UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 20-F
 
(Mark One)

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

þ 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 2009  
 
OR

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

¨ 
o
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report _____________
For the transition period from _________ to
 
Commission file number 1-14660
 
 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED
 
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
 
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
278 JI CHANG ROAD
GUANGZHOU, 510405
 
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 510405
 
(Address of principal executive offices)


Mr. Xie Bing 02086124462,
Telephone: +86 20 86124462
E-mail:ir@csair.com
webmaster@csair.com and/or 02086659040Fax: +86 20 86659040
Address: 278 JI CHANG ROAD
GUANGZHOU, 510405
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 510405

 (Name,(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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
   
Ordinary H Shares of par value
 
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
RMB1.00 per share
  
represented by American
  
Depositary Receipts
  
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
 
None
 
(Title of Class)
 
(Title of Class)
SEC 1852 (05-06) 
Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
 
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. 2,200,000,0005,521,150,000 ordinary DomesticA Shares of par value RMB1.00 per share and 1,174,178,0002,482,417,000 ordinary H Shares of par value RMB1.00 per share and 1,000,000,000 ordinary A Shares of par value RMB1.00 per share were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2007.2009.

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

o¨ Yes þ No

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 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

o¨ Yes þ No

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 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.

þ Yes o¨No

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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filerþ    Accelerated filer o¨  Non-accelerated filer o¨
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP o¨
International Financial Reporting Standards þ
Other o¨
 as issued by the International Accounting 
 Standards Board 
 
If "Other"“Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o¨  Item 17¨ o  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).

o¨ Yes  Yesþ  No



China Southern Airlines Company Limited

 
Page
  
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS1
  
INTRODUCTORY NOTE1
  
GLOSSARY OF AIRLINE INDUSTRY TERMS2
  
PART I3
PART I
  
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERSADVISERS.3
  
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLETIMETABLE.3
  
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATIONINFORMATION.3
  
Selected Financial Data3
  
Capitalization and Indebtedness6
  
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds6
  
Risk Factors76
  
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANYCOMPANY.12
  
History and Development of the Company12
Aircraft Acquisitions13
Capital Expenditure14
  
Business Overview1413
  
Organizational Structure3329
  
Property, Plant and Equipment3431
  
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTSCOMMENTS.3632
  
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTSPROSPECTS.3632
  
Critical Accounting Policies3632
  
Recently Pronounced International Financial Reporting Standards3733
  
Overview3733
  
Certain Financial Information and Operating Data by Geographic Region3834
  
Operating Results3935
  
Liquidity and Capital Resources4441
  
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments4643
  
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.4643
  
Directors, Senior Management and Employees4643
  
Compensation48
 52
Board Practices49
 
i


Board PracticesEmployees5350
Employees54
  
Share Ownership5651
  
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSTRANSACTIONS.5651
  
Major Shareholders5651
  
Related Party Transactions5652
  
Interests of Experts and Counsel6255
  
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION.��6255
  
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information6255
  
Significant Changes6255
  
Legal Proceedings6255
  
Dividend Information6255
  
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTINGLISTING.6255
  
Offer and Listing Details6255
  
Plan of Distribution6457
  
Markets6457
  
Selling Shareholders6457
  
Dilution6457
  
Expenses of the Issue6457
  
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION.6457
  
A.Share Capital6457
  
B.Memorandum and Articles of Association6457
  
C.Material Contracts6961
  
D.Exchange Controls7061
  
E.Taxation7162
  
F.Dividends and Paying Agents7566
  
G.Statement by Experts7566
  
H.Documents on Display7566
  
I.Subsidiary Information7666
Comparison of New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Rules and China Corporate Governance Rules for Listed Companies76
  
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKRISK.66
 79
ii

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIESSECURITIES.8168
  
PART II
70
ii


ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIESDELINQUENCIES.8170
  
ITEM 14.  MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDSPROCEEDS.8170
  
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURESPROCEDURES.8170
  
ITEM 16. RESERVED8371
  
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERTEXPERT.8371
  
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICSETHICS.8372
  
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICESSERVICES.8372
  
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE
8472
  
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERSPURCHASERS.8472
  
ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT.72
PART III
  
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.72
PART III75
  
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTATEMENTS.8475
  
STATEMENTS.8475
  
ITEM 19. EXHIBITSEXHIBITS.75
 
85Index to Exhibits75

iii



This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of different places in this Annual Report. A forward-looking statement is usually identified by the use in this Annual Report of certain terminology such as “estimates”, “projects”, “expects”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, “anticipates”, or their negatives or other comparable words. Also look for discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future operations, forecasts of future costs and expenditures, evaluation of market conditions, the outcome of legal proceedings (if any), the adequacy of reserves, or other business plans. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing the Company or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying those forward-looking statements.

Some of these risks and assumptions, in addition to those identified under Item 3, “Key Information - Risk Factors,” include:

·general economic and business conditions in markets where the Company operates, including changes in interest rates;

·pricesthe effects of competition on the demand for and other economic conditions;price of our services;

·natural phenomena;

·actions by government authorities, including changes in government regulations;regulations, and changes in the CAAC’s regulatory policies;

·the Company’s relationship with CSAHC;China Southern Air Holding Company (the “CSAHC”);

·uncertainties associated with legal proceedings;

·technological development;

·future decisions by management in response to changing conditions;

·the Company’s ability to execute prospective business plans;

·the availability of qualified flight personnel and airport facilities; and

·misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements.

The Company advises you that these cautionary remarks expressly qualify in their entirety all forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, the Group and persons acting on their behalf.


In this Annual Report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the “Company” means China Southern Airlines Company Limited, a joint stock company incorporated in China on March 25, 1995, the “Group” means the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and “CSAHC” means China Southern Air Holding Company, the Company’s parent company which holds a 50.3%59.32% controlling interest in the Company.Company as of May 7, 2010.

References to “China” or the “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. References to “Renminbi” or “RMB” are to the currency of China, references to “U.S. dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America (the “U.S.” or “United States”), and reference to “HK$” is to the currency of Hong Kong. Reference to the “Chinese Government”government” is to the national government of China. References to “Hong Kong” or “Hong Kong SAR” are to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.PRC. References to “Macau” or “Macau SAR” are to the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.PRC.
 
1


The Company presents its consolidated financial statements in Renminbi. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 20072009 (the “Financial Statements”) have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”), which collective term includes all applicable individual International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards (“IASs”IAS”) and interpretations issued by the International Accounting StandardStandards Board (the “IASB”).
1


Solely for the convenience of the readers, this Annual Report contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at the rate of US$1.00 = RMB7.3046,RMB6.8282, which is the average of the buying and selling rates as quoted by the People’s Bank of China at the close of business on December 31, 2007.2009. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts or U.S. dollar amounts included in this Annual Report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Any discrepancies in the tables included herein between the amounts listed and the totals are due to rounding.


In this Annual Report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below.

Capacity Measurements
  
   
“available seat kilometers” or “ASKs” the number of seats made available for sale multiplied by the kilometers flown
   
“available ton kilometers” or “ATKs” the number of tons of capacity available for the transportation of revenue load (passengers and cargo) multiplied by the kilometers flown
   
Traffic Measurements
  
“cargo ton kilometers”the load in tons multiplied by the kilometers flown
   
“revenue passenger kilometers” or “RPKs” the number of revenue passengers carried multiplied by the kilometers flown
“cargo ton kilometers”the cargo load in tons multiplied by the kilometers flown
   
“revenue ton kilometers” or “RTKs” the load (passenger and cargo) in tons multiplied by the kilometers flown
   
Yield Measurements
  
“passenger yield”revenue from passenger operations divided by RPKs
“cargo yield”revenue from cargo operations divided by cargo ton kilometers
   
“average yield” revenue from airline operations (passenger and cargo) divided by RTKs
   
cargo yield”revenue from cargo operations divided by cargo ton kilometers
“passenger yield”revenue from passenger operations divided by RPKs
ton” a metric ton, equivalent to 2,204.6 pounds
   
Load Factors
  
“passenger load factor”RPKs expressed as a percentage of ASKs
“overall load factor”RTKs expressed as a percentage of ATKs
   
“breakeven load factor” the load factor required to equate scheduled traffic revenue with operating costs assuming that total operating surplus is attributable to scheduled traffic operations
   
“overall load factor”RTKs expressed as a percentage of ATKs
“passenger load factor”RPKs expressed as a percentage of ASKs
2


Utilization  
   
“utilization rate”rates” the actual number of flight and taxi hours per aircraft per operating day
2

Equipment
  
Equipment
“expendables”aircraft parts that are ordinarily used up and replaced with new parts
   
“rotables” aircraft parts that are ordinarily repaired and reused
   
“expendables”Liquidity Ratios aircraft parts that are ordinarily used up
“current ratio”current assets divided by current liabilities
“quick ratio”current assets excluding inventories divided by current liabilities
Others
“ADR”American Depositary Receipt
“A Shares” Shares issued by the Company to investors in the PRC for subscription in RMB, with par value of RMB1.00 each
“CAAC”Civil Aviation Administration of China
“CAOSC”China Aviation Oil Supplies Company
“CSRC”China Securities Regulatory Commission
“H Shares” Shares issued by the Company, listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and replacedsubscribed for and traded in Hong Kong dollars, with new partspar value of RMB1.00 each
“Nan Lung”Nan Lung Holding Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC)
“NDRC”National Development and Reform Commission of China
“SA Finance”Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited
“SAFE”State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China
“SEC”United States Securities and Exchange Commission

PART I

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS.

Not applicable.


Not applicable.



The following tables present selected financial data of the CompanyGroup as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2007.2009. The selected consolidated income statement of operations data for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20072009 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006, have been2008 excluding basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADR, are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company, including the related notes, included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated income statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 20032006 and 20042005 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005, 20042007, 2006 and 20032005 are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report.

3


Moreover, the selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements together with accompanying notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Unless otherwise indicated, ourOur consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRSs.

  
Year ended December 31, 
 
  
2007
US$
 
2007
RMB
 
2006
RMB
 
2005
RMB
 
2004
RMB
 
2003
RMB
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
 
(in million, except per share data)
 
    
Operating revenue  7,461  54,502  46,219  38,293  23,974  17,470 
Operating expenses  (7,256) (53,013) (45,907) (39,598) (23,065) (17,014)
Operating profit/(loss)  223  1,619  645  (1,337) 908  434 
Profit/(loss) before taxation  400  2,923  357  (1,853) 220  (511)
Profit/(loss) for the year  283  2,065  204  (1,846) 155  (187)
Profit/(loss) attributable to :               
Equity shareholders of the Company  256  1,871  188  (1,848) (48) (358)
Minority interests  27  194  16  2  203  171 
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share  0.06  0.43  0.04  (0.42) (0.01) (0.09)
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADR  2.93  21.39  2.15  (21.12) (0.55) (4.68)
Cash dividends declared per share             
Year ended December 31,

  
2009
US$
  
2009
RMB
  
2008
RMB
  
2007
RMB
  
2006
RMB
  
2005
RMB
 
  (in million, except per share data) 
                   
Consolidated Income Statement Data:                  
                   
Operating revenue  8,026   54,802   55,288   54,401   46,081   38,233 
Operating expenses  (8,106)  (55,351)  (61,767)  (52,956)  (45,899)  (39,598)
Operating profit/(loss)  211   1,440   (5,646)  1,881   663   (1,323)
profit/(loss) before taxation  63   432   (4,724)  2,879   227   (1,913)
profit/(loss) for the year  77   527   (4,786)  2,032   104   (1,891)
profit/(loss) attributable to:                        
Equity shareholders of the Company  48   330   (4,823)  1,839   106   (1,893)
Minority interests  29   197   37   193   (2)  2 
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share  0.01   0.05   (0.74)  0.28   0.02   (0.29)
Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per ADR  0.34   2.33   (36.75)  14.01   0.81   (14.43)


3

 
2009
US$
  
2009
RMB
  
2008
RMB
  
2007
RMB
  
2006
RMB
  
2005
RMB
 
 
As of December 31,
  (in million) 
 
2007
US$
 
2007
RMB
 
2006
RMB
 
2005
RMB
 
2004
RMB
 
2003
RMB
              
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
 
(in million)
              
                        
Cash and cash equivalents  524 3,824 2,264 2,901 3,083 2,080   636 4,343   4,649   3,824   2,264   2,901 
Other current assets  680 4,966 4,419 4,320 4,286 1,922   701 4,785   4,599   4,966   4,419   4,320 
Asset classified as held for sale  77 529   -   -   -   - 
Property, plant and equipment, net  8,001 58,441 56,335 54,254 46,841 28,536   9,325 63,673   53,237   58,441   56,335   54,254 
Total assets  11,217 81,933 75,584 71,402 62,383 39,062   13,876 94,750   83,042   82,006   75,689   71,491 
Bank and other loans, including long-term bank and other loans due within one year  3,415 24,948 23,822 16,223 11,518 7,097   2,556 17,452   22,178   24,948   23,822   16,223 
Obligations under finance leases due within one year  394 2,877 3,091 3,373 2,144 1,298 
Short-term financing bills  - -   2,000   -   -   - 
Obligations under capital leases due within one year  210 1,431   1,781   2,877   3,091   3,373 
Bank and other loans, excluding balance due within one year  1,242 9,074 10,018 12,740 11,935 4,522   4,082 27,875   17,429   9,074   10,018   12,740 
Obligations under finance leases, excluding balance due within one year  1,760 12,858 12,307 12,459 9,599 5,543 
Obligations under capital leases, excluding balance due within one year  1,741 11,887   11,157   12,858   12,307   12,459 
Total equity  2,014 14,712 12,121 11,936 13,903 13,569   1,942 13,262   9,479   14,310   11,752   11,667 
Number of shares (in million)  8,003 8,003   6,561   4,374   4,374   4,374 

Selected Operating Data

The following selected operating data of the Group for each of the five years in the five-year period ended December 31, 20072009 have been derived from consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRSs and other data provided by the Group which have not been audited.
4


The operating data and the profit analysis and comparison for other years below is calculated and disclosed in accordance with the statistical standards, which have been implemented by the Group since January 1, 2001. See “Glossary of Airline Industry Terms” at the front of this Annual Report for definitions of certain terms used herein.

  
Year ended December 31,
 
Capacity
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
ASK (million)  109,733  97,059  88,361  53,769  40,867 
ATK (million)  14,208  12,656  11,509  7,446  5,921 
Kilometers flown (thousand)  675,127  594,957  539,844  324,827  249,068 
Hours flown (thousand)  1,075  931  846  501  385 
Number of landing and take-offs  543,789  481,810  438,674  274,580  214,190 
Traffic
            
RPK (million)  81,727  69,582  61,923  37,196  26,387 
RTK (million)  9,250  8,071  7,284  4,663  3,561 
Passengers carried (thousand)  56,903  49,206  44,119  28,207  20,470 
Cargo and mail carried (tons)  872,000  819,000  775,000  545,000  464,000 
Load Factors
           
Passenger load factor (RPK/ASK) (%)  74.5  71.7  70.1  69.2  64.6 
Overall load factor (RTK/ATK) (%)  65.1  63.8  63.3  62.6  60.1 
Breakeven load factor (%)  64.8  64.9  67.0  61.9  61.6 
Yield
  
Yield per RPK (RMB)  0.61  0.60  0.55  0.57  0.57 
Yield per cargo and mail ton kilometers (RMB)  1.87  1.89  1.75  1.67  1.62 
Yield per RTK (RMB)  5.76  5.59  5.14  5.01  4.76 
Fleet
            
— Boeing  177  159  140  137  108 
— Airbus  119  103  71  46  24 
— McDonnell Douglas  25  36  36  35   
— Others  11  11  14  13   
Total aircraft in service at period end  332  309  261  231  132 
Overall utilization rate (hours per day)  9.4  9.5  9.6  9.9  8.5 
Financial
            
Operating cost per ATK (RMB)  3.73  3.63  3.44  3.10  2.87 
Year ended December 31,

  2009  2008  2007  2006  2005 
Capacity               
ASK (million)  123,441   112,767   109,733   97,059   88,361 
ATK (million)  15,446   14,276   14,208   12,656   11,509 
Kilometers flown (thousand)  746,133   686,236   675,127   594,957   539,844 
Hours flown (thousand)  1,195   1,106   1,075   931   846 
Number of landing and take-offs  616,296   556,914   543,789   481,810   438,674 
Traffic                    
RPK (million)  93,002   83,184   81,727   69,582   61,923 
RTK (million)  10,067   9,200   9,250   8,071   7,284 
Passengers carried (thousand)  66,281   58,237   56,903   49,206   44,119 
Cargo and mail carried (tons)  862,000   835,000   872,000   819,000   775,000 
Load Factors                    
Passenger load factor (RPK/ASK) (%)  75.3   73.8   74.5   71.7   70.1 
Overall load factor (RTK/ATK) (%)  65.2   64.4   65.1   63.8   63.3 
Breakeven load factor (%)  68.1   73.8   64.8   65.1   67.1 
Yield                    
Yield per RPK (RMB)  0.54   0.61   0.61   0.60   0.55 
Yield per cargo and mail ton
kilometers (RMB)
  1.63   1.96   1.87   1.89   1.75 
Yield per RTK (RMB)  5.26   5.86   5.75   5.57   5.13 
Fleet                    
— Boeing  194   179   177   159   140 
— Airbus  157   133   119   103   71 
— McDonnell Douglas  16   25   25   36   36 
— Others  11   11   11   11   14 
Total aircraft in service at period end  378   348   332   309   261 
Overall utilization rate (hours per day)  9.4   9.1   9.4   9.5   9.6 
Cost                    
Operating cost per ATK (RMB)  3.58   4.33   3.73   3.63   3.44 


The following table sets forth certain information concerning exchange rates, based on the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”), between Renminbi and U.S. dollars for the five most recent financial years.
 
Period
 
Period End
 
Average(1)
(RMB per US$)
 
High
 
Low
 
Annual Exchange Rate
         
2003  8.2767  8.2772  8.2800  8.2769 
2004  8.2765  8.2765  8.2889  8.2641 
2005  8.0694  8.1825  8.2767  8.0702 
2006  7.8041  7.9723  8.0702  7.8041 
2007  7.2946  7.6058  7.8127  7.2946 
Period Period End  
Average (1)
(RMB per US$)
  High  Low 
             
Annual Exchange Rate            
                 
2005  8.0694   8.1825   8.2767   8.0702 
2006  7.8041   7.9723   8.0702   7.8041 
2007  7.2946   7.6058   7.8127   7.2946 
2008  6.8225   6.9477   7.2946   6.7800 
2009  6.8259   6.8307   6.8470   6.8176 

(1)Determined by averaging the rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant period.

The following table sets out the range of high and low exchange rates, based on the Noon Buying Rate, between Renminbi and U.S. dollars, for the following periods.


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Period
 
High
 
Low
 
Monthly Exchange Rate
       
December 2007  7.4120  7.2946 
January 2008  7.2946  7.1818 
February 2008  7.1973  7.1100 
March 2008  7.1110  7.0105 
April 2008  7.0185  6.9840 
May 2008  7.0000  6.9377 
June 2008 (up to June 19, 2008)  6.9633  6.8770 

 High  Low 
Monthly Exchange Rate      
November 2009  6.8300   6.8255 
December 2009  6.8299   6.8299 
January 2010  6.8295   6.8258 
February 2010  6.8330   6.8258 
March 2010  6.8270   6.8254 
April 2010  6.8275   6.8229 
May 2010 (up to May 7, 2010 the latest practicable date)  6.8265   6.8245 

Dividend Payments

No interim dividends were paid during the year ended December 31, 2007.2009. The Board of Directors of the Company (“Board of Directors”) did not recommendedrecommend the payment of a final dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2007.2009.


Not applicable.


Not applicable.

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Risk Factors

Risks Relating to the Company

Government ownershipThe Company is indirectly majority owned by the Chinese government, which may exert influence in a manner that may conflict with the interests of holders of ADRs, H Shares and control of the CompanyA Shares.

Major Chinese airlines are wholly- or majority-owned either by the Chinese Governmentgovernment or by provincial or municipal governments in China. CSAHC, an entity wholly-owned by the Chinese Government,government, holds and exercises the rights of ownership of all59.32% of the Domestic Shares or 50.3%equity of the equityCompany. On August 21, 2009, the Company completed its capital injection from CSAHC directly, and indirectly through CSAHC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Nan Lung, in an aggregate amount of approximately RMB3 billion.  On March 8, 2010, the Company entered into the A shares subscription agreement with CSAHC, pursuant to which CSAHC has conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company has conditionally agreed to allot and issue new A shares of not more than 132,510,000 at the subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share. In addition, the Company and Nan Lung, a wholly owned subsidiary of CSAHC entered into the H shares subscription agreement, pursuant to which Nan Lung has conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company has conditionally agreed to allot and issue new H shares of not more than 312,500,000 at the subscription price of not less than HK$2.73 per H share. Upon completion of the foregoing subscriptions, CSAHC’s direct and indirect ownership in the Company will be approximately 51.50% of the issued share capital of the Company. The interests of the Chinese Governmentgovernment in the Company and in other Chinese airlines may conflict with the interests of the holders of the ADRs, H Shares and A Shares. The public policy considerations of the Chinese Governmentgovernment in regulating the Chinese commercial aviation industry may also conflict with its indirect ownership interest in the Company. In addition, the Company may accept further capital injection from CSAHC through non-public subscriptions, which may have dilutive impact for other holders of ADRs, H Shares and A Shares.

HighDue to high degree of operating leverage and high fixed costs, a decrease in revenues of the Group could result in a proportionately higher decrease in its net income. The results of the Group’s operations are also significantly exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange exposurerates.

The airline industry is generally characterized by a high degree of operating leverage. In addition, due to high fixed costs, the expenses relating to the operation of any flight do not vary proportionately with the number of passengers carried, while revenues generated from a flight are directly related to the number of passengers carried and the fare structure of such flight. Accordingly, a decrease in revenues could result in a proportionately higher decrease in net income. Moreover, as the Group has substantial obligations denominated in foreign currencies, its results of operations are significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, particularly for the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. The Company incurred a netdollar. Net exchange gain decreased by RMB2,499 million, from RMB2,592 million in 2008 to RMB93 million in 2009 because the exchange rate of RMB1,492 millionRMB against USD was relatively stable in 2009 while RMB appreciated significantly against USD in 2008.

The Group has significant committed capital expenditures in the next three years, but may face challenges and RMB2,832 million for 2006 and 2007, respectively, mainlydifficulties as a result of Reminbi appreciation. A majority of this exchange gain was unrealized in nature.it seeks to maintain liquidity.
Liquidity

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by RMB28,441 million. The Group generally maintains sound operating cash flow. However, both current ratio and quick ratio are below average, which have negatively impacted, or may in the future negatively impact our liquidity. In addition, the Group had net current liabilities position of RMB33,811 million which washas significant committed capital expenditures in the next three years, due to the use of short-term bank loans for the aircraft acquisitions and other capital expenditures. The Group’s short-term bank loans amounted to RMB24,948 million as at December 31, 2007.acquisitions. In 20082010 and thereafter, the liquidity of the Group is primarily dependent on its ability to maintain adequate cash inflowsinflow from operations to meet its debt obligations as they fall due, the renewal of its short-term bank loans and on its ability to obtain adequate external financing to meet its committed future capital expenditures. TheHowever, the Group may not be able to meet its debt obligations as they fall due and committedcommit future capital expenditures if certain assumptions about the operations and the availability of external financing on acceptable terms are inaccurate. In particular, our ability to access adequate external funding may be impacted by the economic stagnation globally.
 
The Group has obtained firm commitments from its principal bankers to renew its short-term bank loans outstanding as of
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As at December 31, 2007 when they fall due during 2008. Subsequent to December 31, 2007 through March 31, 2008,2009, the Group renewed short-term bank loans outstandinghad banking facilities with several PRC commercial banks for providing loan finance up to approximately RMB128,175 million, of RMB3,179 million.which approximately RMB50,455 million was utilized. The directors of the Company believe that sufficient financing will be available to the Group, howeverGroup. However there can be no assurance that such loan financing will be available on terms acceptable to the Group.

Potential conflictsCSAHC will continue to be the controlling shareholder of interestthe Company, whose interests may conflict with those of the Group. CSAHC and certain of its associates will continue to provide certain important services to the Group. Any disruption of the provision of services by CSAHC or its associates could affect the Group’s operations and financial conditions.

CSAHC will continue to be the controlling shareholder of the Company. CSAHC and certain of its associates will continue to provide certain important services to the Company,Group, including the import and export of aircraft spare parts and other flight equipment, advertising services, provision of air catering, , pilot training services, air ticket selling services, cleaning services, property management services, leasing of properties and financial services. In addition, Mr. Liu Shao Yong, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, also serves as the General Manager of CSAHC. The interests of CSAHC may conflict with those of the Company.Group. In addition, any disruption of the provision of services by CSAHC’s associates or a default by CSAHC of its obligations owed to the CompanyGroup could affect the Company’sGroup’s operations and financial conditions. In particular, as part of its cash management system, the CompanyGroup periodically places significant amount of demand deposits with China Southern Airlines GroupSA Finance, Company Limited (“SA Finance”), a PRC authorized financial institution controlled by CSAHC and an associate of the Company. As a result,The Group has taken certain measures to monitor the Company’sfund flows between itself and SA Finance and the placement of funds by SA Finance. Such monitoring measures may help to enhance the safety of the Group’s deposits with SA Finance. In addition, the Company has received a letter of undertakings from CSAHC dated March 31, 2009, in which, among other things, CSAHC warranted that the Group’s deposits and loans with SA Finance are subjectwere definitely secure and that SA Finance would continue to operate in strict compliance with the relevant rules and regulations. However, the deposits may be exposed to the risks associated with the business of SA Finance over which the CompanyGroup does not exercise control. As of December 31, 20062008 and 2007,2009, the Group had short-term deposits of RMB629RMB1,139 million and RMB906RMB862 million, respectively, with SA Finance.

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General EconomicBoth international and Business conditionsdomestic economic fluctuations and natural phenomenaChinese government’s macroeconomic controls affect the demand for air travel, which will in turn cause volatility to the Group’s business and results of our operations.

The US subprime crisis meltdown is an ongoing economic problem manifesting itself through liquidity issues in the global banking system owing to foreclosures which accelerated in the United States in late 2006 and has an adverse impact on global economy in 2007 and 2008. The deepening global recession has continued into 2009. The aviation industry as a whole is experiencing significantly weaker demand for air travel driven by the severe downturn. The financial crisis and other global events may reduce consumer spending or cause shifts in spending. A general reduction or shift in discretionary spending couldcan result in decreased demand for leisure and business travel and can also impact the Company’sGroup’s ability to raise fares to counteract increased fuel and laborlabour costs. No assurance can be given that capacity reductions or other steps we may take will be adequate to offset the effects of reduced demand.

The US subprime crisis added to the global economic slowdown which mayhas also affectnegatively affected the growth rate of the Chinese economy. Chinese macroeconomic controls, taken to counteract such slowdown, such as financing adjustments, credit adjustments, price controls and exchange rate policies, will also affect the Chinese economic condition. This domestic economic condition and the increase of jet fuel prices will also affect the development ofwould present unexpected changes to the aviation industry.

In 2008, As a numberresult, the changing economic situation and Chinese macroeconomic controls may cause volatility to the Group’s business and results of large-scale natural disasters occurred in China, such as the southern China snow storms in January and the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province. Disasters such as these can affect the airline industry and the Company by reducing revenues and impacting travel behavior.our operations.

In summary, both international and domestic economic fluctuations and Chinese macroeconomic controls affect the demand for air travel. Additionally, increasingly strict security measures make air travel a hassle in the eyes of some consumers. These factors can have an uncertain impact on the development of the aviation industry.

Risks relatingThe Group could be adversely affected by an outbreak of a disease or large scale natural disasters that affect travel behaviour.
The outbreak of the A/H1-N swine flu in March 2009 has had an adverse impact on the aviation industry globally (including the Group). The spread of the swine flu has been adversely affecting the Group’s international routes operations. If the swine flu spreads more widely, it could also affect the Group’s regional and domestic routes operations, and result in significant impact on our business operations. If there were another outbreak of a disease that affects travel behaviour in the future, it could have a material adverse impact on us.
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In 2010, a number of large-scale natural disasters occurred globally, such as earthquakes in Haiti, Mexico and Qinghai province of China, and the volcanic eruption in Iceland in April 2010. Disasters such as these can affect the airline industry and the Group by reducing revenues and impacting travel behavior.

Lack of adequate documentation for land use rights and ownership of buildings subjects the Company to certain real propertychallenges and claims by third parties with respect to the Company’s use of such land and buildings.
 
Although systems for registration and transfer of land use rights and related real property interests in China have been implemented, such systems do not yet comprehensively account for all land and related property interests. The land in Guangzhou on which the Company’s headquarters and other facilities are located and the buildings that the Company uses at its route bases in Wuhan, Haikou and HaikouZhengzhou are leased by the Company from CSAHC. However, CSAHC lacks adequate documentation evidencing CSAHC’s rights to such land and buildings, and, as a consequence, the lease agreements between CSAHC and the Company for such land have not been registered with the relevant authorities. As a result, such lease agreements may not be enforceable. Lack of adequate documentation for land use rights and ownership of buildings subjects the Company to challenges and claims by third parties with respect to the Company’s use of such land and buildings.

The Company has been occupying all of the land and buildings described above without challenge or claim by third parties. CSAHC has received written assurance from the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (“CAAC”)CAAC to the effect that CSAHC is entitled to continued use and occupancy of the land and certain related buildings and facilities. However, such assurance does not constitute formal evidence of CSAHC’s right to occupy such lands, buildings and facilities or the right to transfer, mortgage or lease such real property interests. The Company cannot predict the magnitude of the adverse effect on its operations if its use of any one or more of these parcels of land or buildings were successfully challenged. CSAHC has agreed to indemnify the Company and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (“GAMECO”), the Company’s jointly controlled entity, against any loss or damage caused by or arising from any challenge of, or interference with, the Company’s right to use by the Company and GAMECO of any of their respectivecertain land and buildings.

Risks associated with Hong KongGiven the preliminary stage of direct flights arrangement between Taiwan and Macau routesMainland China, no assurance can be given that the Group will generate significant yields from such new route. In addition, any discontinuity or disruption in such arrangement may negatively affect the Group’s results.
 
