Bumpy road ahead for Shanghai carriers

SHANGHAI: Like filial children of traditional Chinese families, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines have tied the knot at the wishes of their respective parents, who have not only arranged the marriage but also laid down the ground rules for the couple's future.

But as experts and analysts point out the road ahead is bumpy and marked by turbulence with the dark clouds of economic recession hovering on the horizon.

The Hong Kong and Shanghai listed China Eastern, is controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), while the Shanghai-listed Shanghai Airlines is majority owned by the city's municipal government.