Chinese carriers beat oil slump

Decision to stop 'hedging' on fuel prices proves winning formula for airlines

Chinese carriers stopped hedging their fuel purchases - even when prices soared above $100 a barrel. This decision was taken after many airlines were hit because of slumping fuel prices in 2008 and 2009. But now they are having the last laugh.

Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp and other Chinese carriers are expected to benefit the most after oil prices in London fell below $50 a barrel on Monday, their lowest closing price in more than six months.