The Company’s Hong Kong regional routes benefit from traffic originating in Taiwan. Apart fromFurther to temporary lifts of the ban on direct flights between Taiwan and Mainland China during certain festivals, as of July 4, 2008, the Lunar Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, travelersban has been further liberalized to allow direct charter flights on weekends. Previously, travellers between Taiwan and China have had to make use of intermediate stops in Hong Kong or elsewhere. In such event, Xiamen AirlinesThe Company Limited (“Xiamen Airlines”),became the Company’s subsidiary, might apply for route rights forfirst Chinese carrier to fly non-stop from Mainland China to Taiwan. On November 4, 2008, the Mainland China and Taiwan agreed to regular direct passenger charter flights across the Taiwan Strait. On August 31, 2009, the Mainland China and Taiwan extended the number of regular cross-Strait direct passenger flights from 108 to 270 a week. As a result, the permitted direct flights may benefit the Group by shortening flights time, cutting fuel costs and reducing flight fares between Taiwan and Mainland China, due partly toChina. However, given the proximity to Taiwanpreliminary stage of Fujian province, where Xiamen Airlines is based. However, theresuch direct flights arrangement, no assurance can be no assurancegiven that sufficient routes and flights between destinations in Taiwan and Mainland China could be obtained by Xiamen Airlines, if at all, or that adequatethe Group will generate significant yields from the new route. In addition, the results of the Group’s operations will be generated on these routes and flights.negatively impacted by any discontinuity or disruption in the direct flight arrangement, which in turn will be subject to a number of factors beyond our control.
 
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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.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 issue could also affect China. Notably, on March 7, 2008, on a China Southern Airlines flight boarding in Urumqi, crew members discovered a suspected terrorist. Thereafter, the CAAC implemented increased security measures. Additional terrorist attacks, even if not made directly 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 the Company and the airline industry. Among possible effects that the Company could experience from terrorist attacks are 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 revenue per revenue passenger mile.kilometer.

Risks associated withThe Group could be adversely affected by a failure or disruption of our computer, communications or other technology systems.

The Group is increasingly dependent on technology to operate its business. In particular, to enhance its management of flight operations, the requirementsGroup’s computerized flight operations control system (SOC) began operation in May 1999. The system utilizes advanced computer and telecommunications technology to manage the Group’s flights on a centralized, real-time basis. The Group believes that the system will assist it to enhance the efficiency of Section 404flight schedule, increase the utilization of aircraft and improve the coordination of the Sarbanes-Oxley ActGroup’s aircraft maintenance and ground servicing functions. However, the computer and communications systems on which we rely could be disrupted due to various events, some of 2002which are beyond our control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, equipment failures, software failures and computer viruses and hackers. The Group has taken certain steps to evaluatehelp reduce the risk of some of these potential disruptions. There can be no assurance, however, that the measures we have taken are adequate to prevent or remedy disruptions or failures of these systems. Any substantial or repeated failure of these systems could impact our operations and customer services, result in the loss of important data, loss of revenues, and increased costs, and generally harm our business. Moreover, a failure of certain of our vital systems could limit our ability to operate our flights for an extended period of time, which would have a material adverse impact on our operations and our business.
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The Company’s failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controlscontrol over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading prices of our ADRs, H Shares or A Shares.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring every public company in the United States to include a management report on such company’s internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is required to report on the effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm may not be satisfied with our internal controls, the level atof which our controls are documented, designed, operated and reviewed, or our independent registered public accounting firm may interpret the requirements, rules and regulations differently from us, then it may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting are not effective. Although our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20072009 was effective, we may discover other deficiencies in the course of our future evaluation of our internal control over our financial reporting and may be unable to remediate such deficiencies in a timely manner. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting on an ongoing basis, in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal control is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important to prevent fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business and negatively impact the trading prices of our ADRs, H Shares or A Shares.

Passive Foreign InvestmentThe Company could be classified as a passive foreign investment company by the United States Internal Revenue Service and may therefore be subject to adverse tax impact.

Depending upon the value of our shares and ADRs and the nature of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, by the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company believes that it was not a PFIC for the taxable year 2007.2009. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a PFIC for the taxable year 20082010 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is re-tested each year and depends on the facts in such year.

The Company will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either: (1) the average percentage value of its gross assets during the taxable year that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the value of its total gross assets (the “Asset Test”) or (2) 75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income (such as certain dividends, interest or royalties) (the “Income Test”). For purposes of the first test:Asset Test: (1) any cash, cash equivalents, and cash invested in short-term, interest bearing, debt instruments, or bank deposits that is readily convertible into cash, will generally count as producing passive income or held for the production of passive income and (2) the average value of the Company’s gross assets is calculated based on its market capitalization.

If the Company were a PFIC, you would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges on certain “excess” distributions the Company makes and on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of your ADRs, regardless of whether the Company continues to be a PFIC in the year in which you receive an “excess” distribution or dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADRs. Distributions inAn excess distribution would be either (1) a distribution with respect of yourto ADRs during a taxable year would generally constitute “excess” distributions if, in the aggregate, they exceedthat is greater than 125% of the average amount of such distributions in respect of your ADRs over the three preceding taxablethree years, or if shorter,(2) 100% of the portiongain from the disposition of your holding period before such taxable year.shares/ADRs. For more information on the United States federal income tax consequences to you that would result from our classification as a PFIC, please see Item 10, “Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation — U.S. Holders — Passive Foreign Investment Company”.

9

Risks Relating to the Chinese Commercial Aviation Industry
Government regulation

The Company’sGroup’s business is subject to extensive government regulations, and there can be no assurance as to the equal treatment of all airlines under those regulations.

The Group’s ability to implement its business strategy will continue to be affected by regulations and policies issued or implemented by the CAAC, which encompasses substantially all aspects of the Chinese commercial aviation industry, including the approval of domestic, Hong Kong regional and international route allocation, air fares, aircraft acquisition, jet fuel prices and standards for aircraft maintenance, airport operations and air traffic control. Such regulations and policies limit the flexibility of the CompanyGroup to respond to market conditions, competition or changes in the Company’sGroup’s cost structure. The implementation of specific CAAC policies could from time to time adversely affect the Company’sGroup’s operations. The CAAC has confirmed in writing that the Company will be treated equally with other Chinese airlines with respect to certain matters regulated by the CAAC. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the CAAC will, in all circumstances, apply its regulations and policies in a manner that results in equal treatment of all airlines.

 
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The availability and cost of jet fuel have a significant impact on the Group’s results of operations. The Group’s jet fuel costscost for 20072009 accounted for 62.98%55.95% of its flight operations expenses. All of the domestic jet fuel requirements of Chinese airlines (other than at the Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Sanya, Haikou, Shanghai Pudong and Sanyaother small airports) must be purchased from the exclusive providers, China Aviation Oil Supplies Company (“CAOSC”)CAOSC and Bluesky Oil Supplies Company, companies controlled and supervised by the CAAC. Chinese airlines may also purchase their jet fuel requirements at the Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Sanya, Haikou, Shanghai Pudong and Sanyaother small airports from joint ventures in which the CAOSC is a partner. Jet fuel obtained from the CAOSC’s regional branches is purchased at uniform prices throughout China that are determined and adjusted by the CAOSC from time to time with the approval of the CAAC and the pricing department of the State Planning CommissionNDRC based on market conditions and other factors. As a result, the costs of transportation and storage of jet fuel in all regions of China are spread among all domestic airlines.

PriorGiven the constant fluctuation in global oil prices, there is no way to assure that domestic prices for jet fuel do not fluctuate as well. For example, prior to 1994, domestic jet fuel prices were generally below international jet fuel prices. From 1994 to 2006, however, CAOSC'sCAOSC’s domestic jet fuel prices were above international jet fuel prices, sometimes creating tensions over the fuel supply. In 2007 through the first half of 2008, the crude oil price in the international market reached its historic high level. In response to the pressure imposed by such rocketing price, NDRC increased the domestic price offor jet fuel from CAOSC was belowon November 1, 2007 and June 20, 2008, respectively. The increased fuel costs have significantly limited the Group’s ability to generate operating profit. In the second half of 2008, the crude oil price in the international jetmarket began to decrease continuously. In order to cushion fuel prices. However, given the rapid increasecost pressure faced by Chinese airlines, on December 19, 2008 and constant fluctuationJanuary 1, 2009, respectively, NDRC approved reductions in world oil prices, there is no way to assure that domestic prices for jet fuel. Starting from February 2009, the crude oil price in the international market started to pick up gradually. As a result, NDRC increased the domestic price for jet fuel doin July 2009 and made several subsequent adjustments thereafter. (see “ Item 4, “Information on the Company - Business Overview - “Jet Fuel” section below for further discussion.)

In summary, given the constant fluctuation of volatile fuel price, no assurance can be given that the Group’s results will not fluctuate as well.be negatively impacted by the fluctuation in domestic prices for jet fuel. 

In addition, jet fuel shortages have occurred in China and, on some rare occasions prior to 1993, required the CompanyGroup to delay or even cancel flights. Although such shortages have not materially affected the Company’sGroup’s operations since 1993, there can be no assurance that such a shortage will not occur in the future. If such a shortage occurs in the future and the CompanyGroup is forced to delay or cancel flights due to fuel shortage, its operational reputation among passengers as well as its operations may suffer.

A changeIn 2009, a reasonable possible increase or decrease of 10% in annual average price of US$1 per tonne of jet fuel price affects the Group’s annual fuel costs by approximately RMB22RMB1,639 million, assuming no change in volume of fuel consumed. Accordingly, even if the jet fuel supply remains uninterrupted, increases in jet fuel prices will nevertheless adversely impact our financial results.

Infrastructure limitationsThe Group’s net income may suffer from an unexpected volatility caused by any fluctuation in the level of fuel surcharges.

The level of fuel surcharges, which is regulated by Chinese government, affects domestic customers’ air travel demand as well as the Group’s ability to generate net incomes. On January 14, 2009, the NDRC and the CAAC jointly announced the suspension of the collection of passenger fuel surcharge for domestic routes since January 15, 2009. In response to the pick up of international fuel prices, the NDRC and CAAC issued a notice to introduce a new pricing mechanism of fuel surcharge that links it with airlines’ jet fuel costs on November 11, 2009. According to the new mechanism, when the purchase cost of jet fuel is lower than RMB 4,140 per ton (i.e., the benchmark price of jet fuel), airlines should not charge fuel surcharge. When the purchase cost of jet fuel exceeds RMB 4,140 per ton, the airlines may charge appropriate fuel surcharge provided that such airlines should digest at least 20 percent of the rising cost. As such, following a suspension period of more than one year, in November, 2009, the Group resumed the imposing of fuel surcharges for the domestic routes. However, the Group’s net income may suffer from an unexpected change in the fuel surcharge collection policy and a number of factors beyond our control.

The Group’s results of operations tend to be volatile and fluctuate due to seasonality.

The Group’s 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 the Group’s 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. In particular, the Group’s airline revenue is generally higher in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters. As a result, the Group’s results tend to be volatile and subject to rapid and unexpected change.

The Group’s operations may be adversely affected by insufficient aviation infrastructure in Chinese commercial aviation industry.

The rapid increase in air traffic volume in China in recent years has put pressure on many components of the Chinese commercial aviation industry, including China’s air traffic control system, the availability of qualified flight personnel and airport facilities. Airlines, such as the Company,Group, which have route networks that emphasize short- to medium-haul routes, are generally more affected by insufficient aviation infrastructure in terms of on-time performance and high operating costs due to fuel inefficiencies resulting from the relatively short segments flown, as well as the relatively high proportion of time on the ground during turnaround. All of these factors may adversely affect the perception of the service provided by an airline and, consequently, the airline’s operating results. In recent years, the CAAC has placed increasing emphasis on the safety of Chinese airline operations and has implemented measures aimed at improving the safety record of the industry. The ability of the CompanyGroup to increase utilization rates and to provide safe and efficient air transportation in the future will depend in part on factors such as the improvement of national air traffic control and navigation systems and ground control operations at Chinese airports, factors which are beyond the control of the Company.Group.
 
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The Group faces increasingly intense competition both in domestic aviation industry and in the international market, as well as from alternative means of transportation.
Competition

The CAAC’s extensive regulation of the Chinese commercial aviation industry has had the effect of managing competition among Chinese airlines. Nevertheless, competition has become increasingly intense in recent years due to a number of factors, including relaxation of certain regulations by the CAAC and an increase in the capacity, routes and flights of Chinese airlines. Competition in the Chinese commercial aviation industry has led to widespread price-cutting practices that do not in all respects comply with applicable regulations. Until the interpretation of CAAC regulations limiting such price-cutting has been finalized and strictly enforced, discounted tickets from competitors will continue to have an adverse effect on the Company’sGroup’s sales.

The CompanyGroup faces varying degrees of competition on its Hong Kong and Macau regional routes from certain Chinese airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways, Dragonair and Air Macau, and on its international routes, primarily from non-Chinese airlines, most of which have significantly longer operating histories, substantially greater financial and technological resources and greater name recognition than the Company.Group. In addition, the public’s perception of the safety and service records of Chinese airlines could adversely affect the Company’sGroup’s ability to compete against its Hong Kong regional and international competitors. Many of the Company’sGroup’s international competitors have larger sales networks and participate in reservation systems that are more comprehensive and convenient than those of the Company,Group, or engage in promotional activities, that may enhance their ability to attract international passengers.

LimitationFurthermore, for short-distance transportation, airplanes, trains and buses are alternatives to each other. Given the recent development of high-speed train, the construction of nationwide high-speed railway network and the improvement of inter-city expressway network, the commercial aviation sector as a whole faces increasing competition from the alternative means of transportation such as railways and highways. In particular, the so-called “Four Longitudinal and Four Horizontal” high-speed railways under construction may have a huge negative impact on the domestic commercial aviation sector once it goes into operation. Since the Group has the most extensive domestic route network and the largest number of flights in China, the Group may be affected by the increasing popularity of high-speed trains to certain extent. For example, 38 lines of the “Four Longitudinal and Four Horizontal” overlap with current flights of the Group, 21 of which run for a distance of less than 4 hours. If the high-speed railways go into full operation, according to the statistic of the Group, 13 out of the total 18 airline subsidiaries and branches of the Group involving 798 flights (i.e. to and fro flights/week) may be seriously impacted.

Due to limitation on foreign ownership imposed by Chinese government policies, the Company may have no meaningful access to the international equity capital markets.

Chinese Governmentgovernment policies limit foreign ownership in Chinese airlines. Under these policies, the percentage ownership of the Company’s total outstanding ordinary shares held by investors in Hong Kong and any country outside China (“Foreign Investors”) may not in the aggregate exceed 49%. Currently, 26.8% we estimate that 31.02%of the total outstanding ordinary shares of the Company are held by Foreign Investors. For so long as the limitation on foreign ownership is in force, the Company will have no meaningful access to the international equity capital markets.

Risks relatingRelating to the PRC

ForeignThe Group has significant exposure to foreign currency risk as majority of the Group’s lease obligations and bank and other loans are denominated in foreign currencies. Due to rigid foreign exchange riskscontrol by Chinese government, the Group may face difficulties in obtaining sufficient foreign exchange to pay dividends or satisfy our foreign exchange liabilities.

Under current Chinese foreign exchange regulations, Renminbi is fully convertible for current account transactions, but is not freely convertible for capital account transactions. All foreign exchange transactions involving Renminbi must take place either through the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) or other institutions authorized to buy and sell foreign exchange or at a swap centre.

The Group has significant exposure to foreign currency risk as substantially all of the Group’s lease obligations under leases and bank and other loans are denominated in foreign currencies, principally US dollars and Japanese Yen.dollars. Depreciation or appreciation of the Renminbi against foreign currencies affects the Group’s results significantly because the Group’s foreign currency payments generally exceed its foreign currency receipts. The Group is not able to hedge its foreign currency exposure effectively other than by retaining its foreign currency denominated earnings and receipts to the extent permitted by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,SAFE, or subject to certain restrictive conditions, entering into forward foreign exchange forward option contracts with authorized banks. However, SAFE may limit or eliminate the Group’s ability to purchase and retain foreign currencies in the future. In addition, 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. No assurance can be given that the Group will be able to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to pay dividends or satisfy our foreign exchange liabilities.
11


The Group also has exposure to foreign currency risk in respect of net cash inflow denominated in Japanese Yen from ticket sales in overseas branch office after payment of expenses. The Group entered into certain foreign exchange forward option contracts to manage this foreign currency risk. However, like other derivative products, there can be no assurance that such option contracts can provide, at any given time, particular level of protection against foreign exchange risks.
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The exchange rateGroup’s operations are subject to immature development of Renminbilegal system in China. Lack of uniform interpretation and effective enforcement of laws and regulations may cause significant uncertainties to US dollar was set by the PBOC and had fluctuated within a narrow band prior to 21 July 2005. Since then, a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies has been used and US dollar exchange rate has gradually declined against the Renminbi. Group’s operations.
Developing legal system

The Company ismembers of the Group are organized under the laws of China. The Chinese legal system is based on written statutes and is a system, unlike common law systems, in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. Since 1979, the Chinese government has been developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws and considerable progress has been made in the promulgation of laws and regulations dealing with economic matters, such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investments, commerce, taxation and trade. These laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively recent, and, like other laws, regulations and legal requirements applicable in China (including with respect to the commercial aviation industry), their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties.

The PRC new tax law has deprived, or may in the future deprive the Company of preferential income tax rates, which the Company previously enjoyed.

On March 16, March 2007, the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tenth National People’s Congress passed the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC (“which took effect on January 1, 2008. As a result of the new tax law”) whichlaw, the statutory income tax rate adopted by the Company and its subsidiaries has takenbeen changed from 33% to 25% with effect from January 1, 2008.

The Company and certain subsidiaries Prior to enactment of the Group were entitled to preferential income tax rates in the range of 15% to 27%.  According to the new tax law, the income taxheadquarters of the Company was taxed at a preferential rate of companies who enjoyed preferential income tax18% and the branches and subsidiaries were taxed at rates lower than 25% in 2007 is expectedranging from 15% to increase to the standard rate of 25% within five-year transition period.33%. Pursuant to the new tax law, the income tax rates of entities that previously enjoyed preferential tax rates of 15% and 18% shall be leviedhave been revised to 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% and 25% for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 onwards respectively.

Taxation ofThe PRC new tax law may have negative tax impact on holders of H Shares or ADRADRs of the Company, by Chinarequiring the imposition of a withholding tax on dividends paid by a Chinese company to a non-resident enterprise.

The new tax law generally provides for the imposition of a withholding tax on dividends paid by a Chinese company to a non-resident enterprise at a rate of 10%.

For individuals, Chinese tax law generally provides that an individual who receives dividends from the Company is subject to a 20% income tax. A 50% reduction of income tax is granted by Chinese tax law for an individual receiving dividends from a listed company on Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange. As a result, the effective tax rate for dividends received by A Share individual holder is 10%. Currently, dividend income received by any foreign individual that holds overseas shares in any Chinese domestic enterprise is temporarily exempt from income tax. In the event that the exemption is discontinued, such payments will be subject to individual income tax at the 20% rate unless the holder is entitled to a tax waiver or a lower tax rate under an applicable double-taxation treaty.

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.


The Company is a joint stock company incorporated in China on March 25, 1995, and is 50.3%59.32% owned by CSAHC. The registered address of the Company is Guangzhou Economic & Technology Development Zone, People’s Republic of China (telephone no: (86)20-8612-4462, website: www.csair.com).

On March 13, 2003, the Company obtained an approval certificate from the Ministry of Commerce to change to a permanent limited company with foreign investments and on October 17, 2003 obtained a business license for its new status, as a permanent limited company with foreign investments issued by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

Pursuant to an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on May 21, 2002, a resolution was passed authorizing the Company to issue not more than 1,000,000,000 A Shares of par value of RMB1.00 each. The Company issued and listed its 1,000,000,000 A Shares with a par value of RMB1.00 each on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in July 2003.
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Pursuant to a sale and purchase agreement dated November 12, 2004 between the Company, CSAHC, China SouthernNorthern Airlines Holding Company CNA(“CNA”) and XJAXinjiang Airlines Company (“XJA”) which was approved by the Company’s shareholders in an extraordinary general meeting held on December 31, 2004, the Company acquired the airline operations and certain related assets of China Northern Airlines Company (“CNA”)CNA and Xinjiang Airlines Company (“XJA”)XJA with effect from December 31, 2004 (the “CNA/XJA Acquisitions”). Theat a total consideration payable for the CNA/XJA Acquisitions amounting to RMB15,522 million was determined based on the fair value of the acquired assets. Such consideration was partly satisfied by assumption of debts and liabilities of CNA and XJA totaling RMB13,563 million outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and the remaining balance of RMB1,959 million was fully paid in cash during 2005.million.

On April 30, 2006, the Company acquired certain assets of CSAHC Hainan Co., Limited, (“CSAHC Hainan”), a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary of CSAHC, at a total consideration of RMB294 million, which was partly satisfied by assumption of debts and liabilities of CSAHC Hainan totaling RMB289 million outstanding as of that date. The remaining balance of RMB5 million was settled in cash during 2006.million.
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On June 16, 2007, the Company together with an independent third party established Chongqing Airlines Company Limited (“Chongqing Airlines”), a non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. TheUp to December 31, 2009, the Company has transferred threefour aircraft to Chongqing Airlines as capital contribution.

On August 14, 2007, the Company signed an agreement to acquire a 51% equity interest of Nan Lung International Freight Company Limited beneficially owned by and registered in the name of Nan Lung Travel & Express (Hong Kong) Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSAHC and a 100% equity interest in Southern Airlines (Group) Catering Co., Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CSAHC for a total consideration of RMB112 million.

On August 14, 2007, the Company signed an agreement to dispose of its 90% equity interest in Guangzhou Aviation Hotel Company Limited to CSAHC at a consideration of RMB75 million.

Aircraft AcquisitionsIn August 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with China Post Group to dispose of all of its 49% equity interest in China Postal Cargo Airlines Limited, its jointly controlled entity which China Post Group is the other venturer, at a consideration of RMB210 million and recorded a gain on disposal of RMB143 million.

Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated July 16, 2007 betweenIn December 2008, the Company and Airbus SNC, the Company will acquire20 Airbus A320 series aircraft from Airbus SNC. The catalogue price for each of the Airbus A320 series aircraft isacquired a 26% equity interest in the range from US$66.5 to US$85.9 million. Such catalogue price includes the price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the A320 aircraft will be partly payable by cashChina Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd. (the “Australian Pilot College”), a subsidiary of the Company, from CSAHC, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The A320 aircraft will be delivered in stages toAustralian Pilot College became a 91% owned subsidiary of the Company.

In June 2009, the Company duringacquired 50% equity interest in a jointly controlled entity of the period commencingCompany, Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Services Company Limited (“Beijing Ground Service”) from March 2009 to August 2010.the other venturer, which has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company since then.

On September 28, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with CSAHC to dispose of its 50% equity interest in MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd (“MTU”), a jointly controlled entity of the Company, to CSAHC at a consideration of RMB1,607,850,000. The transfer was completed in February 2010.

Aircraft Acquisitions

Pursuant to the Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated July 16, 2007April 18, 2008 between Xiamen Airlines Company Limited (“Xiamen Airlines”) and Boeing, Xiamen Airlines will acquire25 Boeing B737 aircraft from Boeing. The catalogue price for each of the Boeing B737 aircraft is in the range from US$70.5 to US$79 million. Such catalogue price includes the price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the B737 aircraft will be partly payable by cash of Xiamen Airlines, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The B737 aircraft will be delivered in stages to Xiamen Airlines during the period commencing from July 2011 to November 2013.

Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated August 20 2007 between the Company and Boeing, the Company will acquire 55 Boeing B737 series aircraft from Boeing. According to the information provided by Boeing, the aggregate catalogue price of a Boeing B737 seriesfor those aircraft is in the range ofaround US$57 to US$79 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the Boeing aircraft will be partly payable by cash of the Company, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Boeing aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from May 2011 to October 2013.

Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated October 23, 2007 between the Company and Airbus SNC, the Company will acquire 10 Airbus A330-200 aircraft from Airbus SNC, the catalogue price of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft is in the range of US$167.7-176.7 million. Such catalogue price includes1,500 million, including price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition will be partly payable byin cash of the Company, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Airbus aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from March 2010 to August 2012.
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Pursuant to the Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated April 18, 2008 between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing, Xiamen Airlines will acquire 20 Boeing B737 series aircraft from Boeing. According the information provided by Boeing, the aggregate catalogue price for the 20 Boeing B737 series aircraft is around US$1,500 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the Boeing aircraft will be partly payable by cash of Xiamen Airlines, and partly bythrough financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Boeing aircraft will be delivered in stages to Xiamen Airlines during the period commencing from April 2014 to October 2015.

Pursuant to the Aircraft General Terms Agreement dated January 20, 2010 between the Company and the Airbus S.A.S. and A320 Family Aircraft Purchase Agreement dated January 20, 2010 between the Company and Airbus SNC, the Company will acquire 20 Airbus 320 series aircraft from Airbus SNC. According to the information provided by Airbus SNC, the catalogue price of an Airbus 320 aircraft is around US$77 million including price for airframe and engine. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition will be partly payable in cash and partly through financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Airbus aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company from 2011 to 2013.

Capital Expenditure

Capital Expenditure
The Group had RMB9,832RMB17,178 million, RMB9,446RMB8,645 million and RMB13,713RMB 9,832 million capital expenditures in 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 2005,2007, respectively. Of such capital expenditures in 2007, RMB4,3302009, RMB 2,171 million was financed by financecapital leases, RMB4,973RMB7,293 million was financed by bank borrowings while the remaining RMB529RMB7,714 million was financed by internal resources. The capital expenditures were primarily incurred on the additional investments in aircraft and flight equipment under the Group’s fleet expansion plans and, to a small extent, additional investments in other facilities and buildings for operations.operations.

Business Overview

General

The Group provides commercial airline services throughout China, Hong Kong, Macau and MacauTaiwan regions, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Based on the statistics from the CAAC, the Group is one of the three largest Chinese airlines and, as of year end 2007,of 2009, ranked first in terms of number of passengers carried, number of scheduled flights per week, number of hours flown, number of routes and size of route network and aircraft fleet. During the three years ended December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s RPKs increased at a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%,6.7% from 61,923 million in 2005 to 69,582 million in 2006, and to 81,727 million in 2007 to 83,184 million in 2008, and to 93,002 million in 2009, while its capacity, measured in terms of ASKs, increased at a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%6.1%, from 88,361 million in 2005 to 97,059 million in 2006, and to 109,733 million in 2007.2007 to 112,767 million in 2008, and to 123,441 million in 2009. In 2007,2009, the Group carried 56.966.28 million passengers and had passenger revenue of RMB49,600RMB50,059 million (US$6,7907,331 million).
 
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The Group conducts a portion of its airline operations through its airline subsidiaries namely Xiamen Airlines, Southern Airlines (Group) Shantou Airlines Company Limited (“Shantou Airlines”), Zhuhai Airlines Company Limited (“Zhuhai Airlines”), Guizhou Airlines Company Limited (“Guizhou Airlines”) and Chongqing Airlines Company Limited (“Chongqing Airlines”) (collectively, the “Airline Subsidiaries”). In 2007,2009, the Airline Subsidiaries carried 13.7016.87 million passengers and had passenger revenue of RMB14,083RMB11,314 million (US$1,9281,657 million) and accounted for 24.1%25% and 28.4%23% of the Group’s passengers carried and passenger revenue, respectively.
The Group also provides air cargo and mail services. The cargo and mail revenue of the Group increaseddecreased by 5%16.9% to RMB3,697RMB2,908 million (US$506426 million) in 20072009 as compared with 2006.that of 2008. The Group’s airline operations are fully integrated with its airline-related businesses, including aircraft and engine maintenance, flight simulation and air catering operations.

As of the year end of 2007,2009, the Group operated 689655 routes, of which 560528 were domestic, 10599 were international and 2438 were to/from Hong Kong and Macau.regional. The Group operates the most extensive domestic route network among all Chinese airlines. Its route network covers commercial centers and rapidly developing economic regions in Mainland China.

The Group’s corporate headquarters and principal base of operations are located in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and the largest city in southern China. Located in the rapidly developing Pearl River Delta region, Guangzhou is also the transportation hub of southern China and one of China’s major gateway cities. Guangzhou’s significance has increased as the transportation infrastructure of Guangdong Province has developed through the construction and development of expressways, an extensive rail network and the port cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang, Zhuhai Shantou and Shantou.etc.

In December 2005, the Company established a branch company in Beijing and has added wide-body airplanes to its operation base in Beijing, with the view to expanding its Beijing aviation business and building another main hub there in addition to its Guangzhou base. The establishment of Guangzhou and Beijing hubs will facilitate strategic refinement and enhancement of its route network operations, putting the Company in a better position to explore and seize the opportunities in the regional aviation market expected to be brought about by the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.market.
 
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After joining Skyteam Alliance, the Group has established a network reaching 841905 destinations globally, connecting 162169 countries of regions and covering major cities around the world.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group operatedhad a fleet of 332378 aircraft, consisting primarily of Boeing 737 series, 747, 757, 777, Airbus 320 series, 300, 330 and McDonnell Douglas 82 and 90. The average age of the Group’s fleetregistered aircraft was 6.376.32 years as of the year end of 2007.2009.

Restructuring and Initial Public Offering

As part of China’s economic reforms in the 1980’s, the PRC State Council directed the CAAC to separate its governmental, administrative and regulatory role from the commercial airline operations that were being conducted by the CAAC and its regional administrators. As a result, CSAHC was established on January 26, 1991 for the purpose of assuming the airline and airline-related commercial operations of the Guangzhou Civil Aviation Administration, one of the six regional bureaus of the CAAC. CSAHC was one of the 55 large-scale enterprises designated by the Chinese Governmentgovernment to play a leading role in their respective industries.

CSAHC was restructured in 1994 and 1995 in anticipation of the initial public offering of the Company. The restructuring was effectedeffect through the establishment of the Company and the execution of the DemergerDe-merger Agreement dated as ofon March 25, 1995 as amended (the “Demerger Agreement”),by and between CSAHC and the Company. Upon the restructuring, the Company assumed substantially all of the entire airline and airline-related businesses, assets and liabilities of CSAHC, and CSAHC retained its non-airline-related businesses, assets and liabilities. Upon this separation, allAll interests, rights, duties and obligations of CSAHC, whenever created or accrued, were divided between the Company and CSAHC based on the businesses, assets and liabilities assumed by each of them under the DemergerDe-merger Agreement. Under the DemergerDe-merger Agreement, CSAHC agreed not to conduct or participate or hold any interest in, either directly or indirectly, any business, activity or entity in or outside China that competes or is likely to compete with the commercial interests of the Group, although CSAHC may continue to hold and control theits associates of CSAHC existing on the date of the DemergerDe-merger Agreement and may continue to operate the businesses of such associates. Under the De-merger Agreement, CSAHC and the Company also agreed to indemnify each other against any and all losses, claims, damage, debts or expenses arising out of or in connection with the restructuring. As of the date of this Annual Report, no indemnity has been provided by either CSAHC or the Company.

