 2017


 

Ernst & Young

22/F, CITIC Tower

1 Tim Mei Avenue

Central, Hong Kong

 

安永會計師事務所

香港中環添美道1號

中信大廈22樓

 

Tel電話: +852 2846 9888

Fax傳真: +852 2868 4432

ey.com

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited

 

We have audited China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992(2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying "Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting". Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2016, based on the COSO criteria.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statementstatements of financial position of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited as of December 31, 2014,2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the yearthree years in the period ended December 31, 20142016 of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited and our report dated April 22, 201527, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young

Hong Kong

April 22, 201527, 2017

 

Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP

Level 16, Ernst&Young Tower

Oriental Plaza

No.1 East Chang An Avenue

Dong Cheng District

Beijing, China 100738

安永华明会计师事务所(特殊普通合伙)

中国北京市东城区东长安街1号

东方广场安永大楼16层

邮政编码:100738

Tel电话: +86 10 5815 3000

Fax传真: +86 10 8518 8298

ey.com

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP

Beijing, The People’s Republic of China

April 25, 2014

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited(“the Company”) and its subsidiaries’ operations and their cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong

April 24, 2013

PricewaterhouseCoopers, 22/F Prince’s Building, Central, Hong Kong

T: +852 2289 8888, F: +852 2810 9888, www.pwchk.com


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

    2014  2013  2012 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Revenues 5  90,185   88,245   85,253 
Other operating income 6  3,685   2,725   1,833 
Operating expenses              
Aircraft fuel    (30,238)  (30,681)  (29,872)
Gain on fair value movements of derivative financial instruments 8  11   18   25 
Take-off and landing charges    (9,440)  (9,190)  (9,066)
Depreciation and amortization    (9,183)  (8,226)  (7,557)
Wages, salaries and benefits 9  (11,270)  (13,454)  (12,303)
Aircraft maintenance    (4,453)  (4,690)  (4,433)
Impairment (charge)/reversal 10  (12)  (186)  13 
Food and beverages    (2,364)  (2,268)  (2,031)
Aircraft operating lease rentals    (4,502)  (4,605)  (4,438)
Other operating lease rentals    (637)  (679)  (609)
Selling and marketing expenses    (4,120)  (4,139)  (3,727)
Civil aviation development fund    (1,656)  (1,566)  (1,414)
Ground services and other expenses    (4,998)  (5,105)  (3,305)
Indirect operating expenses    (4,950)  (4,623)  (4,017)
               
Total operating expenses    (87,812)  (89,394)  (82,734)
               
Operating profit 11  6,058   1,576   4,352 
Share of results of associates 22  91   38   103 
Share of results of joint ventures 23  36   27   30 
Finance income 12  88   2,125   349 
Finance costs 13  (2,160)  (1,549)  (1,697)
               
Profit before income tax    4,113   2,217   3,137 
Income tax expense 14  (573)  (124)  (208)
               
Profit for the year    3,540   2,093   2,929 
               
Other comprehensive income for the year              
               
Other comprehensive income/(loss) to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:              
Cash flow hedges, net of tax 39  (11)  246   (9)
Fair value movements of available-for-sale financial assets, net of tax    13   157   - 
Fair value movements of available-for-sale financial assets held by an associate, net of tax 22  (1)  (3)  2 
               
Net other comprehensive income/(loss) to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods    1   400   (7)
               
Other comprehensive income/(loss) not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:              
Actuarial (losses)/gains on the post-retirement benefit obligations, net of tax    (333)  467   139 
               
Net other comprehensive income/(loss) not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods    (333)  467   139 
               
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax    (332)  867   132 
               
Total comprehensive income for the year    3,208   2,960   3,061 

    2016  2015  2014 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Revenues 5  98,904   93,969   90,185 
Other operating income and gains 6  5,469   5,269   3,685 
Gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments 8  2   6   11 
     104,375   99,244   93,881 
Operating expenses              
Aircraft fuel    (19,626)  (20,312)  (30,238)
Take-off and landing charges    (12,279)  (10,851)  (9,440)
Depreciation and amortization    (12,154)  (10,471)  (9,183)
Wages, salaries and benefits 9  (18,145)  (16,459)  (11,270)
Aircraft maintenance    (4,960)  (4,304)  (4,453)
Impairment charges 10  (29)  (228)  (12)
Food and beverages    (2,862)  (2,469)  (2,364)
Aircraft operating lease rentals    (4,779)  (4,254)  (4,502)
Other operating lease rentals    (868)  (812)  (637)
Selling and marketing expenses    (3,133)  (3,651)  (4,120)
Civil aviation development fund    (1,945)  (1,826)  (1,656)
Ground services and other expenses    (5,058)  (5,479)  (4,998)
Indirect operating expenses    (6,051)  (5,503)  (4,950)
               
Total operating expenses    (91,889)  (86,619)  (87,823)
               
Operating profit 11  12,486   12,625   6,058 
Share of results of associates 22  148   126   91 
Share of results of joint ventures 23  39   26   36 
Finance income 12  96   66   88 
Finance costs 13  (6,272)  (7,176)  (2,160)
               
Profit before income tax    6,497   5,667   4,113 
Income tax expense 14  (1,542)  (624)  (573)
               
Profit for the year    4,955   5,043   3,540 
               
Other comprehensive income for the year              
               
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:              
Cash flow hedges, net of tax 39  107   10   (11)
Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments, net of tax    40   87   13 
Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments held by an associate, net of tax 22  (1)  7   (1)
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods    146   104   1 
Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:              
Actuarial (losses)/gains on the post-retirement benefit obligations, net of tax 37  (410)  196   (333)
Net other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods    (410)  196   (333)
               
Other comprehensive income, net of tax    (264)  300   (332)
               
Total comprehensive income for the year    4,691   5,343   3,208 
F-6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED)

For the year ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

    2014  2013  2012 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Profit/(loss) attributable to:              
Equity shareholders of the Company    3,410   2,373   3,072 
Non-controlling interests    130   (280)  (143)
               
Profit for the year    3,540   2,093   2,929 
               
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to:              
Equity shareholders of the Company    3,071   3,180   3,221 
Non-controlling interests    137   (220)  (160)
               
Total comprehensive income for the year    3,208   2,960   3,061 
               
Earnings per share attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company during the year              
– Basic and diluted (RMB) 17  0.27   0.20   0.27 
               
Dividends 15  -   -   - 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

    2016  2015  2014 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Profit attributable to:              
Equity holders of the Company    4,498   4,537   3,410 
Non-controlling interests    457   506   130 
               
Profit for the year    4,955   5,043   3,540 
               
Total comprehensive income attributable to:              
Equity holders of the Company    4,237   4,834   3,071 
Non-controlling interests    454   509   137 
               
Total comprehensive income for the year    4,691   5,343   3,208 
               
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the year              
– Basic and diluted (RMB) 15  0.33   0.35   0.27 
F-7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of December 31, 20142016 and 20132015

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

   31 December 31 December    December 31, December 31, 
   2014 2013    2016 2015 
 Notes RMB million RMB million  Notes RMB million RMB million 
Non-current assets                    
Intangible assets 18  11,500   11,490  17  11,624   11,522 
Property, plant and equipment 19  109,439   92,783  18  153,180   133,242 
Investment properties 19  321   294 
Lease prepayments 20  2,206   2,155  20  2,064   2,094 
Advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft 21  20,260   16,296  21  23,357   21,207 
Investments in associates 22  1,086   1,064  22  1,536   1,543 
Investments in joint ventures 23  505   433  23  524   518 
Available-for-sale financial assets    433   411 
Other long-term assets 24  1,957   2,369 
Available-for-sale investments 24  645   452 
Other non-current assets 25  2,969   3,754 
Deferred tax assets 36  170   389  38  79   243 
Derivative financial instruments 39  30   68  39  137   45 
                    
    147,586   127,458     196,436   174,914 
          
Current assets                    
Flight equipment spare parts 25  2,259   2,305  26  2,248   2,056 
Trade receivables 26  3,862   3,525 
Trade and notes receivables 27  2,660   2,867 
Prepayments and other receivables 27  6,394   4,058  28  9,231   8,446 
Derivative financial instruments 39  5   -  39  11   - 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits 28  38   383  29  43   35 
Cash and cash equivalents 29  1,355   1,995  30  1,695   9,080 
Assets classified as held for sale 43  4,330   344  16  -   594 
          
    18,243   12,610           
              15,888   23,078 
Current liabilities                    
Sales in advance of carriage    5,064   3,535     7,677   5,841 
Trade and bills payable 30  2,083   3,463  31  3,376   3,712 
Other payables and accruals 31  19,215   18,146  32  20,250   19,057 
Current portion of obligations under finance leases 32  4,596   2,980  33  6,447   6,109 
Current portion of borrowings 33  28,676   23,285  34  28,842   38,214 
Income tax payable    229   216     304   169 
Current portion of provision for return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases 34  1,267   1,454  35  1,175   1,281 
Derivative financial instruments 39  -   3  39  11   4 
                    
    61,130   53,082     68,082   74,387 
                    
Net current liabilities    (42,887)  (40,472)    (52,194)  (51,309)
                    
Total assets less current liabilities    104,699   86,986     144,242   123,605 

  

F-8

F-6

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 20142016 and 20132015

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

    31 December  31 December 
    2016  2015 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million 
Non-current liabilities          
Obligations under finance leases 33  54,594   46,290 
Borrowings 34  27,890   28,498 
Provision for return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases 35  2,495   2,222 
Other long-term liabilities 36  3,874   3,990 
Post-retirement benefit obligations 37  2,890   2,569 
Deferred tax liabilities 38  86   8 
Derivative financial instruments 39  47   97 
     91,876   83,674 
Net assets    52,366   39,931 
           
Equity          
Equity attributable to the equity holders of the Company          
– Share capital 41  14,467   13,140 
– Reserves 42  34,983   24,271 
     49,450   37,411 
Non-controlling interests    2,916   2,520 
           
Total equity    52,366   39,931 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

    31 December  31 December 
    2014  2013 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million 
           
Non-current liabilities          
Obligations under finance leases 32  34,099   20,155 
Borrowings 33  30,513   27,315 
Provision for return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases 34  2,617   2,763 
Other long-term liabilities 35  2,756   2,402 
Post-retirement benefit obligations 37  2,822   5,615 
Deferred tax liabilities 36  26   30 
Derivative financial instruments 39  95   124 
           
     72,928   58,404 
           
Net asset    31,771   28,582 
           
Equity          
Capital and reserves attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company          
– Share capital 41  12,674   12,674 
– Reserves 42  17,300   14,228 
           
     29,974   26,902 
           
Non-controlling interests    1,797   1,680 
           
Total equity    31,771   28,582 
  Attributable to equity holders of the Company       
  Share  Other  Retained profits/     Non-controlling  Total 
  capital  reserves  (accumulated losses)  Subtotal  interests  equity 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                   
Balance at January 1, 2014  12,674   16,823   (2,595)  26,902   1,680   28,582 
Profit for the year  -   -   3,410   3,410   130   3,540 
Other comprehensive income  -   (339)  -   (339)  7   (332)
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   (339)  3,410   3,071   137   3,208 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests  -   -   -   -   (20)  (20)
Others  -   1   -   1   -   1 
Balance at December 31, 2014  12,674   16,485  815  29,974 1,797   31,771 
Profit for the year  -   -   4,537   4,537   506   5,043 
Other comprehensive income  -   297   -   297   3   300 
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   297   4,537   4,834   509   5,343 
Issue of shares  466   2,389   -   2,855   -   2,855 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests  -   (252)  -   (252)  252   - 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests  -   -   -   -   (38)  (38)
Transfer from retained profits  -   184   (184)  -   -   - 
Balance at December 31, 2015  13,140   19,103*  5,168*  37,411   2,520   39,931 
Profit for the year  -   -   4,498   4,498   457   4,955 
Other comprehensive income  -   (261)  -   (261)  (3)  (264)
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   (261)  4,498   4,237   454   4,691 
Issue of shares (Note 41)  1,327   7,213   -   8,540   -   8,540 
Interim 2016 dividend  -   -   (738)  (738)  -   (738)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests  -   -   -   -   (58)  (58)
Transfer from retained profits  -   144   (144)  -   -   - 
Balance at December 31, 2016  14,467   26,199*  8,784*  49,450   2,916   52,366 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9*These reserve accounts comprise the consolidated reserves of RMB34,983 million (2015: RMB24,271 million, 2014: RMB17,300 million) in the consolidated statement of financial position.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

   2014 2013 2012 
 Notes RMB million RMB million RMB million  �� 2016 2015 2014 
          Notes RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Cash flows from operating activities                            
Cash generated from operations 44(a)  12,767   11,120   12,823  45(a)  26,154   25,535   12,767 
Income tax paid    (471)  (314)  (206)    (1,261)  (1,210)  (471)
                            
Net cash flows from operating activities    12,296   10,806   12,617     24,893   24,325   12,296 
                            
Cash flows from investing activities                            
Additions of property, plant and equipment    (5,828)  (1,822)  (6,148)
Additions to property, plant and equipment    (21,533)  (8,609)  (5,640)
Additions to lease prepayments    (86)  (82)  (109)
Additions to intangible assets 17  (232)  (109)  (79)
Advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft 21  (20,067)  (17,261)  (7,329)    (16,864)  (24,772)  (20,067)
Acquisition of cargo business of Great Wall Airlines Co., Ltd. (“Great Wall Airlines”) netting of cash acquired    -   -   (87)
Proceeds from disposal of assets classified as held for sale    344   -   210     518   4,227   344 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment    1,623   556   181     690   1,294   1,623 
Proceeds from disposal of lease payments    56   47   - 
(Increase)/decrease in restricted and short-term bank deposits    (1)  3   - 
Proceeds from disposal of short term deposits    132   1,492   958     -   -   132 
Purchase of a shareholding in a joint venture    (58)  -   -     -   -   (58)
Capital injections in associates    -   (237)  - 
Increase in shareholding in associates    -   (413)  - 
Gain on disposal of an associate    12   -   - 
Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash acquired    16   (12)  -     -   -   16 
Purchase of investment in available-for-sale financial assets    (7)  (47)  - 
Purchase of available-for-sale investments    -   -   (7)
Interest received    88   196   216     96   66   88 
Dividends received    75   95   113     164   92   75 
Proceeds from disposal of interest in an associate    -   12   2 
Proceeds from disposal of interest in a subsidiary    -   49   - 
Repayment of loans from an associate    -   372   - 
Advances of loans to an associate    (369)  -   -     -   -   (369)
Proceeds from disposal of interest in available-for-sale financial assets    18   -   95 
Proceeds from disposal of interests in available-for-sale investments    -   35   18 
                            
Net cash flows used in investing activities    (24,033)  (17,028)  (11,789)    (37,180)  (27,800)  (24,033)

 

F-10

F-9

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 20122014

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

 

    2014  2013  2012 
  Note RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Cash flows from financing activities              
Proceeds from issue of shares    -   3,572   - 
Proceeds from draw down of short-term bank loans    33,863   15,635   23,101 
Repayments of short-term debentures    (4,000)  (4,000)  - 
Repayments of short-term bank loans    (27,810)  (15,823)  (25,620)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures    4,000   4,000   4,000 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debentures and bonds    3,300   6,985   - 
Proceeds from government grants    3   13   - 
Proceeds from draw down of long-term bank loans and other financing activities    16,971   8,958   10,888 
Repayments of long-term bank loans    (7,451)  (9,792)  (8,352)
Repayments of long-term bonds    (2,500)  -   - 
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations    (3,250)  (2,448)  (4,095)
Receipts of restricted bank deposits    -   -   237 
Interest paid    (1,994)  (1,693)  (1,937)
Capital contribution from non-controlling interests of subsidiaries    -   406   454 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries    -   (15)  (671)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests of subsidiaries    (20)  (68)  (179)
               
Net cash flows from/ (used in) financing activities    11,112   5,730   (2,174)
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (625)  (492)  (1,346)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    1,995   2,512   3,861 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes    (15)  (25)  (3)
               
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 29  1,355   1,995   2,512 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

    2016  2015  2014 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Cash flows from financing activities              
Proceeds from issue of shares    8,540   2,855   - 
Proceeds from draw-down of short-term bank loans    39,159   26,916   33,863 
Repayments of short-term debentures    (46,000)  (10,000)  (4,000)
Repayments of short-term bank loans    (36,728)  (34,767)  (27,810)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debentures    47,500   21,500   4,000 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debentures and bonds    12,526   -   3,300 
Proceeds from government grants    -   -   3 
Proceeds from draw down of long- bank loans and other financing activities    26,545   24,572   16,971 
Repayments of long-term bank loans    (28,803)  (10,540)  (7,451)
Repayments of long-term bonds    (5,497)  -   (2,500)
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations    (8,606)  (6,350)  (3,250)
Interest paid    (3,206)  (3,065)  (1,994)
Dividends paid    (738)  -   - 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests of subsidiaries    (58)  (38)  (20)
               
Net cash flows from financing activities    4,634   11,083   11,112 
               
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents    (7,653)  7,608   (625)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    9,080   1,355   1,995 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes    268   117   (15)
               
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 30  1,695   9,080   1,355 
F-11

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

(Amounts in millionsexcept for per share data)

  Attributable to equity holders of the Company       
  Share  Other  Retained earnings/     Non-controlling  Total 
  capital  reserves  (accumulated losses)  Subtotal  interests  equity 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                   
Balance at January 1, 2012  11,277   13,894   (8,039)  17,132   1,594   18,726 
                         
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   150   3,071   3,221   (160)  3,061 
                         
-Profit/(loss) for the year  -   -   3,071   3,071   (143)  2,928 
-Other comprehensive income  -   150   -   150   (17)  133 
                         
Capital contribution by non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   454   454 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   (179)  (179)
Acquisition of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   (490)  -   (490)  (181)  (671)
Issue of shares  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Others  -   344   -   344   -   344 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2012  11,277   13,898   (4,968)  20,207   1,528   21,735 
                         
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   807   2,373   3,180   (220)  2,960 
                         
-Profit/(loss) for the year  -   -   2,373   2,373   (280)  2,093 
-Other comprehensive income  -   807   -   807   60   867 
                         
Capital contribution by non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   406   406 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   (19)  (19)
Acquisition of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   (15)  (15)
Issue of shares  1,397   2,175   -   3,572   -   3,572 
Others  -   (57)  -   (57)  -   (57)
                         
Balance at December 31, 2013  12,674   16,823   (2,595)  26,902   1,680   28,582 
                         
Total comprehensive income for the year  -   (339)  3,410   3,071   137   3,208 
                         
-Profit for the year  -   -   3,410   3,410   130   3,540 
-Other comprehensive income  -   (339)  -   (339)  7   (332)
                         
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   (20)  (20)
Others  -   1   -   1   -   1 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2014  12,674   16,485   815   29,974   1,797   31,771 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.CORPORATE AND GROUP INFORMATION

 

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited (the Company“Company”), a joint stock company limited by shares, was incorporatedestablished in the People’s Republic of China (the PRC“PRC”) on April 14, 1995. The address of the Company’s registered office is 66 Airport Street, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, the PRC. The Company and its subsidiaries (together, the Group“Group”) are principally engaged in the operation of civil aviation, including the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery, tour operations and other extended transportation services.

 

TheIn the opinion of the directors, the holding company and ultimate holding company of the Company is majority owned by China Eastern Air Holding Company (“CEA HoldingHolding”), a state-owned enterprise incorporatedestablished in the PRC.

 

The Company’sA shares, H shares and American Depositary Shares are tradedlisted on Shanghai Stock Exchange, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and The New York Stock Exchange.Exchange, respectively.

 

These financial statements were approved and authorized for issue by the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board“Board”) on April 22, 2015.27, 2017.

Information about subsidiaries

Particulars of the Company’s principal subsidiaries are as follows:

 Place of
incorporation/
registration and
 Issued
 ordinary/
registered
share
  Percentage of equity
attributable to the Company
  
Name address capital  Direct  Indirect  Principal activities
              
    million         
China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu Co., Ltd. (“CEA Jiangsu”) PRC
3 May 1993
 RMB2,000   62.56%  -  Provision of airline services
                 
China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co.,Ltd. (“CEA Wuhan”) PRC
16 August 2002
 

RMB

1,750   60%  -  Provision of airline services
                 
Shanghai Eastern Flight Training Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Flight Training”) PRC
18 December 1995
 RMB694   100%  -  Provision of flight training services
                 
Shanghai Airlines Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Airlines”) PRC
16 March 2010
 RMB500   100%  -  Provision of airline services
                 
China Cargo Airlines Co.,Ltd. (“China Cargo”) PRC
22 July 1998
 RMB3,000   -   83% Provision of cargo
carriage service
                 
China Eastern Airlines Technology Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Technology”) PRC
19 November 2014
 RMB4,300   100%  -  Provision of airline
maintenance services
                 
Shanghai Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Logistics”) PRC
23 August 2004
 RMB1,150   100%  -  Provision of cargo logistics services
                 
Eastern Business Airlines Service Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Business Airlines Service”) PRC
27 September 2008
 RMB50   100%  -  Provision of airlines
consultation services
                 
China Eastern Airlines Yunnan Co., Ltd. (“CEA Yunnan”) PRC
2 August 2011
 RMB3,662   90.36%  -  Provision of airline services

F-11

  

2.1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESCORPORATE AND GROUP INFORMATION (cont’d)

 

Particulars of the Company’s principal subsidiaries are as follows: (cont’d)

 Place and date of
incorporation/
registration and
 Issued
ordinary/
registered
share
  Percentage of equity
attributable to the Company
  
 Name business capital  Direct  Indirect  Principal activities
              
    million         
Eastern Air Overseas (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Air Overseas”) Hong Kong
10 June 2011
 

HKD

280   100%  -  Provision of import and
export, investment,
leasing and consultation
services
                 
China United Airlines Co., Ltd.(“China United Airlines”) PRC
21 September 1984
 

RMB

1,320   100%  -  Provision of airline services
                 
Eastern Airlines Hotel Co., Ltd. PRC
18 March 1998
 

RMB

70   100%  -  Provision of hotel services primarily to cabin crew
                 
Shanghai Airlines Tours
International (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Airlines Tours”)
 PRC
29 August 1992
 

RMB

50   100%  -  Tour operations, travel and air ticketing agency and transportation
                 
China Eastern Airlines Application Development Center Co., Ltd. (“Application Development Center”) PRC
21 November 2011
 

RMB

498   100%  -  Provision of research and development of technology and products in the field of aviation
                 
China Eastern Airlines
E-Commerce Co., Ltd.
(“Eastern E-Commerce”)
 PRC
1 December 2014
 

RMB

50   100%  -  E-commerce platform and ticket agent

The principal accounting policies appliedabove table lists the subsidiaries of the Company which, in the preparationopinion of these financial statementsthe directors, principally affected the results for the year or formed a substantial portion of the net assets of the Group. To give details of other subsidiaries would, in the opinion of the directors, result in particulars of excessive length.

All of the subsidiaries of the Company listed above are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.limited liability companies.

F-12

  

(a)2.1Basis of preparationBASIS OF PREPARATION

 

These financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”IFRSs”) as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board. These financial statements also comply withStandards Board (“IASB”) and the applicabledisclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance relating to the preparation of financial statements, which for this financial year and the comparative period continue to be those of the predecessor Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32), in accordance with transitional and saving arrangements for Part 9 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), “Accounts and Audit”, which are set out in sections 76 to 87 of Schedule 11 to that Ordinance. The financial statementsThey have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modifiedexcept for certain available-for-sale investments and derivative financial instruments which have been measured at fair value. These financial statements are presented in Renminbi (“RMB”) and all values are rounded to the nearest million except when otherwise indicated.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended 31 December 2016. A subsidiary is an entity (including a structured entity), directly or indirectly, controlled by the revaluationCompany. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give the Group the current ability to direct the relevant activities of available-for-sale financial assetsthe investee).

When the Company has, directly or indirectly, less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:

 

(i)(a)Going concernthe contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;
(b)rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
(c)the Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using consistent accounting policies. The results of subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the equity holders of the Company and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control described above. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.

If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes (i) the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary, (ii) the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest and (iii) the cumulative translation differences recorded in equity; and recognizes (i) the fair value of the consideration received, (ii) the fair value of any investment retained and (iii) any resulting surplus or deficit in profit or loss. The Group’s share of components previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss or retained profits, as appropriate, on the same basis as would be required if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities.

Going concern

 

As at 31 December 31, 2014,2016, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by approximately RMB42.89RMB52.19 billion. In preparing the financial statements, the Board conducts adequate anda detailed review over the Group’ sGroup’s going concern ability based on the current financial situation.

The Board has taken active actions to deal withconsidered the situation that current liabilities exceeded its current assets, and the Board is confident that they have obtained adequate credit facility from the banks to support the floating capital. As at December 31, 2014, the Group had total unutilized credit facility amounting to approximately RMB44 billion from banks.Group’s available sources of funds as follows:

 

Based on the bank facility obtained by the Group, the past record

The Group’s expected net cash inflows from operating activities in 2017;
Unutilized banking facilities of theapproximately RMB46.38 billion as at 31 December 2016; and
Other available sources of financing and the good working relationship with majorfrom banks and other financial institutions given the Group’s credit history.

The Board considers that the Group will be able to obtain sufficient financing to enable it to operate, as well as to meet its liabilities as and when they become due, and the capital expenditure requirements for the upcoming twelve months. Accordingly, the Board believes that it is appropriate to prepare these financial statements on a going concern basis without including any adjustments that would be required should the Company and the Group fail to continue as a going concern.


(ii)2.2New and amended standards adopted by the GroupCHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURES

 

The Group has adopted the following new and revised standards and new interpretationIFRSs for the first time for the current year's financial statements.

 

Amendments to IFRS 10,Investment EntitiesEntities: Applying the Consolidation Exception
IFRS 12 and
IAS 27 (2011)28 
Amendments to IAS 32IFRS 11Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations
IFRS 14Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesRegulatory Deferral Accounts
Amendments to IAS 391Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge AccountingDisclosure Initiative
IFRIC-Int 21Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38LeviesClarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization
AmendmentAmendments to IFRS 2IAS 16 and IAS 41Definition of Vesting ConditionAgriculture: Bearer Plants
includedAmendments to IAS 27Equity Method in AnnualSeparate Financial Statements
Annual Improvements 2010-20122012-2014 Cycle
Cycle
AmendmentAmendments to IFRS 3Accounting for Contingent Consideration in a Business Combination
included in Annual
Improvements 2010-2012
Cycle

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)number of IFRSs

 

(a)Basis of preparation (cont’d)

Except for the amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28, amendments to IFRS 11, IFRS 14, amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41, amendments to IAS 27 and certain amendments included inAnnual Improvements 2012-2014 Cycle, which are not relevant to the preparation of the Group’s financial statements, the nature and the impact of the amendments are described below:

(ii)New and amended standards adopted by the Group (cont’d)

Amendment to IFRS 13Short-term Receivables and Payables
included in Annual
Improvements 2010-2012
Amendment to IFRS 1Meaning of Effective IFRSs
included in Annual
Improvements 2011-2013
Cycle

 

(a)Amendments to IFRS 10IAS 1 include a definitionnarrow-focus improvements in respect of an investment entitythe presentation and provide an exception to disclosure in financial statements. The amendments clarify:

(i)the consolidation requirement for entities materiality requirements in IAS 1;
(ii)that meetspecific line items in the definitionstatement of an investment entity. Investment entities are required to account for subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss and the statement of financial position may be disaggregated;
(iii)that entities have flexibility as to the order in accordance with IFRS 9which they present the notes to financial statements; and
(iv)that the share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method must be presented in aggregate as a single line item, and classified between those items that will or will not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss.

Furthermore, the amendments clarify the requirements that apply when additional subtotals are presented in the statement of financial position and the statement of profit or loss. The amendments have had no significant impact on the Group’s financial statements.

(b)Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 clarify the principle in IAS 16 and IAS 38 that revenue reflects a pattern of economic benefits that are generated from operating a business (of which the asset is part) rather than consolidate them. Consequentialthe economic benefits that are consumed through the use of the asset. As a result, a revenue-based method cannot be used to depreciate property, plant and equipment and may only be used in very limited circumstances to amortize intangible assets. The amendments were made to IFRS 12 and IAS 27 (2011).The amendments to IFRS 12 also set out the disclosure requirements for investment entities.are applied prospectively. The amendments have had no material impact on the Group.

(b)IAS 32 Amendments clarify the meaning of “currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off” for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities. The amendments also clarify the applicationposition or performance of the offsetting criteria in IAS 32 to settlement systems (suchGroup as central clearing house systems) which apply gross settlement mechanisms that arethe Group has not simultaneous. The amendments have had no material impact onused a revenue-based method for the Group.calculation of depreciation of its non-current assets.

