Changes at the top for big airlines

SHANGHAI: The relocation of top airline executives, one of the latest prescriptions made by the central government to the blighted aviation industry, could be a harbinger of future industry consolidation, analysts said.

In separate statements on Dec 12, China Eastern Airlines nominated Liu Shaoyong as board director and accepted Li Fenghua and Cao Jianxiong's resignations as president and general manager, respectively; while China Southern Airlines announced Liu's resignation as president.

Caijing magazine reported that Liu will take Li Fenghua's position as China Eastern's president and general manager; Ma Xulun, deputy general manager with Air China, will become China Eastern's vice general manager, and the position of Air China's vice general manager will be filled by Cao.