In July 1997, the Company completed a private placement of 32,200,000 H Shares to certain limited partnership investment funds affiliated with Goldman Sachs & Co. and an initial public offering of 1,141,978,000 H Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, and listing of the H Shares on Thethe Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”) and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, each ADR representing 50 H Shares)ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to the private placement and the initial public offering, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, consisting of 2,200,000,000 non-tradable Domestic Shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, were owned by CSAHC, which ownsowned and exercises,exercised, on behalf of the Chinese Governmentgovernment and under the supervision of the CAAC, the rights of ownership of thesuch Domestic Shares held by CSAHC.Shares. After giving effect to the private placement and the initial public offering, CSAHC’s continuedCSAHC maintained its ownership of the 2,200,000,000 Domestic Shares represented(representing approximately 65.2% of the total share capital of the Company,Company), and will bewere entitled to elect all the directors of the Company and to control the management and policies of the Group. Domestic Shares and H Shares are both ordinary shares of the Company.
 
Pursuant to an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on May 21, 2002, a resolution was passed authorizing
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In July 2003, the Company to issue not more than 1,000,000,000 A Shares of par value of RMB1.00 each. The Company issued 1,000,000,000 A Shares with a par value of RMB1.00 each in July 2003 and listed these shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Subsequent to the A Share issue, the shareholding of CSAHC onin the Company was reduced from 65.2% to 50.3%50.30%.
 
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Pursuant to relevant PRC laws, the regulations includingCompany launched the "Guidelines of the State Council for Promoting the Reform and Opening-up and Sustained Development of the Capital Market" promulgated by the State Council of the PRC and the "Guiding Opinions on the State Share Reform of the Listed Companies" jointly promulgated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”), the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the Ministry of Finance, People's Bank of China and the Ministry of Commerce, and pursuant to the operating procedures of share reform proposals, the Company announced the Share Reform Plan (“Plan”) on April 13,scheme in May 2007, which was subsequently amended on April 23, 2007. Under the Plan,whereby all the 2,200,000,000 non-tradable domestic sharesDomestic Shares held by CSAHC willshall be converted into tradable A Shares. Upon the completion of such scheme on June 20, 2008, all the non-tradable Domestic Shares have been successfully converted into tradable A Shares, subject to the restriction that CSAHC shall not transfer or trade these shares within 36 months after the commencement date of the Plan. In return, CSAHC will grant 1,400,000,000 put options to those holders of tradable A shares who are listed in the Shareholders’ register on the record date which is May 8, 2007, which will be equivalent to 1.5970 shares for every 10 A shares held by the holders of tradable A shares. The rights under the put options as referred above will be automatically exercised in a European way on the expiring date in that the exercise ratio will be 2 to 1 (i.e., the value of the exercise ratio is 0.5), the effective period will be 12 months period, the initial exercise price will be RMB7.43, and the put options will be paid in cash. The share reform plan was approved in the relevant shareholder’s meeting held on May 17, 2007. Details and schedule for the implementation of the share reform plan was approved in relevant shareholder's meeting held onscheme (which is June 12, 2007.18, 2007).

Proposed Bonus Shares Issue by Conversion of Capital ReserveShare Premium

The share premium of the Company amounted to RMB5,325 million. On April 18,June 25, 2008, the Board proposed to the shareholders of the Company for their consideration and approvalapproved a bonus share issue (the “Bonus Share Issue”) by theway of conversion of share premium, toand on August 14, 2008, the Ministry of Commerce approved the bonus share capital. Pursuant toissue. The issue has been effected by conversion of share premium on the Bonus Share Issue,basis of 5 new shares, credited as fully paid, for every 10 existing shares. Upon the completion of the bonus share issue, which is based on 4,374,178,000 shares in issue as at December 31, 2007, the number of paid up shares will behas increased by 2,187,089,000 shares to 6,561,267,000 shares.

Non-Public Subscriptions

On December 10, 2008, the Company entered into an A Shares subscription agreement with CSAHC, pursuant to which CSAHC has conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company has conditionally agreed to allot and issue 721,150,000 new A Shares for a consideration of RMB2,278,834,000, equivalent to the subscription price of RMB3.16 per new A Share. Separately and on the same date, the Company and Nan Lung (a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC) entered into a H Shares subscription agreement, pursuant to which Nan Lung has conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company has conditionally agreed to allot and issue 721,150,000 new H Shares for a consideration of RMB721, 150,000, equivalent to the subscription price of RMB1.00 (equivalent to approximately HK$1.13) per new H Share.  The Bonus Share Issue is conditional uponsubscription agreements were approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting and the respective Class Meetings of shareholders of A and H Shares on February 26, 2009. On June 3, 2009, the Company received the formal approval from CSRC for the proposed non-public issue of H Shares. On August 14, 2009, the Company received the formal approval from CSRC for the proposed non-public issue of A Shares. The issuance of 721,150,000 new A Shares to CSAHC and 721,150,000 new H Shares to Nan Lung were completed on August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, respectively.

On March 8, 2010, the board of the Company approved (i) the passingplacement of not more than 1,766,780,000 new A shares to not more than 10 specific investors (subject to the maximum number as permitted by PRC laws and regulations at the time of the special resolution to approve the Bonus Share Issueissuance) including CSAHC, at the Annual General Meeting,same subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share; and (ii) the class meetingplacement of holders ofnot more than 312,500,000 new H shares to Nan Lung, at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share.

On the same date, the Company entered into the A shares subscription agreement with CSAHC, pursuant to which CSAHC conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new A shares of not more than 132,510,000 at the Company; (ii)subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share. In addition, the Company and Nan Lung entered into the H shares subscription agreement, pursuant to which Nan Lung conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new H shares of not more than 312,500,000 at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share. The above placement and subscription agreements were approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting and the respective Class Meetings of shareholders of A and H shares on April 30, 2010 and are pending approval from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC being obtained; and (iii) in respect of the new H Shares, the Listing Committee of the Stock Exchange granting or agreeing to grant the listing of, and permission to deal in, the new H Shares.relevant security regulatory authorities.

Proposed Issuance of Short-term Financing Bills and Medium Term Notes

On April 18, 2008, the Company'sCompany’s Board approved the proposed issue of short-term financing bills in the principal amount of up to RMB4 billion in the PRC, and the submission of this proposal to the annual general meeting for the shareholders’ approval in accordance with the relevant procedural requirements under applicable PRC laws and regulations and the Articles of Association, and pursuant to Article 76(10)approval. On June 25, 2008, shareholders of the Articles of Association.Company approved such proposed bill issue at the annual general meeting for the year 2007. The BoardCompany believes that the proposedbill issue of short-term financing bills will provide the Company with a further source of funding at an interest rate which is expected to be lower than the interest ratethat for loans from commercial banks. The Board considers that the issue of the short-term financing bills willbanks, lower the financing cost of borrowings for the Company, and is in the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. SubjectThe Company has received the acceptance from National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors to register the shareholders’ approval, the Company will, if required or as otherwise considered appropriate, make further announcement when the issue ofCompany’s short-term financing bills takes place.in the amount of RMB3.5 billion for a period up to September 10, 2010. The bills would be jointly underwritten by China CITIC Bank Cooperation Limited and Bank of China Limited. In October 2008, the Company issued short-term financing bills with total face value of RMB2 billion, bearing coupon interest rate at 4.7% with a maturity period of one year for funding of the business activities of the Company.

On May 28, 2008, the Board approved the proposed the issue of medium term notes by the Company in the principal amount of up to RMB1.5 billion and the submission of such proposal to the Shareholdersshareholders for their consideration and approval. On June 25, 2008, shareholders of the Company approved such notes issue at the annual general meeting for the year 2007. The BoardCompany believes that the proposednotes issue of medium term notes will provide the Company with a further source of medium to long term funding at an interest rate lower than the best lending rate for loans from commercial bank. The Board considers that the issue of the medium term notes willbank, lower the finance costs of borrowings for the Company and improve the debt structure of the Company.
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Traffic

The following table sets forth certain statistical information with respect to the Group’s passenger, cargo and mail traffic for the years indicated.

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Passenger carried
 
Cargo and Mail
Carried (tons)
 
Total traffic
(tons kilometers)
 
Year
 
Total
(in million)
 
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous
year (%)
 
Total
(in
thousand)
 
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous
year (%)
 
Total
(in million)
 
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous
year (%)
 
2003  20.47  (4.7) 464.0  (1.3) 3,561.0  (1.5)
2004  28.21  37.8  545.0  17.5  4,663.0  30.9 
2005  44.12  56.4  775.0  42.2  7,284.0  56.2 
2006  49.21  11.6  819.0  5.7  8,071.0  10.8 
2007  56.90  15.6  872.0  6.5  9,250.0  14.6 
  Passenger carried  
Cargo and Mail 
Carried (tons)
  
Total traffic 
(tons kilometers)
 
Year 
Total
(in million)
  
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous 
year (%)
  
Total
(in
thousand)
  
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous 
year (%)
  
Total
(in million)
  
Increase
(decrease)
over
previous
year (%)
 
2007  56.90   15.6   872.0   6.5   9,250.0   14.6 
2008  58.24   2.3   835.0   (4.2)  9,200.0   (0.5)
2009  66.28   13.8   862.0   3.2   10,067.0   9.4 

China Southern Airlines carried 49.21 million passengers in 2006. It was the ninth largest airline in the world in terms of annual passenger traffic in 2006. This ranking was officially announced by the International Air Transport Association.

China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. ranks fourth in the global aviation industry and first in Asia, transporting 56.90 million passengers throughout the year 2007, according to the latest ranking released by the International Air Transport Association.

Route Network

Overview

The Group operates the most extensive route network among the Chinese airlines. As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group operated 689655 routes consisting of 560528 domestic routes, 24 Hong Kong and Macau38 regional routes and 10599 international routes.

The Group continually evaluates its network of domestic, Hong Kong and Macauregional and international routes in light of its operating profitability and efficiency. The Group seeks to coordinate flight schedules with the Airline Subsidiaries on shared routes to maximize load factors and utilization rates. The acquisition of domestic, Hong Kong and Macauregional and international routes is subject to approval of the CAAC, and the acquisition of Hong Kong and Macauregional and international routes is also subject to the existence and the terms of agreements between the Chinese Governmentgovernment and the government of the Hong Kong SAR, the government of the Macau SAR, the government of Taiwan province and the government of the proposed foreign destination.
 
In order to expand the Group’s international route network, the Group has entered into code-sharing agreements with several international airlines, including Delta Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Air System, Vietnam Airlines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Garuda Indonesian, Malaysian Airline, KENYA AIRWAYS, Pakistan International Airlines, Aeroflot-Russian Airlines and Garuda Indonesian.CSA Czech Airlines. Under the code sharing agreements, the participating airlines are permitted to sell tickets on certain international routes operated by the Group to passengers using the Group’s codes. Similarly, the Group is permitted to sell tickets for the other participating airlines using its “CZ” code. The code sharing agreements help increase the number of the Group’s international sales outlets. After joining Skyteam Alliance, the Group has further established a network reaching 841905 destinations globally, connecting 162169 countries of regions and covering major cities around the world.

Route Bases

In addition to its main route bases in Guangzhou and Beijing, the Group maintains certain regional route bases in Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Shenzhen, Shenyang, Changchun, Dalian, Harbin, Urumqi, Haikou, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Shanghai, Xi’an, Fuzhou, Nanning, Guilin, Shantou, Guiyang, Chongqing Sanya and Beihai.Sanya. Most of its regional route bases are located in provincial capitals or major commercial centers in the PRC.

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The Group believes that its extensive network of route bases enable it to coordinate flights and deploy its aircraft more effectively and to provide more convenient connecting flight schedules and access service and maintenance facilities for its aircraft. The Group believes that the number and location of these route bases may enhance the Group’s ability to obtain the CAAC’s approval of requests by the Group to open new routes and provide additional flights between these bases and other destinations in China. Current regulations of the CAAC generally limit airlines to operations principally conducted from their respective route bases.

Domestic Routes
 
The Group’s domestic routes network serves substantially all provinces and autonomous regions in China, including Guangdong, Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, Hainan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning and Xinjiang, and serves all four centrally-administered municipalities in China, namely, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing. In 2007,2009, the Group’s most profitable domestic routes were between: GuangzhouGuangzhou-Beijing, Beijing-Guangzhou, Shenzhen-Beijing, Fuzhou-Beijing, Beijing-Shenzhen, Shanghai-Guangzhou, Guangzhou-Shanghai, Xiamen-Beijing, Urumqi-Beijing, and Beijing, Beijing and Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beijing, Beijing and Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai, Urumqi and Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Beijing and Urumqi, and Sanya and Beijing. Beijing-Urumqi.
 
Hong Kong and Macau
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Regional Routes

The Group offers scheduled service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Luoyang, Shenyang, Harbin, Wu Yi Shan, Zhang Jia Jie, Changchun, Yinchuan, Urumqi, Xiamen, Shantou, Beijing, Guilin, Meixian, Haikou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Nanning, Changsha, Sanya and Sanya; andHohhot; between Macau and Hangzhou, Xiamen and Tianjin; between Taipei and Guangzhou, Shanghai, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Shenyang, Changsha, Wuhan, Dalian, Guilin, Harbin, Guiyang, Zhengzhou and Xiamen.Shenzhen. In 2007,2009, the most profitable scheduled Hong Kong and Macauregional routes were between: Taipei-Shanghai, Xiamen-Hong Kong, Shanghai-Taipei, Xiamen-Taipei, Taipei-Guangzhou, Fuzhou-Taipei, Guangzhou-Taipei, Hong Kong-Beijing, Changchun-Guangzhou-Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Beijing, Beijing and Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Wuhan, Wuhan and Hong Kong, Guilin and Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Shantou, Shantou and Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Zhengzhou.Kong-Wuhan.

In 2007,2009, the Group conducted a total of 15,03512,227 flights on its Hong Kong and Macauregional routes, accounting for approximately 24.7%24.75% of all passengers carried by Chinese airlines on routes between Hong Kong, Macau or MacauTaiwan and destinations in China.China according to CAAC statistics.

Previously, direct flights between Taiwan and Mainland China had only been available during certain festivals. And travelers between Taiwan and China have had to make use of intermediate stops in Hong Kong or elsewhere. Since July, 2008, however, the ban on direct flights has been further liberalized to allow direct charter flights on weekends. The Company became the first Chinese carrier to fly nonstop to Taiwan. On November 4, 2008, the Mainland China and Taiwan agreed to regular direct passenger charter flights across the Taiwan Strait. On August 31, 2009, the Mainland China and Taiwan increased the number of regular cross-Strait direct passenger flights from 108 to 270 a week. The 108 direct passenger flights previously operating were all classed as charter flights. The new services comprise both regular charter and scheduled flights. 

In order to further strengthen its presence in Taiwan, on June 23, 2008, the Company entered into a memorandum of cooperation with China Airlines, which is the largest carrier in Taiwan in terms of route network. Based on the memorandum, the scope of cooperation between the parties will cover passenger and cargo carrying, maintenance, and ground handling services.

International Routes

The Group is the principal Chinese airline connecting the rapidly developing Pearl River Delta region of China to Southeast Asia, with 28 routes serving 13 Southeast Asian destinations, including Singapore and major cities in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. In 2007, the Group’s most profitable international routes were: Guangzhou-Beijing-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Beijing-Guangzhou, Guangzhou-Los Angeles, Shenyang-Seoul, Bejijing-Guangzhou-Pyongyang, Seoul-Shenyang, Beijing-Guangzhou-Hanoi, Guangzhou-Sydney, Guangzhou-Tokyo, and Guangzhou-Osaka.

In addition, to the 28 routes serving 13 Southeast Asian destinations, the Group operates 77 other international routes providingalso provides scheduled services to the cities in Australia, Belgium,Bangladesh, France, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, UAE and USA.

After joining Skyteam Alliance, the Group has established a network reaching 841905 destinations globally, connecting 162169 countries of regions and covering major cities around the world.

In 2009, the Group’s most profitable international routes were: Tianjin-Xiamen-Singapore, Beijing-Guangzhou-Phnom Penh, Guangzhou-Beijing-Amsterdam, Guangzhou-Sydney, Guangzhou-Los Angeles, Phnom Penh-Guangzhou-Beijing, Singapore-Guangzhou-Shenyang, Guangzhou-Tokyo, Beijing-Guangzhou-Hanoi, Shenyang-Guangzhou-Singapore.

Aircraft Fleet

The Group’s fleet plan in recent years has emphasized expansion and modernization through the acquisition of new aircraft the acquisition of existing aircraft in conjunction with our acquisition of CNA and XJA, and the retirement of less efficient, older aircraft. As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group operated a fleet of 332378 aircraft with an average age of 6.376.32 years. Most aircraft of the Group are Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The Group has the largest fleet among Chinese airline companies. Most ofAmong all the aircraft, 203 aircraft operated by the Group are leased pursuant to various types of leasing arrangements.

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The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Group’s fleet of 332378 aircraft as of December 31, 2007.2009.

Model
 
Number of
Aircraft
 
Average age
(years)
 
Average
Passenger
Capacity
 
Boeing 777-200  4  11.53  380 
Boeing 777-21B  6  9.20  292 
Boeing 757-200  31  8.81  200 
Boeing 747F  2  5.42  n/a 
Boeing 737-800  58  1.89  167 
Boeing 737-700  43  3.58  138 
Boeing 737-500  8  13.57  130 
Boeing 737-300  25  13.14  145 
Airbus 300-600  6  12.96  272 
Airbus 319-100  33  2.24  128 
Airbus 320-200  49  5.09  158 
Airbus 321-200  23  2.54  182 
Airbus 330-200  6  2.04  264 
Airbus 330-300  2  0.04  292 
McDonnell Douglas 82  12  15.04  144 
McDonnell Douglas 90  13  9.85  157 
Embraer 145 Jet  6  3.23  50 
ATR-72  5  9.95  72 
Total  332       
Model 
Number of
Aircraft
  
Average age
(years)
  
Average
Passenger
Capacity
 
Boeing 777-200A 4  13.71  380 
Boeing 777-200B 6  11.36  292 
Boeing 757-200 27  10.76  200 
Boeing 747F 2  7.53  n/a 
Boeing 737-800 80  3.09  167/170 
Boeing 737-700 46  5.32  126 
Boeing 737-500 2  13.53  130 
Boeing 737-300 25  15.35  145 
Boeing 777F 2  0.08  n/a 
Airbus 319-100 44  3.36  128 
Airbus 300-600 5  15.19  272 
Airbus 320-200 54  6.26  158 
Airbus 321-200 40  3.10  185 
Airbus 330-200 6  4.10  264 
Airbus 330-300 8  1.57  292 
McDonnell Douglas 82 3  17.89  144 
McDonnell Douglas 90 13  12.02  157 
Embraer 145 Jet 6  5.31  50 
ATR-72 5  12.58  72/79 
          
Total 378       

During 2007,2009, the Group continued to expand and modernize its aircraft fleet. The Group’s major aircraft transactions included:

In 2007,2009, the Group took scheduled delivery of 36 aircraft during the year (eight A319-100 aircraft, six A320-200 aircraft, nine A321-200 aircraft, three B737-700 aircraft and ten B737-800 aircraft). The acquisition was financed by bank loans and the Group’s own funds. In addition, the Group took schedule delivery of two B777F Freighters, which was financed by a capital lease agreement with a ten-year lease term.

In 2009, the Group exercised purchase options of seven leased aircraft (one B777-200B aircraft, five A320-200 aircraft and one Boeing 777-200, three Boeing 737-300, three McDonnell Douglas 90, eight Airbus 320-200 and two Airbus 300-600MD90 aircraft) upon expiry of the respective lease terms.

Six Airbus 319-100,In 2009, four B737-800, three Airbus 321-200 and four Boeing 737-800 aircraftA319-100 were acquired under operating lease,lease; one B757-200 aircraft, three B737-500 aircraft and three Boeing 757-200 and four Boeing 737-400one A320-200 aircraft under operating lease were returned during 2007. In addition, five Boeing 737-700 and fourteen Boeing 737-800 aircraft acquired in 2007 were financed by a combination of internal funds, long-term bank loans and finance lease agreements.
In July 2007, the Group entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire five Airbus 319, ten Airbus 320 and five Airbus 321 aircraft, scheduled for deliveries in 2009 to 2010.2009.

In July 2007,2009, two MD82 aircraft were modified as simulators for training purpose and were reclassified as other flying equipment.

In 2009, the Group disposed of seven MD82 aircraft and one A300-600 aircraft.

In January, 2010, the Company entered into aAircraft General Terms Agreement and A320 Family Aircraft Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase agreement with Boeing to acquire 25 Boeing 737-80020 Airbus A 320 series aircraft from Airbus SNC, scheduled for deliveries indelivery from 2011 to 2013.

In August 2007, the Group entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing to acquire 55 Boeing 737 series, scheduled for deliveries in 2011 to 2013.
In October 2007, the Group entered into a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire ten Airbus 330-200 aircraft, scheduled for deliveries in 2010 to 2012.

In 2007, the Group disposed of 11 McDonnell Douglas 82 aircraft.
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Aircraft Financing Arrangements

Overview

A significant portion of the Group’s aircraft is acquired under long-term financecapital or operating leases or long-term mortgage loans with remaining terms to maturity ranging from one to fifteeneleven years. As of December 31, 2007, 692009, 55 of the Group’s 332378 aircraft were operated under financecapital leases, 130148 were operated under operating leases, 4160 were financed by long-term mortgage loans, while the remaining were acquired either with cash proceeds or acquired by exercising the purchase options upon expiry of the respective financecapital leases. The Group’s planned acquisition of aircraft in the foreseeable future will generally be made through acquisition by bank loans and the Group’s own funds, and pursuant to operating leases or financecapital leases. The Group’s determination as to its acquisition strategy depends on the Group’s evaluation at the time of its capacity requirements, anticipated deliveries of aircraft, the Group’s capital structure and cash flow, prevailing interest rates and other general market conditions.

 
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The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2007,2009, the number of aircraft operated by the Group pursuant to capital and operating leases and the remaining terms, expressed in years, of such leases.





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Pursuant to financeFor capital leases or operating leases, the Group is obligated to indemnify the lessors against any withholding or similar taxes that may be imposed on the lessors by taxing authorities in China with regard to payments made pursuant to such leases. In accordance with relevant PRC tax regulations, a PRC lessee is liable to paywithhold PRC withholding tax in respect of any lease payments regularly made to an overseas lessor. Depending on the circumstances, this tax is generally imposed at a fixed rate ranging from 10%6% to 20%10% of the lease payments, or in certain cases, the interest components of such payments. Pursuant to an approval document from the State Taxation Bureau, lease arrangements executed prior to September 1, 1999 are exempt from PRC withholding tax.payments for capital lease. The PRC withholding tax payable in respect of the operating leases executed after September 1, 1999 oflease arrangements amounting RMB198 million, RMB142 million and RMB143 million RMB60 millionduring 2009, 2008 and RMB55 million during 2007 2006 and 2005 respectively, have been included as part of the operating lease charges.

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Aircraft Flight Equipment

The jet engines used in the Group’s aircraft fleet are manufactured by General Electric Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc, United Technologies International, Inc., CFM International, Inc. and International Aviation Engines Corporation. The Group had 7169 and 6966 spare jet engines for its fleet as of the year end of 20072009 and 2006,2008, respectively. The Group determines its requirements for jet engines based on all relevant considerations, including manufacturers’ recommendations, the performance history of the jet engines and the planned utilization of its aircraft. Acquisition of rotables and certain of the expendables for the Group’s aircraft are generally handled by Southern Airlines (Group) Import & Export Trading Corporation (“SAIETC”), a subsidiary of CSAHC acting as agent for the Group, in consideration of an agency fee. The Group arranges the ordering of aircraft, jet engines and other flight equipment for the Airline Subsidiaries and keeps an inventory of rotables and expendables for the Airline Subsidiaries.

Aircraft Maintenance
 
A major part of the maintenance for the Group’s fleet other than overhauls of jet engines is performed by GAMECO, a jointly controlled entity established by the Company, Hutchison Whampoa (“Hutchison”) and South China International Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, consistent with the Group’s strategy to achieve fully integrated airline operations and to assure continued access to a stable source of high quality maintenance services. The remaining part of the maintenance for the Group’s fleet other than overhauls of jet engines is performed by service providers in China and overseas. GAMECO performs all types of maintenance services, ranging from maintenance inspections performed on aircraft (“line maintenance services”) to major overhaul performed at specified intervals. GAMECO was the first of three aircraft maintenance facilities in China having been certified as a repair station by both the CAAC and the FAA.Federal Aviation Administration. In March 1998, GAMECO received an approval certificate from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority for the repair and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines.
 
The Group believes that GAMECO performs major maintenance checks on the Group’s aircraft within time periods generally consistent with those of large international airline maintenance centers. GAMECO’s repair and maintenance capabilitiescapacity include overhaul of more than 64%70% of the Group’s aircraft. Although rotables for the Group’s aircraft are generally imported through SAIETC, a portion of expendables and other maintenance materials are directly imported by GAMECO. GAMECO also provides line maintenance services to eight13 other Chinese airlines and 1819 international airlines. GAMECO provides heavy maintenance services to four7 other Chinese airlines and nine6 international airlines.
 
The Company and GAMECO had entered into an Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Agreement for the provision of aircraft repair and maintenance services. On May 17, 1996, the Company and GAMECO entered into an agreement regarding the fee arrangement for the provision of such repair and maintenance services (the “Fee Agreement”). Pursuant to the Fee Agreement and subsequent agreements, GAMECO charged the Company for expendables at cost plus 16%, and labour costs at US$30 per hour during 2007. The amounts incurred by the Group for such repair and maintenance services were RMB661 million, RMB686 million, and RMB535 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.services.

Overhauls of jet engines are performed by MTU, Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd., (“MTU Zhuhai”), a jointly controlled entity of the Company and MTU Aero Engines Gmbh, and also by overseas qualified service providers in Germany, Malaysia, Canada and England. Repair fees amountingOn September 28, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with CSAHC to RMB386dispose of its 50% equity interest in MTU to CSAHC at a consideration of RMB1,607,850,000. The transfer was completed in February 2010.
The amounts incurred by the Group for comprehensive maintenance services provided by GAMECO and MTU were RMB1,344 million, RMB497RMB1,129 million, and RMB583RMB1,047 million were paid to MTU Zhuhai for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


Safety
The Group endeavors to maintain strict compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to flight safety. In addition, the Group has adopted measures to eliminate or minimize factors that may impair flight safety, including specialized training programs and safety manuals. The Air Safety Management Department of the Company implements safety-related training programs on an ongoing basis in all of the Group’s operations to raise the safety awareness of all employees. As a result, overall flight safety has gradually improved. There were no serious incidents involving casualty or flight damage throughout the three years ended December 31, 2007.2009. For minor “incidents” which include various events and conditions prescribed by the CAAC which do not involve serious personal injury or material damage to flight equipment, the Group has kept the number consistently below the standard prescribed by the CAAC. For example, the Company’s “flight incident” ratio“Accident Signs Per Ten Thousands Hours Ratio” was 0.065,0.089, 0.064 and 0.130.065 in 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 2005,2007, respectively. In comparison, CAAC’s published maximum acceptable flight incident ratioAccident Signs Per Ten Thousands Hours Ratio was 0.6, 0.6, 0.7 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, 0.7 in 2006 and 0.29 in 2005.respectively. This ratio is defined as the occurrence of one incident for every 10,000 hours of flight time.
 In 2009, the Group strengthened its flight safety management as per the internal and external safety requirements. In 2008, the Group received the “Five-Star Flight Safety Award” from CAAC, making it the first in the aviation industry to receive such a great honor. By December 2009, the Company’s continuous safe flight span totaled to 6.53 million hours.
Jet Fuel

Jet fuel costs typically represent a major component of an airline’s operating expenses. The Group’s jet fuel costs accounted for 34.6%29.6%, 35.2%37.4% and 30.1%34.6% of the Group’s operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 2005,2007, respectively. Like all Chinese airlines, the Group is generally required by the Chinese Governmentgovernment to purchase its jet fuel requirements from regional branches of CAOSC and Bluesky Oil Supplies Company, except at the Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Sanya, Haikou, Shanghai Pudong and Sanyaother small airports which arewhere jet fuel is supplied by Sino-foreign joint venturesventure in which CAOSC is a joint venture partner. CAOSC is a State-owned organization controlled and supervised by the CAAC that controls the importation and distribution of jet fuel throughout China.
 
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Jet fuel obtained from CAOSC’s regional branches is purchased at uniform prices throughout China that are determined and adjusted by CAOSC from time to time with the approval of the CAAC and the pricing department of the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”)NDRC based on market conditions and other factors. As a result, the costs of transportation and storage of jet fuel in all regions of China are spread among all domestic airlines. Jet fuel costs in China are influenced by costs at State-owned oil refineries and limitations in the transportation infrastructure, as well as by insufficient storage facilities for jet fuel in certain regions of China.

Prior to 1994, domestic jet fuel prices were generally below international jet fuel prices. The Chinese Governmentgovernment had gradually increased domestic jet fuel prices in order to reflect more accurately the costs of supplying jet fuel in China. As a result, domestic jet fuel prices have become higher than those in the international market since the beginning of 1994. In 2007 through the first half of 2008, the crude oil prices in the international market reached historic highs. In response to the pressure imposed by such rocketing prices, on November 1, 2007 and June 20, 2008, respectively, NDRC increased the domestic price offor jet fuel. Thereafter, in order to cushion fuel cost pressure faced by Chinese airlines, on December 19, 2008 and January 1, 2009, respectively, NDRC approved reductions in domestic prices for jet fuel. However, starting from February 2009, the crude oil price in the international market started to pick up gradually. As a result, NDRC increased the domestic price for jet fuel in July 2009 and made several subsequent adjustments thereafter.