 

(c)The IAS 39 Amendments provide an exceptionAnnual Improvements to the requirement of discontinuing hedge accounting in situations where over-the-counter derivatives designated in hedging relationships are directly or indirectly, novatedIFRSs 2012-2014 Cyclesets out amendments to a central counterparty as a consequencenumber of laws or regulations, or the introduction of laws or regulations. For continuance of hedge accounting under this exception, allIFRSs. Details of the following criteria must be meet: (i) the novations must ariseamendments are as a consequence of laws or regulations, or the introduction of laws or regulations; (ii) the parties to the hedging instrument agreefollows:

a.IFRS 5Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations: Clarifies that one or more clearing counterparties replace their original counterparty to become the new counterparty to each of the parties; and (iii) the novations do not result in changes to the termsa plan of sale or a plan of distribution to owners should not be considered to be a new plan of disposal, rather it is a continuation of the original derivative other than changes directly attributable to theplan. Accordingly, there is no change in counterparty to achieve clearing.the application of the requirements in IFRS 5. The amendments also clarify that changing the disposal method does not change the date of classification of the non-current assets or disposal group held for sale. The amendments are applied prospectively. The amendments have had no materialsignificant impact on the Group.Group’s financial statements.


(d)2.3IFRIC 21 clarifies that an entity recognizes a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, occurs. The interpretation also clarifies that a levy liability is accrued progressively only if the activity that triggers payment occurs over a period of time, in accordance with the relevant legislation. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no liability should be recognized before the specified minimum threshold is reached. The interpretation has had no material impact on the Group.

(e)The IFRS 2 Amendment clarifies various issues relating to the definitions of performance and service conditions which are vesting conditions, including (i) a performance condition must contain a service condition; (ii) a performance target must be met while the counterparty is rendering service, (iii) a performance target may relate to the operations or activities of an entity, or to those of another entity in the same group; (iv) a performance condition may be a market or non-market condition; and (v) if the counterparty, regardless of the reason, ceases to provide service during the vesting period, the service condition is not satisfied. The amendment has had no material impact on the Group.

(f)The IFRS 3 Amendment clarifies that contingent consideration arrangements arising from a business combination that are not classified as equity should be subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss whether or not they fall within the scope of IFRS 9 or IAS 39. The amendment has had no material impact on the Group.

(g)The IFRS 13 Amendment clarifies that short-term receivables and payables with no stated interest rates can be measured at invoice amounts when the effect of discounting is immaterial. The amendment has had no material impact on the Group.

(iii)Issued but not yet effective International Financial Reporting Standards and new disclosure requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance not yet adoptedISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

 

The Group has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs, that have been issued but are not yet effective, in these financial statements.

 

IFRS 9Financial Instruments1
IFRS 15Revenue from Contracts with Customers1
IFRS 16Leases2
IFRIC 22Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration1
Amendments to IFRS 2Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions1
Amendments to IFRS 15Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers1
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate orJoint Venture3
and
Amendments to IAS 28 (2011)12Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses4
Amendments to IAS 7Joint VentureDisclosure Initiative4
Amendments to IAS 40Transfers to Investment Property1
Amendments to IFRS 114Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint OperationsApplying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts5
Amendments to IFRSsAnnual Improvements to IFRS 14Regulatory Deferral Accounts
IFRS 15Revenue from Contracts with Customers

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)Standards 2014-2016 Cycle6

 

(a)1Basis of preparation (cont’d)Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018

(iii)2Issued but not yet effective International Financial Reporting Standards and new disclosure requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance not yet adopted (cont’d)Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019

Amendments3No mandatory effective date yet determined but available for adoption
4Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017
5An entity choosing to IAS 16Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization
and IAS 38
Amendmentsapply the overlay approach retrospectively to IAS 16Agriculture: Bearer Plants
and IAS 41
Amendmentsqualifying financial assets does so when it first applies IFRS 9. An entity choosing to IAS 19Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions
Amendments to IAS 27 (2011)Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements
Annual ImprovementsAmendments to a number of IFRSs
2010-2012 Cycle
Annual ImprovementsAmendments to a number of IFRSs
2011-2013 Cycle
Annual ImprovementsAmendments to a number of IFRSs
2012-2014 Cycleapply the deferral approach does so for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

In addition, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) will affect the presentation and disclosure of certain information in the consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2015. The Group is in the process of making an assessment of the impact of these changes.

6Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 or 1 January 2018, as appropriate

 

Further information about those IFRSs that are expected to be applicable to the Group is as follows:

 

In SeptemberJuly 2014, the IASBInternational Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) issued the final version of IFRS 9, bringing together all phases of the financial instruments project to replace IAS 39 and all previous versions of IFRS 9. The standard introduces new requirements for classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting. The Group expects to adopt IFRS 9 from 1 January 1, 2018. The Group is currently assessing the impact of the standard upon adoption and expects that the adoption of IFRS 9 will have an impact on the classification and measurement of the Group’s financial assets. Further information about the impact will be available nearer the implementation date of the standard.

The amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 (2011) address an inconsistency between the requirements in IFRS 10 and in IAS 28 (2011) in dealing with the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The amendments require a full recognition of a gain or loss when the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture constitutes a business. For a transaction involving assets that do not constitute a business, a gain or loss resulting from the transaction is recognized in the investor’s profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investor’s interest in that associate or joint venture. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The Group expects to adopt the amendments from January 1, 2016.

The amendments to IFRS 11 require that an acquirer of an interest in a joint operation in which the activity of the joint operation constitutes a business must apply the relevant principles for business combinations in IFRS 3. The amendments also clarify that a previously held interest in a joint operation is not remeasured on the acquisition of an additional interest in the same joint operation while joint control is retained. In addition, a scope exclusion has been added to IFRS 11 to specify that the amendments do not apply when the parties sharing joint control, including the reporting entity, are under common control of the same ultimate controlling party. The amendments apply to both the acquisition of the initial interest in a joint operation and the acquisition of any additional interests in the same joint operation. The amendments are not expected to have any impact on the financial position or performance of the Group upon adoption on January 1, 2016.

 

IFRS 15 establishes a new five-step model that will apply to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The principles in IFRS 15 provide a more structured approach for measuring and recognizing revenue. The standard also introduces extensive qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements, including disaggregation of total revenue, information about performance obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances between periods and key judgmentsjudgements and estimates. The standard will supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under IFRSs.IFRSs and entities may use a full retrospective approach or modified retrospective approach upon adoption. The Group expects to adopt IFRS 15 on 1 January 1, 20172018 and plans to adopt the modified retrospective approach. Under the new standard, the adoption may have an impact on the allocation method to account for frequent flyer programs, which would impact the balance of the frequent flyer liability. The Group is currently evaluating other possible impacts from the new standard on the Group’s financial statements.

IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. For lessee accounting, the standard introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. For lessor accounting, the standard substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17. Accordingly, a lessor continues to classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently. The Group expects to adopt IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019. Management is still assessing the impact on the financial performance and position of the Group resulting from the adoption of IFRS 15 upon adoption.16 for the annual period beginning on 1 January 2019. Based on the Group’s undiscounted operating lease commitment of RMB23,889 million as set out in Note 46 to the financial statements, the adoption is expected to have an impact on the financial position and financial performance of the Group and the detailed assessment is still in progress.

 

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 clarify12 were issued with the principle in IAS 16 and IAS 38 that revenue reflectspurpose of addressing the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses related to debt instruments measured at fair value, although they also have a pattern of economic benefits that are generated from operating business (of which the asset is part) rather than the economic benefits that are consumed through the use of the asset. As a result, a revenue-based method cannot be used to depreciate property, plant and equipment and may only be used in very limited circumstances to amortize intangible assets.broader application for other situations. The amendments areclarify that an entity, when assessing whether taxable profits will be available against which it can utilise a deductible temporary difference, needs to be applied prospectively. The amendments are not expected to have any impactconsider whether tax law restricts the sources of taxable profits against which it may make deductions on the financial position or performancereversal of that deductible temporary difference. Furthermore, the Group upon adoptionamendments provide guidance on January 1, 2016 ashow an entity should determine future taxable profits and explain the Group has not used a revenue-based methodcircumstances in which taxable profit may include the recovery of some assets for the calculation of depreciation of its non-current assets.

more than their carrying amount. The Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle issued in January 2014 sets out amendments to a number of IFRSs. Except for those described in note 2(a)(ii), the Group expects to adopt the amendments from 1 January 2015. None2017. Based on the preliminary analysis, the Group anticipates that the adoption of IAS 12 in the amendments are expectedfuture is unlikely to have a significant financial impact on the Group. Details of the amendment most applicable to the Group are as follows:Group’s financial statements.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(a)Basis of preparation (cont’d)

(iv)Issued but not yet effective International Financial Reporting Standards and new disclosure requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance not yet adopted (cont’d)

 

IFRS 8 Operating Segments: Clarifies that an entity must disclose the judgments made by management in applying the aggregation criteria in IFRS 8, including a brief description of operating segments that have been aggregated and the economic characteristics used to assess whether the segments are similar. The amendments also clarify that a reconciliation of segment assets to total assets is only required to be disclosed if the reconciliation is reported to the chief operating decision maker.

(b)Consolidation

The Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries made up to December 31.

(i)Subsidiaries

A subsidiary is an entity (including a structured entity) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

The Group applies the acquisition method of accounting to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. The Group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognized in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less impairment. Cost includes direct attributable costs of investment.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interestsassociates and any fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the sum of this consideration and other items is lower than the fair value of the net assets acquired, the difference is, after reassessment, recognized in profit or loss as a gain on bargain purchase.

Inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Profits and losses resulting from inter-company transactions that are recognized in assets are also eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

F-16

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(b)Consolidation (cont’d)

The following is a list of principal subsidiaries as at December 31, 2014:

Company name Place of
establishment and
 operation and date 
of establishment
 Registered Capital  Attributable equity
interest
  Principal activities
    2014  2013  2014  2013   
    million  million         
                 
China Eastern Airlines Jiangsu Co., Ltd. (“CEA Jiangsu”) PRC
May 3, 1993
 RMB2,000  RMB2,000   62.56%  62.56% Provision of airline services
                     
China Eastern Airlines Wuhan Co., Ltd. (“CEA Wuhan”) PRC
August 16, 2002
 RMB1,750  RMB1,750   60%  60% Provision of airline services
                     
Shanghai Eastern Flight Training Co., Ltd. (“Flight Training”) PRC
December 18, 1995
 RMB694  RMB608   100%  100% Provision of flight training services
                     
Shanghai Airlines Co., Ltd. PRC
March 16, 2010
 RMB500  RMB500   100%  100% Provision of airline services
                     
China Cargo Airlines Co.,
Ltd. (“China Cargo”)
 PRC
July 22, 1998
 RMB3,000  RMB3,000   51%  51% Provision of cargo
carriage service
                     
China Eastern Airlines Technology Ltd. (“Eastern Technology”) PRC
November 19, 2014
 RMB4,300   -   100%  -  Provision of airline maintenance services
                     
Shanghai Eastern Airlines Logistics Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Logistics”) PRC
August 23, 2004
 RMB1,150  RMB1,150   100%  100% Provision of cargo logistics services
                     
Eastern Business Airlines
Service Co., Ltd.(“ Eastern Business Airlines Service”)
 PRC
September 27, 2008
 RMB50  RMB50   100%  100% Provision of airlines
consultation services
                     
China Eastern Airlines Yunnan Co.,
Ltd. (“CEA Yunnan”)
 PRC
August 2, 2011
 RMB3,662  RMB3,662   90.36%  90.36% Provision of airline services
                     
Eastern Air Overseas(Hong Kong) Corporation Limited.(“ Eastern Air Overseas”) Hong Kong
June 10, 2011
 HKD30  HKD30   100%  100% Provision of import and export, investment, leasing and consultation services
                     
China United Airlines Co., Ltd.(“United Airlines”) PRC
September 21, 1984
 RMB1,320  RMB1,320   100%  100% Provision of airline services
                     
Eastern Airlines Hotel Co., Ltd. PRC
March 18, 1998
 RMB70  RMB70   100%  100% Provision of hotel services
                     
Shanghai Airlines Tours International (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Airlines Tours”) PRC
August 29, 1992
 RMB50  RMB50   100%  100% Provision of travel, conference and exhibition services
                     
China Eastern Airlines Application Development  Center Co., Ltd. (“Application Development Center”) PRC
November 21, 2011
 RMB498  RMB498   100%  100% Provision of R&D of technology and products in the field of aviation

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(b)Consolidation (cont’d)

Details of the Group’s subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests are set out below:

  2014  2013 
Percentage of equity interest held by non-controlling interests:        
CEA Jiangsu  37.44%  37.44%
CEA Yunnan  9.64%  9.64%
CEA Wuhan  40.00%  40.00%
China Cargo  49.00%  49.00%

  2014  2013 
Profit/(loss) for the year allocated to non-controlling interests: RMB million  RMB million 
CEA Jiangsu  156   85 
CEA Yunnan  31   31 
CEA Wuhan  137   16 
China Cargo  (160)  (338)

  2014  2013 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests: RMB million  RMB million 
CEA Jiangsu  20   19 

  2014  2013 
Accumulated balances of non-controlling interests at the reporting dates: RMB million  RMB million 
CEA Jiangsu  966   832 
CEA Yunnan  379   348 
CEA Wuhan  865   702 
China Cargo  (378)  (236)

The following tables illustrate the summarized financial information of the above subsidiaries. The amounts disclosed are before any inter-company elimination:

  CEA Jiangsu  CEA Yunnan  CEA Wuhan  China Cargo 
2014 RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Revenue  6,435   9,133   3,346   5,285 
Total expenses  6,019   8,812   3,003   5,612 
Profit/(loss) for the year  416   321   343   (327)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)for the year  332   321   302   (368)
                 
Current assets  1,666   1,730   1,036   1,483 
Non-current assets  6,347   10,385   3,134   1,881 
Current liabilities  2,241   3,240   855   3,185 
Non-current liabilities  3,192   4,941   1,153   951 
                 
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities  812   1,162   188   (361)
Net cash flows used in                
investing activities  (454)  (849)  (2)  (59)
Net cash flows (used in)/from                
financing activities  (402)  (541)  (152)  180 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net  -   (25)  -   - 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents  (44)  (253)  34   (240)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(b)Consolidation (cont’d)

  CEA Jiangsu  CEA Yunnan  CEA Wuhan  China Cargo 
2013 RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Revenue  6,111   8,901   3,140   5,582 
Total expenses  5,882   8,583   2,744   6,248 
Profit/(loss) for the year  229   318   396   (666)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year  302   318   449   (625)
                 
Current assets  1,058   514   1,524   1,901 
Non-current assets  5,708   8,373   2,329   2,210 
Current liabilities  2,124   2,100   926   3,332 
Non-current liabilities  2,232   3,175   946   1,184 
                 
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities  824   1,924   346   (804)
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities  (395)  (1,645)  (1,206)  595 
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities  (449)  (466)  871   121 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net  (1)  (1)  -   - 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents  (21)  (188)  11   (88)

(ii)Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions – that is, as transactions with the owners in their capacity as owners. The difference between fair value of any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

(iii)Disposal of subsidiaries

When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value at the date when control is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognized in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.ventures

(iv)Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

An associate is an entity in which the Group has a long-term interest of generally not less than 20% of the equity voting rights and over which it is in a position to exercise significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control over those policies.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(c)Consolidation (cont’d)

(iv)Investments in associates and joint ventures (cont’d)

 

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

 

Adjustments are made to bring into line any dissimilar accounting policies that may exist. The Group's share of the post-acquisition results and other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures is included in the consolidated statementsstatement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. In addition, when there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate or joint venture, the Group recognizes its share of any changes, when applicable, in the consolidated statementsstatement of changes in equity. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and its associates or joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s investments in the associates or joint ventures, except where unrealized losses provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Goodwill arising from the acquisition of associates or joint ventures is included as part of the Group's investments in associates or joint ventures.

 

If an investment in an associate becomes an investment in a joint venture or vice versa, the retained interest is not remeasured.premeasured. Instead, the investment continues to be accounted for under the equity method. In all other cases, upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Group measures and recognizes any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture upon loss of significant influence or joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in profit or loss.

 

The results of associates and joint ventures are included in the Company's statements of profit or loss andother comprehensive income to the extent of dividends received and receivable. The Company's investments in associates and joint ventures are treated as non-current assets and are stated at cost less any impairment losses.

When an investment in an associate or a joint venture is classified as held for sale, it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.Operations.

 

(c)Segmental reporting

Segmental reporting

 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (“CODM”). The CODM, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the office of the General Manager that makes strategic decisions.

 

(d)Foreign currency translation

Foreign currencies

 

(i)Functional and presentation currency

 

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The financial statements are presented in Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”)“RMB”, which is the company'sCompany's functional and presentation currency.

 

(ii)Transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the profit or loss, except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges or qualifying net investment hedges.

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the profit or loss within ‘finance income’“finance income” or ‘finance costs’“finance costs”.

��

(e)Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was measured. The gain or loss arising on translation of a non-monetary item measured at fair value is treated in line with the recognition of the gain or loss on change in fair value of the item (i.e., translation difference on the item whose fair value gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income or profit or loss is also recognized in other comprehensive income or profit or loss, respectively).

Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage

 

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services and the sale of goods in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities. Revenue is shownstated net of business taxes or value-added taxes, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group.

 

The Group recognizes revenueRevenue is recognized when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that futurethe economic benefits will flow to the entityGroup and specific criteria have been met for each ofwhen the Group’s activities as described below. The amount of revenue is not considered tocan be measured reliably, measurable until all contingencies relating toon the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.following basis:

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

(e)

Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage (cont’d)

The Group operates frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passengers revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired.

 

(i)Traffic revenues

 

Passenger, cargo and mail revenues are recognized as traffic revenues when the transportation services are provided. The value of sold but unused tickets is recognized as sales in advance of carriage (“SIAC”).

 

(ii)Ground service income and tour operation revenues

 

Revenues from the provision of ground services, tour, travel services and other travel related services are recognized when the services are rendered.

 

(iii)Cargo handling income

 

Revenues from the provision of cargo handling incomeservices are recognized when the serviceservices are rendered.

 

(iv)Commission income

 

Commission income represents amounts earned from other carriers in respect of sales made by the Group on their behalf, and is recognized in the profit or loss upon ticket sales.

 

(v)Other revenue

 

Revenues from other operating businesses, including income derived from the provision of freight forwarding, are recognized when the services are rendered.

 

(f)(vi)Government grantsFrequent flyer programs

The Group operates frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passengers’ revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired.

(vii)Interest income

Interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

The amount of revenue is not considered to be reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

Government grants

 

Grants from the government are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.conditions.When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the costs, which it is intended to compensate are expensed.

 

Government grants relatingWhere the grant relates to costs arean asset, the fair value is credited to a deferred income account and recognized in theis released to profit or loss over the period necessary to match them withexpected useful life of the costs that they are intended to compensate.relevant asset by equal annual instalments.

 

Government grants relating to property, plantMaintenance and equipment are included in non-current liabilities as deferred government grants and are credited to the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the expected lives of the related assets.overhaul costs

(g)Maintenance and overhaul costs

 

In respect of aircraft and engines under operating leases, the groupGroup has obligations to fulfillfulfil certain return conditions under the leases. Provision for the estimated cost of these return condition checks is made on a straight linestraight-line basis over the term of the leases.

 

In respect of aircraft and engines owned by the Group or held under finance leases, overhaul costs that meet specific recognition criteria are capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment and are depreciated over the appropriate maintenance cycles.

 

All other repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the profit or loss as and when incurred.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2.2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

(h)Interest income

Borrowing costs

Interest income is recognized on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest method. When a loan and receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loan and receivables are recognized using the original effective interest rate.

(i)Borrowing costs

 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, i.e., assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are capitalized as part of the cost of those assets. The capitalization of such borrowing costs ceases when the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs capitalized. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

 

(j)Current and deferred tax

Income tax

 

TheIncome tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax isIncome tax relating to items recognized in theoutside profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to itemsis recognized outside profit or loss, either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

 

The current incomeCurrent tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enactedassets and liabilities are measured at the end of the reporting period in the jurisdictions where the Company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amountsamount expected to be recovered from or paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method,taxation authorities, based on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill and deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period, taking into consideration interpretations and are expected to apply whenpractices prevailing in the related deferred income tax asset is realized orcountries in which the deferred income tax liability is settled.Group operates.

 

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the end of the reporting period between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:

·when the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

·in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, when the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carryforward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, the carryforward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.utilized, except:

 

(k)·Intangible assetswhen the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary differences arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and

·in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.


2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

Intangible assets

 

(i)Goodwill

 

Goodwill representsis initially measured at cost, being the excess of the costaggregate of an acquisitionthe consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interests and any fair value of the Group’s previously held equity interests in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the sum of this consideration and other items is lower than the fair value of the Group’s share ofnet assets acquired, the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiaries, associatesdifference is, after reassessment, recognized in profit or joint venturesloss as a gain on bargain purchase.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at the date of acquisition.cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included in “intangible assets”. Goodwill on acquisition of associates and joint ventures is included in “investments in associates” and “investments in joint ventures” and is tested for impairment as part of the overall balances. Separately recognized goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or whenever there is an indication of impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity includemore frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amountvalue may be impaired. The Group performs its annual impairment test of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units foras at 31 December. For the purpose of impairment testing. The allocationtesting, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, madefrom the acquisition date, allocated to thoseeach of the Group's cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, according to the identified operating segments that are expected to benefit from the businesssynergies of the combination, inirrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the Group are assigned to those units or groups of units.

Impairment is determined by assessing the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) to which the goodwill arose.relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit (group of cash-generating units) is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.

 

(ii)Computer software costs

 

Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 5 years. Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programs are recognized as expenseexpenses when incurred.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

2.(iii)Others

Others relate to the capitalized costs incurred to acquire the use right of certain flight schedules (i.e. timeslots for flights’ taking off/landing) in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pudong International Airport Co., Ltd. respectively. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives of 3 years.


2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

(l)Deferred pilot recruitment costs

Deferred pilot recruitment costs

 

Deferred pilot recruitment costs represent the cost borecosts borne by the Group in connection with securing a certain minimum period of employment of pilots and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated beneficial period of five5 years, starting from whenthe date the pilot joins the Group.

 

Related parties

A party is considered to be related to the Group if:

(m)(a)Property, plantthe party is a person or a close member of that person’s family and equipmentthat person

(i)has control or joint control over the Group;

(ii)has significant influence over the Group;

(iii)is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or of a parent of the Group;

or

(b)the party is an entity where any of the following conditions applies:

(i)the entity and the Group are members of the same group;

(ii)one entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or of a parent, subsidiary or fellow subsidiary of the other entity);

(iii)the entity and the Group are joint ventures of the same third party;

(iv)one entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity;

(v)the entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group and the sponsoring employers of the post-employment benefit plan;

(vi)the entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (a);

(vii)a person identified in (a)(i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity); and

(viii)the entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to the parent of the Group.

Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment isare recognized initially at cost which comprises purchase price, and any directly attributable costs of bringing the assets to the working condition and location for their intended use.

 

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the cost of that item is allocated on a reasonable basis among the parts and each part is depreciated separately. Residual values, useful lives and the depreciation method are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least at each financial year end.

 

When each major aircraft overhaul is performed, its cost is recognized in the carrying amount of the item of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the appropriate maintenance cycles. Components related to airframe overhaul cost, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 5 to 7.5 years. Components related to engine overhaul costs, are depreciated between each overhaul period using the ratio of actual flying hours and estimated flying hours between overhauls. Upon completion of an overhaul, any remaining carrying amount of the cost of the previous overhaul is derecognized and charged to the profit or loss.

 

Except for components related to overhaul costs, the depreciation method of which has been described in the preceding paragraph, other depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method to write downoff their costs to their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

Owned and finance leased aircraft and engines15 to 20 years
Other flight equipment, including rotables10 years
Buildings158 to 45 years
Other property, plant and equipment53 to 20 years

2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

The assets’ residual valuesProperty, plant and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.equipment (cont’d)

 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the assets’ carrying amountamounts and are recognized in the profit or loss.

 

Construction in progress represents buildings under construction and equipment pending for installation. This includes the costs of construction or acquisition and interest capitalized.capitalized borrowing cost. No depreciation is provided on construction in progress until the asset is completed and ready for use.

 

Investment properties

Investment properties are interests in land and buildings (including the leasehold interest under an operating lease for a property which would otherwise meet the definition of an investment property) held to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation, rather than for use in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes; or for sale in the ordinary course of business. Such properties are measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. After initial recognition, the Group chooses the cost model to measure all of its investment properties.

Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis to write off the cost to its residual value over its estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Buildings(n)Impairment of investments in subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and non-financial assets30 to 35 years

 

Assets that have an indefinite useful life or which are not yet available for use are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment at least annually or whenever there is indicationThe carrying amounts of impairment. Other assetsinvestment properties measured using the cost method are reviewed for impairment wheneverwhen events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amountamounts may not be recoverable.

Any gains or losses on the retirement or disposal of an investment property are recognized in profit or loss in the year of the retirement or disposal.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Where an indication of impairment exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required (other than inventories, construction contract assets, financial assets, investment properties and non-current assets/a disposal group classified as held for sale), the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Theasset's recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’sthe asset's or cash-generating unit's value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal, and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to sell andwhich the asset belongs.

An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use. Foruse, the purposesestimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of assessingthe time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. An impairment assets are groupedloss is charged to profit or loss in the period in which it arises in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.

An assessment is made at the lowest levels for whichend of each reporting period as to whether there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Non-financial assetsis an indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognized impairment loss of an asset other than goodwill is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of that asset, but not to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have sufferedbeen determined (net of any depreciation/amortization) had no impairment are reviewedloss been recognized for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting period date.asset in prior years.

 

(o)Assets classified as held for sale

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale

 

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing useuse. For this to be the case, the asset or disposal group must be available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and acustomary for the sale is consideredof such assets or disposal groups and its sale must be highly probable. TheyAll assets and liabilities of a subsidiary classified as a disposal group are statedreclassified as held for sale regardless of whether the Group retains a non-controlling interest in its former subsidiary after the sale.

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amountamounts and fair valuevalues less costs to sellsell. Property, plant and areequipment and intangible assets classified as assets held for sale.sale are not depreciated or amortized.

 

(p)Lease prepayments

Lease prepayments

 

Lease prepayments represent acquisition costs of land use rights less accumulated amortization. Amortization is providedunder operating leases are initially stated at cost and subsequently recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease period of the land use rights on a straight-line basis.terms.


(q)2.4Advanced payments on acquisition of aircraftSUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

Advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft

 

Advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft represent payments to aircraft manufacturers to secure deliveries of aircraft in future years, including attributable financeborrowing costs, and are included in non-current assets. The balance is transferred to property, plant and equipment upon delivery of the aircraft.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Flight equipment spare parts

 

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(r)Flight equipment spare parts


Flight equipment spare parts are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The cost of flight equipment spare parts comprises the purchase price (net of discounts), freight charges, duty and value added tax and other miscellaneous charges. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price of the flight equipment in the ordinary course of business, less applicable selling expenses.

 

(s)Trade receivables

Investments and other financial assets

 

TradeInitial recognition and measurement

Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables and available-for-sale financial investments, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate. When financial assets are recognized initially, they are measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial assets, except in the case of financial assets recorded at fair value through profit or loss.

All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date, that is, the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within the period generally established by regulation or convention in the marketplace.

Subsequent measurement

The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of sale in the near term. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments as defined by IAS 39.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with positive net changes in fair value presented as other income and gains and negative net changes in fair value presented as finance costs in profit or loss. These net fair value changes do not include any dividends or interest earned on these financial assets, which are recognized in accordance with the policies set out for “Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage” above.

Financial assets designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the date of initial recognition and only if the criteria in IAS 39 are satisfied.

Derivatives embedded in host contracts are accounted for as separate derivatives and recorded at fair value if their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not held for trading or designated as at fair value through profit or loss. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. Reassessment only occurs if there is either a change in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the cash flows that would otherwise be required or a reclassification of a financial asset out of the fair value through profit or loss category.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. After initial measurement, such assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less provisionany allowance for impairment. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and includes fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate amortization is included in other operating income and gains in profit or loss. The loss arising from impairment is recognized in profit or loss in finance costs for loans and in impairment charges for receivables.


2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

Investments and other financial assets (continued)

Available-for-sale financial investments

Available-for-sale financial investments are non-derivative financial assets in listed and unlisted equity investments and debt securities. Equity investments classified as available for sale are those which are neither classified as held for trading nor designated as at fair value through profit or loss. Debt securities in this category are those which are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or in response to changes in market conditions.