Jet fuel costs decreased from CAOSC was below international jet fuel prices dueRMB23,086 million in 2008 to the increaseRMB16,390 million in 2009 as a result of international jet fuel prices.
Thedecrease in average price paid by the Group in 2007 was RMB5,962 per ton, which represents a 2.1% increase from that of 2006.
According to the NDRC and the CAAC on Issues Relating to Introduction of the Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, domestic airlines imposed fuel surcharges for all the domestic routes (excluding those from the mainland PRC to Hong Kong and Macau) with effect from August 1, 2005 (based on flight time). On February 16, 2006, the NDRC and CAAC released a supplementary document on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, stating that due to the rising jet fuel price the period of imposition of fuel surcharge by airlines was extended. The NDRC and CAAC released separate supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes on March 28, 2006 and September 1, 2006, respectively, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges in a range of RMB20 to RMB60 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and in a range of RMB40 to RMB100 for distance, exceeding 800 kilometers, during the period temporarily from April 10, 2006 to October 10, 2006. On January 21, 2007, the NDRC and CAAC released additional supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges from RMB60 to RMB50 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and from RMB100 to RMB80 for distance exceeding 800 kilometers. On November 5, 2007, the NDRC and CAAC released additional supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges from RMB50 to RMB60 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and from RMB80 to RMB100 for distance exceeding 800 kilometers. The introduction of fuel surcharge and the extension of the duration of the same will help relieve, to a certain extent, the burden of high jet fuel cost, on the Group.

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35.3%.

In addition to purchases of jet fuel from CAOSC, the Group is also permitted by the Chinese Governmentgovernment to purchase a portion of its jet fuel requirements for its international flights from foreign fuel suppliers located outside China at prevailing international market prices. Jet fuel purchased from such sources outside China accounted for approximately 12%7% and 9% of the Group’s total jet fuel consumption in both 20072009 and 2006.2008, respectively.

Fuel Surcharge

According to the relevant regulations promulgated by the NDRC and the CAAC, domestic airlines imposed fuel surcharges for all the domestic routes (excluding those from the mainland PRC to Hong Kong and Macau) with effect from August 1, 2005 (based on flight time). The imposition of the fuel surcharge helped relieve, to a certain extent, the burden of high jet fuel cost, on the Group. The level of fuel surcharges, and any adjustment of which, are determined by CAAC and NDRC based on such factors as jet fuel price, route miles and the location of destination. Due to the downward trend in domestic fuel prices, on December 19, 2008, the CAAC and the NDRC decided, on December 25, 2008, to reduce fuel surcharges for both domestic and international routes. Thereafter, the CAAC and the NDRC called for a stop on imposing fuel surcharges for domestic routes by Chinese airlines with effect from January 15, 2009. Such suspension on imposing fuel surcharge lasted until November 2009. As international fuel prices gradually pick up, and in response to rises in the fuel cost, on November 11, 2009, the NDRC issued a notice to introduce a new pricing mechanism of fuel surcharge that links it with airlines’ jet fuel costs. According to the new mechanism, when the purchase cost of jet fuel is lower than RMB 4,140 per ton (i.e., the benchmark price of jet fuel), airlines should not charge fuel surcharge. When the purchase cost of jet fuel exceeds RMB 4,140 per ton, the airlines may charge appropriate fuel surcharge provided that such airlines should digest at least 20 percent of the rising cost. As such, following a suspension period of almost one year, in November 2009, the Group resumed the imposing of fuel surcharges for domestic routes.

Flight Operations

Flight operations for the Group’s flights originating in Guangzhou are managed by the Company’s flight operations and marketing divisions, which are responsible for formulating flight plans and schedules consistent with route and flight approvals received from the CAAC. The Company’s flight operations center in Guangzhou is responsible for the on-site administration of flights, including the dispatch and coordination of flights, deployment of aircraft, ground services and crew staffing. In addition, each of the Airline Subsidiaries maintains flight operations centers at all servicing airports for on-site administration of their flights. The Company’s general dispatch offices are responsible for monitoring conditions on the Group’s route network, administering the Group’s flight plans, collecting and monitoring navigation data and analyzing and monitoring airport conditions.

To enhance its management of flight operations, the Group’s computerized flight operations control system (SOC) began operation in May 1999. The system utilizes advanced computer and telecommunications technology to manage the Group’s flights on a centralized, real-time basis. The Group believes that the system will assist it to (i) compile flight schedules more efficiently; (ii) increase the utilization of aircraft; (iii) allow real-time tracking of all of the Group’s flights; and (iv) improve coordination of the Group’s aircraft maintenance and ground servicing functions.

Training of Pilots and Flight Attendants

The Group believes that its pilot training program which was established in cooperation with the CAAC affiliated Beijing Aeronautics and Aviation University (the “BAAU”) has significantly improved the quality of the training received by the Group’s pilots and has helped maintain the quality of the Group’s staff of pilots at a level consistent with the expansion of operations called for by the Group’s business strategy.
 
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In the Group’s pilot training program, trainees have two years of theoretical training at the BAAU. After successful completion of academic and physical examinations, the trainees receive flight training for a period of approximately 20 months at China Southern West Australian FlyingPilot College, Pty Ltd. (the “Australian Pilot College”), a company that is 65%91% owned by the Company and 35%9% owned by CSAHC. Each trainee at the Australian Pilot College is required to fly at least 230 hours before being awarded a flight certificate. Graduates of the BAAU and the Australian Pilot College are hired by the Group as trainee pilots after passing a CAAC-administered examination to obtain a pilot license. The total training period for the Group’s trainee pilots is approximately fivefour years. The Group has about 1,9001,720 trainees as at the end of April 2008, more than 400 and 500May 7, 2010, about 790 trainees are expected to graduate in 2008 and 2009, respectively.2010.

As part of the pilot training program, trainee pilots receive their initial training in the operation of a specific aircraft with Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited (“Zhuhai Xiang Yi)Yi”), a jointly controlled entity between the Company and CAE International Holdings Limited, which also provides training to pilots from other Chinese airlines. Zhuhai Xiang Yi is equipped with simulators for all models of aircraft currently operated by the Group and provides flight simulation training services to the Group.

The Group’s pilots are required to be licensed by the CAAC, which requires an annual recertification examination. The Group’s pilots attend courses in simulator training twice annually and in simulator emergency procedures annually. The Group also conducts regular advanced training courses for captains and captain candidates. Pilots advance in rank based on number of hours flown, types of aircraft flown and their performance history.

The Group used to fund the training of its recruited pilots in previous years and, as a result, incurred significant costs over the years. Recently, there has been a trend in the financing of pilot training worldwide from employer-sponsored to self-sponsored scheme. Such a change will not only cut down the Group’s training expenses significantly, but also ensures the long-term dedicated service of the pilots. Accordingly,Starting from 2007, the Group planedbegan to recruit 150 pilots under the self-sponsored training arrangement.

On December 5, 2007, August 27, 2008 and August 27, 2009, the Board approved the Company to provide a guarantee with joint liability for the loans incurred under the self-sponsored pilot training program in an aggregate amount of RMB90,858,000, not more than RMB213,600,000 and not more than RMB184,750,000 respectively. On December 29, 2009, Xiamen Airlines, a 60%-owned subsidiary of the Company agreed to provide a guarantee with joint liability for the loans incurred under the partial self-sponsored pilot training program in an aggregate amount of not more than RMB100 million covering a period till December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2009, the Group has provided a guarantee with joint liability for the loans of such self-sponsored pilots in an aggregate amount of RMB292,586,000, under which an aggregate of personal bank loans of RMB60,025,500 were drawn down from the banks.
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Under the program, the self-sponsored pilots are bound to enter into service contracts with the Group when they finish their training courses. They have the choices to repay their loans in advance or in instalments.

The Group conducts theoretical and practical training programs for its flight attendants at its Flight Attendants Training Center in Guangzhou (the “Guangzhou Training Center”). The Guangzhou Training Center is equipped with computerized training equipment, as well as simulator cabins for all models of aircraft currently operated by the Group. At the Guangzhou Training Center, flight attendants of the Group receive comprehensive training in areas such as in-flight service, emergency evacuation and water rescue.

Ground Services

The Group makes arrangements with airport authorities, other airlines or ground services companies for substantially all ground facilities, including jet-ways, waiting areas, ticket counters and support services buildings, at each airport that it serves. The Group pays landing, parking and other fees to such airports, including Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. At domestic airports, such fees are generally determined by the CAAC.

At Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, the Group operates its own passenger check-in, cargo, mail and baggage handling, aircraft maintenance and cleaning services. The Group also provides such services to other airlines that operate in Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

Ground services at the airports in Shenzhen, Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Haikou, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Guilin, Shantou, Guiyang and Beihai are primarily operated directly by the Group. Ground services at the airport in Beijing are primarily provided by Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Services Company Limited,Service, which has become a jointly controlled entity betweenwholly-own subsidiary of the Company and Beijing Aviation Ground Services Co. Ltd.,in June 2009, since April 2004. Ground services at other airports in China are provided to the Group by local airport authorities or local airlines pursuant to various service agreements. Ground services and other services at airports outside China are provided to the Group by foreign services providers pursuant to various service agreements with such parties. All such agreements of the Group are short-term and otherwise on terms that are customary in the industry.

Air Catering

The Company owns a 75%55% equity interest in Guangzhou Nanland Air Catering Company Limited (“Nanland”) as of December 31, 2007.2009. Nanland provides in-flight meals, snacks, drinks and related services for all of the Group’s flights originating in Guangzhou and substantially all other flights departing from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. The Group contracts with various air catering suppliers with respect to in-flight catering services for flights originating from other airports, generally on an annual basis and otherwise on terms that are customary in the industry. In January 2008, the Company disposed of a 20% equity interest in Nanland to CIE EXPLOITATION DES SERVICES AUXILIAIRES AERIENS SERVAIR with a consideration of EUR5.8 million.

To facilitate the Company to optimize its assets structure, better tightening its cost control, reduce the number of connected transactions and enhance the independence of the Company’s operations in the long-run, the Company acquired 100% interest in China Southern Airlines Group Air Catering Company Limited (“SAG Air Catering”) aton August 31, 2007.2007 from CSAHC. SAG Air Catering mainly provides in-flight meals to airlines for different flights of the Company originating or stopping at the domestic airports, mainly in northern China and Xinjiang regions.




24


Sales, Reservations and Marketing

Passenger Ticket Sales and Reservations

The Group’s ticket sales and reservations are conducted by or through independent sales agents and the Group’s own network of exclusive sales offices as well as the CAAC’s sales offices and CSAHC’s associates. The Group has sales offices in Guangzhou and its other route bases. In addition, the Group maintains regional sales offices in other cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai. The Group maintains international sales offices in Almaty, Amsterdam, Ashkhabad, Astana, Baku, Bangkok, Bishkek, Brisbane, Busan, Chicago, Daegu, Daejeon, Delhi, Dubai (Sharjah), Dushanbe, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Hiroshima, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Irkutsk, Jakarta, Jeddah, Khabarovsk, Kathmandu, Kita Kyushu, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Lahore, London, Los Angeles, Luanda, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Nagoya, Nigata,New York, Novosibirsk, Osaka, Osh, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Pusan,Samarkand, Sapporo, Sendai, Seoul, Sharjah, Siemreap, Singapore, Sydney, Taegu, Tashkent, Teheran,Tehran, Tokyo, ToyamaVancouver, Vladivostok and Vientiane, Vladivostok Yangon.

The Group has agency agreements with airlines in the Asia- PacificAsia-Pacific region, Europe, the United States and Africa for the processing of ticket sales and reservations on a reciprocal basis. In 2007,2009, approximately 10.5 %11.02% of all ticket sales for the Group’s scheduled flights were made by the Group’s network of sales offices and CSAHC’s associates. The Group also sells tickets and accepts reservations through an extensive network of non-exclusive independent sales agents. Under the agency agreements with these sales agents, the Group pays commissions based on the value of tickets sold. The Group pays independent sales agents a commission of 1.5%3%-9% of the ticket price. Sales agents are typically permitted to withhold their commission from the proceeds of ticket sales that are remitted to the Group. In 2007,2009, independent sales agents accounted for approximately 89.5 %88.98% of the Group’s ticket sales for its scheduled flights.

Substantially all of the Group’s sales offices and agents in China are linked electronically to the CAAC’s computerized ticketing and reservations system, which is in turn linked to all domestic airlines for flights throughout China. The Group has also entered into membership agreements with several international reservation systems, including ABACUS in Southeast Asia, SABRE and GALILEO in the United States, AMADEUS in Europe and INFINI in Japan. These systems facilitate reservations and sales of tickets for the Group’s international flights. During 2008, the Group further improved and optimized its online sales network, and launched Tencent sales counters in cooperation with Tencent Technology Limited, thus expanded the consumer sales network of the Group. Meanwhile, the Group upgraded and reconstructed the SMS platform, and launched the 95539 services hotlines, which provide SMS information services on mileage, flight schedule, flight status, and air ticket price.

Cargo

The Group’s cargo and mail services are promoted through its own cargo divisions and independent cargo agents both within and outside China that track available space among all airlines. In particular, the Group employs a number of cargo agents in the Pearl River Delta region. The Group generally pays such agents a commission of 4% - 5% of the relevant cargo freight rate for domestic and international services.


The Group engages in regular promotional and marketing activities in an effort to increase its market share. The Group’s promotional and marketing activities for domestic routes emphasize safety, passenger comfort and the frequency of the Group’s flights. The Group’s promotional and marketing activities for international and Hong Kong and Macau regional passengers emphasize the Group’s quality of service, extensive route network in China and greater frequency of flights relative to other Chinese airlines. In addition, the Group also promotes and markets its Hong Kong and Macau regional and international routes on the basis of price.

The Group has been seeking to increase its name recognition by offering new services to passengers. For example, the Group was the first Chinese airline to provide off-airport check-in services. The Group also offers transfer and baggage “through-handling” services to passengers connecting to other airlines, including passengers connecting in Hong Kong for flights to Taiwan. The Group widened its use of information technology and introduced new services such as cell phone check-in, and SMS platforms. During the Beijing Olympic Games, the Group launched a special promotion known as “Welcome the Olympic Games with Gold Medal Services” and successfully fulfilled its duties to deliver quality services for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics Games.
 
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On the wake of permitted direct flights on weekends between Taiwan and Mainland China starting from July 4, 2008, the Company became the first Chinese carrier to fly nonstop to Taiwan. By taking advantage of such further liberalized air travel policy between Taiwan and Mainland China, the Company has taken measures to explore opportunities presented by and increase its name recognition in Taiwan market. On June 23, 2008, the Company entered into a memorandum of cooperation with China Airlines, which is the largest carrier in Taiwan by route network. Based on the memorandum, the scope of cooperation between the parties will cover passenger, cargo, maintenance, and ground handling services. The Company believes that its strategic collaboration with China Airlines will be beneficial to both parities, expand their route network worldwide, increase their freight load factors, reduce labor and operating costs, and enhance the competitiveness of both airlines in the global air travel market.

To enhance relationships with its passengers, the Group has launched two frequent flyer programs, namely the “China Southern Airlines Sky Pearl Club”, and the “Egret Mileage Plus”. By the end of 2007,2009, the Group had approximately 5,265,5008,483,053 members under these programs.
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Regulation

The Chinese commercial aviation industry is subject to a high degree of regulation and oversight by the CAAC. Regulations and policies issued or implemented by the CAAC encompass substantially all aspects of airline operations, including the approval of domestic, Hong Kong and Macauregional and international route allocation, published air fares, aircraft acquisition, jet fuel prices and standards for aircraft maintenance, airport operations and air traffic control. The Civil Aviation Law, which became effective in March 1996, provides a framework for regulation of many of these aspects of commercial aviation activities. Although China’s airlines operate under the supervision and regulation of the CAAC, they are accorded an increasingly significant degree of operational autonomy, including with respect to the application for domestic, Hong Kong and Macauregional and international routes, the allocation of aircraft among routes, the purchase of flight equipment, the pricing of air fares within a certain range, the training and supervision of personnel and their day-to-day operations.

As an airline providing services on international routes, the Group is also subject to a variety of bilateral civil air transport agreements that provide for the exchange of air traffic rights between China and various other countries. In addition, China is a contracting state, as well as a permanent member, of the International Civil Aviation Organization (the “ICAO”), an agency of the United Nations established in 1947 to assist in the planning and development of international air transport, and is a party to many other international aviation conventions. The ICAO establishes technical standards for the international aviation industry. The Group believes that it, in all material respects, complies with all such technical standards.
 
Route Rights

Domestic Routes. The right of any Chinese airline to carry passengers or cargo on any domestic route must be obtained from the CAAC. Non-Chinese airlines are not permitted to provide domestic air service between destinations in China. The CAAC’s policy is to assign a domestic route to the Chinese airline that is best suited to serve the route based, in part, on the location of the airline’s main or regional base at the point of origin. Under current regulations, airlines are generally expected to operate mainly from their route bases, and flights within a particular region are expected to be served by airlines based in that region. The Group believes that these regulatory parameters benefit airlines, such as the Group, that have a large number of regional route bases. The CAAC also considers other factors that may make a particular airline suitable to operate a domestic route, including the applicant’s general operating authority, compliance with pricing regulations and regulations applicable to safety and service quality, market demand, the ability of the applicant in terms of its existing routes, and airport facilities and related support services.

The CAAC considers market conditions for a domestic route in determining whether the route should be allocated to one or more airlines. TheGenerally, the CAAC requires the passenger load factor on a particularcertain route to reach 75%should be above the average rate of the whole market in the last flight season before additional flights and participants may be put on that route. Airlines serving the route are given priority for such additional flights, and only if such airlines cannot operate more flights will the CAAC permit another airline to commence service.

Hong Kong and MacauRegional Routes. Hong Kong and Macau routes and landing rights are derived from agreements between the Chinese Governmentgovernment and the government of the Hong Kong SAR, and between the Chinese Governmentgovernment and the government of Macau SAR. Such rights are allocated by the CAAC among the four Chinese airlines permitted to fly to Hong Kong or Macau. The Group understands that the criteria for determining whether a Hong Kong and Macau route will be allocated to a particular airline include market demand, the ability of the airline to service the route and the appropriateness of the airline’s aircraft for such route.

A number of Hong Kong routes are operated by Chinese airlines on a “charter” flight basis. Permission to operate these flights is in theory subject to monthly review by the CAAC and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department. The CAAC has informally indicated that it primarily considers market demand and airline capability in granting permission for such flights.

Previously, direct flights between Taiwan and Mainland China had only been available during certain festivals. Since July 4, 2008, however, the ban on direct flights has been further liberalized to allow direct charter flights on weekends. On November 4, 2008, the Mainland China and Taiwan agreed to regular direct passenger charter flights across the Taiwan Strait. On August 31, 2009, the Mainland China and Taiwan extended the number of regular cross-Strait direct passenger flights from 108 to 270 a week. The 108 direct passenger flights previously operating were all classed as charter flights. The new services comprise both regular charter and scheduled flights. The Company became the first Chinese carrier to fly nonstop to Taiwan. Previously, travelers between Taiwan and China have had to make use of intermediate stops in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
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International Routes. International route rights, as well as the corresponding landing rights, are derived from air services agreements negotiated between the Chinese Government,government, 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 service between certain destinations within each of such countries. Upon entering into an air services agreement, the CAAC determines the airline to be awarded such routes based on various criteria, including the availability of appropriate aircraft, flight and management personnel, safety record, the overall size of the airline, financial condition and sufficiency of assets to bear civil liabilities in international air services. These route rights may be terminated by the CAAC under special circumstances.

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The criteria for determining whether an international route will be allocated to a second airline generally include (i) the terms of the relevant bilateral civil aviation agreement; (ii) consistency with overall national plans and the national interest and the enhancement of reasonable competition; and (iii) whether the international airports to be used are sufficient for the aircraft flown and employ security measures consistent with international standards.

In addition, if the relevant bilateral civil aviation agreement permits more than one Chinese airline to operate a particular international route, the CAAC will only permit a second airline to operate on such route if the number of passengers carried annually exceeds 100,000 and if there is a minimum average load factor of 68% for routes with at least five weekly flights by Chinese airlines, or 80% for routes with four or fewer weekly flights by Chinese airlines.

Air Fare Pricing Policy

Pursuant to “Pricing Reform of Domestic Civil Aviation” as approved by the State Council of the PRC effective on April 20, 2004, prices on domestic routes now fluctuate freely within a predetermined range. Instead of direct supervision by setting prices of air tickets through a local price bureau, the government now provides guidance on domestic flights and domestic civil aviation is controlled by the government indirectly. Market-oriented pricing policy was introduced and pricing system has been adjusted as a result of the above pricing reform.

Published air fares of Chinese airlines for the Hong Kong and Macau routes are determined by the CAAC and the relevant civil aviation authorities in Hong Kong or Macau, subject to consultation between the relevant Chinese airlines and Hong Kong or Macau airlines. Airlines may offer discounts on flights on their Hong Kong regional routes. With respect to the Taiwan routes, the air fares are currently determined by Chinese airlines at their own discretion and may be subject to certain pricing guidance to be issued by the CAAC in the future.

Published air fares of Chinese airlines for international routes are determined through consultation between the relevant Chinese airlines and foreign airlines in accordance with the civil aviation agreements between the Chinese Governmentgovernment and the relevant foreign government, taking into account the international air fare standards established through the International Air Transport Association. All air fares for international routes must be approved by the CAAC. Discounting of published international air fares is permitted.

Acquisition of Aircraft and Flight Equipment

The CAAC requires all Chinese airlines to acquire their aircraft through China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Corporation (“CASC”), an entity controlled by the CAAC. If a Chinese airline plans to acquire an aircraft, the airline must first seek approval from the CAAC and NDRC. The airline must, as a condition of approval, provide specific acquisition plans, which are subject to modification by the CAAC and NDRC. If the CAAC and NDRC approve an aircraft acquisition, the airline negotiates the terms of the acquisition with the manufacturer together with CASC because CASC possesses the license required to import or export aircraft, and CASC receives a commission in respect thereof. Most Chinese airlines are also required to acquire their aircraft engines, spare parts and other flight equipment through CASC. The Company and a few other Chinese airlines are permitted to import jet engines and other flight equipment for their own use without the participation of CASC. In the case of the Company, SAIETC acts as its import agent and is paid an agency fee for its services.

Jet Fuel Supply and Pricing

CAOSC and Bluesky Oil Supplies Company, companies controlled and supervised by the CAAC, are the only jet fuel supply companies in China, with the exception of the joint venture jet fuel supply companies that supply the Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Sanya, Haikou, Shanghai Pudong and Sanyaother small airports, in each of which CAOSC is a partner. Airlines are generally not permitted to buy jet fuel from other suppliers in their domestic operations, since the direct import of jet fuel for domestic purposes is prohibited. As a result, all Chinese airlines purchase their domestic jet fuel supply requirements (other than in respect of their Shenzhen, Zhuhai or Sanya operations)the above mentioned exceptions) from the seven regional branches of CAOSC. Jet fuel obtained from such regional branches is purchased at uniform prices throughout China that are determined and adjusted by CAOSC from time to time with the approval of the CAAC and the pricing department of the NDRC based on market conditions and other factors.

27

Safety

The CAAC has made the improvement of air traffic safety in China a high priority and is responsible for the establishment of operational safety, maintenance and training standards for all Chinese airlines. The Chinese airlines are required to provide monthly flight safety reports to the CAAC, including reports of flight or other incidents or accidents and other safety related problems involving such airline’s aircraft occurring during the relevant reporting period. The CAAC periodically conducts safety inspections on individual airlines.
 
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The CAAC oversees the standards of all Chinese airline pilots through its operation of the CAAC Aviation College. The CAAC Aviation College is a monitoring unit located in Tianjin which implements a uniform pilot certification process applicable to all Chinese airline pilots and is responsible for the issuance, renewal, suspension and cancellation of pilot licenses. Every pilot is required to pass CAAC-administered examinations before obtaining a pilot license and is subject to an annual recertification examination.
 
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 aircraft operated by Chinese airlines must have a valid certificate of airworthiness, which is issued annually by the CAAC. In addition, maintenance permits are issued to a Chinese airline only after its maintenance capabilities have been examined and assessed by the CAAC. Such 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.

Security

The CAAC establishes and supervises the implementation of security standards and regulations for the Chinese commercial aviation industry. Such standards and regulations are based on Chinese laws, as well as standards developed by international commercial aviation organizations. Each airline and airport in China is required to submit to the CAAC an aviation security handbook describing specific security procedures established by such airline or airport for the day-to-day operations of commercial aviation and procedures for staff training on security. Such security procedures must be based on relevant CAAC regulations and international commercial aviation treaties. Chinese airports and airlines that operate international routes must also adopt security measures in accordance with the requirements of the relevant international agreements.

Noise and Environmental Regulation

All airlines in China must comply with the noise and environmental regulations of the PRC State Environmental Protection Agency. Applicable regulations of the CAAC permit Chinese airports to refuse take-off and landing rights to any aircraft that does not comply with noise regulations.

Chinese Airport Policy

The CAAC supervises and regulates all civilian airports in China. The local government of the PRC manages the administration of most civilian airports in China, including the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport with limited exceptions. Airports in China are also subject to regulation and ongoing review by the CAAC, which determines take-off and landing charges, as well as charges for the use of airports and airport services.

Competition

The CAAC’s extensive regulation of the Chinese commercial aviation industry has had the effect of managing competition among Chinese airlines. Nevertheless, competition has become increasingly intense in recent years due to a number of factors, including relaxation of certain regulations by the CAAC, an increase in the number of Chinese airlines and an increase in the capacity, routes and flights of Chinese airlines.

In the Chinese aviation industry, the three dominant airlines are the Group, Air China and China Eastern Airlines (“China Eastern”).Airlines. In 2007,2009, these three airlines together controlled approximately 71.8%69.8% of the commercial aviation market in China as measured by passengers carried.

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Most major Chinese airlines have in recent years significantly expanded their fleets, while at the same time passenger traffic has not increased proportionately. This has resulted in a reduction in the passenger load factors for most Chinese airlines. As a result, Chinese airlines are required to be more competitive with respect to, for example, quality of service, including ticketing and reservations, in-flight services, flight scheduling and timeliness.

The Group expects that competition in China’s commercial aviation industry will continue to be intense. The Group will also face increasing competition from alternative means of transport, such as highway and rail, as China’s transportation infrastructure improves. In particular, the so-called “Four Longitudinal and Four Horizontal” high-speed railways under construction may have a huge negative impact on the domestic commercial aviation sector once it goes into operation. 38 lines of the “Four Longitudinal and Four Horizontal” overlap with current flights of the Group, 21 of which run for a distance of less than 4 hours. If the high-speed railways go into full operation, according to the statistic of the Group, 13 out of the total 18 subsidiaries and branches of the Company involving 798 flights (i.e. to and fro flights/week) may be seriously impacted.

Relative to other Chinese airlines, however, the Group believes that it possesses certain competitive advantages. The Group has the most extensive route network and the largest number of regional route bases among Chinese airlines, which the Group believes places it in a favorable position in the route allocation process. The Group also has the largest aircraft fleet of any Chinese airline, which, together with the Group’s planned aircraft acquisitions, will permit the Group to expand its operations and to improve the deployment of the aircraft in its fleet. The Group also believes that its dominant presence in the populous and economically developed southern and central regions of China provides it with a competitive advantage in attracting new customers and that its fully integrated flight training, aircraft and engine maintenance, and air catering operations enable it to achieve and maintain high quality service to its customers. In light of increasing competition from high speed trains, the Group intends to place more flight fleet to the international routes, where the Group enjoys an advantageous market position. The Group also believes that its optimized route network, increased operational efficiency and improved service quality will attract more customers. The proposed cooperation between the Company and the high speed trains operators will also enable the Group to render a seamless air-ground service to customers which will bring a win-win suition for both the Group and the high speed trains operators.

According to CAAC statistics, the following table sets forth the Group’s market share of passengers carried, cargo and mail carried and total traffic of Chinese airlines for the years indicated.

  
 
Passenger carried
 
Cargo and Mail
Carried (tons)
 
Total traffic
(ton kilometers)
 
 
Year
 
Industry
Total
(in millions)
 
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
 
Industry
Total
(in
 thousands)
 
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
 
Industry
Total
(in billion)
 
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
 
2000  67.2  24.9  1,967  22.5  12.3  20.0 
2001  75.2  25.4  1,709  23.3  14.1  21.5 
2002  85.9  25.0  2,021  23.3  16.5  21.9 
2003  87.6  23.4  2,190  21.2  17.1  20.8 
2004  121.2  23.3  2,770  19.7  23.1  20.2 
2005  138.3  31.8  3,067  25.3  26.1  27.9 
2006  159.7  30.8  3,494  23.4  30.6  26.4 
2007  185.8  30.6  4,018  21.7  36.5  25.3 
  Passenger carried  
Cargo and Mail
Carried (tons)
  
Total traffic
(ton kilometers)
 
Year 
Industry
Total
(in millions)
  
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
  
Industry
Total
(in
thousands)
  
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
  
Industry
Total
(in billion)
  
Group’s
Share
(% of total)
 
2005  138.3   31.8   3,067   25.3   26.1   27.9 
2006  159.7   30.8   3,494   23.4   30.6   26.4 
2007  185.8   30.6   4,018   21.7   36.5   25.3 
2008  192.5   30.3   4,076   20.5   37.7   24.4 
2009  230.5   28.8   4,455   19.3   42.7   23.6 

Domestic Routes

The Group competes against its domestic competitors primarily on the basis of flight schedule, route network, quality of service, safety, type and age of aircraft and, to a lesser extent and until recently, price. The Group competes against 10ten other Chinese airlines in its various domestic route markets. Of these competitors, the largest are two airlines owned or controlled by the Chinese Government,government, and the remaining eight airlines are operated by or under the control of various Chinese provincial or municipal governments.

The following table sets forth the Group’s market share of the passengers carried, cargo and mail carried on departing flights and total departing flights at the ten busiest airports in China, based on passenger volume data from CAAC statistics, in 2007.

2009. 


    
Cargo and Mail
   
 
Airport
 
Passenger carried
(% of total )
 
Carried
(% of total)
 
Departing flight
(% of total)
 
Wuhan  39.59% 47.65% 34.93%
Changsha  51.17% 69.45% 50.37%
Haikou  28.57% 29.6% 27.85%
Sanya  35.32% 33.9% 36.76%
Zhengzhou  58.67% 63.32% 51.78%
Guilin  39.02% 39.11% 37.98%
Nanning  43.06% 39.14% 38.61%
Zhang Jia Jie  39.59% 67.78% 40.31%

     Cargo and Mail    
Airport 
Passenger carried
(% of total )
  
Carried
(% of total)
  
Departing flight
(% of total)
 
Wuhan  44.41%  54.06%  39.91%
Changsha  45.25%  63.73%  44.35%
Haikou  26.16%  26.05%  25.21%
Sanya  27.47%  27.50%  28.28%
Zhengzhou  51.48%  63.05%  47.41%
Guilin  37.03%  47.16%  36.13%
Nanning  37.05%  36.68%  32.22%
Zhang Jia Jie  36.28%  30.54%  38.02%
Hong Kong and Macau
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Regional Routes

In 2007,2009, the Group conducted a total of 15,03512,227 flights on its Hong Kong and Macauregional routes, accounting for approximately 24.7%24.75% of all passengers carried by Chinese airlines on routes between Hong Kong, Macau or MacauTaiwan and destinations in China. The Group faces less competition on regional routes than that on domestic and international, and earns higher operating margin. Air China, Eastern Airlines, Air Macau, Dragon Air and Cathay Pacific Airways compete with the Group in the regional traffic markets.

International Routes

The Group competes with Air China, China Eastern and many well-established foreign airlines on its international routes. Most of these international competitors have significantly longer operating histories, substantially greater financial and technological resources and greater name recognition than the Group. In addition, the public’s perception of the safety and service records of Chinese airlines may adversely affect the Group’s ability to compete against its Hong Kong and Macauregional and international competitors. Many of the Group’s international competitors have larger sales networks and participate in reservation systems that are more comprehensive and convenient than those of the Group, or engage in promotional activities that may enhance their ability to attract international passengers.

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Air China has the most extensive international route network among Chinese airlines. Beijing, the hub of Air China’s operations, has been the destination for most international flights to China. The Group competes against, among other airlines, Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines System, Air China and China Eastern on flights to Southeast Asian destinations. In the case of its European routes, the Group’s competitors include Cathay Pacific Airways. The Group faces competition on its international routes from Air China and China Eastern, each of which operates several routes between destinations in China and the United States, as well as international airlines that fly to Los Angeles from Hong Kong. The Group competes in the international market primarily on the basis of safety, price, timeliness and convenience of scheduling.

Airline Subsidiaries

The Airline Subsidiaries are joint ventures established by the Company and local companies in the provinces or special economic zones where the Airline Subsidiaries are based and are engaged in providing airline and related services. The Company owns a 60% equity interest in each of the Airline Subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, Xiamen Airlines operated under its own “MF” code with a fleet of 4657 aircraft on 97100 domestic routes, 117 international routes and six Hong Kong and Macau10 regional routes. In 2007,2009, Xiamen Airlines carried a total of about 9.2511.12 million passengers, or approximately 16.26%16.78% of the passengers carried by the Group in that year, and had RMB7,485RMB7,622 million in traffic revenue.
 
As of December 31, 2007,2009, Shantou Airlines operated under the Group’s “CZ” code nine aircraft on 14 domesticwith a fleet of ten aircraft. In 2009, under the centralized allocation of flight routes one international route and one Hong Kong and Macau route. In 2007,of the Group, Shantou Airlines carried a total of about 1.861.95 million passengers, or 3.26%2.94% of the passengers carried by the Group in that year. Total traffic revenue of Shantou Airlines for the year ended December 31, 20072009 was RMB1,289RMB1,422 million.
As of December 31, 2007,2009, Chongqing Airlines operated under the “OQ” code four aircraft on five domesticwith a fleet of seven aircraft. In 2009, under the centralized allocation of flight routes previously operated byof the Company. In 2007,Group, Chongqing Airlines carried a total of about 217,0001.41 million passengers, or 0.38%2.13% of the total number of passengers carried by the Group in that year. Total traffic revenue of Chongqing Airlines for the year ended December 31, 20072009 was RMB119RMB779 million.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, Zhuhai Airlines operated under the “CZ” code with a fleet of five aircraft on 14 domestic routes.aircraft. In 2007,2009, under the centralized allocation of flight routes of the Group, Zhuhai Airlines carried a total of about 917,6000.87 million passengers, or approximately 1.61%1.30% of the total number of passengers carried by the Group in that year. Total traffic revenue of Zhuhai Airlines for the year ended December 31, 20072009 was RMB723RMB673 million.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, Guizhou Airlines operated under the “CZ” code with a fleet of eight aircraft on 22 domestic routes.aircraft. In 2007,2009, under the centralized allocation of flight routes of the Group, Guizhou Airlines carried a total of about 1.461.52 million passengers, or approximately 2.56%2.29% of the total number of passengers carried by the Group in 2007.that year. Total traffic revenue of Guizhou Airlines was approximately RMB1,070RMB1,172 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.2009.




The CAAC allocates insurance premiums payable in respect of the PICCPICCP&C master policy to each participating airline based on the value of the airline’s insured aircraft or, in the case of leased aircraft, based on the amount required by the terms of the lease. Insurance claims made by any participating airline may cause the premiums paid by the Group under the PICCPICCP&C master policy to increase. PICC’sPICCP&C’s practice has been to reinsure a substantial portion of its aircraft insurance business through reinsurance brokers on the London reinsurance market.

Intellectual Property

The Group’s businesses and operations, other than the businesses and operations of Xiamen Airlines and Chongqing Airlines, are conducted under the names “China Southern” and “China Southern Airlines” in both English and Chinese. The Group uses as its logo a stylized rendition of a kapok plant. Xiamen Airlines conducts its businesses and operations under the name of “Xiamen Airlines” in English and Chinese and uses its own logo depicting a stylized rendition of an egret. Chongqing Airlines conducts its business and operations under the name of “Chongqing Airlines” in English and Chinese and uses its own logo depicting a cross of two rivers.
 
The names “China Southern” and “China Southern Airlines” contain Chinese words of common usage and are therefore not eligible for registration as tradenames under current Chinese law. The kapok logo is a trademark registered in China and recorded with the International Air Transport Association (“IATA”), the rights to which are owned by CSAHC. The Company and CSAHC have entered into a trademark license agreement (the “Trademark License Agreement”), pursuant to which CSAHC has licensed to the Group the right to use the names “China Southern” and “China Southern Airlines” in both English and Chinese and granted the Company a 10-year renewable license from 1997 to use the kapok logo on a world-wide basis. CSAHC has retained the right to use the kapok logo in connection with its non-airline related businesses conducted as of the date of the Trademark License Agreement and to permit its associates that do not compete, directly or indirectly, with the Group to use the kapok logo. Unless CSAHC gives a written notice of termination three months before the expiration of the agreement, the agreement will be automatically renewed for another ten-year term. In May of 2007, the Trademark License Agreement has been renewed by the two parties for another ten-year term ending 2017. Xiamen Airlines owns all rights to its egret logo, which is a trademark registered in China, and recorded with the IATA. Chongqing Airlines also owns all rights to its logo, which is a trademark registered in China, and recorded with the IATA.

The Company owns all rights to three trademarks, being SKY PEARL CLUB, the logo relating to Easy Cargo 5000 and “SKY PEARL CARD” which are registered in China, and recorded with Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Zhuhai Airlines Company Limited owns all rights to the airline logo which is registered with the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

32


Organizational Structure

The following chart illustrates the corporate structure of the Group as of year end 2007December 31, 2009 and the aggregate effective equity interest of the Company in each of its principal subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities.

 
29


CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED

Note a: Including 13% ownership interest held by CSA’s subsidiaries.

The particulars of the Company’sGroup’s principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 20072009 are as follows:

Name of company
Place and date of
establishment
/operation
 
Place and date of
establishment
/operation
Proportion of ownership
ownership
interest held
by the Company
 
Southern Airlines (Group) Shantou Airlines Company Limited PRC July 20, 1993  60%
Zhuhai Airlines Company Limited PRC May 8, 1995  60%
Xiamen Airlines Company Limited PRC August 11, 1984  60%
Guizhou Airlines Company Limited PRC November 12, 1991  60%
Chongqing Airlines Company Limited PRC June 16, 2007  60%
Guangzhou Air Cargo Company LimitedPRC March 31, 200470%
Guangzhou Nanland Air Catering Company Limited PRC November 21, 1989  7555%
China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd.Limited Australia January 26, 1971  6591%
Guangzhou Baiyun International Logistics Company LtdLimited PRC July 23, 2002  61%
Xinjiang Civil Aviation Property Management Limited PRC February 12, 2002  51.8%
China Southern Airlines Group Air Catering Company Limited PRC December 25, 2003  100%
NanlungNan Lung International Freight Company Limited Hong Kong October 1, 1996  51%
Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Service Company LimitedPRC April 1, 2004100%

3330


The particulars of the Group’s principal associates and jointly controlled entities as of December 31, 20072009 are as follows:

Name of company
 
Place and date of
establishment
/operation
 
Proportion of ownership
interest held by
 
    
Group
effective interest
 
 The Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited  PRC October 28, 1989  50% 50%  
China Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited  PRC June 28, 1995  34% 21.1% 12.9%
Sichuan Airlines Corporation Limited  PRC August 28, 2002  39% 39%  
China Postal Airlines Limited  PRC November 25, 1996  49% 49%  
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co. Ltd  PRC April 6, 2001  50% 50%  
Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited  PRC July 10, 2002  51% 51%  
Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Service Company Limited  PRC April 1, 2004  50% 50%  
    
Proportion of ownership
interest held by
 
Name of company 
Place and date of
establishment
/operation
 
Group
effective
interest
  
The
Company
  Subsidiaries 
Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited PRC October 28, 1989  50%  50%   
Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited PRC June 28, 1995  34%  21.1%  12.9%
Sichuan Airlines Corporation Limited PRC August 28, 2002  39%  39%   
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Limited PRC April 6, 2001  50%  50%   
Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited PRC July 10, 2002  51%  51%   
Guangzhou China Southern Zhongmian Dutyfree Store Co., Limited PRC September 29, 2006  50%  50%   

Property, Plant and Equipment

For a discussion of the Group’s aircraft, see Item 4, “Information on the Company — History and development of the Company — Aircraft Acquisitions.”

The Group’sCompany’s headquarters in Guangzhou occupy an area of approximately 254,400429,833 square meters of land and a total gross floor area of approximately 536,652653,043 square meters. The GroupCompany leases from CSAHC the land in Guangzhou on which the Group’sCompany’s headquarters and other facilities are located. The GroupCompany also leases from CSAHC certain buildings mainly at the Haikou, Wuhan, Nanyang, Shenyang, Dalian, Jilin, Harbin and Xinjiang.

34


The Company’s principal properties are located at its headquarters site and at its route bases. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company’s properties at its headquarters in Guangzhou and certain route bases as of the date hereof.hereof.

  
Land
(in square meters)
 
Buildings
(in square meters)
 
  
Owned
 
 Leased
 
Owned
 
 Leased
 
              
Guangzhou  123,962  130,438  529,375  7,277 
Shenzhen  208,740    54,093   
Zhuhai  170,062    18,791   
Changsha  138,949    47,190   
Zhengzhou  290,841    60,582   
Haikou  5,265    63,570  19,633 
Wuhan    31,061  17,335  22,831 
Nanyang      12,156  60,003 
Sanya  106,680    16,968   
Shenyang    167,502  79,626  93,445 
Dalian    14,403  17,250  33,597 
Jilin    65,076  33,656  7,767 
Harbin    286,871  36,925  3,188 
Xinjiang    545,146  177,710  4,135 
Guilin  72,563    73,379  139 
  
Land
(in square meters)
  
Buildings
(in square meters )
 
  Owned  Leased  Owned  Leased 
Guangzhou  330,163   99,670   624,667   28,376 
Shenzhen  208,740      105,040    
Zhuhai  170,062      18,791    
Changsha  138,949      52,552    
Zhengzhou  290,841      66,542    
Haikou  5,265   1,711   83,923   20,917 
Wuhan     31,061   17,335   22,831 
Nanyang        18,156   60,035 
Sanya  106,680      16,968    
Shenyang     167,502   79,626   93,445 
Dalian     14,403   20,290   33,597 
Jilin  134,488   65,076   38,210   7,767 
Harbin     286,871   36,925   3,188 
Xinjiang  17,460   631,094   177,710   4,135 
Guilin  72,563      73,379   139 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the properties of the Airline Subsidiaries as of the date hereof.

  
Land
(in square meters)
 
Buildings
(in square meters)
 
  
Owned
 
Leased
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
              
Xiamen  579,530    436,617  19,113 
Shantou  36,931  55,407  42,682   
Zhuhai  94,024    44,351  2,245 
Guizhou  259,879    95,705  3,533 
Chongqing        3,009 
  
Land
(in square meters)
  
Buildings
(in square meters)
 
  Owned  Leased  Owned  Leased 
Xiamen  581,401      511,847   26,044 
Shantou  36,931   53,000   61,468   2,773 
Zhuhai  99,306      57,730   1,800 
Guizhou  259,879      106,245   2,032 
Chongqing        6,785   3,482 
31


As systems for registration and transfer of land use rights and related real property interests in China have been implemented relatively recently, such systems do not yet comprehensively account for all land and related property interests. The land in Guangzhou on which the Group’sCompany’s headquarters and other facilities are located and the buildings that the GroupCompany uses at its route base in Wuhan and Haikou are leased by the Company from CSAHC. However, CSAHC lacks adequate documentation evidencing CSAHC’s rights to such land and buildings, and, as a consequence, the lease agreements between CSAHC and the Company for such land may not be registered with the relevant authorities. Lack of registration may affect the validity of such lease agreements. There are certain other parcels of land and buildings owned or used by the Group that lack adequate documentation. Lack of adequate documentation for land use rights and ownership of buildings may impair the ability of the Group to dispose of or mortgage such land use rights and buildings.

As of May 7, 2010, the Group was in the process of applying for the land use right certificates and property title certificates in respect of the properties located in Guangzhou (including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport), Xiamen, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Jilin, Dalian, Hunan, Xinjiang, Henan and Shenzhen, in which the Group has interests and for which such certificates have not been granted. The directors of the Company are of the opinion that the use of and the conduct of operating activities at the properties referred to above are not affected by the fact that the Group has not yet obtained the relevant land use right certificates and property title certificates.
35 





The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements of the Group contained elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Group maintains its books and accounts in accordance with PRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises (“PRC GAAP”) and prepares its financial statements in accordance with both PRC GAAP and IFRSs. The Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs.

Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of the Group’s financial condition and results of operations are based uponon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of suchthe consolidated financial statements requires the Group to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Our principal accounting policies are set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The Group believes that the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Impairment for long-lived assets

If circumstances indicate that the net book value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, this asset may be considered “impaired”, and an impairment loss may be recognized in accordance with IAS 36, “ImpairmentImpairment of Assets”.Assets. The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are reviewed periodically in order to assess whether the recoverable amounts have declined below the carrying amounts. These assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such a decline has occurred, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling pricefair value less costs to sell and the value in use. In determining the value in use, expected cash flows generated by the asset are discounted to their present value, which requires significant judgment relating to the level of traffic revenue and the amount of operating costs. The Group uses all readily available information in determining an amount that is a reasonable approximation of recoverable amount, including estimates based on reasonable and supportable assumptions andfor projections of traffic revenue and amount of operating costs.

Depreciation
 
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over theirthe estimated useful lives, after taking into account the estimated residual value. The Group reviews the estimated useful lives of the assets regularly in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The useful lives are based on the Group’s historical experience with similar assets and taking into account anticipated technological changes. The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates.
Impairment of trade receivables
The Group maintains an impairment loss for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the debtors to make required payments. The Group bases the estimates of future cash flows on the ageing of the trade receivables balance, debtors’ credit-worthiness, and historical write-off experience. If the financial condition of the debtors were to deteriorate, actual write-offs would be higher than estimated.

3632



Information relating to the recently pronounced IFRSs is presented in Note 5056 to the consolidated financial statements.

Overview

2009 proved to be an unusual year. In view of the complicated and ever-changing environment of China and elsewhere throughout the year, the Group prudently analyzed the changes in the market, and made quick response by putting effective measures into practice. It assured the safe operation for the whole year under its enhanced safety management. In addition, through network structure optimization, market development, additional sales activities as well as deeper strategic transformation, the Group controlled costs stricter and took advantage of all policy supports. As such, the fast growth of its operations was ensured that led to a turnaround from loss to profit for the year.

The Group secured a record of safe operation during 2009 by highlighting the importance of safety, enhancing the training and standard of safety, and intensifying the safety information management and system control. Up to December 2009, the Company had achieved records of 122 consecutive safe flight months, 6.53 million accumulated safe flight hours and 186 consecutive months of air security.

In 2007,2009, facing the boomingsustainable slump in the international aviation market and new conditions such as the rapid change in the domestic economic development directly ledaviation market, the Group endeavored to react and adjust itself to the rapidchanging market. The centralized deployment of traffic capacity was strengthened with emphasis on major and high-profit markets. Moreover, we tried hard to grasp opportunities quicker and increase our income and profitability by developing major markets and making full use of all favorable opportunities, including the Lunar New Year, Canton Fairs and high seasons for the market; and making a series of actions to explore a new operation model. Such actions included pushing on with the centralized scheduling and sales management, commencing the operation of air express, implementing the electronic ticket and transport networking system, as well as strengthening the strategic cooperation.

The Group staged the activities of “Year of Branded Services Improvement Campaign” during 2009. Through enhanced operation management and improved flight on-schedule rate, our passengers were provided with more punctual and convenient services. In addition, the Group proactively explored the control model of service system, and strengthened the standardization of services. We continued to optimize the whole process and each step of services so as to improve its service capability. Also, enhancement in both highend customer service and passenger load factor of first class and business class lounges together with the new transit business of “Through Check-In” further elevated our brand value and market influence.

In 2009, the Company successfully obtained a capital injection of RMB3 billion through a non-public issue of 721,150,000 A shares to CSAHC and another non-public issue of 721,150,000 H shares to Nan Lung a foreign wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC. The proceeds replenished the Company’s capital and lowered the gearing ratio, thereby laying a solid foundation for improvement in the financial position as well as the future development. To further reduce the gearing ratio and financial burden and support the strategic development momentumwith funds, the Company is planning to raise an amount of the air transportation business. Under the preconditionRMB10 billion through non-public issues of ensuring flight safety,A shares and H shares in 2010.

In 2009, the Group continued to improvegive back to society with love and contribution in fulfilling its responsibility of corporate governance and business model. However, due to fierce competition in the industry and skyrocketing fuel prices, the Group was faced with comparatively significant cost pressures. The Group dealt with such pressures by optimizing the structure of flight routes and the composition of fleet, increasing its overall revenue, taking a series of fuel saving measures and utilizing financial derivatives. The Groupcitizen. During 2009, our Ten Cent Care Foundation continued to reinforce financial budget managementsponsor poor undergraduates and cost control. It also improvedprovided 22 flights for specific purposes, peacekeeping, evacuation of compatriots living abroad, etc. On our principle of “Green Flight”, we continuously increased the performance-assessment-by-objective mechanism geared towards operating efficiencyenergy utilization rate and decreased the emission of the flight routes network. All of these helped to realize a satisfactory improvement in operating standardsgreenhouse gases through fleet upgrade, route network optimization and results benchmarks of the Company.aircraft weight reduction.

Nevertheless, the Group is facing pressures on its operations due to the resultdevelopment of the sub-prime crisisairlines industry meets with a number of challenges, such as more factors making the recovery of global economy unstable and uncertain, faster growth in the US, the slowing downtotal traffic capacity of the world economy, the contractionary credit policiesindustry, impact of the People’s Bank of China, fierce competitionsubstitutive services such as Express Rail, as well as sharp fluctuation in the aviation industry and the rise of fuel prices.oil price.

Since July 21, 2005, the PRC Governmentgovernment has begun to adopt a managed floating exchange rate system based on market supply and demand of currencies, which is subject to adjustments with reference to a basket of currencies. The exchange rate of Renminbi would no longer be pegged to the U.S. dollar only and a more flexible exchange rate system was established. The exchange rate of U.S. dollar and RMB was at USD1.00: RMB7.3046. Because the Group finances its aircraft acquisitions mainly through financecapital leases or bank loans in U.S. dollars, and there are a substantial amount of transactions and obligations denominated in U.S. dollars in relation to its global purchases of jet fuel, lease and purchase of aviation equipment as well as major repairs, in addition to the landing fees of its international flights in the airports of other countries, the Group benefited from the RMB appreciation. RMB appreciation has brought a one-off exchange gain to the Group and reduced its operating costs which are denominated in foreign currencies. However, RMB appreciation also presents the Group with a challenge in price competition in international route operations.
According to the Notice of the NDRC and the CAAC on Issues Relating to Introduction of the Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, domestic airlines imposed fuel surcharges for all the domestic routes (excluding those from the mainland PRC to Hong Kong and Macau) with effect from August 1, 2005 (based on flight time). On February 16, 2006, the NDRC and CAAC released a supplementary document on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, stating that due to the rising jet fuel price, the period of imposition of fuel surcharge by airlines was extended. The NDRC and CAAC released separate supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes on March 28, 2006 and September 1, 2006, respectively, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges in a range of RMB20 to RMB60 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and in a range of RMB40 to RMB100 for distance, exceeding 800 kilometers, during the period temporarily from April 10, 2006 to October 10, 2006. On January 21, 2007, the NDRC and CAAC released additional supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges from RMB60 to RMB50 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and from RMB100 to RMB80 for distance exceeding 800 kilometers. On November 5, 2007, the NDRC and CAAC released additional supplementary documents on Issues Relating to the Introduction of Fuel Surcharge for Domestic Routes, thereby adjusting the amount of fuel surcharges from RMB50 to RMB60 per passenger for distance, flown less than 800 kilometers, and from RMB80 to RMB100 for distance exceeding 800 kilometers. The introduction of fuel surcharge, and the extension of the duration of the same will help relieve, to a certain extent, the burden of high jet fuel cost, on the Group.

The Group’s 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 the Group’s 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. In particular, the Group’s airline revenue is generally higher in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.

3733


Like most airlines, the Group is subject to a high degree of financial and operating leverage. A significant percentage of the Group’s operating expenses are fixed costs that do not vary proportionally based on the Group’s yields or the load factors. These fixed costs include depreciation expense, jet fuel costs, landing and navigation fees, financing costs, operating lease payments, aircraft maintenance costs and labor for flight crew, cabin crew and ground personnel. Thus, a minor change in the Group’s yields or load factors would have a material effect on the Group’s results of operations. In addition, certain of these expenses, primarily financing costs and operating lease payments, labor costs and depreciation do not vary based on the number of flights flown. Thus, the Group’s operating results can also be substantially affected by minor changes in aircraft utilization rates. The Group is and will continue to be highly leveraged with substantial obligations denominated in foreign currencies and, accordingly, the results of its operations are significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, particularly for the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen. The Group recognized a netdollar. Net exchange gain of RMB2,832decreased by RMB2,499 million, and RMB1,492from RMB2,592 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. These amounts represented mainly unrealized2008 to RMB93 million in 2009 because the exchange differences resulting from the retranslationrate of the foreign currency borrowings.RMB against USD was relatively stable in 2009 while RMB appreciated significantly against USD in 2008.

A number of other external variables, including political and economic conditions in China, tend to have a major impact on the Group’s performance. The Group’s financial performance is also significantly affected by factors arising from operating in a regulated industry. As substantially all aspects of the Group’s airline operations are regulated by the PRC government, the Group’s operating revenues and expenses are directly affected by the PRC government’s policies with respect to domestic air fares, jet fuel prices and landing and navigation fees, among others. The nature and extent of airline competition and the ability of Chinese airlines to expand are also affected by CAAC’s control over route allocations. Any changes in the PRC government’s regulatory policies or any implementation of such policies could have a significant impact on the Group’s future operations and its ability to implement its operating strategy.


The following table sets forth certain financial information and operating data by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 2005:2007:

Traffic
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2007 vs. 2006
 
2006 vs. 2005
 
  
 
2007
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
% increase
(decrease)
 
% increase
(decrease)
 
RPK (million)                
Domestic  
68,369
  
58,128
  
51,472
  
17.6
  
12.9
 
Hong Kong and Macau  1,180  1,541  1,549  (23.4) (0.5)
International  12,178  9,913  8,902  22.8  11.4 
Total  81,727  69,582  61,923  17.5  12.4 
RTK (million)             
Domestic  7,219  6,226  5,571  15.9  11.8 
Hong Kong and Macau  115  156  159  (26.3) (1.9)
International  1,916  1,689  1,554  13.4  8.7 
Total  9,250  8,071  7,284  14.6  10.8 
Passengers carried (thousand)             
Domestic  51,326  44,225  39,545  16.1  11.8 
Hong Kong and Macau  1,339  1,545  1,556  (13.3) (0.7)
International  4,238  3,436  3,018  23.3  13.9 
Total  56,903  49,206  44,119  15.6  11.5 
Cargo and mail carried (thousand tons)             
Domestic  733  674  639  8.8  5.5 
Hong Kong and Macau  12  16  19  (25.0) (15.8)
International  127  129  117  (1.6) 10.3 
Total  872  819  775  6.5  5.7 

  
Year ended December 31,
  
2009 vs. 2008
% increase
  
2008 vs. 2007
% increase
 
Traffic 
2009
  
2008
  
2007
  
(decrease)
  
(decrease)
 
RPK (million)                    
Domestic  80,697   70,619   68,369   14.3   3.3 
Regional  1,337   1,139   1,180   17.4   (3.5)
International  10,968   11,426   12,178   (4.0)  (6.2)
Total  93,002   83,184   81,727   11.8   1.8 
RTK (million)                    
Domestic  8,342   7,392   7,219   12.9   2.4 
Regional  126   110   115   14.5   (4.3)
International  1,599   1,698   1,916   (5.8)  (11.4)
Total  10,067   9,200   9,250   9.4   (0.5)
Passengers carried (thousand)                    
Domestic  61,130   53,063   51,326   15.2   3.4 
Regional  1,276   1,220   1,339   4.6   (8.9)
International  3,875   3,954   4,238   (2.0)  (6.7)
Total  66,281   58,237   56,903   13.8   2.3 
Cargo and mail carried (thousand tons)                    
Domestic  750   713   733   5.2   (2.7)
Regional  9   11   12   (18.2)  (8.3)
International  103   111   127   (7.2)  (12.6)
Total  862   835   872   3.2   (4.2)
38
34


Capacity
 
Year ended
December 31,
 
2007 vs. 2006
% increase
(decrease)
 
2006 vs. 2005
% increase
(decrease)
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
     
ASK (million)                  
Domestic  89,452  79,773  72,107  12.1  10.6 
Hong Kong and Macau  1,881  2,459  2,656  (23.5) (7.4)
International  18,400  14,827  13,598  24.1  9.0 
Total  109,733  97,059  88,361  13.1  9.8 
ATK (million)
Domestic
  10,440  9,311  8,352  12.1  11.5 
Hong Kong and Macau  210  289  315  (27.3) (8.3)
International  3,558  3,056  2,842  16.4  7.5 
Total  14,208  12,656  11,509  12.3  10.0 
Load Factors
             
Passenger load factor (RPK/ASK) (%)             
Domestic  76.4  72.9  71.4  4.8  2.1 
Hong Kong and Macau  62.7  62.7  58.3  0.0  7.5 
International  66.2  66.9  65.5  (1.0) 2.1 
Overall  74.5  71.7  70.1  3.9  2.3 
Overall load factor (RTK/ATK) (%)             
Domestic  69.1  66.9  66.7  3.3  0.3 
Hong Kong and Macau  55.1  54.0  50.4  2.0  7.1 
International  53.8  55.3  54.7  (2.7) 1.1 
Overall  65.1  63.8  63.3  2.0  0.8 
Yield
             
Yield per RPK (RMB)             
Domestic  0.60  0.59  0.55  1.7  7.3 
Hong Kong and Macau  0.91  0.80  0.77  13.8  3.9 
International  0.63  0.62  0.56  1.6  10.7 
Overall  0.61  0.60  0.55  1.7  9.1 
Yield per RTK (RMB)             
Domestic  5.89  5.74  5.30  2.6  8.3 
Hong Kong and Macau  9.91  8.52  8.18  16.3  4.2 
International  5.03  4.77  4.24  5.5  12.5 
Overall  5.76  5.59  5.14  3.0  8.8 
Financial
             
Passenger revenue (RMB million)
 
             
Domestic  40,818  34,174  28,182  19.4  21.3 
Hong Kong and Macau  1,074  1,230  1,194  (12.7) 3.0 
International  7,708  6,145  4,952  25.4  24.1 
Total  49,600  41,549  34,328  19.4  21.0 
Cargo and mail revenue (RMB million)  3,697  3,538  3,091  4.5  14.5 
  
Year ended December 31,
  
2009 vs. 2008
%increase
  
2008 vs. 2007
%increase
 
Capacity 
2009
  
2008
  
2007
  
(decrease)
  
(decrease)
 
ASK (million)                    
Domestic  105,379   93,384   89,452   12.8   4.4 
Regional  1,916   1,790   1,881   7.0   (4.8)
International  16,146   17,593   18,400   (8.2)  (4.4)
Total  123,441   112,767   109,733   9.5   2.8 
ATK (million)                    
Domestic  12,425   10,985   10,440   13.1   5.2 
Regional  219   200   210   9.5   (4.8)
International  2,802   3,091   3,558   (9.3)  (13.1)
Total  15,446   14,276   14,208   8.2   0.5 
Load Factors                    
Passenger load factor (RPK/ASK) (%)                    
Domestic  76.6   75.6   76.4   1.3   (1.0)
Regional  69.8   63.6   62.7   9.7   1.4 
International  67.9   64.9   66.2   4.6   (2.0)
Overall  75.3   73.8   74.5   2.0   (0.9)
Overall load factor (RTK/ATK) (%)                    
Domestic  67.1   67.3   69.1   (0.3)  (2.6)
Regional  57.7   55.0   55.1   4.9   (0.2)
International  57.1   54.9   53.8   4.0   2.0 
Overall  65.2   64.4   65.1   1.2   (1.1)
Yield                    
Yield per RPK (RMB)                    
Domestic  0.53   0.59   0.60   (10.2)  (1.7)
Regional  0.75   0.84   0.91   (10.7)  (7.7)
International  0.55   0.67   0.63   (17.9  6.3 
Overall  0.54   0.61   0.61   (11.5  0.0 
Yield per RTK (RMB)                    
Domestic  5.36   5.90   5.89   (9.2  0.2 
Regional  8.30   9.23   9.91   (10.1)  (6.9)
International  4.52   5.47   5.03   (17.4  8.7 
Overall  5.26   5.86   5.75   (10.2  1.9 
Financial                    
Passenger revenue (RMB million)                    
Domestic  43,033   41,854   40,717   2.8   2.8 
Regional  1,000   952   1,074   5.0   (11.4)
International  6,026   7,606   7,708   (20.8)  (1.3)
Total  50,059   50,412   49,499   (0.7  1.8 
Cargo and mail revenue (RMB million)  2,908   3,051   3,697   (4.7)  (17.5)
 

The historical results of operations discussed below may not be indicative of the Group’s future operating performance. In addition to the factors discussed under “Overview” above, the Group’s future operations will be affected by, among other things, changes in the aviation market, the cost of jet fuel, aircraft acquisition and leasing costs, aircraft maintenance expenses, take-off and landing charges, wages, salaries and benefits and other operating expenses, foreign exchange rates and the rates of income taxes paid.