After initial recognition, available-for-sale financial investments are subsequently measured at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses recognized as other comprehensive income in the other reserves until the investment is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss in other operating income, or until the investment is determined to be impaired, when the cumulative gain or loss is reclassified from the other reserves to profit or loss in other gains or losses. Interest and dividends earned whilst holding the available-for-sale financial investments are reported as finance income and dividend income, respectively and are recognized in profit or loss as other operating income in accordance with the policies set out for “Revenue recognition and sales in advance of carriage” above.

When the fair value of unlisted equity investments cannot be reliably measured because (a) the variability in the range of reasonable fair value estimates is significant for that investment or (b) the probabilities of the various estimates within the range cannot be reasonably assessed and used in estimating fair value, such investments are stated at cost less any impairment losses.

The Group evaluates whether the ability and intention to sell its available-for-sale financial assets in the near term are still appropriate. When, in rare circumstances, the Group is unable to trade these financial assets due to inactive markets, the Group may elect to reclassify these financial assets if management has the ability and intention to hold the assets for the foreseeable future or until maturity.

For a financial asset reclassified from the available-for-sale category, the fair value carrying amount at the date of reclassification becomes its new amortized cost and any previous gain or loss on that asset that has been recognized in equity is amortized to profit or loss over the remaining life of the investment using the effective interest rate. Any difference between the new amortized cost and the maturity amount is also amortized over the remaining life of the asset using the effective interest rate. If the asset is subsequently determined to be impaired, then the amount recorded in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets

A provision for impairmentfinancial asset (or, where applicable, a part of trade receivablesa financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is established whenprimarily derecognized (i.e., removed from the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:

·the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
·the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a “pass-through” arrangement; and either (a) the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.

When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it evaluates if and to what extent it has retained the risk and rewards of ownership of the asset. When it has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset to the extent of the Group's continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognizes an associated liability. The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Group has retained.

Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.


2.4SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

Impairment of financial assets

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. An impairment exists if one or more events that occurred after the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original termsinitial recognition of the receivables. Significant financial difficultiesasset have an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. Evidence of impairment may include indications that a debtor or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that the debtorthey will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization and defaultobservable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or delinquencyeconomic conditions that correlate with defaults.

Financial assets carried at amortized cost

For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the Group first assesses whether impairment exists individually for financial assets that are individually significant, or collectively for financial assets that are not individually significant. If the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in paymentsa group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and collectively assesses them for impairment. Assets that are considered indicators that the trade receivableindividually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment loss is, impaired. or continues to be, recognized are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.

The amount of the provisionany impairment loss identified is measured as the difference between the asset’sasset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not yet been incurred). The present value of the estimated future cash flows is discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate. rate (i.e., the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition).

The carrying amount of the assetsasset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in the profit or loss. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it isInterest income continues to be accrued on the reduced carrying amount using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. Loans and receivables together with any associated allowance are written off againstwhen there is no realistic prospect of future recovery and all collateral has been realized or has been transferred to the provision account for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveriesGroup.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of amountsthe estimated impairment loss increases or decreases because of an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously written off arerecognized impairment loss is increased or reduced by adjusting the allowance account. If a write-off is later recovered, the recovery is credited to impairment charges in the profit or loss.

 

Available-for-sale financial investments

For available-for-sale financial investments, the Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that an investment or a group of investments is impaired.

If an available-for-sale asset is impaired, an amount comprising the difference between its cost (net of any principal payment and amortization) and its current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognized in profit or loss, is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss.

In the case of equity investments classified as available for sale, objective evidence would include a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment below its cost. “Significant” is evaluated against the original cost of the investment and “prolonged” against the period in which the fair value has been below its original cost. Where there is evidence of impairment, the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that investment previously recognized in profit or loss – is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses on equity instruments classified as available for sale are not reversed through profit or loss. Increases in their fair value after impairment are recognized directly in other comprehensive income.

The determination of what is “significant” or “prolonged” requires judgement. In making this judgement, the Group evaluates, among other factors, the duration or extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost.


(t)2.4Cash and cash equivalentsSUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

(u)Trade payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as currentFinancial liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

 

Trade payablesInitial recognition and measurement

Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.

All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings, net of directly attributable transaction costs.

The Group’s financial liabilities primarily include trade and other payables, derivative financial instruments and borrowings.

Subsequent measurement

The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as follows:

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IAS 39. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognized in profit or loss. The net fair value gain or loss recognized in profit or loss does not include any interest charged on these financial liabilities.

Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the date of initial recognition and only if the criteria in IAS 39 are satisfied.

Loans and borrowings

After initial recognition, borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method.rate method unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the effective interest rate amortization process.

 

(v)Borrowings

Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest rate. The effective interest rate amortization is included in finance costs in profit or loss.

 

BorrowingsDerecognition of financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled, or expires.

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are recognized initially at fair value, netsubstantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortized cost; any differencesthe original liability and a recognition of a new liability, and the difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption valuerespective carrying amounts is recognized in the profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.loss.

 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unlessCash and cash equivalents

For the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlementpurpose of the liability for at least 12consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and short term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and have a short maturity of generally within three months afterwhen acquired, less bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the end of each reporting period in which case such borrowings are classified as non-current liabilities.Group's cash management.

 

(w)Provisions

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of financial position, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and at banks, including assets similar in nature to cash, which are not restricted as to use.

Provisions

 

Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; andprovided that the amount can be reliably estimated.

 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

 

For the contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it, the present obligation under the contract is recognized and measured as a provision.


(x)2.4LeasesSUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

Leases

 

(i)A Group company is theAs lessee

 

Finance leases

 

The Group leases certain property, plant and equipment. Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has acquired substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the lower of the fair value of the leased propertyassets and the present value of the minimum lease payments.

F-24

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(x)Leases (cont’d)

(i)A Group company is the lessee (cont’d)

 

Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in other short-termthe current portion of obligation under finance leases and other long-term payables.obligations under finance leases, respectively. The interest element of the finance costcosts is charged to the profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. Leased assets are depreciated using a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives to residual values.

 

For sale and leaseback transactions resulting in a finance lease, differences between sales proceeds and net book values are deferred and amortized over the lease terms.

Operating leases

 

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

 

For sale and leaseback transactions resulting in an operating lease, differences between sales proceeds and net book values are recognized immediately in the profit or loss, except to the extent that any profit or loss is compensated for by future lease payments at above or below the market value, then the profit or loss is deferred and amortized over the period for which the asset is expected to be used.

 

(ii)A Group company is theAs lessor

 

Assets leased out under operating leases are included in property, plant and equipment in the statement of financial position. They are depreciated over their expected useful lives on a basis consistent with similar property, plant and equipment. Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

Retirement benefits

(y)(i)Retirement benefitsDefined contribution plans

 

The Group participates in schemes regarding pension and medical benefits for employees organized by the municipal governments of the relevant provinces. In addition, theContributions to these schemes are expensed as incurred.

The Group initiatedalso implemented an additional defined contribution retirementpension benefit scheme (annuity) for employees in 2014. The contributions tovoluntary eligible employees. Contributions are made based on a percentage of the schemesemployees’ total salaries and are charged to profit or loss as and when incurred.

 

(ii)Defined benefit plan

In addition, the

The Group provides eligible retirees with certain post-retirement benefits including retirement subsidies, transportation subsidies, social function activity subsidiesallowance as well as other welfare. The defined post-retirement benefits are unfunded. The cost of providing benefits under the post-retirement benefit plan is determined using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method.

 

Remeasurements arising from the post-retirement benefit plan, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding net interest) and the return on plan assets (excluding net interest), are recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of financial position with a corresponding debit or credit to retained profitsequity through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods.

 

Past service costs are recognized in profit or loss at the earlier of:

 

the date of the plan amendment or curtailment; and
the date that the Group recognizes restructuring-related costs

 

Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset. The Group recognizes the following changes in the net defined benefit obligation under “Wages, salaries and benefits” and “Finance costs” in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income:loss:

 

service costs comprising current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements

net interest expense

(z)2.4Derivative financial instrumentsSUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

Initial recognition and subsequent measurement

The Group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps, to hedge its foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, respectively. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognized in the statements of financial position at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. The accounting for subsequentDerivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative.

Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value depends on whetherof derivatives are taken directly to profit or loss, except for the derivativeeffective portion of cash flow hedges, which is designated asrecognized in other comprehensive income and later reclassified to profit or loss when the hedged item affects profit or loss.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:

fair value hedges when hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment; or
cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction, or a foreign currency risk in an unrecognized firm commitment; or
hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Group wishes to apply hedge accounting, the risk management objective and its strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, and if so,the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the itemrisk being hedged.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

(z)Derivative financial instruments (cont’d)

Thehedged and how the Group documents, atwill assess the inceptionhedging instrument's effectiveness of changes in the transaction,hedging instrument’s fair value in offsetting the relationship between hedging instrumentsexposure to changes in the hedged item's fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception andare assessed on an ongoing basis of whether the derivativesto determine that are used in hedging transactions arethey actually have been highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.throughout the financial reporting periods for which they were designated.

 

Derivative financial instruments that do not qualifyHedges which meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments and any unrealized gains or losses, being changes in fairfollows:

Fair value of the derivatives, are recognized in the profit or loss immediately. Changeshedges

The change in the fair value of derivatives that are designateda hedging derivative is recognized in profit or loss. The change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk hedged is recorded as a part of the carrying amount of the hedged item and qualify asis also recognized in profit or loss.

For fair value hedges and that are highly effective, are recorded inrelating to items carried at amortized cost, the adjustment to carrying value is amortized through profit or loss alongover the remaining term of the hedge using the effective interest rate method. Effective interest rate amortization may begin as soon as an adjustment exists and shall begin no later than when the hedged item ceases to be adjusted for changes in its fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. If the hedged item is derecognized, the unamortized fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

When an unrecognized firm commitment is designated as a hedged item, the subsequent cumulative change in the fair value of the firm commitment attributable to the hedged risk is recognized as an asset or liability with anya corresponding gain or loss recognized in profit or loss. The changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are also recognized in profit or loss.

Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized directly in other comprehensive income in the hedging reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged assetstransaction affects profit or liabilities thatloss, such as when hedged financial income or financial expense is recognized or when a forecast sale occurs. Where the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or non-financial liability, the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are attributabletransferred to the hedged risk.initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.

 

Derivative financial instruments that qualifyIf the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover (as part of the hedging strategy), or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, and which are designated as a specific hedge of the variabilityamounts previously recognized in cash flows of a highly probableother comprehensive income remain in other comprehensive income until the forecast transaction are accounted for as follows:occurs or the foreign currency firm commitment is met.

 

(i)the effective portion of any change in fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized directly in equity. Where the forecast transaction or firm commitment results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset or liability. Otherwise, the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is removed from equity and recognized in the profit or loss in the same period during which the hedged forecast transaction affects net profit or loss.

(ii)the ineffective portion of any change in fair value is recognized in the profit or loss immediately.

Current versus non-current classification

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged items is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized in the profit or loss when the committed or forecast transaction ultimately occurs. When a committed or forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was recorded in equity is immediately transferred to the profit or loss.


(aa)2.4Available-for-sale financial assetsSUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont’d)

 

Investments in securities other than subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, being held for non-trading purposes, are classified as available-for-sale financial assets and are recognized on the trade-date – the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs. At each reporting date, the fair value is remeasured, with any resulting gain or loss being recognized directly in other comprehensive income, except for impairment losses. When these investments are derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized directly in equity is recognized in the profit or loss.Dividend distribution

When the fair value of unlisted equity investments cannot be reliably measured because (a) the variability in the range of reasonable fair value estimates is significant for that investment or (b) the probabilities of the various estimates within the range cannot be reasonably assessed and used in estimating fair value, such investments are stated at cost less any impairment losses.

The Group assesses at each reporting period date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. In the case of equity securities classified as available for sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the securities below its cost is considered an indicator that the securities are impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognized in the profit or loss, is removed from equity and recognized in the profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in the profit or loss on equity instruments are not reversed through the profit or loss.

(ab)Dividend distribution

 

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

 

Fair value measurement

The Group measures its derivative financial instruments and listed equity investments at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group. The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.

The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

(ac)Level 1 –Share capitalbased on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 –based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is observable, either directly or indirectly
Level 3 –based on valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable

 

Ordinary sharesFor assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred is measured at the acquisition date fair value which is the sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities assumed by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate share of net assets in the event of liquidation at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All other components of non-controlling interests are measured at fair value. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts of the acquiree.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new sharesan asset or options are shownliability is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.is not remeasured and subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

 

(a)Financial risk factors

 

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and fuel price risk), credit risk, and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programmeprogram focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimizedminimize potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage risk exposures whenever management considerconsiders necessary.

 

Risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (the “Group Treasury”) under policies approved by the Board. The Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units. The overall risk management strategies, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchangecurrency risk, interest-rateinterest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments were approved by the Board.

 

(i)Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk

 

The Group operates its business in many countries and territories. The Group generates its revenue in different currencies, and its foreign currency liabilities at the end of the period are much higher than its foreign currency assets. The Group’s major liability item (mainly resulting from purchases of aircraft) is mainly priced and settled in foreign currencies, primarily US dollars.USD. The Group is exposed to currency risks from fluctuations in various foreign currency exchange rates against RMB.

 

The RMB is not a freely convertible currencyinto other currencies, however, under Mainland China's Foreign Exchange Control Regulations and Administration of Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange Regulations, the Group is regulated by the PRC government. Limitation onpermitted to exchange RMB for other currencies through banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transaction imposed by the PRC government could cause future exchange rates to vary significantly from current or historical exchange rates.business.

 

In addition, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the Group’s future costs for purchases of aircraft, flight equipment and aviation fuel, and take-off and landing charges in foreign airports.

 

The Group entered into certain foreign exchange forward contracts to manage part of these foreign currency risks. As at 31 December 2016, the foreign exchange forward contracts at notional value were RMB3,052 million . Details of foreign currency forward contracts are disclosed in Note39 (b)Note 39 to the financial statements.

 

The following tables detail the Group’s exposure to major currency risk at the reporting dates to major currency risk:dates:

 

  2014 
  USD  Euro  JPY 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Trade and other receivables  1,684   97   12 
Cash and cash equivalents  490   45   16 
Deposits relating to aircraft under operating leases  482   -   - 
Other long-term assets  46   -   - 
Trade and other payables  (30)  -   (2)
Obligations under finance leases  (36,437)  -   (375)
Borrowings  (42,984)  -   - 
Interest rate swap at notional value  4,901   -   - 
Currency derivatives at notional value  239   -   - 
             
Net exposure in the consolidated statement of financial position  (71,609)  142   (349)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2016 
  USD  EUR  JPY  KRW 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Trade and other receivables  1,575   99   10   152 
Cash and cash equivalents  702   39   15   - 
Deposits relating to aircraft under operating leases  140   -   -   - 
Other non-current assets  267   -   -   - 
Trade and other payables  (123)  -   (2)  (1)
Obligations under finance leases  (44,913)  -   (326)  - 
Borrowings  (7,953)  (4,215)  -   (1,008)

3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(a)Financial risk factors (cont’d)

 

(i)Foreign currency risk (cont’d)

Foreign currency risk (cont’d)

 

  2013 
  USD  Euro  JPY 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Trade and other receivables  713   160   52 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  182   -   - 
Cash and cash equivalents  282   32   22 
Deposits relating to aircraft under operating leases  668   -   - 
Trade and other payables  (902)  -   (4)
Obligations under finance leases  (20,541)  -   (475)
Borrowings  (35,215)  -   - 
Interest rate swap at notional value  5,146   -   - 
Currency derivatives at notional value  234   -   - 
             
Net exposure in the consolidated statement of financial position  (49,433)  192   (405)

  2015 
  USD  EUR  JPY  KRW 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                 
Trade and other receivables  1,684   92   16   112 
Cash and cash equivalents  7,755   56   36   - 
Deposits relating to aircraft under operating leases  145   -   -   - 
Other non-current assets  322   -   -   - 
Trade and other payables  (124)  -   (3)  - 
Obligations under finance leases  (50,342)  -   (344)  - 
Borrowings  (36,943)  -   -   - 

 

The following tables indicate the approximate change in the Group’s statementsconsolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income and the consolidated statements of changes in equity in response to a 1% appreciation or depreciation of the RMB against the following major currencies at the reporting dates:

 

  2014  2013 
     Effect on     Effect on 
  Effect on  other components  Effect on  other components 
  profit or loss  of equity  profit and loss  of equity 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
US dollars  628   -   548   2 
Euro  (2)  -   (2)  - 
Japanese Yen  4   -   4   - 
  2016  2015 
     Effect on other     Effect on other 
  Effect on  comprehensive  Effect on  comprehensive 
  profit or loss  income  profit or loss  income 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
If RMB (weakens)/strengthens against the US dollars  (377)/377   23/(23)   (581)/581   - 
If RMB (weakens)/strengthens against the Euro  (31)/31   -   1/(1)   - 
If RMB (weakens)/strengthens against the Japanese Yen  (2)/2   -   (2)/2   - 
If RMB (weakens)/strengthens against KRW  (6)/6   -   -   - 

 

(ii)Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk

 

The Group’s interest-rateinterest rate risk primarily arises from borrowings and obligations under finance leases. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest-rateinterest rate risk. Borrowings and finance leases issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest-rateinterest rate risk. The Group determines the proportion of borrowings and finance leases issued at variable rates and fixed rates based on the market environment.

 

The Group’s finance department has been monitoring the level of interest rates. The increase in the interest rates will increase the interest costs of new borrowings and current borrowingsfinance leases issued at variable rates, which will further impact the performance of the Group. To hedge against the variability in the cash flows arising from a change in market interest rates, the Group has entered into certain interest rate swaps to swap variable rates into fixed rates. The interest rates and terms of repayment of borrowings made byto the Group and interest rate swaps are disclosed in Notes 3334 and 39(a) to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The following tables detail the interest rate profiles of the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments at the end of each reporting period:dates:

 

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Floating rate instruments        
Cash and cash equivalents  1,355   1,995 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  38   383 
Borrowings  (37,302)  (36,237)
Obligations under finance leases  (38,695)  (23,135)
         
   (74,604)  (56,994)
         
Interest rate swap at notional amount  4,791   4,972 
         
   (69,813)  (52,022)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Floating rate instruments        
Cash and cash equivalents  1,695   9,080 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  43   35 
Borrowings  (15,419)  (34,823)
Obligations under finance leases  (61,041)  (52,399)
Interest rate swap at notional amount  11,352   9,474 
Cross currency swap at notional amount  -   244 

3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(a)Financial risk factors (cont’d)

 

(ii)Interest rate risk (cont’d)

Interest rate risk (cont’d)

 

 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Fixed rate instruments                
Borrowings  (21,887)  (14,363)  (41,313)  (31,889)
Interest rate swap at notional amount  110   173   -   48 
        
  (21,777)  (14,190)

 

The following table indicates the approximate change in the Group’s profit andor loss and other components of equity,comprehensive income, taking into the consideration of the interest rate swap into consideration, if interest rate had been 25 basis points higher with all other variables held constant:

 

  2014  2013 
     Effect on     Effect on 
  Effect on  other components ��Effect on  other components 
  profit or loss  of equity  profit or loss  of equity 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Floating rate instruments  (161)  12   (107)  12 
  2016  2015 
     Effect on other     Effect on other 
  Effect on  comprehensive  Effect on  comprehensive 
  profit or loss  income  profit or loss  income 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Floating rate instruments  (140)  21   (148)  18 

 

(iii)Fuel price risk

Fuel price risk

 

The Group’s results of operations may be significantly affected by fluctuations in fuel prices which is a significant expense component for the Group. Aircraft fuel accountedaccounts for 34%approximate 21% of the Group’s operating expenses (2013: 34%(2015: 23%).

 

As at December 31, 2014,2016, the Group had no open crude oil option contracts, and all the contracts signed in past years had been settled before December 31, 2014.contracts.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, if fuel price had been 5% higher/lower with all other variables held constant, the Group’s fuel cost would have been RMB1,512 millionRMB981million higher/lower(2013:1,534lower (2015: RMB1,016 million higher/lower).

 

(iv)Credit risk

Credit risk

 

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and cash equivalents, deposits and derivative financial instruments with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to sales agents.

 

A significant portion of the Group’s air tickets are sold by sales agents participating in the Billing and Settlements Plan (“BSP”), a clearing system between airlines and sales agents organized by the International Air Transportation Association. The balance due from BSP agents amounted to approximately RMB848RMB922 million as at December 31, 2014 (2013:2016 (2015: approximately RMB995RMB752 million). The credit risk exposure to BSP and the remaining trade receivables are maintained by the Group on an on-going basis and the allowance for impairment of doubtful debts is within management’s expectations.

 

The Group’s cash management policy is to deposit cash and cash equivalents mainly in state-owned banks and other banks which are highly rated by international credit rating companies. The Group also deposits cash and cash equivalents in an associate financial institution owned by its holding company (Note 46(c)47(c)(iii)). The managementManagement does not expect any loss to arise from non-performance by these banks and the financial institution.

 

Transactions in relation to derivative financial instruments are only carried out with reputable banks and financial institutions of high credit rating.institutions. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure to any onebank and financial institution. Management does not expect any losses from non-performance by these banks.banks and financial institutions.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-31

��

 

3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(a)Financial risk factors (cont’d)

 

(v)Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk

 

The Group’s primary cash requirements have been for day-to-day operations, additions of and upgrades to aircraft, engines and flight equipment and repayments of related borrowings. The Group finances its working capital requirements through a combination of funds generated from operations and borrowings including bank loans, debentures and bonds (both short-term and long-term). The Group generally finances the acquisition of aircraft through long-term finance leases or bank loans.

The Group operates with a working capital deficit. As at December 31, 2014, the Group’s net current liabilities amounted to RMB42,887 million (2013: RMB40,472 million). For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Group recorded a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB12,296 million (2013: inflow RMB10,806 million), a net cash outflow from investing activities and financing activities of RMB12,921 million (2013: outflow RMB11,298 million), and an decrease in cash and cash equivalents of RMB625 million (2013: decrease of RMB492 million).

The Directors of the Company believe that cash from operations and bank loans will be sufficient to meet the Group’s operating cash flow. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, the Group’s treasury policy aims at maintaining flexibility in funding by keeping credit lines available. The Directors of the Company believe that the Group has obtained sufficient general credit facilities from PRC banks for financing future capital commitments and for working capital purposes (see Note 2(a)).

 

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities that will be settled into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the statements of financial positionreporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 

 Less than Between Between Over  Less than     Over   
 1 year 1 and 2 years 2 and 5 years 5 years  1 year 1 and 2 years 2 and 5 years 5 years Total 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
At December 31, 2014                
           
At 31 December 2016                    
Borrowings  30,204   9,751   12,532   12,170   30,262   5,670   14,961   10,813   61,706 
Derivative financial instruments  -   18   59   18   11   33   8   6   58 
Obligations under finance leases  5,453   5,174   13,165   19,272   8,123   7,526   21,905   33,277   70,831 
Trade and other payables  14,163   -   -   - 
Trade, bills and other payables  16,318   -   -   -   16,318 
                                    
Total  49,820   14,943   25,756   31,460   54,714   13,229   36,874   44,096   148,913 

 

  Less than  Between  Between  Over 
  1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years  5 years 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
At December 31, 2013                
Borrowings  24,646   7,299   11,504   12,337 
Derivative financial instruments  3   -   118   6 
Obligations under finance leases  3,446   3,375   9,752   8,956 
Trade and other payables  15,758   -   -   - 
                 
Total  43,853   10,674   21,374   21,299 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Less than        Over    
  1 year  1 and 2 years  2 and 5 years  5 years  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                
At 31 December 2015                    
Borrowings  39,794   11,067   9,477   10,873   71,211 
Derivative financial instruments  4   -   58   39   101 
Obligations under finance leases  7,377   7,101   19,183   25,167   58,828 
Trade, bills and other payables  15,433   -   -   -   15,433 
                     
Total  62,608   18,168   28,718   36,079   145,573 

3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(b)Capital risk management

 

The primary objectives of the Group’s objectives when managing capital management are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and to maintain healthy capital ratios in order to provide returns for shareholderssupport its business and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimalmaximize shareholders’ value.

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to reduceit in light of changes in economic conditions and the costrisk characteristics of capital.

In order tothe underlying assets. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paiddividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new sharesshares. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or sell assets to reduce debt.processes for managing capital during the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015.

 

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the debt ratio, which is calculated as total liabilities divided by total assets. The debt ratioratios at 31 December 31, 20142016 and 20132015 were as follows:

 

 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Total liabilities  134,058   111,486   159,958   158,061 
Total assets  165,829   140,068   212,324   197,992 
Debt ratio  0.81   0.80   0.75   0.80 

 

(c)Fair value estimation of financial assets and liabilities

 

i)Financial instruments not measured at fair value

Financial instruments not measured at fair value

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial instruments, other than those with carrying amounts that reasonably approximate to fair values, were as follows:

 

Group

 2014  2013  2016 2015 
 Carrying amounts Fair values Carrying amounts Fair values  Carrying amounts Fair values Carrying amounts Fair values 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Financial assets                                
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other long term assets  482   466   670   659 
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other non-current assets  285   258   338   316 
                                
Financial liabilities                                
Long-term bank borrowings  30,925   31,914   29,190   29,204   27,890   28,075   28,498   28,088 
Obligations under finance leases  38,695   38,455   23,135   23,835   54,594   50,408   46,290   43,626 
                                
  69,620   70,369   52,325   53,039 
Total  82,484   78,483   74,788   71,714 

 

Management has assessed that the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits, trade and notes receivables, trade and bills payable,payables, financial assets included in prepayments and other receivables, financial liabilities included in other payables and accruals, short-term debenturesbank borrowings and short-term guaranteed bonds. Given their short term nature,bonds approximate to their carrying amounts approximatedlargely due to the fair values.short term maturities of these instruments.

 

The fair values of the deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other non-current assets, long-term bank borrowings and obligations under finance leases have been measured using significant observable inputs and calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows using rates currently available for instruments with similar terms, credit risk and remaining maturities.

 

ii)Financial instruments measured at fair value

The Group enters into derivative financial instruments with various counterparties, principally financial institutions with high credit ratings. Derivative financial instruments, including forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps, are measured using valuation techniques similar to forward pricing and swap models, using present value calculations. The models incorporate various market observable inputs including the foreign exchange spot and forward rates and interest rate curves. As at December 31, 2014, the marked to market value of the derivative asset position is net of a credit valuation adjustment attributable to derivative counterparty default risk. The changes in counterparty credit risk had no material effect on the hedge effectiveness assessment for derivatives designated in hedge relationship and other financial instruments recognized at fair value.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFinancial instruments measured at fair value

 

The Group enters into derivative financial instruments, including forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps with various counterparties, principally financial institutions with high credit ratings.

Derivative financial instruments are measured using valuation techniques similar to forward pricing and swap models, using present value calculations. The models incorporate various market observable inputs including the foreign exchange spot and forward rates and interest rate curves. As at 31 December 2016, the marked to market value of the derivative asset position is net of a credit valuation adjustment attributable to derivative counterparty default risk. The changes in counterparty credit risk had no material effect on the hedge effectiveness assessment for derivatives designated in hedge relationship and other financial instruments recognized at fair value.


3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(c)Fair value estimation of financial assets and liabilities (cont’d)

 

Fair value hierarchy

The following tables illustrate the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s financial instruments:

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

As at December 31, 2014 Fair value measurement using   
As at December 31, 2016 Fair value measurement using 
 Quoted prices Significant Significant   
 Quoted prices Significant Significant    in active observable unobservable   
 in active observable unobservable    markets inputs inputs   
 markets inputs inputs    (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total 
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million          
Assets                                
Derivative financial instruments                                
-Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note 39(b))  -   27   -   27   -   11   -   11 
-Interest rate swaps (Note 39(a))  -   8   -   8   -   137   -   137 
Available-for-sale financial assets  195   -   -   195 
Available-for-sale investments  538   -   -   538 
                                
Total  195   35   -   230   538   148   -   686 
                                
Liabilities         ��                      
Derivative financial instruments                                
-Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note 39(b))  -   11   -   11 
-Interest rate swaps (Note 39(a))  -   95   -   95   -   47   -   47 
                
Total  -   58   -   58 

 

As at December 31, 2013 Fair value measurement using   
As at December 31, 2015 Fair value measurement using 
 Quoted prices Significant Significant   
 Quoted prices Significant Significant    in active observable unobservable   
 in active observable unobservable    markets inputs inputs   
 markets inputs inputs    (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total 
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million          
Assets                                
Derivative financial instruments                                
-Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note 39(b))  -   13   -   13   -   16   -   16 
-Interest rate swaps (Note 39(a))  -   55   -   55   -   22   -   22 
Available-for-sale financial assets  177   -   -   177 
-Cross currency swap (Note 39(c))  -   7   -   7 
Available-for-sale investments  317   -   -   317 
                                
Total  177   68   -   245   317   45   -   362 
                                
Liabilities                                
Derivative financial instruments                                
-Interest rate swaps (Note 39(a))  -   124   -   124   -   101   -   101 
-Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note 39(b))  -   3   -   3 
                
Total  -   127   -   127 

 

The fair valuesvalue of financial instruments traded in active markets werewas based on quoted market prices at the reporting dates. Available-for-sale investments are listed A share and listed H share stock investments.

 

The fair valuevalues of hedgingderivative financial instruments and other derivative instruments wereare determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques use applicable models and maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and also use quoted market prices or dealer quotes for reference.

Available-for-sale financial assets are listed A share and listed H share stock investments.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


3.FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (cont’d)

 

(c)Fair value estimation of financial assets and liabilities (cont’d)

 

Assets and liabilities for which fair values are disclosed:

 

As at December 31, 2014 Fair value measurement using   
As at December 31, 2016 Fair value measurement using 
 Quoted prices Significant Significant    Quoted prices Significant Significant   
 in active observable unobservable    in active observable unobservable   
 markets inputs inputs    markets inputs inputs   
 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
                  
Assets                                
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other long term assets  -   482   -   482 
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other long-term assets  -   258   -   258 
                                
Liabilities                                
Long-term bank borrowings  -   30,925   -   30,925   -   28,075   -   28,075 
Obligations under finance leases  -   38,695   -   38,695   -   50,408   -   50,408 
                                
Total  -   69,620   -   69,620   -   78,483   -   78,483 

 

As at December 31, 2013 Fair value measurement using    
  Quoted prices  Significant  Significant    
  in active  observable  unobservable    
  markets  inputs  inputs    
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Assets                
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other long term assets  -   670   -   670 
                 
Liabilities                
Long-term bank borrowings  -   29,190   -   29,190 
Obligations under finance leases  -   23,135   -   23,135 
                 
Total  -   52,325   -   52,325 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2015 Fair value measurement using 
  Quoted prices  Significant  Significant    
  in active  observable  unobservable    
  markets  inputs  inputs    
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Assets                
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases included in other long-term assets  -   316   -   316 
                 
Liabilities                
Long-term bank borrowings  -   28,088   -   28,088 
Obligations under finance leases  -   43,626   -   43,626 
                 
Total  -   71,714   -   71,714 

4.CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

 

Estimates and judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

(a)Revenue recognition

 

The Group recognizes traffic revenues in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(e)2.4 to the consolidated financial statements. Unused tickets are recognized in traffic revenues based on current estimates. Management periodically evaluates the balance in the SIAC and records any adjustments, which can be material, in the period the evaluation is completed.

 

These adjustments result from differences between the estimates of certain revenue transactions and the timing of recognizing revenue for any unused air tickets and the related sales price, and are impacted by various factors, including a complex pricing structure and interline agreements throughout the industry, which affect the timing of revenue recognition.

 

(b)Frequent flyer programprograms

 

The Group operates frequent flyer programs that provide travel awards to program members based on accumulated miles. A portion of passengers’ revenue attributable to the award of frequent flyer benefits is deferred and recognized when the miles have been redeemed or have expired. The deferment of revenue is estimated based on historical trends of redemptions, which is then used to project the expected utilization of these benefits fair values of the unredeemed miles. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated provisiondeferred revenue for frequent flyer programs and the results of operations.

 

(c)Provision for costs of return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases

 

Provision for the estimated costs of return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases is made based on the estimated costs for such return condition checks and taking into account anticipated flying hours, flying cycle and time frame between each overhaul. These judgments or estimates are based on historical experience on returning similar airframe models, actual costs incurred and aircraft status. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated provision for costs of return condition checks.

 

(d)Retirement benefits

 

The Group operates and maintains a defined retirement benefit plansplan which provides eligible retirees with benefits including retirement subsidies, transportation subsidies, social activity subsidiesallowance as well as other welfare. The cost of providing the aforementioned benefits in the defined retirement benefit plan is actuarially determined and recognized over the employee’s service period by utilizing various actuarial assumptions and using the projected unit credit method in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(y)2.4 to the consolidated financial statements. These assumptions include, without limitation, the selection of discount rate, annual rate of increase of per capita benefit payment and employee’s turnover rate.etc. The discount rate is based on management’s review of government bonds. The annual rate of increase of benefit payments is based on the general local economic conditions. The employees’ turnover rate is based on historical trends of the Group.

 

Additional information regarding the retirement benefit plan is disclosed in Note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(e)Deferred income tax

 

In assessing the amount of deferred tax assets that need to be recognized in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(j)2.4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. In the event that the Group’s estimates of projected future taxable income and benefits from available tax strategies are changed, or changes in current tax regulations are enacted that would impact the timing or extent of the Group’s ability to utilize the tax benefits of net operatingdeductible tax loss carry forwards in the future, adjustments to the recorded amount of net deferred tax assets and taxation expense would be made.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


4.CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (cont’d)

 

(f)Provision for flight equipment spare parts

 

Provision for flight equipment spare parts is made based on the difference between the carrying amount and the net realizable value. The net realizable value is estimated based on current market condition, historical experience and the Company’s future operation plan for the aircraft and related spare parts. The net realizable value may be adjusted significantly due to the change of market condition and the future plan for the aircraft and related spare parts.

 

(g)Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

Depreciation of components related to airframe and engine overhaul costs are based on the Group’s historical experience with similar airframe and engine models and taking into account anticipated overhaulsoverhaul costs, timeframe between each overhaul, ratio of actual flying hours and estimated flying hours between overhauls. Different judgments or estimates could significantly affect the estimated depreciation charge and the results of operations.

 

Except for components related to airframe and engine overhaul costs, other property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, after taking into account the estimated residual value. The useful lives are based on the Group’s historical experience with similar assets and taking into account anticipated technological changes. The Group reviews the estimated useful lives of assets regularly in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates.

 

(h)Estimated impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

 

The Group tests whether property, plant and equipment and intangible assets have been impaired in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2(m) and Note 2(k)2.4 to the financial statements. The recoverable amount of cash generatingthe cash-generating unit has been determined based on fair value less cost to sell and value-in-use calculations. Value-in-use calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management and certain key assumptions, such as passenger-kilometers yield level, load factor, aircraft utilization rate and discount rates, etc.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(i)Impairment of goodwill

 

The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating unit to which the goodwill is allocated. Estimating the value in use requires the Group to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating unit and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.


5REVENUES

 

The Group is principally engaged in the operation of civil aviation, including the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery, tour operations and other extended transportation services.

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Traffic revenues  82,589   80,531   79,444 
- Passenger  75,261   72,928   71,419 
- Cargo and mail  7,328   7,603   8,025 
Tour operations income  3,047   3,169   2,111 
Ground service income  2,168   2,253   1,959 
Cargo handling income  286   263   160 
Commission income  94   93   97 
Others  2,001   1,936   1,482 
             
   90,185   88,245   85,253 

Notes:

Before January 1, 2012, the major elements of the Group’s revenues were subject to business tax levied at rates of 3% or 5%. The Group’s revenues from the provision of international transportation services are exempted from business tax from January 1, 2010, pursuant to the notice of exemption of business tax on the provision of international transportation services (Cai Shui [2010] No. 8) jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance of the PRC(“MoF”) and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC(“SAT”).

Pursuant to the notice of the pilot programme for the transformation of transportation and certain modern service industries from business tax (“BT”) to value added tax (“VAT”) in Beijing and other eight provinces/cities (Cai Shui [2012] No.71) issued by MoF and SAT, traffic revenue and other revenues (including ground service income, cargo handling income, commission income and parts of others) generated by the Company’s subsidiaries located in Beijing and other eight provinces/cities scoped in the notice are subjected to VAT levied at rates of 11% or 6% with different effective date ranging from September 1, 2012 to December 1, 2012.

Pursuant to the notice of the pilot programme for the transformation of transportation and certain modern service industries from BT to VAT(Cai Shui [2013] No. 37) issued by MoF and SAT, traffic revenue of the Company and subsidiaries located in Shanghai and other revenues (including ground service income, cargo handling income, commission income and part of others) generated by all provinces/cities of China are subjected to VAT levied at rates of 11% or 6% from August 1, 2013, instead of BT.

  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Traffic revenues  89,554   85,076   82,589 
- Passenger  83,577   78,585   75,261 
- Cargo and mail  5,977   6,491   7,328 
Tour operations income  3,113   3,491   3,047 
Ground service income  2,850   2,546   2,168 
Cargo handling and processing income  794   750   512 
Commission income  92   78   94 
Others  2,501   2,028   1,775 
             
   98,904   93,969   90,185 

 

6OTHER OPERATING INCOMEINCOMEAND GAINS

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
  Other operating income            
– Subsidy income (Note)  3,627   2,369   1,720 
– Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment  58   356   113 
             
   3,685   2,725   1,833 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Subsidy income (Note (a))  4,531   4,131   3,627 
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment  158   399   58 
Gain on disposal of lease prepayments  3   1   - 
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale investments (Note 24)  95   33   - 
Dividend income from available-for-sale investments  28   13   - 
Gain on disposal of an associate  12   -   - 
Compensation from ticket sales agents  228   248   - 
Gain on disposal of investments in subsidiary  -   41   - 
Others (Note (b))  414   403   - 
             
   5,469   5,269   3,685 

 

Note:

 

Subsidy income represent (i) subsidies granted by various local governments based on certain amount of tax paid; and (ii) subsidies granted by various local governments and other parties to encourage the Group to operate certain routes to cities where these governments are located.

(a)Subsidy income mainly represents (i) subsidiesgranted by various local governments based on certain amounts of tax paid; (ii) subsidies granted by various local governments and other parties to encourage the Group to operate certain routes to cities where these governments are located.

 

There are no unfulfilled conditions and other contingencies related to subsidies that were recognized for the years ended 31 December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014.

 

(b)Others mainly represent compensation from transfer of the pilots.

7SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

(a)CODM, office of the General Manager, reviews the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources.

 

The Group has one reportable operating segment, reported as “airline transportation operations”, which comprises the provision of passenger, cargo, mail delivery, ground service and cargo handling income.services.

 

Other services including primarily tour operations, air catering and other miscellaneous services are not included within the airline transportation operations segment, as their internal reports are separately provided to the CODM. The results of these operations are included in the “other segments” column.

 

Inter-segment transactions are entered into under normal commercial terms and conditions that would be available to unrelated third parties.

 

In accordance with IFRS 8, segment disclosure has been presented in a manner that is consistent with the information used by the Group’s CODM. The Group’s CODM monitors the results, assets and liabilities attributable to each reportable segment based on financial results prepared under the PRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises (the “PRC Accounting Standards”), which differ from IFRSIFRSs in certain aspects. The amount of each material reconciling items from the Group’s reportable segment revenue and profit or loss, arising from different accounting policies are set out in Note 7(c) below.

 

The segment results for the year ended December 31, 20142016 were as follows:

 

  Airline             
  transportation  Other          
  operations  segments  Elimination  Unallocated*  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                
Reportable segment revenue from external customers  86,031   3,715   -   -   89,746 
Inter-segment sales  -   343   (343)  -   - 
                     
Reportable segment revenue  86,031   4,058   (343)  -   89,746 
                    
Reportable segment profit before income tax  3,946   32   -   142   4,120 
                     
Other segment information                    
                     
Depreciation and amortization  9,604   131   -   -   9,735 
Impairment charges  20   2   -   -   22 
Interest income  61   27   -   -   88 
Finance expenses  1,707   250   -   -   1,957 
Capital expenditure  35,922   464   -   -   36,386 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Airline             
  transportation  Other          
  operations  segments  Eliminations  Unallocated*  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                
Reportable segment revenue from external customers  94,338   4,222   -   -   98,560 
Inter-segment sales  -   782   (782)  -   - 
Reportable segment revenue  94,338   5,004   (782)  -   98,560 
                     
Reportable segment profit before income tax  5,788   397   -   322   6,507 
                     
Other segment information                    
                     
Depreciation and amortization  12,378   160   -   -   12,538 
Impairment charges  22   7   -   -   29 
Interest income  100   100   (104)  -   96 
Finance expenses  2,553   280   (104)  -   2,729 
Capital expenditure  34,631   776   -   -   35,407 

 

F-39

7SEGMENT INFORMATION (cont’d)

(a)CODM, office of the General Manager, reviews the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources (cont’d).

 

The segment results for the year ended December 31, 20132015 were as follows:

 

 Airline           Airline          
 transportation Other         transportation Other        
 operations segments Elimination Unallocated* Total**  operations segments Eliminations Unallocated* Total 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
                      
Reportable segment revenue from external customers  84,248   3,861   -   -   88,109   89,013   4,831   -   -   93,844 
Inter-segment sales  -   258   (258)  -   -   555   468   (1,023)  -   - 
                    
Reportable segment revenue  84,248   4,119   (258)  -   88,109   89,568   5,299   (1,023)  -   93,844 
                                        
Reportable segment profit before income tax  2,044   93   -   68   2,205   5,327   238   -   106   5,671 
                                        
Other segment information                                        
                                        
Depreciation and amortization  8,470   244   -   -   8,714   10,727   128   -   -   10,855 
Impairment charges/(reversal)  186   (2)  -   -   184 
Impairment charges  93   1   -   134   228 
Interest income  99   49   -   -   148   69   13   (16)  -   66 
Finance expenses  1,368   180   -   -   1,548   1,935   270   (16)  -   2,189 
Capital expenditure  24,756   310   -   -   25,066   37,706   591   -   -   38,297 

 

The segment results for the year ended December 31, 20122014 were as follows:

 

 Airline           Airline          
 transportation Other         transportation Other        
 operations segments Elimination Unallocated* Total**  operations segments Eliminations Unallocated* Total 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
                      
Reportable segment revenue from external customers  83,127   3,544   -   -   86,671   86,031   3,715   -   -   89,746 
Inter-segment sales  -   262   (262)  -   -   -   343   (343)  -   - 
                    
Reportable segment revenue  83,127   3,806   (262)  -   86,671   86,031   4,058   (343)  -   89,746 
                                        
Reportable segment profit before income tax  2,899   113   -   234   3,246   3,946   32   -   142   4,120 
                                        
Other segment information                                        
                                        
Depreciation and amortization  7,892   116   -   -   8,008 
Impairment charges/(reversal)  (21)  6   -   -   (15)
Depreciation and amortization-  9,604   131   -   -   9,735 
Impairment charges  20   2   -   -   22 
Interest income  124   78   -   -   202   61   27   -   -   88 
Finance expenses  1,563   137   -   -   1,700   1,707   250   -   -   1,957 
Capital expenditure  18,491   116   -   -   18,607   35,922   464   -   -   36,386 

 

The segment assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2014 and 20132016, 2015 were as follows:

 

 Airline           Airline          
 transportation Other         transportation Other        
 operations segments Elimination Unallocated* Total  operations segments Eliminations Unallocated* Total 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
                      
At December 31, 2014                    
At December 31, 2016                    
Reportable segment assets  156,786   8,679   (3,947)  2,024   163,542   205,024   11,218   (8,896)  2,705   210,051 
Reportable segment liabilities  130,696   7,306   (3,947)  -   134,055   159,437   9,373   (8,896)  41   159,955 
                                        
At December 31, 2013 **                    
At December 31, 2015                    
Reportable segment assets  133,311   7,309   (4,682)  1,908   137,846   189,408   12,045   (8,282)  2,538   195,709 
Reportable segment liabilities  109,792   6,416   (4,682)  -   111,526   156,041   10,260   (8,282)  39   158,058 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-40

 

7SEGMENT INFORMATION (cont’d)

 

*Unallocatedassetsprimarilyrepresentinvestmentsinassociatesandjoint ventures,andavailable-for-salefinancialassets.Unallocatedresultsprimarilyrepresentthe shareofresultsofassociatesandjoint ventures and available-for-sale financial assets.

(a)CODM, office of the General Manager, reviews the Group’s internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. (cont’d)

 

** In 2014, the Group acquired a subsidiary which was under common control of CEA Holding. The acquisition of this subsidiary under common control has been accounted for using the merger method of accounting in the consolidated financial statements of the Company prepared under PRC Accounting Standards.

The merger method of accounting involves incorporating the financial statement items of the consolidating entities or businesses in which the common control combination occurs as if they had been consolidated from the date when the consolidating entities or businesses first came under the control of the controlling party.

Hence, the financial statement items of the Group prepared under PRC Accounting Standards as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were re-presented to reflect the inclusion of the acquiree, resulting in the re-presented corresponding information in the Group’s reportable segment as at December 31, 2013 and for the two years ended December 31, 2013 as shown above.

*Unallocated assets primarily represent investments in associates and joint ventures, and available-for-sale investments. Unallocated results primarily represent the share of results of associates and joint ventures, income relating to available-for-sale investments and impairment charge on available-for-sale investments.

 

(b)The Group’s business operates in three main geographical areas, even though they are managed on a worldwide basis.

 

The Group’s revenues by geographical areasarea are analysed based on the following criteria:

 

1)Traffic revenue from services within the PRC (excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“Hong KongKong”), Macau Special Administrative Region (“MacauMacau”) and Taiwan, (collectively known as Regional“Regional”)) is classified as domestic operations. Traffic revenue from inbound and outbound services between overseas markets excluding Regional is classified as international operations.

 

2)Revenue from ticket handling services, ground services, cargo handling service and other miscellaneous services are classified on the basis of where the services are performed.

 

 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
              
Domestic (the PRC, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  60,531   59,563   57,297   63,730   61,222   60,531 
Regional (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)  3,799   3,911   3,704   3,516   3,569   3,799 
International  25,855   24,771   24,253   31,658   29,178   25,855 
                        
Total  90,185   88,245   85,253   98,904   93,969   90,185 

 

The major revenue-earning assets of the Group are its aircraft, all of which are registered in the PRC. Since the Group’s aircraft are deployed flexibly across its route network, there is no suitable basis of allocating such assets and the related liabilities by geographic areasarea and hence segment non-current assets and capital expenditure by geographic areasarea are not presented. Except the aircraft, most non-current assets (except financial instruments) are registered and located in the PRC.

 

(c)Reconciliation of reportable segment revenue, profit, assets and liabilities to the consolidated figures as reported in the consolidated financial statements:

 

       2014   2013**  2012**
   Note   RMB million   RMB million   RMB million 
                 
Revenue                
Reportable segment revenue      89,746   88,109   86,671 
- Reclassification of business tax and   expired sales in advance of carriage  (i)   521   236   (316)
- Adjustment of business combination   under common control      (82)  (100)  (1,102)
                 
Consolidated revenue      90,185   88,245   85,253 

    2016  2015  2014 
  Note RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Revenue              
Reportable segment revenue    98,560   93,844   89,746 
- Reclassification of business tax and expired sales in advance of carriage (i)  344   125   521 
- Adjustment of business combination under common control    -   -   (82)
               
Consolidated revenue    98,904   93,969   90,185 

F-39

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7SEGMENT INFORMATION (cont’d)

 

     2014   2013**  2012**
  Note  RMB million   RMB million   RMB million 
               
Profit before income tax              
Reportable segment profit    4,120   2,205   3,246 
- Differences in depreciation charges for    aircraft and engines due to different   depreciation lives (ii)  (4)  (3)  (22)
- Adjustments of business combination   under common control    (3)  15   (8)
- Others    -   -   (79)
               
Consolidated profit before income tax    4,113   2,217   3,137 
(c)Reconciliation of reportable segment revenue, profit, assets and liabilities to the consolidated figures as reported in the consolidated financial statements (cont’d):

 

     2014   2013**
  Notes  RMB million   RMB million 
           
Assets          
Reportable segment assets    163,542   137,846 
- Differences in depreciation charges for   aircraft and engines due to different   depreciation lives (ii)  45   49 
- Difference in intangible asset arising    from the acquisition of Shanghai   Airlines (iii)  2,242   2,242 
- Adjustments of business combination   under common control    -   (69)
           
Consolidated assets    165,829   140,068 
    2016  2015  2014 
  Note RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
            
Profit before income tax              
Reportable segment profit    6,507   5,671   4,120 
- Differences in depreciation charges for aircraft and engines due to different depreciation lives (ii)  (10)  (4)  (4)
- Adjustments of business combination under common control    -   -   (3)
               
Consolidated profit before income tax    6,497   5,667   4,113 

 

   2014   2013**
   RMB million   RMB million 
         
Liabilities        
Reportable segment liabilities  134,055   111,526 
- Adjustments of business combination   under common control  3   (40)
         
Consolidated liabilities  134,058   111,486 
    2016  2015 
  Notes RMB million  RMB million 
         
Assets          
Reportable segment assets    210,051   195,709 
- Differences in depreciation charges for aircraft and engines due to different depreciation lives (ii)  31   41 
- Difference in intangible asset arising from the acquisition of Shanghai Airlines (iii)  2,242   2,242 
           
Consolidated assets    212,324   197,992 

    2016  2015 
    RMB million  RMB million 
         
Liabilities          
Reportable segment liabilities    159,955   158,058 
- Others    3   3 
           
Consolidated liabilities    159,958   158,061 

 

Notes:

 

(i)The difference represents the different classification of business tax and expired sales in advance of carriage under the PRC Accounting Standards and IFRS.IFRSs.

 

(ii)The difference is attributable to the differences in the useful lives and residual values of aircraft and engines adopted for depreciation purposepurposes in prior years under the PRC Accounting Standards and IFRS.IFRSs. Despite the depreciation policies of these assets have been unified under IFRSIFRSs and the PRC Accounting Standards in recent years, the changes were applied prospectively as changes in accounting estimates which result in the differences in the carrying amounts and related depreciation charges under IFRSIFRSs and the PRC Accounting Standards.

 

(iii)The difference represents the different measurement of the fair value of acquisition cost of the shares from Shanghai Airlines between the PRC Accounting standards and IFRS,IFRSs, which results in the different measurement of goodwill.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

8GAIN ON FAIR VALUE MOVEMENTSCHANGES OF DERIVATIVESDERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Gain arising from fair value movements of   derivatives financial instruments            
- Interest rate swap contracts (Note 39(a))  11   16   16 
- Others  -   2   9 
             
   11   18   25 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Interest rate swap contracts (Note 39(a))  2   6   11 

9WAGES, SALARIES AND BENEFITS

 

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
                   
Wages, salaries, bonus and allowances  10,853   10,489   9,376   14,431   12,917   10,853 
Employee welfare and benefits  238   363   429   235   436   238 
Pension and medical insurance (Note 37(a) & (b))  2,025   1,483   1,262   2,375   2,042   2,025 
Post-retirement benefits (Note 37(c))  (2,906)  183   458   -   -   (2,906)
Staff housing fund (Note 38(a))  826   718   607 
Staff housing allowances (Note 38(b))  234   218   171 
Staff housing fund (Note (a))  868   817   826 
Staff housing allowances (Note (b))  236   247   234 
                        
  11,270   13,454   12,303   18,145   16,459   11,270 

Notes:

 

(a)Directors' remuneration for the year, disclosed pursuant to the Listing Rules and section 78 of Schedule 11 to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), with reference to section 161 of the predecessor Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32), is as follows:Staff housing fund

 

  2014 
  Salaries and       
  Allowance  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
             
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun  745   -   745 
Xu Zhao*  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin  669   -   669 
Tang Bing  632   -   632 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Liu Keya  120   -   120 
Ji Weidong  120   -   120 
Shao Ruiqing**  -   -   - 
Li Ruoshan  120   -   120 
Ma Weihua  120   -   120 
             
Supervisors            
Yu Faming*  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*  -   -   - 
Feng Jinxiong  436   -   436 
Yan Taisheng**  175   -   175 
Ba Shengji*  -   -   - 
             
Total  3,137   -   3,137 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIn accordance with the relevant PRC housing regulations, the Group is required to contribute to the state-sponsored housing fund for its employees. At the same time, the employees are required to contribute an amount equal to the Group’s contribution. The employees are entitled to claim the entire sum of the fund contributed under certain specified withdrawal circumstances. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits.

 

9(b)WAGES, SALARIES AND BENEFITS (cont’d)Staff housing allowances

 

     2013    
  Salaries and       
  Allowance  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
             
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun  713   -   713 
Xu Zhao*  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin  639   -   639 
Tang Bing  604   -   604 
Luo Zhuping***  391   -   391 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Liu Keya  120   -   120 
Wu Xiaogen***  -   -   - 
Ji Weidong  120   -   120 
Shao Ruiqing  120   -   120 
Li Ruoshan****  60   -   60 
Ma Weihua****  30   -   30 
             
Supervisors            
Yu Faming*  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*  -   -   - 
Liu Jiashun***  -   -   - 
Feng Jinxiong  422   -   422 
Yan Taisheng  384   -   384 
Ba Shengji****  325   -   325 
             
Total  3,928   -   3,928 

The Group also provides staff housing allowances in cash to eligible employees. The total entitlement of an eligible employee is principally vested over a period of 20 years. Upon an eligible employee’s resignation or retirement, his or her entitlement would cease and any unpaid entitlement related to past service up to the date of resignation or retirement would be paid.

 

  2012 
  Salaries and       
  Allowance  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
             
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun  697       697 
Xu Zhao*&*****  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*&*****  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin  625   -   625 
Tang Bing*****  592   -   592 
Luo Zhuping  402   -   402 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Liu Keya  97   -   97 
Wu Xiaogen  -   -   - 
Ji Weidong  120   -   120 
Shao Ruiqing  120   -   120 
             
Supervisors            
Yu Faming*  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*&*****  -   -   - 
Liu Jiashun  -   -   - 
Feng Jinxiong  396   -   396 
Yan Taisheng  344   -   344 
             
Total  3,393   -   3,393 
(c)Emoluments of directors and supervisors

 

*These directorsDirectors' remuneration for the year, disclosed pursuant to the Listing Rules, section 383(1)(a), (b), (c) and officials(f) of the Company received emoluments from CEA Holding,Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and Part 2 of the parent company, partCompanies (Disclosure of which were in respectInformation about Benefits of their services toDirectors) Regulation, together with the Company and its subsidiaries. No apportionment has been maderemuneration of supervisors, is as it is impracticable to apportion this amount between their services to the Group and their services to CEA Holding.follows:

 

**These directors and officials of the Company retired or resigned during the year ended December 31, 2014.

***These directors and officials of the Company retired or resigned during the year ended December 31, 2013.

****These directors and officials of the Company were newly appointed during the year ended December 31, 2013.

***** These directors and officials of the Company were newly appointed during the year ended December 31, 2012.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, no directors and supervisors waived their emoluments.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2016 
  Salaries and       
  Allowance  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun*  -   -   - 
Xu Zhao*  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin*  -   -   - 
Tang Bing*  -   -   - 
Tian Liuwen*  -   -   - 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Li Ruoshan  160   -   160 
Ji Weidong****  -   -   - 
Shao Ruiqing  160   -   160 
Ma Weihua  160   -   160 
Cai Hongping*****  100   -   100 
             
Supervisors-            
Yu Faming*&******  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*  -   -   - 
Xu Haihua*******  288   -   288 
Feng Jinxiong  535   -   535 
Ba Shengji*  -   -   - 
Hu Jidong*****  426   -   426 
Jia Shaojun*&*****  -   -   - 
             
Total  1,829   -   1,829 

9WAGES, SALARIES AND BENEFITS (cont’d)

 

(b)(c)Emoluments of directors and supervisors(cont’d)

  2015 
  Salaries and       
  allowances  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun  401   -   401 
Xu Zhao*  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin  365   -   365 
Tang Bing  358   -   358 
Tian Liuwen***  419   -   419 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Liu Keya**  72   -   72 
Ji Weidong****  -   -   - 
Shao Ruiqing***  60   -   60 
Li Ruoshan  120   -   120 
Ma Weihua  120   -   120 
             
Supervisors            
Yu Faming*  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*  -   -   - 
Xu Haihua***  298   -   298 
Feng Jinxiong  610   -   610 
Ba Shengji*  -   -   - 
             
Total  2,823   -   2,823 

  2014 
  Salaries and       
  allowances  Bonus  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Executive Directors            
Liu Shaoyong*  -   -   - 
Ma Xulun  745   -   745 
Xu Zhao*  -   -   - 
Gu Jiadan*  -   -   - 
Li Yangmin  669   -   669 
Tang Bing  632   -   632 
             
Independent non-executive Directors            
Liu Keya  120   -   120 
Ji Weidong  120   -   120 
Shao Ruiqing********  -   -   - 
Li Ruoshan  120   -   120 
Ma Weihua  120   -   120 
             
Supervisors            
Yu Faming*  -   -   - 
Xi Sheng*  -   -   - 
Feng Jinxiong  436   -   436 
Yan Taisheng********  175   -   175 
Ba Shengji*  -   -   - 
             
Total  3,137   -   3,137 

*These directors and supervisors of the Company received emoluments from CEA Holding, the parent company, part of which were in respect of their services to the Company and its subsidiaries. No apportionment has been made as it is impracticable to apportion this amount between their services to the Group and their services to CEA Holding.