39

20072009 compared with 20062008

The profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company increased from RMB188of RMB330 million was recorded in 2009 as compared to the loss attributable to equity shareholders of the Company of RMB4,823 million in 20062008, mainly due to RMB1,871 millionthe increase in 2007. The scalerevenue excluding fuel surcharge income and the decrease in fuel costs, which exceeded the drop in fuel surcharge income. Due to the decrease of operations increased as a result of steady growth in China’s economy and strong demand for air transportation.fuel cost, the Group’s operating costs decreased sharply. The Group’s operating revenue increaseddecreased by RMB8,283RMB486 million or 17.9%0.9% from RMB46,219RMB55,288 million in 20062008 to RMB54,502RMB54,802 million in 2007.2009 resulting from the decrease in fuel surcharge income. Excluding the fuel surcharge income of RMB8,197 million and RMB1,986 million for 2008 and 2009, operating revenue increased from RMB47,091 million in 2008 to RMB52,816 million in 2009. Passenger load factor increased by 2.81.5 percentage point, from 71.7%73.8% in 20062008 to 74.5%75.3% in 2007.2009. Passenger yield (in passenger revenue per RPK) increaseddecreased by 1.7%RMB0.07 or 11.5% from RMB0.61 in 2008 to RMB0.61.RMB0.54 in 2009. Average yield (in traffic revenue per RTK) increaseddecreased by 3.0%10.2% from RMB5.59RMB5.86 in 20062008 to RMB5.76RMB5.26 in 2007.2009. Operating expenses increaseddecreased by RMB7,106RMB6,416 million or 15.5%10.4% from RMB45,907RMB61,767 million in 20062008 to RMB53,013RMB55,351 million in 2007.2009 due to the decrease of fuel cost from RMB23,086 million in 2008 to RMB16,390 million in 2009. As a result of improved passenger load factor and average yield,the decrease in operating incomeexpenses, operating profit of RMB1,440 million was increased by RMB974 million, from RMB645 millionrecorded in 2006 to RMB1,619 million in 2007. The Group’s net non-operating income was RMB1,304 million2009 as compared to net non-operating expensesoperating loss of RMB288RMB5,646 million in 2006. The improvement in non-operating result was mainly attributable to the net effect of increase in exchange gain of RMB1,340 million, increase in fuel derivatives profit of RMB109 million, increase in share of results of associates and jointly controlled entities of RMB60 million and increase in interest expense of RMB221 million.2008.
35


Operating revenue

Operating revenue
  2009  2008    
  
Operating
revenue
  Percentage  Operating
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in
revenue
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Traffic revenue  52,967   96.7%  53,913   97.5%  (1.8)
Including: Passenger revenue  50,059       50,412       (0.7)
– Domestic  43,033       41,854       2.8 
– Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan  1,000       952       5.0 
– International  6,026       7,606       (20.8)
Cargo and mail revenue  2,908       3,501       (16.9)
Other operating revenue  1,835   3.3%  1,375   2.5%  33.5 
Mainly including: Commission income  342       317       7.9 
 Ground service income  320       250       28.0 
 Expired sales in advance of carriage  350       276       26.8 
                     
Total operating revenue  54,802   100.0%  55,288   100.0%  (0.9)
Less: fuel surcharge income  (1,986)      (8,197)      (75.8)
                     
Total operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge  52,816       47,091       12.2 

Traffic revenue composition

  2009  2008    
  
Traffic
revenue
  Percentage  
Traffic
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in traffic
revenue
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Passenger Revenue  50,059   94.5%  50,412   93.5%  (0.7)
Cargo and Mail Revenue  2,908   5.5%  3,501   6.5%  (16.9)
Traffic revenue  52,967   100.0%  53,913   100.0%  (1.8)
Passenger revenue composition

  2009  2008    
  Passenger
revenue
  Percentage  Passenger
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in passenger
revenue 
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Domestic  43,033   86.0%  41,854   83.0%  2.8 
Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan  1,000   2.0%  952   1.9%  5.0 
International  6,026   12.0%  7,606   15.1%  (20.8)
                     
Passenger revenue  50,059   100.0%  50,412   100.0%  (0.7)
Substantially all of the Group’s operating revenue is attributable to airline and airline related operations. Traffic revenue accounted for 97.8%96.7% and 97.6%97.5% of total operating revenue in 20072009 and 2006,2008 respectively. Passenger revenue and cargo and mail revenue accounted for 93.1%94.5% and 6.9%,5.5% respectively of the total traffic revenue in 2007.2009. The other operating revenue is mainly derived from commission income, income from general aviation operations, fees charged for ground services rendered to other Chinese airlines and air catering services.income from expired sales in advance of carriage.

The increasedecrease in operating revenue was primarily due to a 19.4% rise0.7% decrease in passenger revenue from RMB41,549RMB50,412 million in 20062008 to RMB49,600RMB50,059 million in 2007 resulting from increased traffic volume.2009. The total number of passengers carried increased by 15.6%13.8% to 56.9066.28 million passengers in 2007.2009. RPKs increased by 17.5%11.8% from 69,58283,184 million in 20062008 to 81,72793,002 million in 2007,2009, primarily as a result of the increase in number of passengers carried. Passenger yield increased slightlyper RPK decreased from RMB0.61 in 2008 to RMB0.54 in 2009. Passenger revenue and passenger yield per RPK decreased mainly due to the decrease in fuel surcharge income.

Fuel surcharge income, which accounted for 3.6% and 14.8% of total operating revenue in 2009 and 2008, decreased by RMB0.01.75.8% or RMB6,211 million, from RMB8,197 million in 2008 to RMB1,986 million in 2009. On January 14, 2009, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the CAAC jointly announced the suspension of the collection of passenger fuel surcharge since January 15, 2009. On November 11, 2009, the NDRC and the CAAC announced to resume the collection of fuel surcharge income and issued a new pricing mechanism, which was effective on November 14, 2009. Under the new pricing mechanism, domestic airline companies could adjust the fuel surcharge level within a prescribed range set by the pricing mechanism without prior approval of the relevant authorities. In addition, the Group reduced the fuel surcharge level of international routes in view of the decrease in fuel prices.
 
36


Domestic passenger revenue, which accounted for 82.3%86.0% of the total passenger revenue in 2007,2009, increased by 19.4%2.8% from RMB34,174RMB41,854 million in 20062008 to RMB40,818RMB43,033 million in 2007. Domestic2009. Passenger capacity in ASKs increased by 12.8%, while domestic passenger traffic in RPKs increased by 17.6%14.3%, mainly due toresulting in an increase in passengers carried.passenger load factor by 1.0 percentage point from 75.6% in 2008 to 76.6% in 2009. Domestic passenger yield increasedper RPK decreased from RMB0.59 in 20062008 to RMB 0.60RMB0.53 in 2007.2009.

Hong Kong, Macau and MacauTaiwan passenger revenue, which accounted for 2.2%2.0% of total passenger revenue, decreasedincreased by 12.7%5.0% from RMB1,230RMB952 million in 20062008 to RMB1,074RMB1,000 million in 2007. Owing to the keen competition in Hong Kong and Macau routes, the Group scheduled certain flight capacity to other domestic and international routes in 2007.2009. For Hong Kong, Macau and MacauTaiwan flights, passenger capacity in ASKs increased by 7.0%, while passenger traffic in RPKs decreasedincreased by 23.4%, while passenger capacity in ASKs decreased by 23.5%17.4%, resulting in thean increase in passenger load factor of 62.7%, which is unchangedby 6.2 percentage points from 2006.63.6% in 2008 to 69.8% in 2009. Passenger yield increasedper RPK decreased from RMB0.80RMB0.84 in 20062008 to RMB0.91RMB0.75 in 20072009, mainly caused byresulted from the decrease of long distance routes such as Hong Kong - Beijing. Generally, long distance routes have a lower yield than short distance ones.fuel surcharge income and stronger competition in the region during the year.

International passenger revenue, which accounted for 15.5%12.0% of total passenger revenue, increaseddecreased by 25.4%20.8% from RMB6,145RMB7,606 million in 20062008 to RMB7,708RMB6,026 million in 2007.2009. For international flights, passenger capacity in ASKs decreased by 8.2%, while passenger traffic in RPKs increaseddecreased by 22.8%, while passenger capacity in ASKs increased by 24.1%4.0%, resulting in decrease of a 0.73.0 percentage point increase in passenger load factor from 2006.64.9% in 2008 to 67.9% in 2009. Passenger yield increasedper RPK decreased by 1.6%17.9% from RMB0.62RMB0.67 in 20062008 to RMB0.63RMB0.55 in 20072009, mainly resulted fromdue to the continued growth of demand fordecrease in fuel surcharge income and stronger competition in international flights inroutes during the PRC.year.

Cargo and mail revenue, which accounted for 6.9%5.5% of the Group’s total traffic revenue and 6.8%5.3% of total operating revenue, increaseddecreased by 4.5%16.9% from RMB3,538RMB3,501 million in 20062008 to RMB3,697RMB2,908 million in 2007.2009. The increasedecrease was attributable to the increasingreduced cargo traffic demand.demand under global financial crisis.

Other operating revenue increased by 6.4%33.5% from RMB1,132RMB1,375 million in 20062008 to RMB1,205RMB1,835 million in 2007.2009. The increase was primarily due to the general growth in income from various auxiliary operations.

Operating expenses

Total operating expenses in 20072009 amounted to RMB53,013RMB55,351 million, representing an increasea decrease of 15.5%10.4% or RMB7,106RMB6,416 million over 2006,2008, primarily due to the total effect of increasesdecreases in jet fuel costs operating lease charges of aircraft, servicing expenses and maintenance expenses.impairment on property, plant and equipment. Total operating expenses as a percentage of total operating revenue decreased from 99.3%111.7% in 20062008 to 97.3%101.0% in 2007.2009.
  2009  2008  
Change in
operating expenses
 
  RMB million  Percentage  RMB million  Percentage  % 
Flight operations  29,296   52.9%  34,982   56.6%  (16.3)
Mainly including: Jet fuel costs  16,390       23,086       (29.0)
 Operating lease charges  5,123       4,527       13.2 
 Flight personnel payroll and welfare  2,622       2,490       5.3 
Maintenance  4,446   8.0%  4,890   7.9%  (9.1)
Aircraft and traffic servicing  9,169   16.6%  8,476   13.7%  8.2 
Promotion and sales  4,170   7.5%  3,491   5.7%  19.5 
General and administrative  1,844   3.3%  2,041   3.3%  (9.7)
Impairment on property, plant and equipment  26   0.1%  1,884   3.1%  (98.6)
Depreciation and amortisation  5,971   10.8%  5,746   9.3%  3.9 
Others  429   0.8%  257   0.4%  66.9 
                     
Total operating expenses  55,351   100.0%  61,767   100.0%  (10.4)

Flight operations expenses, which accounted for 54.9%52.9% of total operating expenses, increaseddecreased by 16.2%16.3% from RMB25,022RMB34,982 million in 20062008 to RMB29,082RMB29,296 million in 2007,2009, primarily as a result of increasessignificant decrease in jet fuel costs, operating lease charges of aircraft, catering expenses, and CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund Contributions.costs. Jet fuel costs, which accounted for 63.0%55.9% of flight operations expenses, increaseddecreased by 13.1%29.0% from RMB16,193RMB23,086 million in 20062008 to RMB18,316RMB16,390 million in 20072009 mainly as a result of increaseddecrease in average fuel prices and fuel consumption. Operating lease charges of aircraft increasedcosts by 23.4% from RMB3,027 million in 2006 to RMB3,735 million in 2007 primarily due to the additional rental payments for new aircraft under operating leases. Catering expenses increased by 15.4% from RMB1,170 million in 2006 to RMB1,350 million in 2007 due to the increase in number of passengers carried. CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund Contributions increased by 10.9% from RMB1,127 million in 2006 to RMB1,250 million in 2007.35.3%.

4037


Maintenance expenses, which accounted for 8.8%8.0% of total operating expenses, increaseddecreased by 16.1%9.1% from RMB3,999RMB4,890 million in 20062008 to RMB4,643RMB4,446 million in 2007.2009. The increasedecrease was mainly due to fleet expansionthe decrease in recent years.number of engines repaired during the year.

Aircraft and traffic servicing expenses, which accounted for 15.4%16.6% of total operating expenses, increased by 15.5%8.2% from RMB7,063RMB8,476 million in 20062008 to RMB8,160RMB9,169 million in 2007.2009. The increase was primarily resulted fromdue to a 12.9%10.4% rise in landing and navigation fees from RMB5,343RMB6,135 million in 20062008 to RMB6,030RMB6,772 million in 2007,2009, due to anthe increase in number of landing and takeoffs.flights.

Promotional and sales expenses, which accounted for 6.6%7.5% of total operating expenses, increased by 23.7%19.5% from RMB2,811RMB3,491 million in 20062008 to RMB3,478RMB4,170 million in 2007, mainly due to2009, which is in line with the increase in commission charges as a resultoperating revenue excluding fuel surcharge income.

General and administrative expenses, which accounted for 3.3% of increasethe total operating expenses, decreased by 9.7% from RMB2,041 million in traffic revenue2008 to RMB1,844 million in 2009. The decrease was due to stricter cost control implemented by 18.2%.the Group in 2009.

Impairment on property, plant and equipment decreased by RMB1,858 million from RMB1,884 million in 2008 to RMB26 million in 2009. Please see Note 20(g) to the Financial Statements for more details.

Depreciation and amortization, which accounted for 10.5%10.8% of total operating expenses, increased by 11.7%3.9% from RMB4,971RMB5,746 million in 20062008 to RMB5,554RMB5,971 million in 2007,2009, mainly resulting fromdue to the additional depreciation chargecharges on aircraft delivered in 2006 and 2007.2009.

Other income/ (expenses), netOperating profit/(loss)

Net gain on disposalOperating profit of property, plant and equipment decreased by 61.0% from RMB333RMB1,440 million was recorded in 2009 as compared to operating loss of RMB5,646 million in 2006 to RMB130 million2008. The increase in 2007. The gain in 2007profit was mainly due to the disposalnet effect of 11 MD82 aircraft to certain independent third parties.decrease in operating revenue by RMB486 million or 0.9% in 2009, decrease in operating expenses by RMB6,416 million or 10.4% and the receipt of CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund contributions of RMB1,328 million in 2009.

Operating Other (expenses)/income
The operating income increased, from RMB645 million in 2006 to RMB1,619 million in 2007. This was mainly because operating revenue increased by RMB8,283 million or 17.9% in 2007 while operating expenses increased by RMB7,106 million or 15.5% in the same period.
Non-operating income/(expenses)

Interest expense increaseddecreased by 10.7%24.7% from RMB2,070RMB1,987 million in 20062008 to RMB2,291RMB1,497 million in 2007,2009, mainly due to the increasedecrease in average effective interest rate of bank and other loans and obligations under finance leases. Interest income increased by 78.0% from RMB41 million in 2006 to RMB73 million in 2007, mainly attributable to the increase in average bank deposits balances during 2007.

Net exchange gain increaseddecreased by 89.8%RMB2,499 million, from RMB1,492RMB2,592 million in 20062008 to RMB2,832RMB93 million in 2007, mainly resulted from Renminbi appreciation during 2007. Such amount mainly represented unrealized translation gain on retranslation2009 because the exchange rate of foreign currency denominated liabilities at year end.RMB against USD was relatively stable in 2009 while RMB appreciated significantly against USD in 2008.

Taxation

Income tax credit of RMB95 million was recorded in 2009 as compared to an income tax expense increased from RMB153of RMB62 million in 2006 to RMB858 million in 2007. The effective tax rate decreased from 42.9% in 2006 to 29.4% in 2007. This is2008, mainly attributabledue to the utilization of unused tax effect of the decrease of non-deductible expenses as a percentage to profit before taxation in 2007, which is offset to a lesser extent by the increase in deferred tax expenseslosses not recognized in 2007 resulting from the changes in tax rates in accordanceprior year.

2008 compared with the new tax law effective from January 1, 2008.2007
2006 Compared with 2005

The profit for 2006loss attributable to equity shareholders of the Company of RMB4,823 million was RMB188 million,recorded in 2008 as compared to a lossprofit attributable to equity shareholders of RMB1,848the Company of RMB1,839 million for 2005.in 2007. The scaleGroup experienced a slow down of operations increasedgrowth in traffic revenue and rising operating expenses as a result of continued growth in China’s economyglobal financial crisis and strong demand in air transportation.increase of jet fuel cost. The Group’s operating revenue increased by RMB7,926RMB887 million or 20.7%1.6% from RMB38,293RMB54,401 million in 20052007 to RMB46,219RMB55,288 million in 2006.2008. Passenger load factor increaseddecreased by 1.60.7 percentage pointspoint, from 70.1%74.5% in 20052007 to 71.7%73.8% in 2006.2008. Passenger yield (in passenger revenue per RPK) increased by 9.1% to RMB0.60.was RMB0.61, which was unchanged from 2007. Average yield (in traffic revenue per RTK) increased by 8.8%1.9% from RMB5.14RMB5.75 in 20052007 to RMB5.59RMB5.86 in 2006.2008. Operating expenses increased by RMB6,309RMB8,811 million or 15.9%16.6% from RMB39,598RMB52,956 million in 20052007 to RMB45,907RMB61,767 million in 2006.2008. As a result of improved passenger load factor and average yield,the increase in operating profitexpenses which outweighed the growth in revenue, operating loss of RMB5,646 million was RMB645 millionrecorded in 20062008, as compared to an operating lossprofit of RMB1,337RMB1,881 million in 2005. The Group’s net non-operating expense was RMB288 million in 2006 as compared to a net non-operating expense of RMB516 million in 2005. The improvement in non-operating results was mainly attributable to the increase in exchange gain of RMB272 million, an increase in share of results of associates and jointly controlled entities of RMB369 million. The decrease in net operating expenses was partly offset by the increase in interest expense of RMB454 million.2007.

4138


Operating revenue

Operating
  2008  2007    
  
Operating
revenue
  Percentage  Operating
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in
revenue
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Traffic revenue  53,913   97.5%  53,196   97.8%  1.3 
Including: Passenger revenue  50,412       49,499       1.8 
– Domestic  41,854       40,717       2.8 
– Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan  952       1,074       (11.4)
– International  7,606       7,708       (1.3)
Cargo and mail revenue  3,501       3,697       (5.3)
Other operating revenue  1,375   2.5%  1,205   2.2%  14.1 
Mainly including: Commission income  317       281       12.8 
 Ground service income  250       241       3.7 
 Expired sales in advance of carriage  276       273       1.1 
                     
Total operating revenue  55,288   100.0%  54,401   100.0%  1.6 
Less: fuel surcharge income  (8,197)      (5,359)      53.0 
                     
Total operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge  47,091       49,042       (4.0)

Traffic revenue composition

  2008  2007    
  
Traffic
revenue
  Percentage  
Traffic
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in traffic
revenue
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Passenger Revenue  50,412   93.5%  49,499   93.1%  1.8 
Cargo and Mail Revenue  3,501   6.5%  3,697   6.9%  (5.3)
  ��                  
Traffic revenue  53,913   100.0%  53,196   100.0%  1.3 

Passenger revenue composition

  2008  2007    
  Passenger
revenue
  Percentage  Passenger
revenue
  Percentage  
Change in passenger
revenue
 
  RMB million  %  RMB million  %  % 
Domestic  41,854   83.0%  40,717   82.3%  2.8 
Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan  952   1.9%  1,074   2.1%  (11.4)
International  7,606   15.1%  7,708   15.6%  (1.3)
                     
Passenger revenue  50,412   100.0%  49,499   100.0%  1.8 

Substantially all of the Group’s operating revenue is attributable to airlineits air transport and airline related operations. Traffic revenue accounted for 97.6%97.5% and 97.7%97.8% of the total operating revenue in 20062008 and 2005,2007 respectively. Passenger revenue and, cargo and mail revenue accounted for 92.2%93.5% and 7.8%,6.5% respectively of the total traffic revenue in 2006.2008. The other operating revenue is mainly derived from commission income, income from general aviation operations, fees charged for ground services rendered to other Chinese airlines and air catering services.income from expired sales in advance of carriage.

The increase in operating revenue was primarily due to a 21.0%1.8% rise in passenger revenue from RMB34,328RMB49,499 million in 20052007 to RMB41,549RMB50,412 million in 20062008 resulting from increased traffic volume.increase in fuel surcharge income. The total number of passengers carried increased by 11.5 %2.3% to 49.2158.24 million passengers in 2006.
Passenger yield increased slightly by RMB0.05.2008. RPKs increased by 12.4%1.8% from 61,92381,727 million in 20052007 to 69,58283,184 million in 2006,2008, primarily as a result of the increase in number of passengers carried. Passenger yield per RPK was RMB0.61, which was unchanged from 2007.

 
39


Domestic passenger revenue which accounted for 82.2%83.0% of the total passenger revenue in 2006,2008. Domestic passenger revenue increased by 21.3%2.8% from RMB28,182RMB40,717 million in 20052007 to RMB34,174RMB41,854 million in 2006.2008 (2007: increased by 19.6% from RMB34,037 million in 2006 to RMB40,717 million in 2007). The decrease in growth in domestic passenger revenue was mainly attributable to various unfavorable factors, including large-scale natural disasters occurred in China, such as the southern China snow storms in January 2008, the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province, and the strict security measures and visa control for foreigners for the Beijing Olympic Games. Domestic passenger traffic in RPKs increased by 12.9%3.3%, mainly due to an increase in number of passengers carried. Domestic passenger yield increasedper RPK decreased from RMB0.55RMB0.60 in 20052007 to RMB0.59 in 2006.2008.

Hong Kong and MacauRegional passenger revenue, which accounted for 3.0%1.9% of total passenger revenue, increaseddecreased by 3.0%11.4% from RMB1,194RMB1,074 million in 20052007 to RMB1,230RMB952 million in 2006. For2008, as a result of strong competition from Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair for routes connecting Hong Kong and Macaudomestic cities of the PRC. For regional flights, passenger traffic in RPKs decreased slightly by 0.5%3.5%, while passenger capacity in ASKs decreased by 7.4%4.8%, resulting in a 4.4 percentage pointan increase in passenger load factor by 0.9 percentage point from 2005.62.7% in 2007 to 63.6% in 2008. Passenger yield increasedper RPK decreased from RMB0.77RMB0.91 in 20052007 to RMB0.80RMB0.84 in 20062008, mainly due to higher ticket price as a result of soaring jet fuel cost.resulted from stronger competition in the region during the year.

International passenger revenue, which accounted for 14.8 %15.1% of total passenger revenue, increaseddecreased by 24.1%1.3% from RMB4,952RMB7,708 million in 20052007 to RMB6,145RMB7,606 million in 2006.2008, as a result of the decreased market demand due to the visa restriction for foreigners during the Beijing Olympic Games period and the global financial crisis. For international flights, passenger traffic in RPKs increaseddecreased by 11.4%6.2%, while passenger capacity in ASKs increaseddecreased by 9.0%4.4%, resulting in a 1.41.3 percentage point risedecrease in passenger load factor from 2005.2007. Passenger yield increased by 10.7%6.3% from RMB0.56RMB0.63 in 20052007 to RMB0.62RMB0.67 in 20062008, mainly due to the continued growth of demandincrease in international flights in the PRC.fuel surcharge income.

Cargo and mail revenue, which accounted for 7.8%6.5% of the Group’s total traffic revenue and 7.7%6.3% of total operating revenue, increaseddecreased by 14.5%5.3% from RMB3,091RMB3,697 million in 20052007 to RMB3,538RMB3,501 million in 2006.2008. The increasedecrease was attributable to the increasingreduced cargo traffic demand.demand under global financial crisis.

Other operating revenue increased by 29.5 %14.1% from RMB874RMB1,205 million in 20052007 to RMB1,132RMB1,375 million in 2006.2008. The increase was primarily due to the general growth in income from various auxiliary operations.

Operating expenses

  2008  2007  
Change in
operating expenses
 
  RMB million  Percentage  RMB million  Percentage  % 
Flight operations  34,982   56.6%  29,082   54.9%  20.3 
Mainly including: Jet fuel costs  23,086       18,316       26.0 
 Operating lease charges  4,527       4,055       11.6 
 Flight personnel payroll and welfare  2,490       2,226       11.9 
Maintenance  4,890   7.9%  4,643   8.8%  5.3 
Aircraft and traffic servicing  8,476   13.7%  8,160   15.4%  3.9 
Promotion and sales  3,491   5.7%  3,421   6.5%  2.0 
General and administrative  2,041   3.3%  1,874   3.5%  8.9 
Impairment on property, plant and equipment  1,884   3.1%  109   0.2% >100 
Depreciation and amortisation  5,746   9.3%  5,554   10.5%  3.5 
Others  257   0.4%  113   0.2% >100 
                     
Total operating expenses  61,767   100.0%  52,956   100.0%  16.6 

Total operating expenses in 20062008 amounted to RMB45,907RMB61,767 million, representing an increase of 15.9%16.6% or RMB6,309RMB8,811 million over 2005,2007, primarily due to the total effect of increases in jet fuel costs, operating lease charges of aircraft, servicing expenses, maintenance expenses and aircraftimpairment losses on property, plant and traffic servicing expenses.equipment. Total operating expenses as a percentage of total operating revenue decreasedincreased from 103.4 %97.3% in 20052007 to 99.3%111.7% in 2006.2008.

Flight operations expenses, which accounted for 54.4%56.6% of total operating expenses, increased by 26.6%20.3% from RMB19,761RMB29,082 million in 20052007 to RMB25,022RMB34,982 million in 2006,2008, primarily as a result of increases in jet fuel costs and operating lease charges of aircraft and labour costs for flight personnel.aircraft. Jet fuel costs, which accounted for 64.7%66.0% of flight operations expenses, increased by 35.7 %26.0% from RMB11,929RMB18,316 million in 20052007 to RMB16,193RMB23,086 million in 20062008 mainly as a result of increased fuel prices and fuel consumption.prices. Operating lease charges of aircraft increased by 21.2 %11.5% from RMB2,497RMB3,735 million in 20052007 to RMB3,027RMB4,166 million in 20062008 primarily due to the additional rental payments for new aircraft under operating leases. Labour costs for flight personnel increased by 6.1% from RMB1,599 million in 2005 to RMB1,697 million in 2006, largely due to the increase in flying hours and allowance standard. CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund Contributions increased by 15.2% from RMB978 million in 2005 to RMB1,127 million in 2006.

4240


Maintenance expenses, which accounted for 8.7%7.9% of total operating expenses, decreasedincreased by 12.9%5.3% from RMB4,589RMB4,643 million in 20052007 to RMB3,999RMB4,890 million in 2006.2008. The decreaseincrease was mainly due to certain major overhaul costs capitalized during the year. fleet expansion in recent years.

Aircraft and traffic servicing expenses, which accounted for 15.4%13.7% of total operating expenses, increased by 8.1%3.9% from RMB6,534RMB8,160 million in 20052007 to RMB7,063RMB8,476 million in 2006.2008. The increase primarily resulted from a 7.4%1.7% rise in landing and navigation fees from RMB4,977RMB6,030 million in 20052007 to RMB5,343RMB6,135 million in 2006,2008, due to an increase in the number of landings and takeoffs.flights.



-During the year, in view of the age and operating efficiency of the Group’s fleet of Boeing 777-200A aircraft, Airbus 300 aircraft and McDonnell Douglas 90 aircraft, the Group determined to dispose of these aircraft. The Group has commenced its process of seeking buyers for these aircraft. As a result, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of these aircraft. Based on this assessment, the carrying amount of the aircraft and the related fleet assets was written down by RMB1,590 million. The estimates of recoverable amounts were based on the aircraft’s fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to the recent observable market prices for the respective model of aircraft.

-There has been a decrease in demand of cargo transportation services as a result of the current economic conditions. In addition, the operating efficiency of the Group’s cargo freighters Boeing 747 is not satisfactory due to lack of economy of scale for the existing small fleet of cargo freighters. As such, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of its cargo freighters and the related fleet assets. Based on this assessment, the carrying amount of the cargo freighters was written down by RMB291 million. The estimates of recoverable amounts were based on the aircraft’s fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to the recent observable market prices for the cargo freighters.











Liquidity and Capital Resources

Prior to the initial public offering of the Company,Generally, the Group met its working capital and capital expenditure requirements through cash from its operations, the proceeds of certain long-term and short-term bank loans, financecapital lease financing and rebates available under certain of the Group’s aircraft leases.

In July 1997,addition, the Company received netapproximately RMB3 billion proceeds of RMB5,459 million from its initial public offering.non-public offerings of 721,150,000 A majority part of these net proceeds was utilizedshares to finance the Group’s working capitalCSAHC and capital expenditure requirements. In July 2003, the Company issued 1,000,000,000 A Shares with a par value of RMB1.00 each at issue price of RMB2.70 by way of a public offering721,150,000 H shares to natural persons and institutional investorsNan Lung in the PRC. The proceeds received by the Company of RMB2,641 million, net of the issuance costs of RMB59 million have been used for the purchase of Boeing 737-800 aircraft in accordance with the disclosure in the Prospectus for Offering of the A Shares.August 2009.
 
41


As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had banking facilities with several PRC commercial banks for providing loan finance up to an approximate amount of RMB50,262RMB128,175 million to the Group. As of December 31, 2007,2009, an approximate amount of RMB29,338RMB50,455 million was utilized. As of December 31, 20072009 and 2006,2008, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents totaled RMB3,824RMB4,343 million and RMB2,264RMB4,649 million, respectively.