**Mr. Liu Keya retired during the year ended 31 December 2015.

***These directors and supervisors of the Company were newly appointed during the year ended 31 December 2015.

9WAGES, SALARIES AND BENEFITS (cont’d)

(c)Emoluments of directors and supervisors (cont’d)

****Mr. Ji Weidong has filed his retirement during the year ended 31 December 2015 and has fulfilled his responsibility until new director being appointed by the board in June 2016.

*****These directors and supervisors of the Company were newly appointed during the year ended 31 December 2016.

******Mr. Yu Faming retired during the year ended 31 December 2016.

*******Mr. Xu Haihua retired during the year ended 31 December 2016.

********These directors and supervisors of the Company retired during the year ended 31 December 2014.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, no directors and supervisors waived their emoluments

(d)Five highest paid individuals

 

None of the Company’s directors and supervisors was among the five highest paid individuals in the Group for the year ended December 31, 2014 (20132016 (2015 and 2012:2014: Nil). The emoluments payable to the five highest paid individuals were as follows:

 

  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
Wages, salaries, bonus and allowances  7,817   7,393   6,407 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Wages, salaries, bonus and allowances  9,319   8,104   7,817 

 

The number of five highest paid individuals whose emoluments fell within the following bands:bands is as follows:

  Number of individuals 
  2014  2013  2012 
          
Nil to HK$2,000,000  4   4   5 
HK$2,000,000 to HK$2,500,000  1   1   - 
             
   5   5   5 

  Number of individuals 
  2016  2015  2014 
          
HK$1,500,001 to HK$2,000,000  -   5   4 
HK$2,000,001 to HK$2,500,000  5   -   1 
             
   5   5   5 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, no emoluments were paid by the Group to the directors, supervisors and the five highest paid individuals as an inducement to join or upon joining the Group, or as a compensation for loss of office (2013(2015 and 2012:2014: Nil).

 

10IMPAIRMENT CHARGE/(REVERSAL)CHARGES

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Accrual/ (reversal) of impairment charge on flight equipment spare parts (Note (a))  9   (20)  (103)
Impairment charges on assets classified as held for sale (Note (b))  -   50   - 
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment  3   15   90 
Impairment charges on other long-term assets (Note (c))  -   114   - 
Impairment charges on available-for-sale financial assets  -   27   - 
             
   12   186   (13)

Note:

(a) After acquisition of Shanghai Airlines Co., Ltd. in 2010, the Company has reviewed the composition of its aircraft fleet, aiming to simplify the models of aircraft and maximize operation efficiencies. In 2012, the Company has defined the main model of aircraft for future operation and signed series of contracts to dispose other models of aircraft between 2014 and 2016. As a consequence, the Company has reassessed the provision for the flight equipment spare parts in relation to the main models of aircraft and also the spare parts in relation to the aircraft to be disposed, and reversed provision of RMB103 million during the year ended December 31,2012 in accordance with the reassessment results.

(b) In 2012, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party to dispose certain aircraft and related engines. The aircraft and engines to be sold in the next 12 months were recognized as assets classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013, and an impairment loss of approximately RMB50 million was made against those aircraft and engines by reference to the contracted selling price less estimated cost to sell (Note 43).

(c) An impairment loss of approximately RMB114 million was made against other long-term assets of a subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 2013 by reference to the projected future cash flows of respective cash-generating-unit (“CGU”).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Impairment charge on flight equipment spare parts  10   88   9 
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment  29   48   3 
Impairment charge on interests in associates  -   33   - 
Impairment charge on available-for-sale investments  -   100   - 
Reversal of impairment charge of trade and other receivables  (10)  (41)  - 
             
   29   228   12 

 

11OPERATING PROFIT

 

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting)charging the following items:

 

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
              
Amortization of intangible assets  69   57   38   129   85   69 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment                        
– owned  5,688   5,914   5,073   6,388   5,350   5,688 
– leased (finance leases)  3,368   2,203   2,398   5,563   4,972   3,368 
Depreciation of investment properties  11   4   - 
Amortization of long-term deferred assets included in other non-current assets  394   388   555 
Amortization of lease prepayments  58   52   48   63   60   58 
Consumption of flight equipment spare parts  712   755   747   1,198   974   712 
Provision for / (reversal of) impairment of trade and other receivables  10   (2)  (7)
Auditors’ remuneration  15   15   13   18   17   15 

 

12FINANCE INCOME

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Exchange gains, net (Note)  -   1,977   148 
Interest income  88   148   201 
             
   88   2,125   349 

Note:

The exchange gain primarily related to the translation of the Group’s foreign currency denominated borrowings and obligations under finance leases.

  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Interest income  96   66   88 

 

13FINANCE COSTS

 

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
              
Interest on bank borrowings  1,257   1,191   1,359   1,529   1,613   963 
Interest relating to obligations under finance leases and post-retirement benefits  722   335   412   1,349   867   722 
Interest relating to post-retirement benefit obligations  88   114   294 
Interest on bonds and debentures  509   339   149   360   483   509 
Interest relating to bills payable  92   75   74 
Interest relating to interest rate swaps  122   128   92 
                        
  2,580   1,940   1,994   3,448   3,205   2,580 
                        
Exchange losses, net (Note(b))  203   -   -   3,573   4,987   203 
                        
Less: amounts capitalized into advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft (Note(a))  (606)  (385)  (297)  (749)  (1,014)  (606)
amounts capitalized into construction in progress (Note(a))  (17)  (6)  -   -   (2)  (17)
                        
  2,160   1,549   1,697   6,272   7,176   2,160 

Note:

 

(a)The average interest rate used for interest capitalization was 2.69%3.25% per annum for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013: 2.75%; 2012:3.73%2016 (2015: 3.09%, 2014: 2.69%).

 

(b)The exchange losslosses primarily related to the translation of the Group’s foreign currency denominated borrowings and obligations under finance leases.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


14INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

Income tax charged/(credited) to the profit or loss was as follows:

Income tax charged to profit or loss was as follows:

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Provision for PRC income tax  484   347   215 
Deferred taxation (Note 36)  89   (223)  (7)
             
   573   124   208 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
PRC income tax  1,396   737   484 
Deferred taxation (Note 38)  146   (113)  89 
             
   1,542   624   573 

 

Pursuant to the “Notice of the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation and the General Administration of Customs on Issues Concerning Relevant Tax Policies for Enhancing the Implementation of Western Region Development Strategy” (Cai Shui [2011] No.58), and other series of tax regulations, the enterprises, located in the western regions and engaged in the industrial activities as listed in the “Catalogue of Encouraged Industries in Western Regions”, will be entitled to a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15% from 2011 to 2020 upon approval from tax authorities. In 2012, China Eastern Yunnan Airlines Co., Ltd. (“CEA Yunnan”), a subsidiary of the Group, obtained approval from tax authorities and enjoys thehas been entitled to a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15% from January 1, 2011. The Company’s Sichuan branch, Gansu branch and Xibei branch also obtained approvals from respective tax authorities and are entitled to a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%. The subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% (2015:16.5%; 2014: 16.5%).

 

The Company and subsidiaries except for CEA Yunnan, Sichuan branch, Gansu branch and Xibei branch and those incorporated in Hong Kong, which are subject to Hong Kong corporate income tax rate of 16.5% (2013: 16.5%;2012:16.5%), are generally subject to the PRC standard corporate income tax rate of 25% (2013:(2015: 25%; 2012:2014: 25%).

 

Tax on the Group’s consolidated profit or loss differed from the theoretical amount that would arise using the standard taxation rateA reconciliation of the tax expense applicable to profit before tax at the statutory rates for the countries in which the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries are domiciled to the tax expense at the effective tax rates, and a reconciliation of the statutory tax rates to the effective tax rates, are as follows:

 

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
              
Profit before income tax  4,113   2,217   3,137   6,497   5,667   4,113 
Adjusted by:            
Share of result of associates and joint ventures  (127)  (65)  (134)
                        
  3,986   2,152   3,003 
            
Tax calculated at the tax rate of 25% (2013: 25%; 2012:25%)  997   538   751 
Effect attributable to subsidiaries charged at tax rates of 15% or 16.5% (2013: 15% or 16.5%; 2012: 15% or 16.5%)  (41)  (42)  (49)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes  88   19   13 
Tax calculated at the tax rate of 25% (2015: 25%; 2014:25%)  1,624   1,417   1,028 
Lower tax rates enacted by local authority  (102)  (156)  (41)
Share of results of associates and joint ventures  (47)  (38)  (31)
Expenses not deductible for tax  117   104   88 
Effect in respect of post-retirement benefit plan  (560)  -   -   -   -   (560)
Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses  -   (327)  (655)  (51)  (1)  - 
Unrecognized tax losses for the year  86   175   211   13   20   86 
Unrecognized/realization of deductible temporary differences for the year  3   (239)  (63)
Utilization of/unrecognized deductible temporary differences  (4)  (722)  3 
Utilization of/unrecognized deductible temporary differences  (8)  -   - 
                        
Tax charge  573   124   208   1,542   624   573 
                        
Effective tax rate  13.93%  5.61%  6.61%  23.73%  11.01%  13.93%

 

The Group operates international flights to overseas destinations. There was no material overseas taxation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, as there are avoidance of double tax treaties between the PRC and the corresponding jurisdictions (including Hong Kong) relating to aviation businesses.

 

15DIVIDENDS

The Board has not recommended any dividend for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

16PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS OF THE COMPANY

The profit attributable to owners of the Company is dealt with in the financial statements of the Company to the extent of RMB2,043 million (2013: RMB674 million; 2012: RMB2,767 million).

17EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share was based on the profit attributable to equity shareholdersholders of the Company of RMB3,410RMB4,498 million (2013: RMB2,373 million; 2012: RMB3,072(2015: RMB4,537 million, 2014: RMB3,410 million) and the weighted average number of shares of issue of 12,674,269,000 (2013: 12,091,881,000; 2012: 11,276,538,860)13,811,136,000 (2015: 12,818,509,000 ; 2014: 12,674,269,000) in issue during the year ended December 31, 2014.2016. The Company had no potentially dilutive optionoptions or other instruments relating to the ordinary shares.shares in issue during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.


16ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe Group entered into several agreements with third parties to dispose of certain aircraft and related engines. As at 31 December 2015, the aircraft and engines were stated at the lower of carrying amount (RMB594 million) and their fair value less cost to sell (RMB622 million). In 2016, all the aircraft and engines were disposed and there were no aircraft and engines recognized as assets classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2016.

 

1817INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

 Goodwill Computer    
 (Note) software Total  Goodwill Computer Others    
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  (Note(a)) software (Note(b)) Total 
        RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Cost                            
At January 1, 2013  11,270   398   11,668 
At 1 January 2015  11,270   574   -   11,844 
Additions  -   98   98   -   109   -   109 
Disposals  -   (1)  (1)  -   (4)  -   (4)
At December 31, 2013  11,270   495   11,765 
                
At 31 December 2015  11,270   679   -   11,949 
                
Additions  -   79   79   -   133   98   231 
At December 31, 2014  11,270   574   11,844 
Disposals  -   -   -   - 
                
At 31 December 2016  11,270   812   98   12,180 
                            
Accumulated amortization                            
At January 1, 2013  -   218   218 
At 1 January 2015  -   344   -   344 
Charge for the year  -   57   57   -   85   -   85 
At December 31, 2013  -   275   275 
Disposals  -   (2)  -   (2)
                
At 31 December 2015  -   427   -   427 
                
Charge for the year  -   69   69   -   97   32   129 
At December 31, 2014  -   344   344 
Disposals  -   -   -   - 
                
At 31 December 2016  -   524   32   556 
                            
Net book amount                            
At December 31, 2013  11,270   220   11,490 
At December 31, 2014  11,270   230   11,500 
At 31 December 2015  11,270   252   -   11,522 
                
At 31 December 2016  11,270   288   66   11,624 

 

Note:

 

The balance represents goodwill arising from the acquisition of Shanghai Airlines. Goodwill is attributable to strengthening the competitiveness of the Group’s airline transportation operations, attaining synergy through integration of the resources and providing the evolution of Shanghai international air transportation center. For the purpose of impairment assessment, goodwill was allocated to the principal CGU that the Group operates and benefits from the acquisition.

(a)The balance represents goodwill arising from the acquisition of Shanghai Airlines. Goodwill is attributable to strengthening the competitiveness of the Group’s airline transportation operations, attaining synergy through integration of the resources and providing the evolution of Shanghai international air transportation center. For the purpose of impairment assessment, goodwill was allocated to the CGU that the Group operates and benefits from the acquisition.

 

In 2014, theThe recoverable amount of the CGU has been determined based on a value-in-use calculation using cash flow projectionprojections based on a financial budget approved by senior management. The discount rate applied to the cash flow projectionprojections is 13% (2015: 13%). The growth rate used to extrapolate the cash flows of the above cash-generating unit beyond the five-year period is 5%3% (2015: 3%), which includes the effect of inflation. No impairment for the goodwill was required based on the value-in-use calculation as at the reporting period date.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

19(b)The balance represents the costs incurred to acquire the use right of certain flight schedules (i.e. timeslots for flights’ taking off/landing).

18PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

  Aircraft, engines and
flight equipment
     Other property,       
  Owned  Held under
finance leases
  Buildings  Plant
and equipment
  Construction in
progress
  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Cost                        
At January 1, 2014  76,671   47,668   7,486   6,435   2,078   140,338 
Transfers from construction in progress  19   -   814   249   (1,082)  - 
Transfers from advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft (Note 21)  4,267   12,442   -   -   -   16,709 
Additions  2,262   11,029   5   545   1,293   15,134 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (5,634)  (2,706)  -   -   -   (8,340)
Transfer to other long-term assets  -   -   -   -   (138)  (138)
Disposals  (6,129)  (862)  (69)  (228)  (35)  (7,323)
At December 31, 2014  71,456   67,571   8,236   7,001   2,116   156,380 
                         
Accumulated depreciation                        
At January 1, 2014  28,858   11,862   1,769   4,130   -   46,619 
Charge for the year  4,919   3,368   277   492   -   9,056 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (2,691)  (1,319)  -   -   -   (4,010)
Disposals  (4,282)  (658)  (33)  (192)  -   (5,165)
At December 31, 2014  26,804   13,253   2,013   4,430   -   46,500 
                         
Impairment                        
At January 1, 2014  798   108   -   8   22   936 
Charge for the year  3   -   -   -   -   3 
Disposals  (475)  -   -   (1)  (22)  (498)
At December 31, 2014  326   108   -   7   -   441 
                         
Net book amount                        
At December 31, 2014  44,326   54,210   6,223   2,564   2,116   109,439 
At January 1, 2014  47,015   35,698   5,717   2,297   2,056   92,783 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSDuring the year, the Group recognized an impairment loss of approximately RMB29 million relating to aircraft, engines and flight equipment (2015: RMB48 million). The recoverable amounts of these impaired aircraft, engines and flight equipment are determined at the higher of their fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

 

19PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (cont’d)

  Aircraft, engines and
flight equipment
     Other property,       
  Owned  Held under
finance leases
  Buildings  plant
and equipment
  Construction in
progress
  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Cost                        
At January 1, 2013  67,505   42,918   6,819   6,069   2,006   125,317 
Transfers from construction in progress  -   -   662   93   (755)  - 
Transfers from advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft (Note 21)  10,100   3,144   -   -   -   13,244 
Additions  2,444   2,342   8   472   1,278   6,544 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (625)  -   -   -   -   (625)
Transfer to other long-term assets  -   -   -   -   (451)  (451)
Disposals  (2,753)  (736)  (3)  (199)  -   (3,691)
At December 31, 2013  76,671   47,668   7,486   6,435   2,078   140,338 
                         
Accumulated depreciation                        
At January 1, 2013  26,184   10,335   1,523   3,835   -   41,877 
Charge for the year  5,270   2,203   246   398   -   8,117 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (231)  -   -   -   -   (231)
Disposals  (2,365)  (676)  -   (103)  -   (3,144)
At December 31, 2013  28,858   11,862   1,769   4,130   -   46,619 
                         
Impairment                        
At January 1, 2013  791   108   -   1   22   922 
Charge for the year  7   -   -   7   -   14 
At December 31, 2013  798   108   -   8   22   936 
                         
Net book amount                        
At December 31, 2013  47,015   35,698   5,717   2,297   2,056   92,783 
At January 1, 2013  40,530   32,475   5,296   2,233   1,984   82,518 

Note:

As at December 31, 2014,2016, certain aircraft and buildings owned by the Group with an aggregate net bookcarrying amount of approximately RMB 23,117million (2013:RMB17,559 million (2015: approximately RMB 24,306 million, 2012: approximately RMB 22,544RMB29,147 million) were pledged as collateral under certain loan arrangements (Note 33)34).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As at 31 December 2016, the ownership certificates of buildings with a net carrying amount of RMB1,455 million (31 December 2015: RMB1,514 million) have not been obtained. The directors of the Company are of the opinion that the Group legally owns and has the rights to use the aforesaid property, plant and equipment, and that there is no material adverse impact on the overall financial position of the Group.

  Aircraft, engines and             
  flight equipment     Other       
     Held under     property, plant  Construction    
  Owned  finance leases  Buildings  and equipment  in progress  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Cost                        
At 1 January 2016  80,402   89,146   7,993   7,486   1,771   186,798 
Transfer from construction in progress  -   -   474   328   (802)  - 
Transfer from advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft (Note 21)  12,236   4,354   -   -   -   16,590 
Additions  9,411   4,485   5   651   1,477   16,029 
Transfer from owned aircraft, engines and flight equipment  (7,398)  7,398   -   -   -   - 
Transfer from aircraft, engines and flight equipment held under finance leases  7,245   (7,245)  -   -   -   - 
Transfer to investment properties (Note 19)  -   -   (58)  -   -   (58)
Transfer to other non-current assets  -   -   -   -   (48)  (48)
Disposals  (2,243)  (1,074)  (90)  (264)  -   (3,671)
                         
At 31 December 2016  99,653   97,064   8,324   8,201   2,398   215,640 
                         
Accumulated depreciation                        
At 1 January 2016  28,195   17,921   2,266   4,697   -   53,079 
Charge for the year  5,561   5,563   273   554   -   11,951 
Transfer from owned aircraft, engines and flight equipment  (352)  352   -   -   -   - 
Transfer from aircraft, engines and flight equipment held under finance leases  3,038   (3,038)  -   -   -   - 
Transfer to investment properties (Note 19)  -   -   (20)  -   -   (20)
Disposals  (1,858)  (1,016)  (69)  (52)  -   (2,995)
                         
At 31 December 2016  34,584   19,782   2,450   5,199   -   62,015 
                         
Impairment                        
At 1 January 2016  362   108   -   7   -   477 
Charge for the year  29   -   -   -   -   29 
Disposals  (61)  -   -   -   -   (61)
                         
At 31 December 2016  330   108   -   7   -   445 
                         
Net book amount                        
At 31 December 2016  64,739   77,174   5,874   2,995   2,398   153,180 
At 1 January 2016  51,845   71,117   5,727   2,782   1,771   133,242 

F-49

18PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (cont’d)

  

Aircraft, engines and

flight equipment

     Other property,       
  Owned  

Held under

finance leases

  Buildings  

plant

and equipment

  Construction in
progress
  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Cost                        
At January 1, 2015  71,456   67,571   8,236   7,001   2,116   156,380 
Transfer from construction in progress  -   -   112   269   (381)  - 
Transfer from advanced payments on acquisition of aircraft (Note 21)  9,615   15,224   -   -   -   24,839 
Additions  3,770   6,752   57   413   929   11,921 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (783)  -   -   -   -   (783)
Transfer to investment properties (Note 19)  -   -   (344)  -   -   (344)
Transfer to other non-current assets  -   -   -   -   (881)  (881)
Disposals  (3,656)  (401)  (68)  (197)  (12)  (4,334)
At December 31, 2015  80,402   89,146   7,993   7,486   1,771   186,798 
                         
Accumulated depreciation                        
At January 1, 2015  26,804   13,253   2,013   4,430   -   46,500 
Charge for the year  4,565   5,061   325   371   -   10,322 
Transfer to assets classified as held for sale  (292)  -   -   -   -   (292)
Transfer to investment properties (Note19)  -   -   (46)  -   -   (46)
Disposals  (2,882)  (393)  (26)  (104)  -   (3,405)
At December 31, 2015  28,195   17,921   2,266   4,697   -   53,079 
                         
Impairment                        
At January 1, 2015  326   108   -   7   -   441 
Charge for the year  48   -   -   -   -   48 
Disposals  (12)  -   -   -   -   (12)
At December 31, 2015  362   108   -   7   -   477 
                         
Net book amount                        
At December 31, 2015  51,845   71,117   5,727   2,782   1,771   133,242 
At January 1, 2015  44,326   54,210   6,223   2,564   2,116   109,439 

19INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Cost        
At 1 January  344   - 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment (Note 18)  58   344 
         
At 31 December  402   344 
         
Accumulated depreciation        
At 1 January  (50)  - 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment (Note 18)  (20)  (46)
Charge for the year  (11)  (4)
         
At 31 December  (81)  (50)
         
Net book amount        
At 31 December  321   294 

As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of the investment properties was RMB604 million (2015: RMB497 million) according to a valuation performed by an independent professionally qualified valuer.

The investment properties are leased to third parties and related parties under operating leases. Rental income totaling RMB37 million (2015: RMB30 million) was received by the Group during the year in respect of the leases.

As at 31 December 2016, the carrying amount of the investment properties for which the ownership certificates of buildings have not been obtained was RMB119 million (2015: RMB120 million).The directors of the Company are of the opinion that the Group legally owns and has the rights to use the aforesaid investment properties, and that there is no material adverse impact on the overall financial position of the Group.

Fair value hierarchy

The following table illustrates the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s investment properties:

As at 31 December 2016 Fair value measurement using 
  Quoted prices  Significant  Significant    
  in active  observable  unobservable    
  markets  inputs  inputs    
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total 
Not measured at fair value        
but fair value is disclosed: RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Buildings  -   -   604   604 

As at 31 December 2015 Fair value measurement using 
  Quoted prices  Significant  Significant    
  in active  observable  unobservable    
  markets  inputs  inputs    
  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total 
Not measured at fair value        
but fair value is disclosed: RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Buildings  -   -   497   497 

During the year, there were no transfers of fair value measurements between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers into or out of Level 3 (2015: Nil).

Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used and the key inputs to the valuation of investment properties:

  Valuation techniques Significant unobservable inputs  

 Range or weighted average

 
       2016   2015 
Buildings - Plant Discounted cash flow method Estimated rental value (per s.q.m. and per month)  RMB11 to RMB154   RMB11 to RMB154 
    Rent growth (p.a.)  2% to 6%   2% to 6% 
    Long term vacancy rate  0% to 5%   0% to 5% 
    Discount rate  4% to 6%   4% to 6% 
             
Buildings - Office Market Comparison Method Selling price (per s.q.m.)  RMB19,000 to RMB55,556   RMB14,699 to RMB37,000 

20LEASE PREPAYMENTS
  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Cost        
At January 1  2,577   2,154 
Additions  109   438 
Disposals  -   (15)
At December 31  2,686   2,577 
         
Accumulated amortization        
At January 1  422   372 
Charge for the year  58   52 
Disposals  -   (2)
At December 31  480   422 
         
Net book amount        
At December 31  2,206   2,155 

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Carrying amount at 1 January  2,094   2,206 
Recognised during the year  (30)  (112)
         
Carrying amount at 31 December  2,064   2,094 

 

Lease prepayments represent unamortized prepayments for land use rights.

The Group’s land use rights are located in the PRC and the majority of these land use rights have terms of 50 years from the date of grant. As at December 31, 2014, the majority of these land use rights had remaining terms ranging from 32 to 50 years (2013: from 33 to 50 years).

 

21ADVANCED PAYMENTS ON ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
       
At January 1  16,296   11,895 
Payment during the year  20,067   17,260 
Interest capitalized (Note 13)  606   385 
Transfers to property, plant and equipment (Note 19)  (16,709)  (13,244)
         
At December 31  20,260   16,296 

Included in the Group’s balances as at December 31, 2014, the amounts of accumulated interest capitalized were approximately RMB467 million (2013: RMB504 million).

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  21,207   20,260 
Additions  17,991   24,772 
Interest capitalized (Note 13)  749   1,014 
Transfer to property, plant and equipment (Note 18)  (16,590)  (24,839)
         
At 31 December  23,357   21,207 

 

22INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Unlisted investments, at cost  853   853 
Share of results/ reserves  233   211 
         
   1,086   1,064 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Unlisted investments, cost  1,069   1,266 
Share of net assets  467   277 
         
   1,536   1,543 

 

The movements onin investments in associates were as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  1,064   833 
Addition through the acquisition of associates  18   237 
Share of results of associates  91   38 
Share of revaluation on available-for-sale financial assets held by an associate  (1)  (3)
Disposal of associates  (18)  (3)
Dividend received during the year  (68)  (38)
         
At December 31  1,086   1,064 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  1,543   1,086 
Additions  -   413 
Share of results of associates  148   126 
Share of revaluation on available-for-sale investments held by an associate  (1)  7 
Provision for impairment  -   (33)
Dividend declared during the year  (154)  (56)
         
At 31 December  1,536   1,543 

22INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (cont’d)

 

Particulars of the principal associates, which are limited liability companies, established and operating in the PRC, are as follows:

 

Company name Place of
establishment and
operation and date
of establishment
 Registered capital Attributable
equity interest
  Principal activities
    2014  2013 2014  2013   
     million  million        
                 
Eastern Air Group Finance Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Finance”) PRC
December 6, 1995
 RMB500 RMB400  25%  25% Provision of financial services to Group companies of CEA Holding
                   
China Eastern Air Catering Investment Co., Ltd. PRC
November 17, 2003
 RMB350 RMB350  45%  45% Provision of air catering services
                   
Shanghai Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Maintenance Company Limited (“Shanghai P&W”) (Note) PRC
March 28, 2008
 USD40 USD40  51%  51% Provision of maintenance of aircraft, engine and other related components maintenance services
                   
New Shanghai International Tower Co., Ltd. PRC
November 17, 1992
 RMB167 RMB167  20%  20% Provision of property development and management
                   
Eastern Aviation Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Import & Export”) PRC
June 9, 1993
 RMB80 RMB80  45%  45% Provision of aviation equipment, spare parts purchase
                   
Eastern Aviation Advertising Service Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Advertising”) PRC
March 4, 1986
 RMB200 RMB200  45%  45% Provision of aviation advertising agency services
                   
Collins Aviation Maintenance Service Shanghai Ltd. (“Collins Aviation”) PRC
September 27, 2002
 USD7 USD7  35%  35% Provision of airline electronic product maintenance services
                   
Jetstar Hong Kong Airways Hong Kong
September 4, 2012
               Provision of airline services
Ltd(“Jetstar”).  USD198 USD198  33%  33% 

Company name 

Place of

establishment and

operation and date

of establishment

 Registered capital  

Attributable

equity interest

  Principal activities
    2016  2015  2016  2015   
    Million  Million         
                 
Eastern Air Group Finance Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Air Finance Company”) 

PRC

6 December 1995

 RMB2,000  RMB2,000   25%  25% Provision of financial services to group companies of CEA Holding
                     
China Eastern Air Catering Investment Co., Ltd. 

PRC

17 November 2003

 RMB350  RMB350   45%  45% Provision of air catering services
                     
Shanghai Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Maintenance Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai P&W”) (Note) 

PRC

28 March 2008

 USD40  USD40   51%  51% Provision of maintenance of aircraft, engine and other related components maintenance services
                     
New Shanghai International Tower Co., Ltd. 