Net cash inflows from operating activities in 2009, 2008 and 2007 2006were RMB8,959 million, RMB1,155 million and 2005 were RMB6,869 million, RMB2,297 millionrespectively. Operating cash inflows of the Group are primarily derived from the provision of air transportation and RMB3,835 million, respectively.related service for customers. The decrease in 2006 was mainly due to a delay of payments to suppliers at the end of 2005 which were subsequently made in 2006. The increase in 2007 was mainly due to the increased cash flow from improved operating results and salesvast majority of tickets in advance of carriage as well asare purchased prior to the increase in accrual balances as a result of increase inday on which transportation is provided. Operating cash outflows primarily are related to the recurring operating expenses, including flight operation, volumemaintenance, aircraft and delays in billings by certain suppliers when compared with 2006.traffic servicing, etc.

Net cash used in investing activities in 2009, 2008 and 2007 2006 and 2005 was RMB4,844RMB14,478 million, RMB5,484RMB7,790 million and RMB8,009RMB4,844 million, respectively. Cash capital expenditures in 2009, 2008 and 2007 2006 and 2005 were RMB5,502RMB15,007 million, RMB6,044RMB8,364 million and RMB6,775RMB5,502 million, respectively, reflecting predominantly additional investments in aircraft and flight equipment under the Group’s fleet expansion plans and Guangzhou new airport, and, to a small extent, additional investments in other facilities and buildings used in operations.

Financing activities resulted in net cash inflows/(outflows)/inflows of RMB5,213 million, RMB7,460 million and RMB(465) million RMB2,550 millionin 2009, 2008 and RMB3,992 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Net cash inflow from new bank loans, short-term financing bills and repayments amounted to RMB3,750 million, RMB9,667 million and RMB2,324 million RMB5,870in 2009, 2008 and RMB6,045 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The additions of bank loan were used for capital expenditures and general working capital. Repayment of financecapital leases in 2009, 2008 and 2007 2006 and 2005 was RMB3,021RMB1,750 million, RMB3,313RMB2,335 million and RMB2,050RMB3,021 million, respectively, resulting from the aircraft acquisitions under financecapital leases.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s aggregate long-term bank and other loans and obligations under financecapital leases (including loans and capital leases obligations due within one year) totaled RMB28,444RMB47,633 million. In 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and thereafter, amounts payable under such loans and obligations will be RMB6,512RMB7,871 million, RMB4,575RMB9,718 million, RMB3,296RMB10,859 million, RMB2,923 millionRMB3,046 and RMB11,138RMB16,139 million respectively. Such borrowings were denominated to a larger extent, in United States dollars and, to a smaller extent, in Japanese yen and Hong Kong dollars with a significant portion being floating interest rate borrowings. In the normal course of business, the Group is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies. The Group’s exposure to foreign currencies primarily results from its foreign currency liabilities. Depreciation or appreciation of the Renminbi against foreign currencies affects the Group’s results significantly because the Group’s foreign currency payments generally exceed its foreign currency receipts. The Group is not able to hedge its foreign currency exposure effectively other than by retaining its foreign currency denominated earnings and receipts to the extent permitted by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,SAFE, or subject to certain restrictive conditions, entering into forward foreign exchange contracts with authorized PRC banks.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s short-term bank loans were RMB21,313RMB11,012 million. The Group’s weighted average interest rate on short-term bank loans was 5.14%1.18% per annum as of December 31, 2007.2009. The primary use of the proceeds of the Group’s short-term bank loans is to finance working capital and capital expenditure needs. The Group has generally been able to arrange short-term bank loans with domestic banks in China as necessary and believes it can continue to obtain them based on its well-established relationships with various lenders.

44


Through April 30, 2008, the Group renewed certain short-term bank loans of RMB4,440 million. The renewed bank loans are unsecured, bear interest at floating rates ranging from 6-month LIBOR +1.40% to 2.75% per annum and the People’s bank of China benchmark interest rate-10% , these bank loans are repayable one year from their respective renewal dates. In addition, the Group entered into new short-term bank loan agreements totalling RMB8,053 million subsequent to December 31, 2007. These new short-term bank loans are unsecured and bear interest at floating rates ranging from 3-month/6-month/12-month LIBOR + 0.55% to 4% per annum, the People’s bank of China benchmark interest rate-10% and 12-month HIBOR+2.25% per annum which are repayable within one year from their respective origination dates.
As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had obligations under operating leases totaling RMB28,179RMB30,366 million, predominately for aircraft. Of such amount, RMB3,512RMB4,028 million, RMB3,616RMB4,103 million, RMB3,483RMB4,122 million, RMB3,413RMB3,596 million, RMB3,324RMB3,286 million, and RMB10,831RMB11,231 million respectively, is due in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and thereafter.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had a working capital deficit of RMB33,811RMB28,441 million, as compared to a working capital deficit of RMB32,180RMB32,290 million as of December 31, 2006.2008. Historically, the Group operated in a negative working capital position, relying on cash inflow from operating activities and renewal of short-term bank loans to meet its short-term liquidity and working capital needs. The increasedecrease in the Group’s working capital deficit from 20062008 to 20072009 was mainly because the Group sought increased short-termlong-term bank loans to finance its aircraft acquisitions. Upon deliveries of the aircraft, the Group continued to seek renewal of its short-term bank loans instead of replacing such loans with long-term bank loans, as the interest rates for short-term bank loans are lower. In 20082010 and thereafter, the liquidity of the Group is primarily dependent on its ability to maintain adequate cash inflows from operations to meet its debt obligations as they fall due, the renewal of its short-term bank loans and on its ability to obtain adequate external financing to meet its committed future capital expenditure. At December 31, 2007,2009, the Group entered into loan financing agreements with several PRC banks to provide financing up to RMB50,262RMB128,175 million, of which approximately RMB29,338RMB50,455 million was utilized. Subsequent to December 31, 2007 and up to April 30, 2008,The directors of the Company believe that the liquidity status of the Group entered into additional loan financing agreements to obtain financing up to RMB1,033 million during 2008.in 2010 will be further enhanced upon completion of the non-public share subscriptions as discussed in Business Overview under Item 4. The directors of the Company believe that sufficient financing will be available to the Group.

As the Group is subject to a high degree of operating leverage, a minor decrease in the Group’s yield and/or load factor could result in a significant decrease in its operating revenue and hence its operating cashflows.cash flows. This could arise in such circumstances as where competition between Chinese airlines increases or where PRC aviation demand decreases. Similarly, a minor increase in the jet fuel prices, particularly in the domestic market, could result in a significant increase in the Group’s operating expenses and hence a significant decrease in its operating cashflows.cash flows. This could be caused by fluctuations in supply and demand in international oil market. Currently, the Group’s existing loans and lease facilities do not contain any financial covenants. Nevertheless, as the Group is subject to a high degree of financial leverage, an adverse change in the Group’s operating cashflowscash flows could adversely affect its financial health and hence weaken its ability to obtain additional loans and lease facilities and to renew its short-term bank loans facilities as they fall due.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had capital commitments as follows:


 
 
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
and
afterwards
 
 
Total
 
  
(RMB million)
 
Acquisition of aircraft and related equipment  19,125  20,767  20,065  12,747  16,038  88,742 
Others  1,211  694  335  196  22  2,458 
   20,336  21,461  20,400  12,943  16,060  91,200 
42


  2010  2011  2012  2013  
2014
and
afterwards
  Total 
  (RMB million) 
Acquisition of aircraft and related equipment  16,404   17,482   17,421   9,845   4,691   65,843 
Others  1,068   601   192   -   -   1,861 
Total capital commitments  17,472   18,083   17,613   9,845   4,691   67,704 

Others mainly represent airport and office facilities and equipment, overhaul and maintenance bases and training facilities.

As of December 31, 2007, the Group undertook to make a capital contribution of approximately RMB133 million to a subsidiary.

45


As of December 31, 2007,2009, the cash and cash equivalents of the Group totaled RMB3,824RMB4,343 million. Of such balance, 14.3%22% was denominated in.USin US Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Australian Dollars, Japanese Yen and other foreign currencies. 


Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table sets forth the Group’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts and under commitments as of December 31, 2007.2009.

  
As of December 31, 2007
Payment due by period
 
As of
December
31, 2006
 
  
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3
years
 
3-5
years
 
After 5
years
 
 
Total
 
  
(RMB million)
 
    
Contractual obligations (Note 1)
              
Short-term bank loans  22,003  22,003  
  
  
  
20,536
 
Long-term bank and other loans  14,501  4,230  5,449  2,607  2,215  
16,378
 
Obligations under finance leases  19,499  3,588  4,214  3,445  8,252  
18,773
 
Total contractual obligations
  56,003  29,821  9,663  6,052  10,467  
55,687
 
                    
Other commercial commitments
                  
Operating lease commitments  28,179  3,512  7,099  6,737  10,831  
21,969
 
Aircraft purchase commitments (Note 2)  88,742  19,125  40,832  28,785  
  
66,881
 
Other capital commitments  2,458  1,211  1,029  218  
  
1,824
 
Investing commitments  133  133  
  
  
  
83
 
Total commercial obligations
  119,512  23,981  48,960  35,740  10,831  
90,757
 
     
As of December 31, 2009
Payment due by period
     
As of
December
31, 2008
 
  Total  
Less
than
1 year
  
1-3
years
  
3-5
years
  
After 5
years
  Total 
                   
Short-term bank loans (note 1)  11,094   11,094   -   -   -   18,757 
Long-term bank and other loans (note 1)  36,014   7,047   18,248   2,853   7,866   23,300 
Short-term financing bills  -   -   -   -   -   2,094 
Bills payable  3,207   3,207   -   -   -   148 
Obligations under capital leases  15,812   1,972   3,812   3,432   6,596   16,036 
Operating lease commitments  30,366   4,028   8,225   6,882   11,231   34,330 
Aircraft purchase commitments (Note 2)  65,843   16,404   34,903   12,491   2,045   75,639 
Other capital commitments  1,861   1,068   793   -   -   884 
Investing commitments  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total  164,197   44,820   65,981   25,658   27,738   171,188 

Note 1 Interest on variable rate loans was estimated based on the current rate in effect at December 31, 2007.2009.

Note 2 Amounts shown are net of previously paid purchase deposits.

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.


The following table sets forth certain information concerning directors, (“Directors”), senior management (“Senior Management”) and supervisors (“Supervisors”) of the Company in 2007.2009. There were certain changes in the Company’s Directors, Senior Managementdirectors, senior management and Supervisorssupervisors subsequent to December 31, 2007,2009, details of which are set forth below.

4643


Name
 
Position
 
Gender
 
Age
Liu Shao Yong
Si Xian Min (1)
 Chairman of the Board Male 5053
Li Wen Xin Director Male 5860
Wang Quan Hua Director Male 5456
Zhao Liu AnBao Heng Director Male 60
Si Xian Min
Tan Wan Geng (2)
 Director, President Male 5146
Tan Wan Geng
Zhang Zi Fang (3)
 Director and Executive Vice President Male 4452
Xu Jie Bo Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Male 4345
Chen Zhen You Director Male 56
Peter Lok (retired on June 28, 2007)Independent Non-executive DirectorMale71
Wei Ming Hai
(retired on June 28, 2007)
Independent Non-executive DirectorMale4358
Wang Zhi Independent Non-executive Director Male 6668
Sui Guang Jun Independent Non-executive Director Male 4749
Gong Hua Zhang
(appointed on June 28, 2007)
 Independent Non-executive Director Male 6264
Lam Kwong Yu
(appointed on June 28, 2007)
 Independent Non-executive Director Male 6466
Sun Xiao Yi Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Male56
Yang Guang Hua (4)
Former Supervisor Male 5457
Yang Guang Hua
Li Jia Shi (5)
 Supervisor Male 49
55Zhang Wei SupervisorFemale44
Yang Yi Hua Supervisor Female 4850
Liang Zhong Gao Supervisor Male 5254
Liu Biao (resigned on January 18, 2008)
Ren Ji Dong (6)
 SupervisorExecutive Vice President Male 4245
He Zong Kai Executive Vice President Male 5759
Liu Qian Executive Vice President Male 42
Zhang Zi FangExecutive Vice PresidentMale4946
Dong Su Guang Executive Vice President Male56
Chen Gang (7)
Executive Vice President Male 5444
Zhang Zheng Rong Chief pilot Male 4548
Hu Chen Jie Chief Information Officer Male 3941
Tang Bing(8)
 Former Chief Engineer Male 4143
Su Liang Chief Economist Male 4648
Xie Bing
Zhang He Ping (8)
 Company SecretaryCurrent Chief Engineer Male 3557
Chen Wei Hua Chief Legal Adviser Male44
Xie BingCompany Secretary Male 4237
 
47

(1) On 12 January 2009, Mr Si Xian Min was appointed at the extraordinary board meeting as the Chairman of the Fifth Session of the Board and his resignation as the President of the Company was also approved at the meeting.

(2) On 13 January 2009, Mr Tan Wan Geng was appointed at the extraordinary board meeting as the President of the Company.

(3) On 30 June 28, 2007,2009, Mr Zhang Zi Fang was appointed at the 2008 annual general meeting foras a director of the year 2006Fifth Session of the Board.

(4) On 30 June 2009, the resignation of Mr Yang Guang Hua as a supervisor of the Fifth Session of the Supervisory Committee was approved at the 2008 annual general meeting.

(5) On 30 June 2009, Mr Li Jia Shi was appointed at the 2008 annual general meeting as a supervisor of the Fifth Session of the Supervisory Committee.

(6) On May 7, 2009, the Board of the Company reviewed and approved:approved the appointment of Mr. Ren Ji Dong as an Executive Vice President of the Company.

(1)the appointment of Mr. Liu Shao Yong, Mr. Li Wen Xin, Mr. Wang Quan Hua, Mr. Zhao Liu An, Mr. Si Xian Min, Mr. Tan Wan Geng, Mr. Xu Jie Bo, and Mr. Chen Zhen You as Directors, and Mr. Wang Zhi, Mr. Sui Guang Jun, Mr. Gong Hua Zhang and Mr. Lam Kwong Yu as Independent non-executive Directors of the fifth session of the Board.
(7) On August 26, 2009, the Board of the Company approved the appointment of Mr. Chen Gang as an Executive Vice President of the Company.

(2)the retirement of Mr. Wei Ming Hai and Mr. Peter Lok as the Company’s Independent non-executive Directors of the Board according to relevant regulations, due to their acting as the Company’s Independent non-executive Directors of the Board for six consecutive years.
(8) On June 2, 2009, the Board of the Company approved the cessation of Mr. Tang Bing as the Chief Engineer of the Company, and the appointment of Mr. Zhang He Ping as the Chief Engineer of the Company.

(3)the appointment of Mr. Sun Xiao Yi, Mr. Yang Guang Hua, Ms. Yang Yi Hua, Mr. Liang Zhong Gao and Mr. Liu Biao as the Supervisors of the fifth session of the Supervisory Committee.

Except that Mr. Liu Biao has officially resignedSave as a Supervisor in the general meeting held on January 18, 2008,disclosed above, since January 1, 2008 and up to2010 through the date of this Annual Report, there has been no change to the Directors, andSenior Management or Supervisors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Liu Shao Yong Si Xian Minis the chairmanChairman of the Board. He is a qualified class one pilot. He joined the Company since November 2004. Mr. Liu graduated from China Civil Aviation Flying College and obtained an EMBA from Tsinghua University in 2005. He joined the civil aviation industry in 1978. He held the positions of Captain of the Flying Squadron of China General Aviation Corporation and was appointed as the Deputy General Manager of China General Aviation Corporation, Deputy Director of Shanxi Provincial Civil Aviation Administration, General Manager of the Shanxi branch of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited and the Chief of the Flying Model Division of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. He served as the President of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited and was appointed as the Vice Minister of Civil Aviation Administration of China. Since August 2004, Mr. Liu has served as the President of CSAHC. Mr. Liu has become the chairman of the Board since November 2004. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Liu is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

Mr. Li Wen Xin is currently a Director of the Company. Mr. Li was a graduate majoring in economic management. He is a senior expert of Political Science. Mr. Li joined the civil aviation industry in 1969. He was the secretary to the disciplinary committee, deputy secretary of the party committee and vice general manager of China General Aviation Corporation successively between 1991 and 1998. He was appointed the party secretary and vice general manager of the Shanxi branch of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited in February 1998. He became the vice party secretary and secretary to the disciplinary committee of China Eastern Air Holding Company in June 2000. In September 2002, he was appointed the party secretary and vice president of China Eastern Air Holding Company. Between June 2000 and September 2006, he was the chairman of the supervisory committee of China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited. He has been the party secretary and Executive Vice President of CSAHC since September 2006. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Li is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

Mr. Wang Quan Hua is currently a Director of the Company and Executive Vice President of CSAHC and became the employee of the Company since March 1995 after the establishment of the Company. Mr. Wang graduated from the Economic Management Department of Central Communist Party College. Mr. Wang began his career in civil aviation in 1972, and successively served as the Director of Planning Department of Guangzhou Civil Aviation Administration, the Office Director of China Southern Airlines Shenzhen Co., the Director of the Planning and Operation Division of the Company, General Manager of Strategy and Development Department of the Company and the Executive Vice President of CSAHC. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Wang is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

Mr. Zhao Liu An is a Director of the Company and the Executive Vice President of CSAHC. Mr. Zhao joined the Company since May 2003. Mr. Zhao began his career in civil aviation in 1966, and successively served as the Director of Flight Meteorology and Flight Safety Monitoring Division, Director of Science Education Division, the Director of Flying Model Division of Urumqi Civil Aviation Administration, Captain of the Ninth Squadron of the Civil Aviation Administration, the Vice President and President of Urumqi Civil Aviation Administration and Xinjiang Airlines. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Zhao is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

48


Mr. Si Xian Min is a Director and President of the Company. Mr. Si graduated with a master degree of Business Administration from No. 14 Aviation College as an aircraft piloting major with an associate degree.School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University, EMBA Major. Mr. Si a professionalis also an expert of political tutor,science. He began his career in civil aviation in 1975. He held positions as Director of the political division of China Southern Airlines Henan Branch, Party Secretary and Vice President of Guizhou Airlines, Deputy Party Secretary and the Secretary of the Disciplinary DepartmentCommittee of the Company and Party Secretary of China Northern Airlines and has been the President of the Company sincefrom October 2004. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Si is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors2004 to January 2009. He has been the General Manager and Deputy Party Secretary of CSAHC and the Chairman of the Board of the Company since January 2009.
44


Mr. Li Wen Xin is a Director of the Company. Mr. Li was a graduate majoring in economic management. He is a senior expert of political science. Mr. Li joined the civil aviation industry in 1969. He was the Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice General Manager of China General Aviation Corporation successively between 1991 and 1998. He was appointed as the Party Secretary and Vice General Manager of China Eastern Airlines Company Limited Shanxi branch in February 1998. He became the Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary to the Disciplinary Committee of China Eastern Air Holding Company in June 2000. From September 2002 to September 2006, he was appointed as the Party Secretary and Vice President of China Eastern Air Holding Company. Between June 2000 and September 2006, he was the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of China Eastern Airlines Company Limited. He has been the Party Secretary and Executive Vice President of CSAHC since September 2006.

Mr. Wang Quan Hua is a Director of the Company. Mr. Wang graduated from the Economic Management Department of the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC, and is an economist. Mr. Wang began his career in civil aviation in 1972, and successively served as the Director of Planning Department of Guangzhou Civil Aviation Administration, the Office Director of China Southern Airlines Shenzhen Company., the Director of the Planning and Operation Division of the Company, General Manager of Strategy and Development Department of the Company, Assistant President and the Director of Planning Department of CSAHC. Since September 2009, Mr. Wang has been the Executive Vice President of CSAHC. Mr. Wang currently is also the chairman of SACM and the director of Nan Lung.
Mr. Liu Bao Heng is a Director of the Company. He graduated from the Central University of Finance and Economics majoring in accounting and is an auditor. Mr. Liu began his career in 1968. He held the post of deputy director and director of the No. 3 Division of Department of Public Finance Audit of National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China (CNAO). He was the assistant and deputy commissioner to CNAO’s Xian Office. He became the deputy chief, the department chief and director of the General Office of CNAO. He has been the Chief Accountant of CSAHC since February 2006.

Mr. Tan Wan Gengis a Director Secretaryand president of the CPC Committee and Executive Vice President.Company. Mr. Tan is an engineer graduated from Economic Geography Department in Sun Yat-senYatsen University, with major in Regional Economy,regional economy, with qualification of post graduate degree, and a master degree in economics. Mr. Tan has previously served as the Head of the Infrastructure Department and Director of Human Resources Department of the Beijing Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Corporation from 1990 to 1996, the Deputy Director of Human Resources Division (Personnel and Education Division) in the General Administration of Civil Aviation of ChinaCAAC from 1996 to 2000, and has been the Director General and Party Secretary of CAAC Northeastern Branch from December 2000 to January 2006. He has been Party Secretary of Chinese Communist Party Committee and Executive Vice President of Northeastern Regional Civil Aviationthe Company from February 2006 to January 2009, and the President of the Company since January 2009.

Mr. Zhang Zi Fang is a Director, the Party Secretary and an Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Zhang graduated with a master degree of Business Administration from December 2000 to January 2006.School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University, EMBA Major. Mr. Zhang is a senior expert of political science. Mr. Zhang served as the Deputy Commissar and subsequently the Commissar of the Pilot Corps of China Northern Airlines Company, and later on the Party Secretary of the Jilin Branch. He served as General Manager of Dalian Branch of CSAHC Northern Airlines and Director of Political Department of CSAHC. He also served as the Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Company. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since February 2006. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Tan is not connected with anyDecember 2007 and has been the Party Secretary of the Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or SupervisorsCompany since February 2009. Mr. Zhang is also the Vice President of the Company.SACM.

Mr. Xu Jie Bois a Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Xu joined the Company in July 1998. He graduated from the Management Departmentmanagement department of Tianjin University majoring in infrastructure management, and was subsequently awarded with a master degree in business administration from Hong Kong Baptist University. AUniversity and a master degree of Business Administration from School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University, EMBA Major. He is also a qualified senior accountant by profession,accountant. Mr. Xu started his career in August 1986. In December 1992, he tookHe had ever taken up the posts of Deputy Director and Director of the Financial Department of Central and Southern China Civil Aviation Administration. In July 1998, heHe became General Manager of the Financial Department of the Company since July 1998 and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Currently, he is a Director,Company since 2001. He has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officerchief accountant of the Company. HeCompany since August 2003. Mr. Xu is also the Chairman of Guizhou Airlines, the Vice Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, and the Vice Chairman of Sichuan Airlines Corporation Limited and Vice Chairman of Xiamen Airlines. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Xu is not connected with any(“Sichuan Airlines”), an associate of the Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.Group.

Mr. Chen Zhen Youis a Director and Chairman of the Labour Union of the Company,Company. He graduated from South ChinaHua Zhong Normal University with a bachelor’s degreemajoring in English. Mr. Chen, an economist, holds an MBA from Murdoch University in Australia. He worked as the Vice Director of the Office of International Affairs of Guangzhou Civil Aviation Administration, Vice Director of the Office of Overseas Business of the Company and General Manager of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Company. From 2001 to 2005, heAffairs. He was the Office Director of CSAHC and the Director of the Planning and Investment Department of CSAHC. He has been a member of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Labour Union of the Company since JuneFebruary 2005. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Chen is not connected with anyalso the Chairman of the Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.Zhuhai Airlines.

Mr. Wang Zhihas been an Independent Non-Executiveindependent non-executive Director of the Company since May 2003. Mr. Wang graduated from the Aircraft Design Department of Harbin Institute of Technology. Mr. Wang began his career in 1965, and has successively served as the Director and Senior Engineer of Aeronautics Research Institute of China, the Vice Director and Vice secretary of the First Research Institute of Civil Aviation, the Vice Director and Director of the Planning Bureau of CAAC and the Director of the Planning Technology System Reform Department and the Planning Technology Department of CAAC. Mr. Wang is also a professor in several universities. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Wang is not connected with any Directors, senior management or substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

Mr. Sui Guang Junhas been an Independent Non-Executiveindependent nonexecutive Director of the Company since May 2003. Mr. Sui graduated from the Economic Department of Jinan University in 1986 and obtained a master degree in 1989. Mr. Sui obtained a doctor degree in the Management of Organizations of Jinan University in 1996. He has successively served as the Vice Director of the Research Institute of Hong Kong and MacauMacao Economies, the Dean of corporate administration department of Jinan University and the Chief of the Post-doc Committee of Applied Economics and the Dean of Management College in Jinan University. Mr. Sui is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Sui is not connected with any Directors, senior management or substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

4945


Mr. Gong Hua Zhang, has been an Independentindependent Non-Executive Director of the Company since June 2007, used to be the chief accountant,Chief Accountant, vice director and director of the financial bureau of China National Petroleum Corporation, as well as the chief accountantChief Accountant of China National Petroleum Corporation. He has been serving asCorporation and a directorDirector of PetroChina Company Limited since October 1999.Limited. Mr. Gong also acts as a part-time professor in Tsinghua University, Nankai University, Xiamen University and China University of Petroleum, and is a professor in National Accounting Institute (Beijing). Save as disclosed above, Mr. Gong is not connected with any Directors, senior management or substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

Mr. Lam Kwong Yu has been an Independent Non-Executiveindependent nonexecutive Director of the Company since June 2007, is an expert in the field of civil aviation. Mr. Lam used to serve as the general managerGeneral Manager of the Hong Kong Airport, the Vice Director and Director of the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong, a directorDirector of the Airport Authority Hong Kong and the chairmanChairman of the Aviation Advisory Board of Hong Kong. Mr. Lam is currently a member of the Selection Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Lam is not connected with any Directors, senior management or substantial shareholders or Supervisors of the Company.

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE

As required by the Company Law of the PRC and the Articles of Association of the Company, the Company has a supervisory committee (the “Supervisory Committee”) which is primarily responsible for the supervision of senior management of the Company, including the Board, executive officers and other senior management personnel, to ensure that they act in the interests of the Company, its shareholders and employees, as well as in compliance with applicable law. The Supervisory Committee consists of fourfive Supervisors. TwoThree of the Supervisors are shareholder representatives appointed by shareholders, and the other two Supervisors are representatives of the Company’s employees. The Supervisors serve terms of three years and may serve consecutive terms.

Mr. Sun Xiao Yi, the chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Company, is a member of Party Committee and head of Discipline Supervision Team of CSAHC. Mr. Sun graduated from the Civil Aviation University of China with a degree in Economics and Administration and is currently a postgraduate law student of the Party School of the Central Communist Party College.Committee of CPC. Mr. Sun is a senior expert of Political Sciencepolitical science and Economics with an associate degree.Economics. Mr. Sun has successively served as Vice Party Secretary of the Hubei branch of the Company, Party Secretary of the Flight Operations Department of the Company, and Vice Party Secretary of CSAHC. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Sun is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or SupervisorsHe has been head of the Company.Discipline Supervision Team of CSAHC since September 2002.

Mr. Yang Guang HuaLi Jia Shi, a Supervisor of the Company. He graduated from the Guangdong Institute For Nationalities majoring in economic mathematics and an expert of political science. He started to work since August 1976. He served as the Head of the Organization Division of the Party Committee and the Deputy Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Company from December 2003 to December 2007. He has served as the Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Company since December 2007. Mr. Li currently is also the Chairman of Southern Airlines Ka Yuen (Guangzhou) Aviation Supply Company Limited and Guangzhou Nanland Air Catering Company Limited.

Ms. Zhang Wei, a Supervisor of the Company. Mr. YangShe is an engineer with university qualification. Mr. Yang has successively served as Deputythe Director of the Audit Division of CSAHC. She graduated from Tianjin University majoring in investment skills & economics. She holds a master of science in chemical engineering. Ms. Zhang is a senior accountant. She servedas Vice General Manager of the Hunan branchFinance Department of the Company, and the General Manager of Southern Airlines (Group) Zhuhai HelicoptersGroup Finance Company Limited, General Managerthe Vice Director of the Hunan branchSupervisory Bureau and the Director of the Company, and Deputy General ManagerAudit Division of the Company. HeCSAHC. She has been the President of Xiamen Airlines since September 2005. Save as disclosed above, Mr. Yang is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or SupervisorsDirector of the Company.Audit Division of CSAHC since October 2008. Ms. Zhang currently is also the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of SA Finance and SACM.

Ms. Yang Yi Hua, a Supervisor of the Company,Company. Ms. Yang is the General Manager of the Audit Department of the Company. Ms. Yang isCompany and a Certified Internal Auditor. She has successively served as Deputy Manager of the Clearance and Settlement Office of the Financial Division of the Guangzhou Civil Aviation Administration, Manager of the Financial Office of the Company’s Financial Division, and Deputy General Manager of the Company’s Audit Department. Save as disclosed above, Ms. Yang currently is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisorsalso the Chairman of the Company.Supervisory Committee of Xiamen Airlines, Guizhou Airlines, Guangzhou Baiyun International Logistic Company Limited (“Baiyun Logistic”) and Nan Lung International Freight Limited and a supervisor of Chongqing Airlines, Beijing Ground Service and SA Finance.

Mr. Liang Zhong Gao, a Supervisor of the Company, serves asand the Director of the SupervisoryDisciplinary Supervision Department of the Company. He is an expert of political science with university qualification. Mr. Liang once served as the Party Secretary and Deputy General Manager of the Guangzhou Sales Office of the Company, Deputy Party Secretary and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Passenger Traffic Department of the Company, Party Secretary of the Passenger Traffic Department of the Company and General Manager of the Aviation Service Quality Control Department of the Company. Save as disclosed above,

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Mr. LiangRen Ji Dong is not connected with any Directors, senior management, substantial shareholders or Supervisorsthe Executive Vice President of the Company.

50


SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Mr. He Zong Kai graduated from the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University with a master degree in Business Administration (EMBA), and he is ana senior engineer. He served as the Deputy Director of Urumqi Civil Aviation Administration, the Vice President of Xinjiang Airlines, the Party Secretary and the Vice President of the Xinjiang Branch of the Company, the Executive Vice President of the Company whofrom February 2005 to January 2007, and the President of the Xinjiang Branch of the Company from January 2007 to April 2009. He has served as the Executive Vice President of the Company since May 2009.
46


Mr. He Zong Kai is the Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. He graduated from Beijing Foreign Language Institute with a major degreemajoring in French, and he is a senior economist. Mr. He served as the Deputy Manager of the Operation Department of the Company, Manager of Passenger Transportation Department, Head of Seats Arrangement Department, Vice General Manager of the Marketing Department and General Manager of the Ground Services Department. He assumed the offices of the President and Deputy Party Secretary of Hubei branch of the Company and becameBranch. Mr. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since March 2005. Currently, Mr. He is also the Chairman of Chongqing Airlines.