PRC

17 November 1992

 RMB167  RMB167   20%  20% Provision of property development and management
                     
Eastern Aviation Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Import & Export”) 

PRC

9 June 1993

 RMB80  RMB80   45%  45% Provision of aviation equipment, spare parts purchase
                     
Eastern Aviation Advertising Service Co., Ltd. (“Eastern Advertising”) 

PRC

4 March 1986

 RMB200  RMB200   45%  45% Provision of aviation advertising agency services
                     
Shanghai Collins Aviation Maintenance Service Co., Ltd. (“Collins Aviation”) 

PRC

27 September 2002

 USD7  USD7   35%  35% Provision of airline electronic product maintenance services

 

Note:

 

In 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with United Technologies International Corporation (“Technologies International”) to establish Shanghai Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engine Maintenance Company Limited (“Shanghai P&W”).&W. Shanghai P&W has a registered capital of approximately USD40 million in which the Company holds a 51% interests.interest. According to the shareholder’s agreement, Technologies International has the power to govern the financial and operating policies and in this respect the Company accounts for Shanghai P&W as an associate.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table illustrates the aggregate financial information of the Group’s associates that were not individually material:

 

22INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (cont’d)

The following table illustrates the aggregate financial information of the Group’s associates that were not individually material:

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Share of the associates’ profit for the year  91   38 
Share of the associates’ other comprehensive loss  (1)  (3)
Share of the associates’ total comprehensive income  90   35 
Aggregate carrying amount of the Group’s investments in the associates  1,086   1,064 

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Share of the associates’ profit for the year  148   126 
Share of the associates’ other comprehensive income  (1)  7 
Share of the associates’ total comprehensive income  147   133 
Aggregate carrying amount of the Group’s interests in the associates  1,536   1,543 

23INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES

 

 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Unlisted investments, at cost  352   294   352   352 
Share of results/reserves  153   139 
Share of net assets  172   166 
                
  505   433   524   518 

 

The movements onin investments in jointlyjoint ventures were as follows:

 

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  433   418 
Addition through the acquisition of a joint venture  58   - 
Share of results  36   26 
Dividend received/declared during the year  (22)  (11)
         
At December 31  505   433 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  518   505 
Share of results  39   26 
Dividend received during the year  (33)  (13)
         
At 31 December  524   518 

 

Particulars of the principal joint ventures, except for CAE Melbourne Flight Training Pty Ltd., all of which are limited liability companies, established and operating in the PRC, are as follows:

 

Company name Place of
establishment and
operation and date
of establishment
 Paid-up capital  Attributable
equity interest
  Principal activities
    2014  2013  2014  2013   
    million  million         
                 
Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Co., Ltd. (“Technologies Aerospace”) (Note) PRC
September 28, 2004
 USD73  USD73   51%  51% Provision of repair and maintenance Services
Shanghai Eastern Union Aviation Wheels & Brakes Maintenance Services Overhaul Engineering Co., Ltd. (“Wheels & Brakes”) PRC
December 28, 1995
 USD2  USD2   40%  40% Provision of spare parts repair and maintenance Services
Eastern China Kaiya System Integration Co., Ltd. (“China Kaiya”) PRC
May 21, 1999
 RMB10  RMB10   41%  41% Provision of computer systems development and maintenance services
CAE Melbourne Flight Training Pty Ltd. Australia
March 9, 2007
 AUD11  AUD11   50%  -  Provision of flight training services
Shanghai Hute Aviation Tech. Co. Ltd. (“Shanghai Hute”) PRC
April 9, 2003
 RMB30  RMB30   50%  50% Provision of Equipment maintenance

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Company name 

Place of

establishment and

operation and date

of establishment

 Paid-up capital  

Attributable

equity interest

  Principal activities
    2016  2015  2016  2015   
    Million  Million         
                 
Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Co., Ltd.  (“Technologies Aerospace”) (Note) PRC
September 28, 2004
 USD73  USD73   51%  51% Provision of repair and maintenance services
                     
Shanghai Eastern Union Aviation Wheels & Brakes Maintenance Services Overhaul Engineering Co.,  Ltd. (“Wheels & Brakes”) PRC
December 28, 1995
 USD2  USD2   40%  40% Provision of spare parts repair and maintenance services
Eastern China Kaiya System Integration Co., Ltd. (“China Kaiya”) PRC
May 21, 1999
 RMB10  RMB10   41%  41% Provision of computer systems development and maintenance services
CAE Melbourne Flight Training Pty Ltd. (“CAE Melbourne”) Australia
March 9, 2007
 AUD11  AUD11   50%  50% Provision of flight training services
                     
Shanghai Hute Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Hute”) PRC
April 9, 2003
 RMB30  RMB30   50%  50% Provision of equipment maintenance services

23INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES (cont’d)

 

Note:

 

Under a Joint Venture Agreementjoint venture agreement with a joint venture partner of Technologies Aerospace dated March 10, 2003, the Company has agreed to share the control over the economic activities of Technologies Aerospace. Any strategic financial and operating decisions relating to the activities of Technologies Aerospace require the unanimous consent of the Company and the joint venture partner.

 

The following table illustrates the aggregate financial information of the Group’s joint ventures that were not individually material:

 

 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Share of the joint ventures’ profit for the year  36   26   39   26 
Share of the joint ventures’ total comprehensive income  36   26   39   26 
Aggregate carrying amount of the Group’s investments in the joint ventures  505   433 
Aggregate carrying amount of the        
Group’s interests in the joint ventures  524   518 

 

24OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETSAVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENTS

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases  482   670 
Deferred pilot recruitment costs (Note)  1,140   1,111 
Other long-term assets  335   588 
         
   1,957   2,369 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Listed equity investments, at fair value (Note (a))  538   317 
Unlisted equity investments, at cost (Note(b))  107   135 
         
   645   452 

During the year, the gross gain in respect of the Group's available-for-sale investments recognized in other comprehensive income amounted to RMB100 million (2015: RMB122 million; 2014: RMB18 million).

The above investments consist of investments in equity securities which were designated as available-for-sale investments and have no fixed maturity date or coupon rate.

 

Note:

(a)In March 2016, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd. issued 6,846,637 RMB-denominated ordinary shares (A Shares) by way of non-public issuance to the Company in exchange of the Company’s equity interest in Shanghai International Trust Corp., Ltd.. The closing price of the shares of the day was 17.84 per share, resulting in an increase in listed equity investments, at fair value of RMB122 million, a decrease in unlisted equity investments, at cost of RMB27 million and a gain on disposal of RMB95 million was recorded.

 

Deferred pilot recruitment costs mainly represent the cost bore by the Group in connection with securing certain minimum periods of employment of pilots and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the anticipated beneficial period of five years, starting from when the pilot joints the Group.

(b)As at 31 December 2016, certain unlisted equity investments were stated at cost less impairment because the range of reasonable fair value estimates is so significant that the directors are of the opinion that their fair value cannot be measured reliably. The Group does not intend to dispose of them in the near future.

 

25OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases  285   338 
Deferred pilot recruitment costs  1,182   1,243 
Rebate receivables on aircraft acquisitions  83   974 
Rental prepayment  426   450 
Prepayment for acquisition of property, plant and equipment  299   156 
Other long-term assets  694   593 
         
   2,969   3,754 

26FLIGHT EQUIPMENT SPARE PARTS

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Flight equipment spare parts  2,924   2,962   2,713   2,597 
Less: provision for spare parts  (665)  (657)  (465)  (541)
                
  2,259   2,305   2,248   2,056 

26FLIGHT EQUIPMENT SPARE PARTS (cont’d)

 

ProvisionMovements in the Group’s provision for impairment of flight equipment spare parts is made based on the difference between the carrying amount and the net realizable value. The net realizable value was estimated based on current market condition, historical experience and Company’s future operation plan for the aircraft and related spare parts.were as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  657   677 
Accrual (Note 10)  9   - 
Provision written off in relation to disposal of spare parts  (1)  - 
Reversal of impairment of spare parts (Note 10)  -   (20)
         
At December 31  665   657 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  541   665 
Accrual (Note 10)  10   88 
Provision written off in relation to disposal of spare parts  (86)  (212)
         
At 31 December  465   541 

 

2627TRADE AND NOTES RECEIVABLES

 

The credit terms given to trade customers are determined on an individual basis.

 

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Trade receivables  2,630   2,867 
Notes receivable  30   - 
         
At 31 December  2,660   2,867 

The aging

An aged analysis of the trade and notes receivables as at the end of the reporting period, based on the invoice date was as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 90 days  1,539   2,772 
91 to 180 days  1,774   610 
181 to 365 days  456   148 
Over 365 days  299   193 
   4,068   3,723 
Less: provision for impairment of receivables  (206)  (198)
         
Trade receivables  3,862   3,525 

Balances with related companies included in trade receivables are summarized in Note 46(c)(i).

The carrying amounts of the trade receivables approximated their fair value.

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 90 days  2,324   2,608 
91 to 180 days  167   105 
181 to 365 days  102   90 
Over 365 days  182   280 
         
   2,775   3,083 
Provision for impairment of trade and notes receivables  (115)  (216)
         
   2,660   2,867 

 

Trade and notes receivables that were neither overdue nor impaired relate to a large number of independent sales agents for whom there arewas no recent history of default.

 

As at 31 December 31, 2014,2016, trade and notes receivables of RMB262RMB267 million (2013: RMB295(2015: RMB267 million) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number of independent sales agents for whom there are no recent history of default. The Group holds cash deposits of RMB462RMB764 million (2013: RMB447(2015: RMB540 million) from these agents. The agingageing analysis of these trade and notes receivables was as follows:

 

 December 31,  2016 2015 
 2014 2013  RMB million RMB million 
 RMB million RMB million      
     
Past due:        
Within 90 days  161   148   167   213 
91 to 180 days  40   89   30   28 
181 to 365 days  61   58   70   26 
                
  262   295   267   267 

 

As at December 31, 2014,Movements in the Group’s provision for impairment of trade and notes receivables were as follows:

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  216   206 
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible  (100)  (2)
(Reversal of)/impairment of losses recognized  (1)  12 
         
At 31 December  115   216 

Included in the above provision for impairment of trade and notes receivables is a provision for individually impaired trade receivables of RMB155RMB66 million (2013: RMB154(2015: RMB156 million) were impaired and fully provided for. with a carrying amount before provision of RMB66 million (2015: RMB156 million).


27TRADE AND NOTES RECEIVABLES (cont’d)

The remaining impaired trade and notes receivables of RMB258 million as at 31 December 2016 relate to customers that were in financial difficulties or were in default in interest and/or principal payments and only a portion of the receivables is expected to be recovered. The factors considered by management in determining the impairment are described in Note 2(s).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26TRADE RECEIVABLES (cont’d)

The aging of impaired receivables was as follows:

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
181 to 365 days overdue  41   59 
1 to 2 years overdue  59   28 
Over 2 years overdue  192   165 
         
   292   252 

Movements on the Group’s provision for impairment of trade receivables were as follows:

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  198   203 
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible  (1)  (1)
Provision for/ (reversal of) impairment of receivables  9   (4)
         
At December 31  206   198 

 

The net impactimpacts of creation and release of provisions for impaired receivables have been included in ‘Provision for/(reversal of) impairment of trade and other receivables’“Impairment charges” in the profit or loss (Note 11)10). Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering additional cash.

 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade receivables were denominated in the following currencies:

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Currency        
Renminbi  3,844   3,230 
Japanese Yen  7   41 
US Dollars  61   121 
Euro  97   157 
Hong Kong Dollars  2   64 
Other currencies  57   110 
         
   4,068   3,723 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date was the carrying amount of receivable shown above.

2728PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
VAT recoverable  1,750   979 
Rebate receivables on aircraft acquisitions  1,253   574 
Amounts due from related companies (Note 46(c)(i))  169   201 
Prepaid aircraft operating lease rentals  333   305 
Rental deposits  271   300 
Others  2,910   1,990 
         
Subtotal  6,686   4,349 
Less: bad debt provision  (292)  (291)
         
   6,394   4,058 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Value added tax recoverable  1,746   2,226 
Prepaid corporate income tax  283   413 
Advance to suppliers  2,327   379 
Prepaid aircraft operating lease rentals  382   346 
Dividend receivable  -   22 
Rebate receivables on aircraft acquisitions  1,489   1,610 
Rental deposits  233   278 
Amounts due from related parties (Note 47(c)(i))  616   139 
Deposits relating to aircraft held under operating leases  140   145 
Others  2,215   3,127 
         
Subtotal  9,431   8,685 
Provision for impairment of other receivables  (200)  (239)
         
   9.231   8,446 

2829RESTRICTED BANK DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM BANK DEPOSITS

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Bank deposits with original maturity over three months but less than a year  -   167 
Bank deposits with original maturity over a year  4   - 
Restricted bank deposits  34   216 
         
   38   383 

Note:

As at December 31, 2014, the deposits bore effective interest rates ranging from 0.35% to 3.5% per annum (2013: from 0.35 % to 4.65% per annum).

The carrying amounts of the Group’s restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits were denominated in the following currencies:

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Renminbi  38   198 
US Dollars  -   181 
Other currencies  -   4 
         
   38   383 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Bank deposits with original maturity over a year  3   2 
Restricted bank deposits  40   33 
         
   43   35 

 

2930CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Cash  3   5 
Bank balances  1,692   9,075 
         
   1,695   9,080 

The carrying amounts

At the end of the Group’sreporting period, the cash and cash equivalents werebank balances of the Group denominated in RMB amounted to RMB814 million (2015: RMB1,013 million).The RMB is not freely convertible into other currencies, however, under Mainland China's Foreign Exchange Control Regulations and Administration of Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange Regulations, the following currencies:Group is permitted to exchange RMB for other currencies through banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business.

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Renminbi  711   1,494 
US Dollars  490   281 
Euro  45   32 
Japanese Yen  16   22 
Hong Kong Dollars  23   32 
Other currencies  70   134 
         
   1,355   1,995 

Cash at banks earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. The bank balances are deposited with creditworthy banks and financial institutions with no recent history of default.

 

3031TRADE AND BILLS PAYABLEPAYABLES

 

The aging analysesAn aged analysis of the trade and bills payablepayables as at the end of the reporting period was as follows:

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Within 90 days  764   2,310   2,994   2,060 
91 to 180 days  309   245   57   348 
181 to 365 days  240   416   83   461 
1 to 2 years  420   172   77   414 
Over 2 years  350   320   165   429 
                
  2,083   3,463   3,376   3,712 

 

As at December 31, 2014, the2016, trade and bills payable balances of the Group included amounts due to related companiesparties of RMB186RMB214 million (2013: RMB996(2015: RMB897 million) (Note 46(c)47(c)(ii)).

 

As at December 31, 2014,2016, bills payable was nil (2013: RMB40amounted to RMB1,120 million (2015:RMB800 million).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


3132OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits  2,826   2,459 
Accrued take-off and landing charges  1,661   1,750 
Accrued fuel cost  1,879   2,366 
Accrued expenses related to aircraft overhaul  1,807   1,807 
Duties and levies payable  1,617   1,540 
Other accrued operating expenses  3,777   3,181 
Deposits received from ticket sales agents  867   780 
Current portion of other long-term liabilities (Note 35)  585   368 
Staff housing allowance (Note 38(b))  315   360 
Amounts due to related companies (Note 46(c)(ii))  1,483   703 
Current portion of post-retirement benefit obligations (Note 37(c))  210   204 
Other payables  2,188   2,628 
         
   19,215   18,146 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Salaries, wages and benefits  3,662   3,602 
Take-off and landing charges  2,323   2,302 
Fuel cost  1,774   878 
Expenses related to aircraft overhaul conducted  1,253   1,703 
Advance from customers  966   1,059 
Duties and levies payable  1,507   2,077 
Other accrued operating expenses  1,561   2,255 
Deposits received from ticket sales agents  764   841 
Current portion of other long-term liabilities (Note 36)  635   515 
Staff housing allowance  363   420 
Amounts due to related parties (Note 47(c)(ii))  2,166   1,305 
Current portion of post-retirement benefit obligations (Note 37(c))  173   181 
Others  3,103   1,919 
         
   20,250   19,057 

 

3233OBLIGATIONS UNDER FINANCE LEASES

 

As at December 31, 2014,2016, the Group had 167226 aircrafts (2013: 111(2015: 213 aircrafts) under finance leases. Under the terms of the leases, the Group has the option to purchase, at or near the end of the lease terms, certain aircraft at either fair market value or a percentage of the respective lessors’ defined cost of the aircraft. The obligations under finance leases are principally denominated in US Dollars.

 

The future minimum lease payments (including interest), and the present value of the minimum lease payments under finance leases were as follows:

 

  December 31,2014  December 31,2013 
  Minimum lease
payments
  Present
values of
minimum
lease
payments
  Minimum lease
 payments
  Present
values of
minimum
lease
payments
 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Within one year  5,453   4,596   3,446   2,980 
In the second year  5,174   4,411   3,375   2,965 
In the third to fifth years, inclusive  13,165   11,482   9,752   8,651 
After the fifth year  19,272   18,206   8,956   8,539 
                 
Total  43,064   38,695   25,529   23,135 
Less:                
amount repayable within one year  (5,453)  (4,596)  (3,446)  (2,980)
                 
Long-term portion  37,611   34,099   22,083   20,155 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Minimum lease

payments

  

Present values of

minimum lease

payments

  

Minimum lease

payments

  

Present values of

minimum lease

payments

 
  2016  2016  2015  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Within one year  8,123   6,447   7,377   6,109 
In the second year  7,526   6,054   7,101   5,942 
In the third to fifth years, inclusive  21,905   18,415   19,183   16,679 
After the fifth year  33,277   30,125   25,167   23,669 
                 
Total  70,831   61,041   58,828   52,399 
                 
Less: amount repayable within one year  (8,123)  (6,447)  (7,377)  (6,109)
                 
Long-term portion  62,708   54,594   51,451   46,290 

3334BORROWINGS
  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Non-current        
Long-term bank borrowings        
– secured (Note (a))  14,725   12,744 
– unsecured  5,503   7,586 
Guaranteed bonds (Note (b))  10,285   6,985 
   30,513   27,315 
         
Current        
Current portion of long-term bank borrowings        
– secured (Note (a))  2,254   2,119 
– unsecured  8,443   6,741 
Short-term bank borrowings        
– unsecured  13,979   7,925 
Short-term debentures (Note (c))  4,000   4,000 
Guaranteed bonds (Note (b))  -   2,500 
   28,676   23,285 
         
Total borrowings  59,189   50,600 
         
The borrowings are repayable as follows:        
         
Within one year  28,676   23,285 
In the second year  8,801   6,606 
In the third to fifth year inclusive  10,868   9,951 
After the fifth year  10,844   10,758 
         
Total borrowings  59,189   50,600 

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Non-current        
Long-term bank borrowings        
– secured (Note (a))  7,169   14,766 
– unsecured  3,435   5,642 
Guaranteed bonds (Note (b))  8,476   8,090 
Unsecured bonds (Note (b))  8,810   - 
         
   27,890   28,498 
         
Current        
Current portion of long-term bank borrowings        
– secured (Note (a))  1,724   2,609 
– unsecured  135   10,369 
Short-term bank borrowings        
– unsecured  9,983   7,537 
Short-term debentures (Note (c))  17,000   15,500 
Guaranteed bonds (Note (b))  -   2,199 
         
   28,842   38,214 
         
Total borrowings  56,732   66,712 
         
The borrowings are repayable as follows:        
         
Within one year  28,842   38,214 
In the second year  4,833   10,306 
In the third to fifth years inclusive  13,281   8,224 
After the fifth year  9,776   9,968 
         
Total borrowings  56,732   66,712 

 

Notes:

 

(a)As at December 31, 2014,2016, the secured bank borrowings of the Group were pledged by the related aircraft and buildings with an aggregate net bookcarrying amount of RMB23,117RMB17,559 million (2013: RMB24,306(2015: RMB29,147 million) (Note 19)18).

 

(b)On August 8, 2011,Easter Air Overseas, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued three-year guaranteed bonds with a principal amount of RMB2.5 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bore interest at the rate of 4% per annum, which was payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds was repayable on August 8, 2014. The Company had unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds.

On18 March 18, 2013, the Company issued ten-year guaranteed bonds with a principal amount of RMB4.8 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 5.05% per annum, which isare payable annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and be repayable on 18 March 18, 2023. CEA Holding has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds (Note 47(d)).

On 15 June 2016, the Company issued three-year medium-term bonds with a principal amount of RMB3 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 3.15% per annum, which are payable annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 15 June 2019.

On 14 July 2016, the Company issued five-year medium-term bonds with a principal amount of RMB4 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 3.39% per annum, which are payable annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 14 July 2021.

On 20 July 2016, the Company issued three-year medium-term bonds with a principal amount of RMB1.5 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 3.00% per annum, which are payable annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 20 July 2019.

On 28 September 2016, the Company issued three-year guaranteed notes with a principal amount of KRW120 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.05% per annum, which are payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 28 September 2019. Korean Development Bank has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds.

On 28 September 2016, the Company issued three-year notes with a principal amount of KRW55 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.85% per annum, which are payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 28 September 2019.

On 24 October 2016, the Company issued ten-year corporate bonds with a total principal amount of RMB3 billion, of which bonds of RMB1.5 billion bear interest at the rate of 3.03% per annum and the remaining bonds of RMB1.5 billion bear interest at the rate of 3.30% per annum. The bonds are payable annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on 24 October 2026. CEA Holding has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds (Note 47(d)).


34BORROWINGS (cont’d)

 

On June 5, 2013, Eastern Air Overseas issued three-year guaranteed bonds with a principal amount of RMB2.2 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 3.875% per annum, which is payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on June 5, 2016. The Company has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds.

On March 6, 2014, Eastern Air Overseas issued three-year guaranteed bonds with a principal amount of RMB2.5 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 4.80% per annum, which is payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on March 13, 2017. The Company has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds.
On May 14, 2014, Eastern Air Overseas issued three-year guaranteed bonds with a principal amount of RMB0.8 billion, at an issue price equal to the face value of the bonds. The bonds bear interest at the rate of 4.80% per annum, which is payable semi-annually. The principal of the bonds will mature and become repayable on May 14, 2017. The Company has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment and performance of the above bonds.

(c)On May 14, 2014,20 April 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB4RMB3 billion with aand maturity of 270 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 4.95%2.80% per annum.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSOn 8 June 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB2 billion and maturity of 270 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.80% per annum.

 

33BORROWINGS (cont’d)

On 21 September 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB3 billion and maturity of 270 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.58% per annum.

On 20 October 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB3 billion and maturity of 270 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.50% per annum.

On 2 November 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB2 billion and maturity of 176 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.81% per annum.

On 8 November 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB2 billion and maturity of 178 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.81% per annum.

On 10 November 2016, the Company issued short-term debentures with a principal of RMB2 billion and maturity of 180 days. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 2.81% per annum.

 

The terms of the long-term borrowings were summarized as follows:

 

Interest rate and final maturitiesInterest rate and final maturities 2016  2015 
 Interest rate and final 2014 2013    RMB million  RMB million 
Currency Maturities RMB million RMB million 
                 
Long-term bank borrowingsLong-term bank borrowings                  
                    
RMB denominated interest rates ranging from 5.535% to 5.99% with final maturities through to 2023  420   736  interest rates ranging from 3.40% to 4.41% with final maturities through 2021 (2015: 5.75% to 5.90%)  3,278   280 
                    
USD denominated interest rates ranging from 6 months libor +0.55% to 6 months libor +5.3% with final maturities through 2024  30,505   28,454  interest rates ranging from 6 month libor +0.75% to 6 months libor +3.75% with final maturities through 2025 (2015: 6 months libor +0.50% to 6 months libor +3.75%)  4,970   33,106 
                    
EUR denominated interest rates at 3 months Euribor+0.5% with final maturities through 2026 (2015:Nil)  4,215   - 
          
Guaranteed bonds                    
                    
RMB denominated interest rates ranging from 3.875% to 5.05% with final maturities through 2023  10,285   9,485  interest rates ranging from 3.03% to 5.05% with final maturities through 2026 (2015: 3.88% to 5.05%)  7,792   10,289 
                    
Total long-term borrowings    41,210   38,675 
KRW denominated interest rate at 2.05% with final maturities through 2019 (2015:nil)  684   - 
          
Unsecured bonds          
          
RMB denominated interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 3.39% with final maturities through 2021 (2015:Nil)  8,500   - 
          
KRW denominated interest rate at 2.85% with final maturities through 2019 (2015:Nil)  310   - 
          
Total long term borrowings    29,749   43,675 

 

Short-term borrowings of the Group are repayable within one year. As at December 31, 2014,2016, the interest rates relating to such borrowings ranged from 1.01%1.49% to 5.35%3.48% per annum (2013: 1.69%(2015: 1.49% to 4.80%3.48% per annum).

The carrying amounts of the borrowings were denominated in the following currencies:

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Renminbi  16,205   15,385 
US Dollars  42,984   35,215 
         
   59,189   50,600 


3435PROVISION FOR RETURN CONDITION CHECKS FOR AIRCRAFT UNDER OPERATING LEASES

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
             
At January 1  4,217   3,799 
Additional provisions  1,122   871 
At 1 January  3,503   3,884 
Accrual  1,010   968 
Utilization  (1,455)  (453)  (843)  (1,349)
                
At December 31  3,884   4,217 
At 31 December  3,670   3,503 
Less: current portion  (1,267)  (1,454)  (1,175)  (1,281)
                
Long-term portion  2,617   2,763   2,495   2,222 

 

In respect of aircraft and engines under operating leases, the Group has obligations to fulfill certain return conditions under the leases. The balance as at December 31, 20142016 and 20132015 represented the provision for the estimated cost of these return condition checks which is made on a straight linestraight-line basis over the term of the leases.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3536OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB  million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Fair value of unredeemed points awarded under the Group’s frequent flyer program  1,720   1,732 
Fair value of unredeemed points awarded under the Group’s frequent flyer programs  1,750   1,739 
Long-term duties and levies payable relating to finance leases  1,120   909   1,608   1,713 
Other long-term payables  501   129   1,151   1,053 
                
  3,341   2,770   4,509   4,505 
        
Less: current portion included in other payables and accrued expenses (Note 31)  (585)  (368)
Less: current portion included in other payables and accrued expenses (Note 32)  (635)  (515)
                
Long-term portion  2,756   2,402   3,874   3,990 

 

3637PENSION, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

(a)Pension

The group companies participate in defined contribution retirement schemes organized by municipal governments of various provinces in which the group companies operate. Substantially all of the Group’s PRC employees are eligible to participate in this defined contribution retirement schemes. In addition, the group companies implemented an additional defined contribution retirement pension scheme for eligible employees in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group’s pension costs charged to profit or loss amounted to RMB1,769 million (2015: RMB1,479 million; 2014:RMB1,492 million).

(b)Medical insurance

Majority of the Group’s PRC employees participate in the medical insurance schemes organized by municipal governments. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group’s medical insurance contributions charged to profit or loss amounted to RMB606 million (2015: RMB563 million; 2014: RMB533 million).

(c)Post-retirement benefits

In addition to the above schemes, the Group provides eligible retirees with other post-retirement benefits, including retirement subsidies, transportation allowance as well as other welfare. The expected cost of providing these post-retirement benefits is actuarially determined and recognized by using the projected unit credit method, which involves a number of assumptions and estimates, including inflation rate, discount rate and etc.

The plan is exposed to interest rate risk and the risk of changes in the life expectancy for pensioners.

The most recent actuarial valuation of the post-retirement benefit obligations was carried out at December 31, 2016 with assistance from a third party consultant using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method.


37PENSION, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (cont’d)

The post-retirement benefit obligations recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Post-retirement benefit obligations  3,063   2,750 
Less: current portion  (173)  (181)
         
Long-term portion  2,890   2,569 

The principal actuarial assumptions utilized as at the end of the reporting period are as follows:

  2016  2015 
       
Discount rates for post-retirement benefits  3.50%  3.30%
Mortality rate  China Insurance   China Insurance 
   Life Mortality   Life Mortality 
   Table (2010-2013). CL5   Table (2000-2003). CL3 
   for Male and CL6   for Male and CL4 
   for Female   for Female 
Annual increase rate of post-retirement medical expenses  6.50%  6.50%
Inflation rate of pension benefits  2.50%  2.50%

A quantitative sensitivity analysis for significant assumptions at the end of the reporting period is shown below:

     Increase/     Increase/ 
     (decrease) in     (decrease) in 
     post-retirement     post-retirement 
  Increase  benefit  Decrease  benefit 
  in rate  obligation  in rate  obligation 
2016 %  RMB million  %  RMB million 
             
Discount rate for post-retirement benefits  0.25   (95)  0.25   100 
Annual increase rate of pension benefits  1.00   325   1.00   (275)
Annual increase rate of medical expenses  1.00   46   1.00   (38)
                 
2015  %   RMB million   %   RMB million 
                 
Discount rate for post-retirement benefits  0.25   (86)  0.25   90 
Annual increase rate of pension benefits  1.00   292   1.00   (247)
Annual increase rate of medical expenses  1.00   41   1.00   (34)

The sensitivity analysis above have been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on net post-retirement benefit obligations as a result of reasonable changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period.

Expected contributions to be made in the future years out of the post-retirement benefit obligations were as follows:

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within the next 12 months  173   181 
Between 2 and 5 years  706   662 
Between 5 and 10 years  894   831 
Over 10 years  3,342   2,739 
         
Total expected payments  5,115   4,413 

The average duration of the post-retirement benefit obligations at the end of 2016 was 13 years (2015: 13 years).


37PENSION, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (cont’d)

The movements in the post-retirement benefit obligations were as follows:

2016                              
     Pension cost charged to profit or loss  Remeasurement (gains)/losses in other comprehensive income       
              Actuarial  Actuarial             
              changes  changes     Sub-total       
           Sub-total  arising from  arising from     included       
           included  changes in  changes in     in other       
  January 1,     Net  in profit  financial  demographic  Experience  comprehensive  Benefit  December 31, 
  2016  Service cost  interest  or loss  assumptions  assumptions  adjustments  income  settled  2016 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                               
Defined benefit obligations/ benefit liability  2,750   -   88   88   (80)  373   117   410   (185)  3,063 

2015                              
     Pension cost charged to profit or loss  Remeasurement (gains)/losses in other comprehensive income       
              Actuarial  Actuarial             
              changes  changes     Sub-total       
           Sub-total  arising from  arising from     included       
           included  changes in  changes in     in other       
  January 1,     Net  in profit  financial  demographic  Experience  comprehensive  Benefit  December 31, 
  2015  Service cost  interest  or loss  assumptions  assumptions  adjustments  income  settled  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                               
Defined benefit obligations/ benefit liability  3,032   -   114   114   -   56   (252)  (196)  (200)  2,750 

38DEFERRED TAXATION

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right of offsetting and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same authority. The following amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are shown in the statementsconsolidated statement of financial position:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Deferred tax assets        
– Deferred tax asset to be utilized after 12 months  -   259 
– Deferred tax asset to be utilized within 12 months  170   130 
         
   170   389 
         
Deferred tax liabilities        
– Deferred tax liability to be realized after 12 months  (26)  (29)
         
Net deferred tax assets  144   360 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Deferred tax assets  79   243 
Deferred tax liabilities  (86)  (8)
         
Net deferred tax (liabilities)/assets  (7)  235 

 

Movements in the net deferred tax (liabilities)/assets were as follows:

 

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  360   95 
(Charged)/credited to profit or loss (Note 14)  (89)  223 
(Charged)/credited to OCI  (127)  42 
         
At December 31  144   360 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

36DEFERRED TAXATION (cont’d)
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At 1 January  235   144 
(Charged)/credited to profit or loss (Note 14)  (146)  113 
Charged to other comprehensive income  (96)  (22)
         
At 31 December  (7)  235 

 

The deferred tax assets and liabilities (prior to the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction) were made up of the taxation effects of the following:

 

 December 31, 
 2014 2013  December 31, 
 RMB million RMB million  2016 2015 
      RMB million RMB million 
Deferred tax assets:                
Impairment provision for obsolete flight equipment spare parts  32   24   22   43 
Impairment provision for receivables  23   20   70   80 
Impairment provision for property, plant and equipment  23   39 
Impairment provision for property, plant, and equipment  11   26 
Derivative financial instruments  9   17   15   25 
Provision for wages  183   146 
Provision for post-retirement benefits  -   426 
Impairment provision for available-for-sale investments  25   25 
Other payables and accruals  88   89 
Tax losses  -   133 
Aged payables  7   - 
                
Tax losses  96   - 
  366   672   238   421 
                
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Depreciation and amortization  (208)  (295)  (85)  (136)
Available-for-sale financial assets  (5)  - 
Available-for-sale investments  (123)  (39)
Derivative financial instruments  (9)  (17)  (37)  (11)
  (222)  (312)        
          (245)  (186)
  144   360         
  (7)  235 

38DEFERRED TAXATION (cont’d)

 

Movements ofin the net deferred tax assetsassets/(liabilities) of the Group for the year:year were as follows:

 

 At the (Charged)/  At the       Charged    
 beginning of credited to Charged end of  At the (Charged)/ to other At the 
 the year profit or loss  to OCI  the year  beginning of credited to comprehensive end of 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million  the year profit or loss income the year 
          RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
For the year ended December 31, 2014                
         
For the year ended December 31, 2016                
Impairment provision for obsolete flight equipment spare parts  24   8   -   32   43   (21)  -   22 
Impairment provision for receivables  20   3   -   23   80   (10)  -   70 
Impairment provision for property, plant and equipment  39   (16)  -   23   26   (15)  -   11 
Derivative financial instruments  17   (8)  -   9   25   -   (10)  15 
Provision for wages  146   37   -   183 
Provision for post-retirement benefits  426   (304)  (122)  - 
Impairment provision for available-for-sale investments  25   -   -   25 
Other payables and accruals  89   (1)  -   88 
Tax losses  -   96   -   96   133   (133)  -   - 
Aged payables  -   7   -   7 
                
  672   (184)  (122)  366   421   (173)  (10)  238 
                                
Depreciation and amortization  (295)  87   -   (208)  (136)  51   -   (85)
Available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   (5)  (5)
Available-for-sale investments  (39)  (24)  (60)  (123)
Derivative financial instruments  (17)  8   -   (9)  (11)  -   (26)  (37)
  (312)  95   (5)  (222)                
                  (186)  27   (86)  (245)
Net deferred tax assets  360   (89)  (127)  144 
                
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)  235   (146)  (96)  (7)

 

  At the  (Charged)/    At the 
  beginning of  credited to  Credited  end of 
  the year  profit or loss  to OCI  the year 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
For the year ended December 31, 2013                
Impairment provision for obsolete flight equipment spare parts  41   (17)  -   24 
Impairment provision for receivables  24   (4)  -   20 
Impairment provision for property, plant and equipment  43   (4)  -   39 
Derivative financial instruments  20   (3)  -   17 
Provision for wages  -   146   -   146 
Provision for post-retirement benefits  267   117   42   426 
   395   235   42   672 
                 
Depreciation and amortization  (295)  -   -  (295)
Derivative financial instruments  (5)  (12)  -   (17)
   (300)  (12)  -  (312)
                 
Net deferred tax assets  95   223   42   360 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        (Charged)/    
  At the  (Charged)/  credited to other  At the 
  beginning of  credited to  comprehensive  end of 
  the year  profit or loss  income  the year 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
For the year ended December 31, 2015                
Impairment provision for obsolete flight equipment spare parts  32   11   -   43 
Impairment provision for receivables  23   57   -   80 
Impairment provision for property, plant and equipment  23   3   -   26 
Derivative financial instruments  9   (7)  23   25 
Impairment provision for available-for-sale investments  -   25   -   25 
Other payables and accruals  183   (94)  -   89 
Tax losses  96   37   -   133 
                 
   366   32   23   421 
                 
Depreciation and amortization  (208)  72   -   (136)
Available-for-sale investments  (5)  -   (34)  (39)
Derivative financial instruments  (9)  9   (11)  (11)
                 
   (222)  81   (45)  (186)
                 
Net deferred tax assets  144   113   (22)  235 

3638DEFERRED TAXATION (cont’d)

 

As at the reporting period date, the Group had the following balances in respect of which no deferred tax assets have not been recognized:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  Deferred  Temporary  Deferred  Temporary 
  taxation  differences  taxation  differences 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                 
Tax losses carried forward  473   1,891   1,310   5,239 
Other deductible temporary differences  671   2,685   1,831   7,327 
Total unrecognized deferred tax assets  1,144   4,576   3,141   12,566 

In accordance with the PRC tax law, tax losses can be carried forward, for a period of five years, to offset against future taxable income. The Group’s tax losses carried forward will expire between 2015 and 2019.

As at December 31, 2014, management carried out an assessment to determine whether future taxable profits will be available to utilize the tax losses and deductible temporary differences. As there are still uncertainties around the Group’s future operation results, such as future fuel prices and market competition, management assessed that there are significant uncertainties that future taxable profits will be available and the deferred tax assets arisen from aforementioned tax losses and deductible temporary differences were not recognized.

37PENSION, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

(a)Pension

The Group companies participate in defined contribution retirement schemes organized by municipal governments of various provinces in which the Group companies operate. Substantially all of the Group’s PRC employees are eligible to participate in the Group companies’ retirement schemes. The Group companies are required to make annual contributions to the schemes at rates ranging from 14% to 22% on the employees’ salary and allowances subject to certain ceiling as set up by the relevant municipal governments. Employees are required to contribute to the schemes at rates of 8% of their salaries.In addition, the Group companies initiated an additional defined contribution retirement benefit scheme for employees in 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Group’s pension costs charged to the profit or loss amounted to RMB 1,492 million (2013: RMB1,005 million; 2012:RMB871 million).

(b)Medical insurance

Majority of the Group’s PRC employees participate in the medical insurance schemes organized by municipal governments, under which the Group companies and their employees are required to contribute to the schemes approximately 6% and 12%, respectively, of the employee’s basic salaries subject to certain ceiling as set up by the relevant municipal governments. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Group’s medical insurance contributions charged to the profit or loss amounted to RMB 533 million (2013: RMB478 million; 2012: RMB391 million).

(c)Post-retirement benefits
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  Deferred  Temporary  Deferred  Temporary 
  taxation  differences  taxation  differences 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Tax losses carried forward  409   1,637   489   1,956 
Other deductible temporary differences  32   128   49   195 
Total unrecognized deferred tax assets  441   1,765   538   2,151 

 

In additionaccordance with the PRC tax law, tax losses can be carried forward, for a period of five years, to the above schemes, the Group provides retirees with other post-retirement benefits, including transportation subsidies, social function activities subsidiesoffset against future taxable income. The Group’s tax losses carried forward will expire between 2017 and other welfares. The expected cost of providing these post-retirement benefits is actuarially determined and recognized by using the projected unit credit method, which involves a number of assumptions and estimates, including inflation rate, discount rate and employee turnover rate, etc.2021.

 

The Company and other subsidiaries do not require contributions to be made to the separately administered fund.

The plan is exposed to interest rate risk, the risk of changes in the life expectancy for pensioners and securities market risk.

The most recent actuarial valuation of the post-retirement benefit obligations was carried outAs at December 31, 2014 with assistance from a third party consultant using2016, management carried out an assessment to determine whether future taxable profits will be available to utilize the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

37RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (cont’d)

The post-retirement benefit obligations recognized intax losses and deductible temporary differences. As there are still uncertainties around the consolidated statements of financial position wereGroup’s future operating results, such as follows:

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Post-retirement benefit obligations  3,032   5,819 
Less: current portion  (210)  (204)
         
Long-term portion  2,822   5,615 

The principal actuarial assumptions utilized as at the end of the reporting periods were as follows:

  2014  2013 
       
Discount rates for post-retirement benefits  3.40%-4.20%  4.5%-5.15%
Mortality rate  China Insurance   China Insurance 
   Life Mortality   Life Mortality 
   Table (2000-2003). CL3   Table (2000-2003). CL3 
   for Male and CL4   for Male and CL4 
   for Female   for Female 
Annual increase rate of medical expenses due to age  2.50%  2.50%
Annual increase rate of post-retirement medical expenses  7.00%  7.00%
Inflation rate of pension benefits  3.00%  3.00%

A quantitative sensitivity analysisfuture fuel prices and market competition, management assessed that for certain subsidiaries there are significant assumptions as at December 31, 2014 is shown below:

     Increase/     Increase/ 
     (decrease)     (decrease) 
     in net defined     in net defined 
  Increase  benefit  Decrease  benefit 
  in rate  obligation  in rate  obligation 
  %  RMB million  %  RMB million 
             
Discount rate for post-retirement benefits  0.25   (88)  0.25   92 
Annual increase rate of pension benefits  1.00   314   1.00   (266)
Annual increase rate of medical expenses  1.00   57   1.00   (47)

The sensitivity analyses above have been determined based on a method that extrapolates the impact on net post-retirement benefit obligations as a result of reasonable changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting periods.

Expected contributions to be made in the future years out of the post-retirement benefit obligations were as follows:

  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within the next 12 months  210   213 
Between 2 and 5 years  820   915 
Between 5 and 10 years  966   1,306 
Over 10 years  3,370   15,930 
         
Total expected payments  5,366   18,364 

The average duration of the post-retirement benefit obligations at the end of 2014 was 12 years (2013: 19 years).

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

37RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (cont’d)

The movements in the defined benefit obligationsuncertainties that future taxable profits will be available and the fair value of plandeferred tax assets arising from aforementioned tax losses and deductible temporary differences were as follows:not recognized.

2014                                 
     Pension cost charged/(credited) to profit or loss  Remeasurement (gains)/losses in other comprehensive income         
                 Actuarial  Actuarial             
                 changes  changes     Sub-total       
              Sub-total  arising from  arising from     included       
     Service cost/        included  changes in  changes in     in other       
  January 1  investment  Net  Curtailment  in profit  financial  demographic  Experience  comprehensive  Benefit  December 31 
  2014  income  interest  (Note)  or loss  assumptions  assumptions  adjustments  income  settled  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Defined benefit obligations  5,941   223   294   (3,251)  (2,734)  -   407   (195)  212   (387)  3,032 
                                             
Fair value of plan assets  (122)  -   -   122   122   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                             
Benefit liability  5,819   223   294   (3,129)  (2,612)  -   407   (195)  212   (387)  3,032 

2013               
     Pension cost charged/(credited) to profit or loss  Remeasurement (gains)/losses in other comprehensive income         
              Actuarial  Actuarial             
              changes  changes     Sub-total       
           Sub-total  arising from  arising from     included       
     Service cost/     included  changes in  changes in     in other       
  January 1  investment  Net  in profit  financial  demographic  Experience comprehensive  Benefit  December 31 
  2013  income  interest  or loss  assumptions  assumptions  adjustments  income  settled  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                               
Defined benefit obligations  6,324   (60)  276   217   (593)  492   (325)  (426)  (172)  5,941 
                                         
Fair value of plan assets  (90)  (28)  (5)  (34)  -   -   -   -   1   (122)
                                         
Benefit liability  6,234   (88)  271   183   (593)  492   (325)  (426)  (171)  5,819 

Note: In 2014, pursuant to the relevant approvals, the aforesaid defined benefit plan relating to the employees of the Group was curtailed. As a result, defined benefit liability of RMB3,129 million was reversed and credited to the profit or loss for the current year.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

38STAFF HOUSING BENEFITS

(a) Staff housing fund

In accordance with the PRC housing reform regulations, the Group is required to contribute to the State-sponsored housing fund for its employees at rates ranging from 7% to15% (2013: 7% to 15%) of the specified salary amounts of its PRC employees. At the same time, the employees are required to contribute an amount equal to the Group’s contribution. The employees are entitled to claim the entire sum of the fund contributed under certain specified withdrawal circumstances. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Group’s contributions to the housing funds amounted to RMB 826 million (2013: RMB718 million; 2012: RMB607 million) which was charged to the consolidated profit or loss. The staff housing fund payable as at December 31, 2014 is RMB 81 million (2013: RMB84 million). The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
(b) Staff housing allowances

The Group also provides staff housing allowances in cash to eligible employees. The total entitlement of an eligible employee is principally vested over a period of 20 years. Upon an eligible employee’s resignation or retirement, his or her entitlement would cease and any unpaid entitlement related to past service up to the date of resignation or retirement would be paid. As at December 31, 2014, the present obligation of the provision for employee’s staff housing allowances is RMB315 million (2013: RMB360 million). For the year ended December 31, 2014, the staff housing benefit amounted to RMB 317 million (2013: RMB218 million; 2012: RMB171 million) which was charged to the consolidated profit or loss.


39DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

  Assets  Liabilities 
  2014  2013  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
At December 31,                
Interest rate swaps (Note (a))  8   55   95   124 
Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note (b))  27   13   -   3 
Total  35   68   95   127 
                 
Less: current portion                
– Forward foreign exchange contracts  (5)  -   -   (3)
                 
Non-current portion  30   68   95   124 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of the derivative assets in the statement of financial position.

Notes:
  Assets  Liabilities 
  2016  2015  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
At 31 December                
Interest rate swaps (Note (a))  137   22   47   101 
Forward foreign exchange contracts (Note (b))  11   16   11   - 
Cross currency swap (Note (c))  -   7   -   - 
                 
Total  148   45   58   101 
                 
Less: current portion                
– Interest rate swaps  -   -   -   (4)
– Forward foreign exchange contracts  (11)  -   (11)  - 
                 
   (11)  -   (11)  (4)
                 
Non-current portion  137   45   47   97 

 

(a) Interest rate swapsNotes:

 

(a)The Group uses interestInterest rate swaps to reduce the risk of changes in market interest rates (Note 3(a)(ii)). The interest rate swaps entered into by the Group for swapping floating interest rates, usually referenced to LIBOR, into fixed rates are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Other interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges. As at December 31, 2014, the notional amount of the outstanding interest rate swap agreements was approximately US$801 million (2013: US$844 million). These agreements will expire between 2015 and 2024.

The Group uses interest rate swaps to reduce the risk of changes in market interest rates (Note 3). The interest rate swaps entered into by the Group for swapping floating interest rates, usually referenced to LIBOR, into fixed rates are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Other interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges. As at December 31, 2016, the notional amount of the outstanding interest rate swap agreements was approximately USD1,636 million (2015:USD1,466 million). These agreements will expire between 2018 and 2025.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from the valuation of these interest rate swaps have been dealt with in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:

  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Realized losses (recorded in finance costs)  (122)  (134)  (80)
Unrealized mark to market gains/(losses)            
– cash flow hedges (recognized in other comprehensive income)  166   2   (28)
– fair value hedges (recognized in gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments)  2   6   11 
             
   46   (126)  (97)

 

(b)Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from the valuation of these interest rate swaps have been dealt with in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:Forward foreign exchange contracts

 

  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Realized losses (recorded in finance costs)  (80)  (73)  (99)
Unrealized mark to market losses            
– cash flow hedges (recognized in OCI)  (28)  209   (48)
– fair value hedges (recognized in gain on fair value movements of derivative financial instruments)  11   16   16 
             
   (97)  152   (131)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe Group uses foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk of changes in currency exchange rates in respect of ticket sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies (Note 3). The Group’s foreign exchange forward contracts for selling foreign currency (i.e.,JPY) and purchasing USD at fixed exchange rates are accounted for as cash flow hedges. As at December 31, 2016, the notional amount of the outstanding currency forward contracts was approximately USD440 million (2015: USD12 million), which will expire in 2017.

 

Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from the valuation of these contracts have been dealt with in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:

  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Realized gains/(losses) (recorded in finance income/(costs))  5   15   (2)
Unrealized mark to market (losses)/gains            
– cash flow hedges (recognized in other comprehensive income)  (16)  (11)  17 
             
   (11)  4   15 

39DERIVATIVES FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont’d)

 

(b)(c)Foreign exchange forward contractsCross currency swap

 

The Group uses foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk of changes in currency exchange rates in respect of ticket sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies (Note 3(a)(i)). The Group’s foreign exchange forward contracts for selling foreign currency (i.e.Japanese Yen) and purchasing U.S. dollars at fixed exchange rates are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Other foreign exchange forward contracts are accounted for as fair value hedges. As at December 31, 2014, the notional amount of the outstanding currency forward contracts was approximately US$39 million (2013: US$38 million), which will expire between 2015 and 2017.

The Group uses cross currency swap to reduce the risk of changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. The cross currency swap entered into by the Group for swapping US dollars floating interest rates (LIBOR) into Euro floating interest rates (EURIBOR), is accounted for as a cash flow hedge. As at 31 December 2016, there were no outstanding cross currency swap (2015:USD38 million).

 

Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from the valuation of these contracts have been dealt with in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:

Realized and unrealized gain and loss arising from the valuation of the contract has been dealt with in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as follows:

 

  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Realized (losses)/gains (recorded in finance (costs)/income)  (2)  39   (12)
Unrealized mark to market gains – cash flow hedges (recognized in OCI)  17   37   38 
             
   15   76   26 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Realized gains (recorded in finance costs)  5   -   - 
Unrealized mark to market (losses)/gains           
– cash flow hedges (recognized in other comprehensive income)  (7)  7   - 
             
   (2)  7   - 

 

40FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY

 

 Loans and
Receivables
 Assets at
fair value
through the
profit and loss
 Derivatives
used for
hedging
 Available 
for sale
 Total  Loans and
receivables
 Assets at
fair value
through
profit or loss
 Derivatives
used for
hedging
 Available
-for-sale
 Total 
            RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
2016                    
 RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million                     
Financial assets                                        
                    
Balance, December 31, 2014                    
Available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   433   433 
Available-for-sale investments  -   -   -   645   645 
Derivative financial instruments  -   -   35   -   35   -   -   148   -   148 
Trade receivables  3,862   -   -   -   3,862 
Prepayments and other receivables excluding prepayments  1,313   -   -   -   1,313 
Trade and notes receivables  2,660   -   -   -   2,660 
Other receivables  2,937   -   -   -   2,937 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  38   -   -   -   38   43   -   -   -   43 
Cash and cash equivalents  1,355   -   -   -   1,355   1,695   -   -   -   1,695 
Other long-term assets  528   -   -   -   528 
Other non-current assets  285   -   -   -   285 
                                        
Total  7,096   -   35   433   7,564   7,620   -   148   645   8,413 

 

  Loans and
Receivables
  Liabilities at
fair value
through the
profit and loss
  Derivatives
used for
hedging
  Other
financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
  Total 
                
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Financial liabilities                    
                     
Balance, December 31, 2014                    
Borrowings  59,189   -   -   -   59,189 
Obligations under finance leases  38,695   -   -   -   38,695 
Derivative financial instruments  -   8   87   -   95 
Trade and bills payable  2,083   -   -   -   2,083 
Other payables and accrued expenses  12,818   -   -   -   12,818 
                     
Total  112,785   8   87   -   112,880 

  Liabilities at
fair value
through
profit or loss
  Derivatives
used for
hedging
  Loans and
borrowings
  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
2016                
                 
Financial liabilities                
Borrowings  -   -   56,732   56,732 
Obligations under finance leases  -   -   61,041   61,041 
Derivative financial instruments  -   58   -   58 
Trade and bills payables  -   -   3,376   3,376 
Other payables  -   -   12,942   12,942 
                 
Total  -   58   134,091   134,149 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


40FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY (cont’d)

 

 Loans and
Receivables
 Assets at
fair value
through the
profit and loss
 Derivatives
used for
hedging
 Available 
for sale
 Total  Loans and
receivables
 Assets at
fair value
through
profit or loss
 Derivatives
used for
hedging
 Available
for sale
 Total 
            RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
2015                    
 RMB  million RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB  million                     
Financial assets                                        
                    
Balance, December 31, 2013                    
Available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   411   411 
Available-for-sale investments  -   -   -   452   452 
Derivative financial instruments  -   -   68   -   68   -   -   45   -   45 
Trade receivables  3,525   -   -   -   3,525 
Prepayments and other receivables excluding prepayments  1,940   -   -   -   1,940 
Trade and notes receivables  2,867   -   -   -   2,867 
Other receivables  3,438   -   -   -   3,438 
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  383   -   -   -   383   35   -   -   -   35 
Cash and cash equivalents  1,995   -   -   -   1,995   9,080   -   -   -   9,080 
Other long-term assets  1,030   -   -   -   1,030 
Other non-current assets  338   -   -   -   338 
                                        
Total  8,873   -   68   411   9,352   15,758   -   45   452   16,255 

 

  Loans and
Receivables
  Liabilities at
fair value
through the
profit and loss
  Derivatives
used for
hedging
  Other
financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
  Total 
                
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Financial liabilities                    
                     
Balance, December 31, 2013                    
Borrowings  50,600   -   -   -   50,600 
Obligations under finance leases  23,135   -   -   -   23,135 
Derivative financial instruments  -   -   127   -   127 
Trade and bills payable  3,463   -   -   -   3,463 
Other payables and accrued expenses  12,296   -   -   -   12,296 
                     
Total  89,494   -   127   -   89,621 

  Liabilities at
fair value
through
profit or loss
  Derivatives
used for
hedging
  Loans and
borrowings
  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
2015                
                 
Financial liabilities                
Borrowings  -   -   66,712   66,712 
Obligations under finance leases  -   -   52,399   52,399 
Derivative financial instruments  2   99   -   101 
Trade and bills payables  -   -   3,712   3,712 
Other payables  -   -   11,721   11,721 
                 
Total  2   99   134,544   134,645 

41ISSUEDSHARE CAPITAL

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Registered, issued and fully paid of RMB1.00 each A shares listed on The Shanghai Stock Exchange (“A Shares”)  8,481   8,481 
-Tradable shares held by CEA Holding with trading moratorium (Note)  242   242 
-Tradable shares held by CES Finance Holding Co., Ltd. with trading moratorium (Note)  457   457 
-Tradable shares without trading moratorium  7,782   7,782 
         
H shares listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“H Shares”)  4,193   4,193 
-Tradable shares held by CES Global Holding (Hong Kong) Limited with trading moratorium (Note) 699  699   699 
-Tradable shares without trading moratorium  3,494   3,494 
         
   12,674   12,674 
    2016  2015 
    RMB million  RMB million 
         
Registered, issued and fully paid of RMB1.00 each        
           
A shares listed on The Shanghai Stock Exchange (“A Shares”)  9,808   8,481 
- Tradable shares held by CEA Holding with trading moratorium  -   242 
- Tradable shares held by CES Finance Holding Co., Ltd. with trading moratorium  -   457 
- Tradable shares held by Shanghai Licheng Information Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. with trading moratorium  466   - 
- Tradable shares held by China National Aviation Fuel Holding Company with trading moratorium  466   - 
- Tradable shares held by China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited with trading moratorium  233   - 
- Tradable shares held by Caitong Fund Management Co., Ltd. with trading moratorium  162   - 
- Tradable shares without trading moratorium  8,481   7,782 
           
H shares listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“H Shares”)  4,659   4,659 
- Tradable shares held by CES Global Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited with trading moratorium  -   699 
- Tradable shares without trading moratorium  4,659   3,960 
           
     14,467   13,140 

 

Pursuant to articles 49 and 50 of the Company’s Articlesarticles of Association,association, both the listed A shares and the listed H shares are registered ordinary shares and carry equal rights.

 

Note:

Newly issued shares during 2013 are all shares with trading moratorium.A summary of movements in the Company's share capital is as follows:

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Number of
shares in issue
At1 January 201613,140
Issue of shares1,327
At 31 December 201614,467

42RESERVES

 

    Capital  Hedging       
  Share  reserve  reserve  Other  Retained earnings/ 
  Premium  (Note (a))  (Note 39)  reserve  (Accumulated losses)  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                   
At January 1, 2013  18,015   (720)  (296)  (3,101)  (4,967)  8,931 
Unrealized gain on cashflow hedges (Note 39)  -   -   246   -   -   246 
Fair value movements of available-for-sale financial assets held by associates  -   -   -   (3)  -   (3)
Fair value movements of available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   149   -   149 
Actuarial gain on post-retirement benefit obligations  -   -   -   416   -   416 
Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company  -   -   -   -   2,372   2,372 
Issue of shares  2,175   -   -   -   -   2,175 
Others  -   (58)  -   -   -   (58)
                         
At December 31, 2013  20,190   (778)  (50)  (2,539)  (2,595)  14,228 
                         
Unrealized loss on cashflow hedges (Note 39)  -   -   (11)  -   -   (11)
Fair value movements of available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   14   -   14 
Actuarial loss on post-retirement benefit obligations  -   -   -   (341)  -   (341)
Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company  -   -   -   -   3,410   3,410 
                         
At December 31, 2014  20,190   (778)  (61)  (2,866)  815   17,300 
     Capital     Statutory          
  Share  reserve  Hedging  reserve  Other  Retained profits/    
  premium  (Note (a))  reserve  (Note (b))  reserves  (accumulated losses)  Total 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
                      
At 1 January 2015  20,190   (778)  (61)  -   (2,866)  815   17,300 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges (Note 39)  -   -   10   -   -   -   10 
Fair value movements in available-for-sale investments  -   -   -   -   82   -   82 
Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments held by an associate  -   -   -   -   7   -   7 
Actuarial gains on post-retirement benefit obligations  -   -   -   -   198   -   198 
Acquisition of non-controlling                            
Interests  (252)  -   -   -   -   -   (252)
Transfer from retained profits  -   -   -   184   -   (184)  - 
Issue of shares  2,389   -   -   -   -   -   2,389 
Profit for the year  -   -   -   -   -   4,537   4,537 
                             
At 31 December 2015  22,327   (778)  (51)  184   (2,579)  5,168   24,271 
At 1 January 2016  22,327   (778)  (51)  184   (2,579)  5,168   24,271 
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges (Note 39)  -   -   107   -   -   -   107 
Fair value movements in available-for-sale investments  -   -   -   -   36   -   36 
Fair value changes of available-for-sale investments held by an associate  -   -   -   -   (1)  -   (1)
Actuarial losses on post-retirement benefit obligations  -   -   -   -   (403)  -   (403)
Transfer from retained profits  -   -   -   144   -   (144)  - 
Issue of shares  7,213   -   -   -   -   -   7,213 
Profit for the year  -   -   -   -   -   4,498   4,498 
Interim 2016 dividend  -   -   -   -   -   (738)  (738)
                             
At 31 December 2016  29,540   (778)  56   328   (2,947)  8,784   34,983 

 

Note:Notes:

 

(a)Capital reserve

 

Capital reserve represents the difference between the fair value of the net assets injected and the nominal amount of the Company’s share capital issued in respect of a Groupgroup restructuring carried out in June 1996 for the purpose of the Company’s listing.

 

43(b)ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALEReserve funds

 

The Group entered into several agreements with third parties to dispose certain aircraft and related engines. The aircraft and engines to be sold in the next 12 months with an aggregated carrying value of RMB4,330 million have been recognized as assets classified as held for sale by the Group as at December 31, 2014. There was no impairment loss by referenceAccording to the contracted selling price less estimated costPRC Company Law, the Company is required to sell fortransfer a portion of the year ended December 31, 2014.profits to the statutory reserve. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of dividend to shareholders and when there are retained profits at the end of the financial year.

 

In December 2012, the Group entered into an agreement with a third party to dispose certain aircraft and related engines. The aircraft and engines with an aggregated carrying value of RMB344 million (after the impairment loss charge) ceased operation in 2013 and have been recognized as assets classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013. An impairment loss of approximately RMB50 million was made against these aircraft and engines by reference to the contracted selling price less estimated cost to sell (Note 10) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The abovementioned aircraft and engines were sold in the year ended December 31, 2014.F-72

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

43DISPOSAL OF A SUBSIDIARY

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Net assets disposed of:        
Cash and bank balances  -   8 
Lease prepayments  -   137 
Other payables and accruals  -   (137)
         
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary  -   41 
   -   49 

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Satisfied by:        
Cash  -   49 

An analysis of the net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal of a subsidiary is as follows:

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Cash consideration  -   49 
Cash and bank balances disposed of  -   (8)
Net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal of a subsidiary  -   41 

44NOTEPARTLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES WITH MATERIAL NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Details of the Group’s subsidiaries that have material non-controlling interests are set out below:

  2016  2015 
Percentage of equity interest held by non-controlling interests:        
CEA Jiangsu  37.44%  37.44%
CEA Yunnan  9.64%  9.64%
CEA Wuhan  40.00%  40.00%
China Cargo  17.00%  17.00%

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Profit for the year allocated to non-controlling interests:        
CEA Jiangsu  191   174 
CEA Yunnan  75   120 
CEA Wuhan  173   207 
China Cargo  29   2 
         
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests of CEA Jiangsu  56   37 
         
Accumulated balances of non-controlling interests at the reporting dates:        
CEA Jiangsu  1,236   1,104 
CEA Yunnan  574   499 
CEA Wuhan  1,249   1,074 
China Cargo  (105)  (132)

The following tables illustrate the summarized financial information of the above subsidiaries. The amounts disclosed are before any inter-company eliminations:

  CEA Jiangsu  CEA Yunnan  CEA Wuhan  China Cargo 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
2016                
                 
Revenue  7,298   9,054   3,706   3,770 
Total expenses  6,787   8,280   3,273   3,598 
Profit for the year  511   774   433   172 
Total comprehensive income for the year  503   774   438   157 
                 
Current assets  1,260   990   79   1,595 
Non-current assets  8,163   16,153   6,108   1,525 
Current liabilities  1,971   3,056   1,216   2,834 
Non-current liabilities  4,149   8,134   1,849   889 
                 
Net cash flows from operating activities  1,937   3,178   (196)  279 
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities  (675)  (1,098)  428   11 
Net cash flows used in financing activities  (1,301)  (2,096)  (241)  (11)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net  -   -   -   (1)
                 
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents  (39)  (16)  (9)  278 

44PARTLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES WITH MATERIAL NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS (cont’d)

  CEA Jiangsu  CEA Yunnan  CEA Wuhan  China Cargo 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
2015                
                 
Revenue  6,431   9,518   3,486   4,325 
Total expenses  5,965   8,273   2,968   4,316 
Profit for the year  466   1,245   518   9 
Total comprehensive income for the year  469   1,245   521   12 
                 
Current assets  2,080   2,936   2,570   1,314 
Non-current assets  8,149   14,880   3,412   1,724 
Current liabilities  2,444   4,565   1,307   2,875 
Non-current liabilities  4,836   8,073   1,991   923 
                 
Net cash flows from operating activities  574   2,293   257   702 
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities  74   (1,371)  (114)  (71)
Net cash flows used in financing activities  (617)  (934)  (145)  (668)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net  1   14   -   1 
                 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  32   2   (2)  (36)

45NOTES TO STATEMENTSTHE STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

 

(a) Cash generated from operations

(a)Cash generated from operations

 

 Year ended December 31.  Year ended December 31, 
 2014 2013 2012  2016 2015 2014 
 RMB million RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
              
Profit before income tax  4,113   2,217   3,137   6,497   5,667   4,113 
Adjustments for:                        
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets  9,125   8,174   7,509 
Losses/(gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment  25   (316)  (101)
Gain on disposals of investment in associates  -   (9)  - 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of other non-current assets  12,345   10,710   9,056 
Amortization of intangible assets  129   85   69 
Depreciation of investment properties  11   4   - 
Amortization of lease prepayments  63   60   58 
(Gains)/losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment  (74)  (377)  25 
Gain on disposal of lease prepayments  (3)  (1)  - 
Gain on disposal of investments in a subsidiary  -   (41)  - 
Gain on disposal of investment in an associate  (12)  -   - 
Gain on disposal of available-for-sale investments  (95)  (33)  - 
Dividend income from available-for-sale investments  (28)  (13)  - 
Share of results of associates  (91)  (38)  (103)  (148)  (126)  (91)
Share of results of joint ventures  (36)  (27)  (30)  (39)  (26)  (36)
Amortization of lease prepayments  58   52   48 
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains)  203   (1,976)  (148)
Gain arising from fair value movements of derivative financial instruments  (11)  (16)  (16)
Consumption of flight equipment spare parts  712   787   747 
Impairment charge/(reversal) for trade and other receivables  11   (2)  (7)
(Reversal of)/provision for post-retirement benefits  (2,612)  183   582 
Provision for return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases  1,122   872   793 
Impairment charges/(reversals)  12   186   (13)
Net foreign exchange losses  3,246   5,480   203 
Gain on fair value changes of derivative financial instruments  (2)  (6)  (11)
Reversal of post-retirement benefits  -   -   (2,612)
Impairment charges  29   228   22 
Interest income  (88)  (148)  (201)  (96)  (66)  (88)
Interest expense  1,957   1,549   1,697   2,641   2,075   1,957 
                        
Operating profit before working capital changes  14,500   11,488   13,894   24,464   23,620   12,665 
                        
Changes in working capital                        
Flight equipment spare parts  (750)  (985)  (1,176)  (202)  117   (37)
Trade receivables  (345)  (557)  (428)
Trade and notes receivables  208   985   (345)
Prepayments and other receivables  (1,314)  (2,028)  (100)  (839)  (2,011)  (1,314)
Restricted bank deposits and short-term bank deposits  345   1,343   1,168   (8)  -   345 
Sales in advance of carriage  1,491   440   (103)  1,836   777   1,491 
Trade and bills payable  (720)  387   388 
Trade and bills payables  (336)  1,629   (720)
Other payables and accruals  1,024   1,539   179   1,424   (234)  1,024 
Staff housing allowances  (57)  105   45 
Other long-term liabilities  145   (94)  (384)  (883)  1,164   145 
Post-retirement benefit obligations  321   (282)  (387)
Provision for return condition checks for aircraft under operating leases  (1,455)  (453)  (293)  167   (381)  (333)
Staff housing allowances  45   (11)  40 
Post-retirement benefit obligations  (387)  (172)  (304)
Operating lease deposits  188   223   (58)  59   46   188 
                        
Cash generated from operations  12,767   11,120   12,823   26,154   25,535   12,767 

 

(b)Non-cashMajor non-cash transactions

 

  Year ended December 31. 
  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Financing activities not affecting cash:            
Finance lease obligations incurred for acquisition of aircraft  19,905   4,525   5,713 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  Year ended December 31, 
  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Finance lease obligations incurred for acquisition of aircrafts  8,838   21,887   19,905 

4546COMMITMENTS

 

(a)Capital commitments

 

The Group had the following capital commitments:

 

 December 31,  2016 2015 
 2014 2013  RMB million RMB million 
 RMB million RMB million      
     
Authorized and contracted for:        
Contracted for:        
– Aircraft, engines and flight equipment (Note)  105,011   83,726   123,019   106,666 
– Other property, plant and equipment  3,108   1,649   9,550   3,923 
– Investment  38   38   140   - 
  108,157   85,413         
          132,709   110,589 
Authorized but not contracted for:        
– Other property, plant and equipment  26,182   3,422 
– Investment  1,000   - 
  27,182   3,422 
        
  135,339   88,835 

 

Note:

 

Contracted expenditures for the above aircraft, engines and flight equipment, including deposits prior to delivery, subject to future inflation increasesincrease built into the contracts were expected to be paid as follows:

 

 December 31, 
 2014 2013  2016 2015 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million RMB million 
          
Within one year  25,830   28,762   28,384   23,781 
In the second year  18,249   24,129   32,306   26,642 
In the third year  14,833   14,094   28,983   25,579 
In the fourth year  16,119   6,930   18,334   18,793 
Over four years  29,980   9,811   15,012   11,871 
                
  105,011   83,726   123,019   106,666 

The above capital commitments represent the future outflow of cash or other resources.

 

(b)Operating lease commitments

 

As at eachthe reporting date, the Group had commitments under operating leases to pay future minimum lease rentals under operating leases as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Aircraft, engines and flight equipment        
Within one year  3,818   4,201 
In the second year  3,508   3,699 
In the third to fifth year inclusive  8,022   8,651 
After the fifth year  8,682   5,581 
   24,030   22,132 
         
Land and buildings        
Within one year  202   276 
In the second year  164   181 
In the third to fifth year inclusive  382   414 
After the fifth year  1,983   2,179 
   2,731   3,050 
         
   26,761   25,182 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Aircraft, engines and flight equipment        
Within one year  3,814   4,308 
In the second year  3,124   3,676 
In the third to fifth years, inclusive  7,616   7,962 
After the fifth year  7,605   8,977 
         
   22,159   24,923 
         
Land and buildings        
Within one year  362   299 
In the second year  225   219 
In the third to fifth years, inclusive  411   410 
After the fifth year  732   814 
         
   1,730   1,742 
         
   23,889   26,665 

4647RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Group is controlled by CEA Holding, which directly owns 40.03% of the Company’s shares as at December 31, 2014 (2013: 40.03%; 2012: 42.84%). In addition, through CES Global Holding (Hong Kong) Limited, and CES Finance Holding Co., Ltd., two wholly owned subsidiaries of CEA Holding, CEA Holding owns 20.72% and 3.61% of the Company’s shares respectively as at December 31,2014 (2013: 20.72% and 3.61%; 2012: 17.09% and nil).

The Group is controlled by CEA Holding, which directly owns 35.06% of the Company’s shares as at 31 December 2016 (2015: 38.61%). In addition, through CES Global Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited and CES Finance Holding Co., Ltd., two wholly-owned subsidiaries of CEA Holding, CEA Holding indirectly owns additional shares of the Company of approximately 18.15% and 3.16% respectively as at 31 December 2016 (2015: 19.99% and 3.48%).

 

The Company is a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and is controlled by the PRC government, which also owns a significant portion of the productive assets in the PRC. In accordance with IAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures", government-related entities and their subsidiaries, directly or indirectly controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by the PRC government are defined as related parties of the Group. On that basis, related parties include CEA Holding and its subsidiaries (other than the Group), other government-related entities and their subsidiaries ("Other State Owned Enterprises"), other entities and corporations over which the Company is able to control or exercise significant influence and key management personnel of the Company as well as their close family members.

The Company is a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC and is controlled by the PRC government, which also owns a significant portion of the productive assets in the PRC. In accordance with IAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures", government-related entities and their subsidiaries, directly or indirectly controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by the PRC government are defined as related parties of the Group. On that basis, related parties include CEA Holding and its subsidiaries (other than the Group), other government-related entities and their subsidiaries ("Other State-owned Enterprises"), other entities and corporations over which the Company is able to control or exercise significant influence and key management personnel of the Company as well as their close family members.

 

For the purposespurpose of the related party transaction disclosures, the directors of the Company believe that meaningful information in respect of related party transactions has been adequately disclosed below in addition to the transactions detailed elsewhere in these financial statements.disclosed.

 

(a)Nature of related parties that do not control or controlled by the Group:

 

Name of related party Relationship with the Group
   
Eastern Air Finance Company Associate of the Company
Kunming Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd. (“Kunming Dongmei”)Controlled by the same parent company
Shanghai Dongmei Air Travel Co., Ltd.(“Shanghai Dongmei”)Associate of the Company (it was acquired by the Group and became a wholly-owned subsidiary in August 2014)
Xian Dongmei Aviation Travel Co., Ltd. (“Xian Dongmei”)Controlled by the same parent company
Eastern Import & Export Associate of the Company
Wheels & BrakesJoint controlled entity of the Company
Technologies AerospaceJoint controlled entity of the Company
Shanghai P&W Associate of the Company
Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Catering”)Controlled by the same parent company
Eastern Advertising Associate of the Company
Jetstar Hong KongAssociate of the Company
Collins AviationAssociate of the Company
Shanghai Dongmei Air Travel Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Dongmei”)Associate of the Company (acquired by the Group and became a wholly-owned subsidiary in August 2014)
Wheels & BrakesJoint venture of the Company
Technologies AerospaceJoint venture of the Company
China KaiyaJoint venture of the Company
Shanghai HuteJoint venture of the Company
CEA Development Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“CEA Development”) Controlled by the same parent company
Shanghai Hute Aviation Tech.China Eastern Air Catering Investment Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“Shanghai Hute”Eastern Air Catering”) Joint controlled entity ofControlled by the Companysame parent company

Shanghai Hang LvCES International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd.Financial Leasing Corporation

Limited (“Hang

Lv International Freight Forwarding”CES Lease Company”)

 Controlled by the same parent company
Eastern China Kaiya System Integration (“China Kaiya”)Joint controlled entity of the Company

Shanghai Aviation Import & Export Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Import &

Export”)

Associate of the Company

Shanghai Eastern Airlines Investment Co., Ltd. (“Eastern

Investment”)

 Controlled by the same parent company

Eastern Airlines Tourism Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Eastern

Tourism”)

 Controlled by the same parent company
JetstarAssociate of the Company
Collins Aviation Maintenance Services (Shanghai) LimitedBeijing Eastern Airlines Investment Co., Ltd. (“Collins Aviation”Beijing Dongtou”) Associate

Controlled by the same parent company (acquired by the Eastern
Investment in August 2015)

TravelSky Technology Limited (“TravelSky”)A director and vice president of the Company is a director of Travelsky

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 


4647RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (cont’d)

 

(b)Related party transactiontransactions

 

    Pricing policy Income/(expense or payments) 
    and decision 2014  2013  2012 
Nature of transactions Related party Process RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
              
With CEA Holding or companies directly or indirectly held by CEA Holding:         
                 
Interest income on deposits at an Eastern Finance (iv)  21   25   46 
average rate of 0.35% per annum                
                 
Interest income on loans at an Jetstar (vi)  10   -   - 
average rate of 6.00% per annum                
                 
Commission expense on air tickets Shanghai Dongmei (ii)  (5)  (9)  (12)
sold on behalf of the Group, at Kunming Dongmei    -   -   (5)
rates ranging from 3% to 9% of Xian Dongmei    -   -   (3)
the value of tickets sold*                
                 
Handling charges of 0.1% to 2% Eastern Import & Export (ii)  (120)  (105)  (79)
for purchase of aircraft, flight                
equipment, flight equipment spare                
parts, other property, plant and                
flight equipment and repairs                
for aircraft and engines*                
                 
Repairs and maintenance expense Wheels & Brakes (ii)  (81)  (72)  (58)
for aircraft and engines Technologies Aerospace (ii)  (188)  (142)  (195)
  Shanghai P&W (ii)  (1,804)  (1,660)  (2,009)
                 
Supply of system services China Kaiya (ii)  (36)  (6)  - 
                 
Supply of food and beverages* Shanghai Catering and (i)  (851)  (919)  (783)
  its subsidiaries              
                 
Advertising expense* Eastern Advertising (ii)  (5)  (10)  (39)
                 
Media royalty fee* Eastern Advertising (iii)  16   15   36 
                 
Automobile maintenance service, CEA Development (ii)  (142)  (143)  (122)
aircraft maintenance, providing                
transportation automobile and                
other products*                
                 
Equipment maintenance fee Shanghai Hute (ii)  (66)  (69)  (47)
  Collins Aviation (ii)  (46)        
                 
Property management and Eastern Investment (ii)  (4)  -   - 
green maintenance expenses*                
                 
Supply of hotel accommodation Eastern Tourism (ii)  (1)  -   - 
service*                
                 
Land and building rental* CEA Holding (ii)  (50)  (59)  (67)
                 
Acquisition of a subsidiary* Eastern Tourism (v)  (32)  (12)  - 
                 
Acquisition of non-controlling CEA Holding (v)  -   -   (84)
interests in subsidiaries Shanghai Import & Export (v)  -   -   (21)
                 
Acquisition of non-controlling Eastern Tourism (v)  -   -   (14)
interests in associates                
                 
Disposal of investment in an associate Eastern Investment (v)  -   -   94 
      Income or receipts/ 
    Pricing (expense or payments) 
    policy 2016  2015  2014 
Nature of transaction Related party decision RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
              
With CEA Holding or companies directly or indirectly held by CEA Holding:                
                 
Interest income on deposits Eastern Air Finance Company (iv)  23   20   21 
                 
Interest income on loans Jetstar Hong Kong (iv)  -   1   10 
                 
Interest expense on loans Eastern Air Finance Company (iv)  (10)  (11)  (37)
  CEA Holding (iv)  (1)  -   - 
                 
Commission expense on air tickets sold on behalf of the Group Shanghai Dongmei (ii)  -   -   (5)
                 
Handling charges for purchase of aircraft, flight equipment, flight equipment spare parts, other property, plant and flight equipment and repairs for aircraft and engines* Eastern Import & Export (ii)  (105)  (119)  (120)
                 
Repairs and maintenance expense for aircraft and engines Wheels & Brakes (ii)  (176)  (137)  (81)
  Technologies Aerospace (ii)  (252)  (193)  (188)
  Shanghai P&W (ii)  (2,049)  (1,717)  (1,804)
  Shanghai Hute (ii)  (84)  -   - 
                 
Supply of cabin cleaning services Eastern Advertising (ii)  (21)  -   - 
                 
Supply of logistics services Eastern Import & Export (ii)  (72)  -   - 
                 
Supply of system services China Kaiya (ii)  (79)  (45)  (36)
                 
Supply of food and beverages* Eastern Air Catering (i)  (1,054)  (1,058)  (851)
  CEA development (i)  (51)  (38)  - 
  Eastern Import & Export (i)  (50)  (32)  - 
                 
Cargo handling income Eastern Import & Export (iii)  15   -   - 
                 
Advertising expense* Eastern Advertising (ii)  (36)  (24)  (5)
                 
Media royalty fee Eastern Advertising (iii)  17   26   16 
                 
Automobile maintenance service, aircraft maintenance, providing transportation automobile and other products* CEA Development (ii)  (86)  (86)  (142)
                 
Equipment maintenance fee Shanghai Hute (ii)  -   -   (66)
  Collins Aviation (ii)  (30)  (26)  (46)
  CEA Development (ii)  (11)  (24)  - 
                 
Property management and green maintenance expenses* Eastern Investment (ii)  -   -   (4)
  CEA Development (ii)  (59)  (52)  - 
                 
Supply of hotel accommodation service Eastern Tourism (ii)  -   -   (1)
  CEA Development (ii)  (91)  (39)  - 
                 
Land and building rental* CEA Holding (ii)  (54)  (52)  (50)
                 
Acquisition of a subsidiary Eastern Tourism (v)  -   -   (32)
                 
Disposal of a subsidiary Eastern Investment (v)  -   49   - 
                 
Payments on finance lease* CES Lease Company (ii)  (2,721)  (216)  - 

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

4647RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (cont’d)

 

(b) Related party transaction(cont’d)

(b)Related party transactions (cont’d)

 

(i)The Group’s pricing policies on products purchased from related parties are mutually agreed based on market prices between contract parties.

(ii)The Group’s pricing policies on services provided by related parties are mutually agreed based on the market prices between contract parties.

(iii)The Group’s pricing policies on services provided to related parties are mutually agreed based on the market prices between contract parties.

(iv)The Group’s pricing policies on related party interest rate are mutually agreed based on benchmark interest rates between contract parties.

(v)The Company’s pricing policies on transfer of equity or dispose of investment are based on the valuation prices.

(vi)The Group’s pricing policies on related party interest rate are mutually agreed based on market interest rates between contract parties.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      Income or receipts/ 
    Pricing (expense or payments) 
    policy 2016  2015  2014 
Nature of transaction Related party decision RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
              
Civil aviation information network services** TravelSky (ii)  (590)  (454)  - 
                 
Flight training fee CAE Melbourne (ii)  (68)  -   - 

 

46(i)The Group’s pricing policies on products purchased from related parties are mutually agreed between contract parties.

(ii)The Group’s pricing policies on services provided by related parties are mutually agreed between contract parties.

(iii)The Group’s pricing policies on services provided to related parties are mutually agreed between contract parties.

(iv)The Group’s pricing policies on related party interest rates are mutually agreed between contract parties by reference to the benchmark interest rates.

(v)The Group’s pricing policies on transfer of equity or disposal of investments are mutually agreed based on the valuation prices.

*These related party transactions also constitute connected transactions or continuing connected transactions as defined in Chapter 14A of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange (the “Listing Rules”).

**This related party transaction constitutes continuing connected transaction pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Stocks on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

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47RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (cont’d)

 

(c)Balances with related companiesparties

 

(i) Amounts due from related companies

(i) Amounts due from related parties

 

    December 31, 
Nature Company 2014  2013 
    RMB million  RMB million 
         
Trade receivables Hang Lv International Freight Forwarding  -   1 
  Others  1   1 
     1   2 
           
Prepayments and other receivables Eastern Import & Export  123   169 
  Collins Aviation  16   - 
  China Kaiya  14   14 
  Others  16   18 
     169   201 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Prepayments and other receivables        
 Eastern Import & Export  536   31 
China Kaiya  -   11 
Technologies Aerospace  16   5 
Beijing Dongtou  -   88 
Eastern Air Catering  57   - 
Others  7   4 
         
   616   139 

 

All the amounts due from related companiesparties are trade in nature, interest freeinterest-free and payable within normal credit trade customers.terms.

 

(ii) Amounts due to related companiesrelatedparties

 

    December 31, 
Nature Company 2014  2013 
    RMB million  RMB million 
         
Trade and bills payable Eastern Import & Export  112   942 
  Shanghai Catering  38   4 
  Technologies Aerospace  4   29 
  Others  32   21 
     186   996 
           
Other payables and
accruals
 Eastern Import & Export  652   45 
  Shanghai P&W  255   323 
  Shanghai Catering  154   224 
  CEA Holding  97   63 
  Collins Aviation  15   - 
  China Kaiya  12   - 
  Shanghai Hute  59   - 
  Technologies Aerospace  157   - 
  CEA  Development  50   - 
  Others  32   48 
     1,483   703 
  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Trade and bills payables        
         
Eastern Import & Export  85   295 
Eastern Air Catering  37   37 
Wheels & Brakes  -   8 
CEA development  19   2 
Collins Aviation  2   1 
CEA Holding  3   1 
Technologies Aerospace  45   5 
TravelSky  -   548 
Shanghai Hute  19   - 
Others  4   - 
         
   214   897 
         
Other payables and accruals        
Eastern Import & Export  240   303 
Shanghai P&W  324   259 
Eastern Air Catering  166   253 
CEA Holding  303   160 
Collins Aviation  -   3 
Shanghai Hute  20   - 
Technologies Aerospace  29   25 
Wheels & Brakes  26   3 
Jetstar Hong Kong  -   10 
CEA Development  72   61 
TravelSky  963   223 
Eastern Advertising  18   - 
Others  5   5 
         
   2,166   1,305 
Obligations under finance leases        
         
CES Lease Company  5,521   5,826 

 

Except for the amounts due to CEA Holding,CES Lease Company, which are reimbursement in nature,related to the aircraft under finance lease, all other amounts due to related companiesparties are trade in nature. All amounts due to related companies are interest freeinterest-free and payable within normal credit terms given by trade creditors.

(iii) Short-term deposits and borrowings with associates and CEA Holding

  Average interest rate  December 31, 
  2014  2013  2014  2013 
        RMB million  RMB million 
             
Short-term deposits
 (included in restricted bank deposits
 and short-term bank deposits)
 “Eastern Finance”
  0.35%  0.39%  369   620 
   Short-term loans (included in borrowings)
“Eastern Finance”
  2.26%  4.01%  73   1,421 
Long-term loans(included in borrowings)
“Eastern Finance”
  5.73%  5.76%  125   165 
Loans(Note)
    (included in prepayments and other receivables)
“Jetstar”
  6.00%  -   369   - 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


4647RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (cont’d)

 

(c)Balances with related companiesparties (cont’d)

 

Note: In July 2014, Eastern Air Overseas signed a loan contract(iii) Short-term deposits and borrowings with Jetstar, an associate of the Company. According to the contract, Eastern Air Overseas offered a loan of USD 60 million at market interest rate for Jetstar. The principal of the loan will be repayable on April 30, 2015.associates and CEA Holding

  Average interest rate  December 31, 
  2016  2015  2016  2015 
        RMB million  RMB million 
             
Short-term deposits
(included in cash and cash equivalents)
“Eastern Air Finance Company”
  0.35%  0.35%  1,296   729 
                 
Long-term borrowings
(included in borrowings)

“CEA Holding”
  3.48%  -   28   - 

 

(d)Guarantees by holding company

 

As at December 31, 2014, bonds of the Group guaranteed by CEA Holding were RMB4.8 billion (2013: RMB4.8 billion) (Note 33).

As at December 31, 2016, bonds of the Group guaranteed by CEA Holding amounted to RMB7.8 billion (2015: RMB4.8 billion) (Note 34(b)).

 

(e)Key management compensation

 

The compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services mainly comprised of salaries and other short-term employee benefits and was analyzed as below:

 

  2014  2013  2012 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Directors and supervisors (Note 9(a))  3   4   3 
Senior management  3   3   3 
             
   6   7   6 

*These related party transactions also constitute connected transactions or continuing connected transactions as defined in Chapter 14A of the listing rules.

47ULTIMATE HOLDING COMPANY

The Directors regard CEA Holding, a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC, as being the ultimate holding company.

  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Directors and supervisors  2   3   3 
Senior management  4   3   3 
             
   6   6   6 

 

48DIVIDENDS

  2016  2015  2014 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Interim – RMB5.1 cents (2015: Nil) per ordinary share  738   -   - 
Proposed final – RMB4.9 cents (2015: nil) per ordinary share  709   -   - 
             
   1,447   -   - 

The proposed final dividend for the year is subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

49EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

 

In December 2014, the Company entered into a capital injection agreement pursuantUp to which the Company, CEA Holding and CES Finance would inject and increase the registered capital of CEA Finance by RMB1,500 million in proportion according to their respective shareholding. The Company contributed a pro-rata amount of RMB375 million in February 2015.

On each of February 12, 2015 and March 26, 2015,27 April 2017, the Company issued four phases of short-term debentures with atotal principal of RMB3for RMB10.0 billion with aand the maturity offrom 60 days to 180 days.days to institutional investors in the national interbank bond market. The debentures bear interest at the rate of 4.5%3.00% per annum to 3.79% per annum.

 

On 29 November 2016, the Company announced the decision of its Board to transfer 100% equity interest in Eastern Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to Eastern Airlines Industry Investment Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEA Holding, based on the result of appraisal conducted by asset-based approach for a consideration of RMB2,433 million. Eastern Logistics engages in cargo logistics services. The Group has decided to cease its freight logistics business because it plans to focus relevant resources on operating its air passenger transportation business in the future. The disposal of Eastern Logistics is subject to shareholders’ approval and was approved by the shareholders on 17 January 2017. As at 31 December 2016, Eastern Logistics is included in the reportable segment of “airline transportation operations” in the Note 7 to the financial statements. At of 8 February 2017, the transfer of 100% equity interest in Eastern Logistics to Eastern Airlines Industry Investment Company Limited and the industrial and commercial registration of such transfer have been completed. As such, since the completion of the share transfer, Eastern Logistics has ceased to be a subsidiary of the Company.

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