Mr. Liu Qianis currently anthe Executive Vice President of the Company whoCompany. Mr. Liu graduated from China Civil Aviation Flying College with specialty in aircraftmajoring inaircraft piloting. Mr. Liu served the Civil Aviation Administration of ChinaCAAC as an assistant researcher of the piloting skills supervision division of the piloting standards department, asan assistant researcher of the operation supervision division, an assistant researcher of the piloting standards department, as assistant researcher of the freight transportation piloting standards division of the piloting standards department, and as the Deputy Head of the Piloting Standards Division of the Piloting Standards Department. He has assumed the offices ofDepartment, and the Deputy Chief Pilot and Chief Pilot of the Company since November 2004. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since August 2007.

Mr. Zhang Zi Fang is an Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Zhang served as the Deputy Commissar and subsequently the Commissar of the Pilot Corps of China Northern Airlines Company, and later on the Party Secretary of the Jilin Branch. He served as General Manager of Dalian Branch of CSAHC Northern Division and Director of Political Works Department of CSAHC. He also served as the Vice Party Secretary and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Company. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since 27 DecemberAugust 2007. Mr. Liu served as the Chairman of Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited, a jointly-controlled entity of the Company.

Mr. Dong Su Guang is the Executive Vice president of the Company. He graduated from Northwestern Polytechnical University majoring in aircraft design, and he is an engineer. He is an Executive Vice President of the Company. Mr. Dong used to be a Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Aircraft Maintaining and Engineering Co., Ltd,Ltd., as well as Chief Engineer and the General Manager of Aircraft Engineering Department of the Company. He has been an Executive Vice President of the Company since 27 December 2007. Mr. Dong is also the Chairman of Shantou Airlines and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Co., Ltd. (“GAMECO”, a jointly-controlled entity of the Company).

Mr. Chen Gang, the Executive Vice President of the Company. He graduated from Zhongnan Finance and Economics University majoring in Industrial Enterprise Management and the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University with a master degree in Advanced Business Administration (EMBA). He began his career in 1987. He served as the Vice Director of the Enterprise Management Department, the Manager of the Planning Enterprise Management Department, the Manager of Operation Department of Henan Branch of the Company, the Vice General Manager of Henan Branch of the Company, the General Manager of Hubei Branch of the Company, and the Director and Vice Party Secretary of the Marketing Management Committee of the Company from November 2005 to August 2009. He served as the Vice General Manager of the Company since August 2009. Currently, Mr. Chen is also the Chairman of CSN – ETC E-commerce Limited and Baiyun Logistics.

Mr. Zhang Zheng Rongis the chief pilotChief Pilot of the Company. He graduated from China Civil Aviation Flying College majoring in aircraft piloting and the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University with a master degree in Advanced Business Administration (EMBA). Mr. Zhang used to serve as the Captain of the First Squadron of CAAC, the Deputy General Manager of the Flight Operations Division and the Captain of the First Squadron as well as the General Manager of the Aviation Safety Monitoring Division of the Company. He has been the General Manager and Deputy Party Secretary of the Guangzhou Flight Operations Division of the Company since May 2004.Company. He has been the chief pilotChief Pilot of the Company since August 2007.

Mr. Hu Chen Jie, is the Chief Information Officer of the Company.Company and graduated from Beijing University Aeronautics and Astronautics majoring in information management. Mr. Hu used to be a software engineer in the Computer Center of CAAC, a senior software engineer in Wei Hong International Technology Company (Singapore), Deputy Director of the Computer Center of the Company, a senior project manager of SITA INC. (US) and the General Manager of CSN-ETC e-Commerce Limited. He has been the Chief Information Officer of the Company since June 2007.

Mr. Tang BingSu Liang, is the Chief Engineer of the Company. Mr. Tang served as a deputy manager and vice engineering director of the Engineering Technology Division under the Aircraft Engineering DepartmentEconomist of the Company, and as a vice director of the Business Development and Accessories Centre of Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd. He also served as Vice President of MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd., Office Director of CSAHC as well as the President and Vice Party Secretary of Chongqing Airlines. He has been the Chief Engineer of the Company since 27 December 2007.

Mr. Su Liang, the chief economist of the Company, was a graduate ofgraduated from the University of Cranfield, United Kingdom with a master degree in Air Transport Management Engineering. Mr. Su was in charge of the flight operations, planning and international cargo project of the Company. From July 2000 to November 2007, Mr. Su was the Company Secretary of the Company. He has been the chief economistChief Economist of the Company since December 2007. Mr. Su was the Chairman of China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of the Company) and the Director of Sichuan Airlines (an associate of the Company).

51


Mr. Xie BingZhang He Ping, is the Chief Engineer of the Company. Mr. Zhang is an engineer with university qualification. From January 2003 to May 2009, he served as the General Manager and Vice Party Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Company, graduated from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, majoring in civil aviation management. He subsequently received a master degree of business administration and a master degree of international finance from Jinan University and the University of Birmingham, Britain respectively. Mr. Xie used to work in the Planning and Development Department and Secretariat of the Board of DirectorsHunan Branch of the Company. He has beenserved as the Company SecretaryChief Engineer and the General Manager of the Aircraft Engineering Department of the Company since November 2007.June 2009. Mr. Zhang was also the Director of GAMECO (a joint controlled entity of the Company) and the Chairman of Shenyang Northern Aircraft Maintenance Co., Ltd.

Mr. Chen Wei Hua,is the Chief Legal Adviser to the Company.Adviser. Mr. Chen graduated from the school of law of Peking University.University and the School of Economics and Management of Tsinghua University with a master degree in Advanced Business Administration (EMBA). He is a qualified solicitor in the PRC and a qualified corporate legal counsellor. Mr. Chen joined the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 1988. He then joined the CSAHC in January 1991. From 1997 to 2003, he served as Vice Director and Director of the Legal Affairs Office of the Company. Currently, he is Presidentthe General Manager of the Legal Department of the Company. Since January 2004, Mr. Chen has been the Chief Legal Adviser to the Company. HeCompany since January 2004. Currently, Mr. Chen is also a Directordirector of Xiamen Airlines.

CompensationMr. Xie Bing, the Company Secretary of the Company. He graduated from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, majoring in civil aviation management. He subsequently received a master degree of business administration and a master degree of international finance from Jinan University and the University of Birmingham, Britain respectively. Mr. Xie used to work in the Planning and Development Department, Company Secretary Office of the Board of Director of the Company and Office of CSAHC. He has been the Secretary of the Board of Directors and the Company Secretary of the Company since November 2007.

 
47

Save as disclosed above, none of the above Director or Supervisor or senior management of the Company has any relationship with any Directors, Supervisors, senior management, substantial shareholders of the Company.

Compensation

The aggregate compensation paid to all Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management for 20072009 was RMB12,501,000.RMB14,913,000. For the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, the Company paid an aggregate of approximately RMB275,000RMB922,000 on behalf of its executive Directors, Supervisors and Senior Management pursuant to the SA Pension Scheme and the retirement plans operated by various municipal governments in which the Company participates.

Details of Directors’ and Supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 20072009 are set out below:


 
 
Note
 
Directors’
fees
RMB’000
 
Salaries, allowances
and benefits
in kind
RMB’000
 
Discretionary bonus
RMB’000
 
Retirement
scheme contributions
RMB’000
 
Total
RMB’000
  
Directors’
fees
RMB’000
 
Salaries,
allowances
and benefits
in kind
RMB’000
 
Discretionary
bonus
RMB’000
 
Retirement
scheme
contributions
RMB’000
 
Total
RMB’000
 
Executive directors
                   
Liu Shao Yong  
(i)
  
 737 
 14 751 
           
Si Xian Min  -   698   -   40   738 
                    
Li Wen Xin    
 329 
 14 343   -   608   -   40   648 
                    
Wang Quan Hua    
 597 
 14 611   -   550   -   40   590 
Zhao Liu An  (i)  
 576 
 14 590 
Si Xian Min    
 670 
 13 683 
                    
Liu Bao Heng  -   550   -   40   590 
                    
Tan Wan Geng    
 542 
 13 555   -   672   -   38   710 
                    
Xu Jie Bo    
 529 
 13 542   -   572   -   38   610 
                    
Chen Zhen You    
 513 
 16 529   -   572   -   38   610 
                    
Zhang Zi Fang  -   590   -   38   628 
                    
Supervisors
                    
           
Sun Xiao Yi    
 597 
 14 611   -   550   -   40   590 
                    
Yang Guang Hua    
 565 
 8 573  - 407   17 424 
                    
Zhang Wei  -   345   -   40   385 
                    
Yang Yi Hua    
 209 
 16 225   -   266   -   38   304 
                    
Liang Zhong Gao  (iii)  
 232 
 12 244   -   269   -   38   307 
Liu Biao  (iv)  
 134 
 2 136 
                    
Li Jia Shi  -   118   -   19   137 
                    
Independent non-executive directors
                    
Peter Lok  (ii)  49 
 
 
 49 
Wei Ming Hai  (ii)  50 
 
 
 50 
                    
Wang Zhi  50   -   -   -   50 
                    
Sui Guang Jun  100   -   -   -   100 
           
Gong Hua Zhang  
(iii)
  50 
 
 
 50   100   -   -   -   100 
Wang Zhi    100 
 
 
 100 
Sui Guang Jun    100 
 
 
 100 
                    
Lam Kwong Yu  
(iii)
  48 
 
 
 48   88   -   -   -   88 
                    
Total   397 6,230 
 163 6,790   338   6,767   -   504   7,609 
 
5248


Notes:
Board Practices

(i) The above amounts included the salaries paid to these Directors as pilots of the Company.

(ii) Retired on June 28, 2007.

(iii) Appointed on June 28, 2007.

(iv) Appointed on June 28, 2007 and resigned on January 18, 2008.

Board Practices
Each Director’s service contract with the Company or any of its subsidiaries provides prorated monthly salary upon termination of employment in accordance with his contract. The Director is entitled to paid leave in accordance with his contract. The term of office of a Director is three years. The term of office of the current Directors will end in 2010.  A Director may serve consecutive terms upon re-election.
 
Audit Committee

The audit committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and consists of three independent non-executive Directors. The current members of the audit committee are Gong Hua Zhang, Wang Zhi and Sui Guang Jun. Gong Hua Zhang is the chairman of the audit committee. The term of office of each member is three years. The term for Messrs Wang Zhi and Sui Guang Jun will end in 2009, The term of Mr. Gong Hua Zhang will end in 2010.  A member may serve consecutive terms upon re-election.  At least once a year, the committee is required to meet with the Company’s external auditors without any executive members of the Board in attendance. The quorum necessary for the transaction of any business is two committee members. The Audit Committee held nineten meetings in 2007,2009, which were attended by all members.

The Audit Committee is required, amongst other things, to oversee the relationship with the external auditors, to review the Group’s interim results and annual financial statements, to monitor compliance with statutory and listing requirements, to review the scope, if necessary, to engage independent legal or other advisers as it determines is necessary and to perform investigations. In addition, the Audit Committee also examines the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls, which involves regular reviews of the internal controls of various corporate structures and business processes on a continuous basis, and takes into account their respective potential risks and severity, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the Company’s business operations and the realization of its corporate objectives and strategies. The scope of such examinations and reviews includes finance, operations, regulatory compliance and risk management. The Audit Committee also reviews the Company’s internal audit plan, and submits relevant reports and concrete recommendations to the Board on a regular basis.

The Company has an internal audit department which reviews procedures in all major financial and operational activities. This department is led by the head of internal audit.

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Remuneration and Assessment Committee

The Remuneration and Assessment Committee is comprised of three members. Currently, the Remuneration and Assessment Committee is chaired by independent non-executive Director Sui Guang Jun with independent non-executive Director Gong Hua Zhang and executive Director Wang Quan Hua as members. The term of office of each member is three years. The term of office of the current members will end in 2010. A member may serve consecutive terms upon re-election. The Remuneration and Assessment Committee met twiceheld one meeting in 2007,2009, which were attended by all members.

The responsibilities of the Remuneration and Assessment Committee are to make recommendations on the remuneration policy and structure for Directors and senior management of the Company, to establish regular and transparent procedures on remuneration policy development and improvement and submit the Company’s “preliminary proposals“Administrative Measures on annual emolumentsRemuneration of the directorsDirectors” and senior management“Administrative Measures on Remuneration of the Group”Senior Management”. In particular, the Remuneration and Assessment Committee has the duty to ensure that the Directors or any of their associates shall not be involved in the determination of their own remuneration packages.

The Remuneration and Assessment Committee consulted, when appropriate, the Chairman and/or the President about its proposals relating to the remuneration of other executive Directors. The Remuneration and Assessment Committee is provided with sufficient resources to discharge its duties and professional advice is available if necessary. The Remuneration and Assessment Committee is also responsible for assessing performance of executive Directors and approving the terms of executive Directors’ service contracts. The Remuneration and Assessment Committee has performed all its responsibilities under its terms of reference in 2007.2009.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee was established on June 28, 2007. Before that, nomination of directors and other senior management was mainly undertaken by the Board. According to the Articles of Association, the Board has the authority to appoint from time to time any person as director to fill a vacancy or as additional director. In selecting candidate directors, the Board focuses on their qualifications, technical skills, experiences (in particular, the experience in the industry in which the Group operates in case of candidates of executive directors) and expected contributions to the Group.

As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Nomination Committee consists of three members, Messers Liu Shao Yong,including Si Xian Min as chairman and Wang Zhi (Independent non-executive director) and Gong Hua Zhang. Most of them are independentZhang (Independent non-executive Directors of the Company (“INEDs”) and Mr. Liu Shao Yong actsdirector) as the chairman.members. The responsibilities of the Nomination Committee are to make recommendations to the Board in respect of the size and composition of the Board based on the operational activities, assets and shareholding structure of the Company; study the selection criteria and procedures of directorsDirectors and executives and give advice to the Board; identify qualified candidates for directorsDirectors and executives; investigate and propose candidates for directorsDirectors and managers and other senior management members to the Board.
49


In accordance with relevant laws and regulations as well as the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company, the Nomination Committee shall study and resolve on the selection criteria, procedures and terms of office for directors and managers with reference to the Company’s actual situation. Any resolution made in this regard shall be filed and proposed to the Board for approval and shall be implemented accordingly.

The Nomination Committee is provided with sufficient resources to discharge its duties and independently engageengages intermediate agencies to provide professional advice on its proposals if necessary.

The Nomination Committee held three meetingssix meeting in 2007.2009, which werewas attended by all members.

Employees

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had 45,47450,412 employees, including 3,9314,006 pilots, 7,1597,521 flight attendants, 5,7217,324 maintenance personnel, 5,3036,257 sales and marketing personnel, 2,4012,039 ground service personnel, 1,3491,691 flight operation officers, 1,3991,636 financial personnel and 8,9619,860 administrative and 10,078 other personnel. All of the Group’s pilots, flight attendants, maintenance personnel, administrative personnel and sales and marketing personnel are contract employees, and most of the Group’s ancillary service workers are temporary employees. Contract employees are hired by the Group pursuant to renewable employment contracts with terms ranging from three to five years. Temporary employees generally are hired by the Group pursuant to at-will employment contracts or employment contracts with a term of one year.


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The Company’s employees are members of a trade union organized under the auspices of the All-China’sAll-China Federation of Trade Unions, which is established in accordance with the Trade Union Law of China. A representative of the Company labor union currently serves on the Supervisory Committee of the Company. Each of the Company’s subsidiaries has its own trade union. The Group has not experienced any strikes, slowdowns or labor disputes that have interfered with its operations, and the Group believes that its relations with its employees are good.

All employees of the Group receive cash remuneration and certain non-cash benefits. Cash remuneration consists of salaries, bonuses and cash subsidies provided by the Group. Salaries are determined in accordance with the national basic wage standards. The total amount of wages payable by the Group to its employees is subject to a maximum limit based on the profitability of the Group and other factors. Bonuses are based on the profitability of the Group. Cash subsidies are intended as a form of cost-of-living adjustment. In addition to cash compensation, the Group’s contract employees receive certain non-cash benefits, including housing, education and health services, and the Group’s temporary employees receive limited health services, but not housing or education.

Employee benefits

Employee benefits are all forms of considerations given and other related expenditures incurred in exchange for services rendered by employees. Except for termination benefits, employee benefits are recognisedrecognized as a liability in the period in which the associated services are rendered by employees, with a corresponding increase in cost of relevant assets or expenses in the current period.

(a) Retirement benefits

Pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC, the Group has joined a defined contribution basic retirement scheme for the employees arranged by local LabourLabor and Social Security Bureaus. The Group makes contributions to the retirement scheme at the applicable rates based on the amounts stipulatedranging from 10% to 25% (2008: 9% to 24%) as required by the government organization. The contributions are charged to profit or loss on an accrual basis. When employees retire, the local LabourLabor and Social Security Bureaus are responsible for the payment of the basic retirement benefits to the retired employees.

In addition, the Group has established a supplementary defined contribution retirement scheme for the benefit of employees in accordance with relevant regulations in the PRC.  Under such supplementary scheme, the Group is required to make contributions not exceeding one-twelfth of the prior year’s total salaries.

(b) Housing fund and other social insurances

Besides the retirement benefits, pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations of the PRC, the Group has joined defined social security contributions for employees, such as a housing fund, basic medical insurance, unemployment insurance, injury insurance and maternity insurance. The Group makes contributions to the housing fund and other social insurances mentioned above at the applicable rates based on the employees’ salaries. The contributions are recognized as cost of assets or charged to profit or loss on an accrual basis.

(c) Termination benefits

When the Group terminates the employment relationship with employees before the employment contracts have expired, or provides compensation as an offer to encourage employees to accept voluntary redundancy, a provision for the termination benefits provided, is recognized in profit or loss when both of the following conditions have been satisfied:

The Group has a formal plan for the termination of employment or has made an offer to employees for voluntary redundancy, which will be implemented shortly;

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The Group is not allowed to withdraw from termination plan or redundancy offer unilaterally.

Workers’ Compensation

There is no workers’ compensation or other similar compensation scheme under the Chinese labor and employment system. As required by Chinese law, however, the Group, subject to certain conditions and limitations, pays for the medical expenses of any contract employee who suffer a work-related illness, injury or disability and continues to pay the full salary of, and provides all standard cash subsidies to, such employee during the term of such illness, injury or disability. The Group also pays for certain medical expenses of its temporary employees.

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Share Ownership

As of the date of this Annual Report, no Director, Senior Management or Supervisor of the Company is a beneficial owner of any shares of the Company’s capital stock. As of the date of this Annual Report, no arrangement has been put in place involving issue or grant of options or shares or securities of the Company to any of the Director, Senior Management, Supervisor or employees of the Company.

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

Major Shareholders

Share Capital Structure

As of May 31, 2008,7, 2010 the total share capital of the Company was divided into 4,374,178,0008,003,567,000 shares, of which approximately 50.3% (2,200,000,000 domestic shares)50.24% (4,021,150,000 A Shares) was directly held by CSAHC, approximately 26.84% (1,174,178,00018.74% (1,500,000,000 A Shares) was held by other domestic shareholders, and approximately 31.02% (2,482,417,000 H shares)Shares) was held by Hong Kong and overseas shareholders and(among which, approximately 22.86% (1,000,000,000 A shares)29.27% (726,500,000 H Shares) was indirectly held by domestic shareholders.CSAHC). CSAHC owns, 50.30%directly and indirectly, 59.32% of the total share capital of the Company, therefore it is entitled to exercise all the rights of a controlling shareholder, including the election of executive Directors.
 
Substantial Shareholders

As of May 31, 2008,7, 2010, the following shareholders had an interest of 5% or more in the Company’s shares:

Name
Number of Shares
Approximate
Percentage
of the Total
Number of Shares
CSAHC2,200,000,000 domestic shares50.30%
HKSCC Nominees Limited1,162,215,598 H shares26.57%
Name Number of Shares 
Approximate
Percentage
of the Total
Number of
Shares
 
       
CSAHC 4,021,150,000 A Shares(1) 50.24%
       
HKSCC Nominees Limited 1,744,633,398 H Shares(2) 21.80%
       
Nan Lung 721,150,000 H Shares  9.01%

The table below sets forth, as of May 31, 2008,7, 2010, the following entities hold 5% or more of the total number of H sharesShares issued by the Company.

Name
 
Number of H Shares
 
Approximate
Percentage of
the Total
Number of H
Shares
 
HKSCC Nominees Limited  
1,162,215,598
  98.98%
Name 
Number of H
Shares
  
Approximate
Percentage of
the Total
Number of H
Shares
 
         
HKSCC Nominees Limited  1,744,633,398(2)  70.27% 
         
Nan Lung  721,150,000(2)  29.05% 

Domestic sharesA Shares and H sharesShares have identical voting rights.

(1)
CSAHC has right to acquire not more than 132,510,000 A Shares and through Nan Lung Holding Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC), to acquire not more than 312,500,000 H Shares, pursuant to the A Shares subscription agreement dated March 8, 2010 entered into between the Company and CSAHC and the H Shares subscription agreement dated March 8, 2010 entered into between the Company and Nan Lung, respectively.  Both of the subscription agreements were approved by the shareholders of the Company.  The above placement and subscription agreements were approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting and the respective Class Meetings of shareholders of A and H shares on April 30, 2010 and are pending approval from the relevant security regulatory authorities.
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(2) Among the 1,744,633,398 H Shares held by HKSCC Nominees Limited, CSAHC had an interest in an aggregate of 5,350,000 H Shares through Asia Travel Investment Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC in Hong Kong (representing approximately 0.2% of the then total issued H Shares).

Related Party Transactions

The Company enters into transactions from time to time with CSAHC and its associates. For a description of such transactions, see Note 3945 to the Financial Statements. In particular, the following arrangements, which the Company believes are material to its operations, have been made between the Company and CSAHC and its associates.associates during the year ended December 31, 2009 and up to the latest practicable date. The Company believes that these arrangements have been entered into by the GroupCompany in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the agreements governing such transactions.

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Arrangements with CSAHC

Non-Public Subscriptions

On August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, the Company issued 721,150,000 A shares to CSAHC and 721,150,000 H shares to Nan Lung for net cash considerations of RMB2,259 million and RMB721 million, respectively.

On March 8, 2010, the board of the Company approved (i) the placement of not more than 1,766,780,000 new A shares to not more than 10 specific investors (subject to the maximum number as permitted by PRC laws and regulations at the time of the issuance) including CSAHC, at the same subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share; and (ii) the placement of not more than 312,500,000 new H shares to Nan Lung, at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share.

On the same date, the Company entered into the A shares subscription agreement with CSAHC, pursuant to which CSAHC conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new A shares of not more than 132,510,000 at the subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share.  In addition, the Company and Nan Lung entered into the H shares subscription agreement, pursuant to which Nan Lung conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new H shares of not more than 312,500,000 at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share. The above placement and subscription agreements were approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting and the respective Class Meetings of shareholders of A and H shares on April 30, 2010 and are pending approval from the relevant security regulatory authorities.

Trademark License Agreement

The Company and CSAHC entered into a ten year trademark license agreement dated May 22, 1997 pursuant to which CSAHC acknowledges that the Company has the right to use the name “China Southern” and “China Southern Airlines” in both Chinese and English, and grants the Company a renewable royalty free license to use the kapok logo on a worldwide basis in connection with the Company’s airline and airline-related businesses. As CSAHC did not give a written notice of termination three months before the expiration of the agreement, the agreement is automatically renewed for another ten year term. In May of 2007, the Trademark License Agreement has been renewed by the two parties for another ten-year term till 2017.

Leases

The CompanyGroup as lessee and CSAHC as lessor have entered into the following lease agreements:

(1)On May 22, 1997,December 19, 2006, the Company and CSAHC entered into a master lease agreement with CSAHC with a term valid from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 (“Lease Agreement”). The Company renewed the Lease Agreement pursuantwith CSAHC on December 29, 2008. Pursuant to whichthe Lease Agreement, CSAHC leasedagrees to continue to lease to the Company certain parcels of land, properties, and propertiescivil aviation structures and facilities at variousexisting locations in Guangzhou, Haikou, Wuhan, Hengyang, Jingzhou (previously known as “Shashi”) and WuhanNanyang as well as some additional locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin and Changchun, etc.. The Lease Agreement is valid from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 and the annual rents payable to CSAHC under the Lease Agreement for a term of five years, which was renewable by agreement between both parties thereto.2009, 2010 and 2011 are RMB37,148,660, RMB39,006,093 and RMB40,956,397.65 respectively.

On May 15, 2001, the Company and CSAHC entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which CSAHC leased to the Company certain parcels of land, properties, and buildings at various locations at Hengyang, Jingzhou (previously known as “Shashi”) and Nanyang for a term of five years, and the rents were calculated on the basis of annual depreciation method. Such Lease Agreement was renewable by agreement between both parties thereto.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the rent incurred by the Group amounted to RMB37,148,660 pursuant to such Lease Agreement.

In order to comply with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Listing Rules regarding connected transactions, the Company and CSAHC have entered into a general lease agreement based on the above agreements through determination and negotiation regarding the actual situation of the lands, properties and buildings located in above areas. This Lease Agreement takes effect retrospectively on January 1, 2006, and is valid for a term of three years. Under this Lease Agreement, the total rent payable is RMB86,029,619.01, of which, the annual rents payable for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 are RMB27,543,606.01, RMB28,657,966.99 and RMB29,828,046.01 respectively. However, the total rents in the original several lease agreements are RMB92,452,479.48 for the term of five years.
(2)The Company and CSAHC entered into an indemnification agreement dated May 22, 1997 in which CSAHC has agreed to indemnify the Company against any loss or damage caused by or arising from any challenge of, or interference with, the Company’s right to use certain land and buildings.
 
(3)The Company and CSAHC entered into a lease agreement dated November 12, 2004, under which CSAHC leases to the Company certain lands by leasing the land use rights of such lands to the Company. These lands had been administratively allocated to XJA and CNA for the purposes of their civil aviation and related businesses. Subsequently, CSAHC was authorized to deal with the land use rights of such lands, including leasing, but not transferring, such land use rights. Total area of the lands leased is 1,182,297 square meters, and the locations of such lands are in Urumqi, Shenyang, Dalian and Harbin. The lease is for a fixed term of three years, commencing from the effective date of the lease, and is renewable, subject to compliance with the relevant requirements of the Hong Kong Listing Rules by the Company, by an application in writing by the Company to the lessor three months before the end of the fixed term. The rent for the land use rights of the designated lands under lease agreement is RMB22,298,000 per year, payable in arrear by cheque, in cash or by bank transfer on or before the 10th day of each calendar month, and was determined after arm’s length negotiations between the parties. The maximum aggregate annual limit (“Cap”) for the lease agreement is set at RMB22,298,000 per year. This lease agreement expired on December 31, 2007 and the Company and CSAHC had entered into a new agreement regarding the said lease. For details, please refer to item (6) below.

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(4)The Company, CSAHC and CNA entered into a lease agreement dated November 12, 2004, under which CSAHC and CNA lease to the Company certain buildings, facilities and other infrastructure related to the civil aviation businesses of CNA situated at various locations in Shenyang, Dalian, Jilin, Harbin, Chaoyang and Russia. The lease is for a fixed term of three years, commencing from the date of the lease, and is renewable, subject to compliance with the relevant requirements of the Hong Kong Listing Rules by the Company, by an application in writing by the Company to the lessor three months before the end of the fixed term. The consideration for the lease agreement is RMB43,758,000 per year, payable in arrear by cheque, in cash or by bank transfer on or before the 10th day of each calendar month, and is determined after arm’s length negotiation between the parties. The Cap for the lease agreement is set at RMB43,758,000 per year. This lease agreement expired on December 31, 2007 and the Company and CSAHC had entered into a new agreement regarding the said lease. For details, please refer to item (6) below.
 
(5)The Company, CSAHC and XJA entered into a lease agreement dated November 12, 2004, under which CSAHC and XJA lease to the Company certain buildings, facilities and other infrastructure related to the civil aviation businesses of XJA situated in Xinjiang and Russia. The lease is for a fixed term of three years, commencing from the effective date of the lease, and is renewable, subject to compliance with the relevant requirements of the Hong Kong Listing Rules by the Company, by an application in writing by the Company to the lessor three months before the end of the fixed term. The consideration for the lease agreement is RMB5,798,000 per year, payable in arrear by cheque, in cash or by bank transfer on or before the 10th day of each calendar month, and is determined after arm’s length negotiation between the parties. The Cap for the lease agreement is set at RMB5,798,000 per year. This lease agreement expired on December 31, 2007 and the Company and CSAHC had entered into a new agreement regarding the said lease. For details, please refer to item (6) below.
(6)(3)Due to the expiration on December 31, 2007 of the Land Use Rights Lease Agreement between the Company and CSAHC, the Property Lease Agreement between the Company and CSAHC, and CNA,China Northern Airlines, as well as the Property Lease Agreement between the Company and CSAHC and XJA as disclosed in items (3), (4) and (5) above,Xinjiang Airlines on November 12, 2004, and in order to ensure normal operation of the Company, the Company, based on the current actual leasing conditions of both parties, consolidate the three agreements into two agreements by the type of the leased properties, namely the Land Lease Agreement and the Property Lease Agreement. Those two agreements were entered into between the Company and CSAHC on January 10, 2008 and effective for a period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. As provided for in the Land Lease Agreement and the Property Lease Agreement, the leasedlease areas of the related lands and properties were changed to 1,104,209.69 square metresmeters and 197,010.37 square metresmeters respectively, and their annual rentals were adjusted to RMB21,817,145.00 and RMB48,474,632.77, or an aggregate of RMB70,291,777.77 for each of the years from 2008 to 2010. The rentals were determined by reference to the market rents of the same district and on the basis that unit rental and payment terms remained unchanged. The independent non-executive Directors of the Company have approved the above two agreements.

Acquisition/Disposal of Assets

The Company entered into an agreement on August 14, 2007 with CSAHCFor the year ended December 31, 2009, the rents for the acquisition from CSAHC of the entire equity interests in SAG Air Catering Company, the assets of Guangzhou BiHuaYuan Training Centre, certain physical assets of Nan Lung Travel & Express (Hong Kong) Limited (“Nan Lung”)land lease and the 51% equity interest in Nan Lung International Freight Company Limited held by Nan Lung for a total consideration of RMB270,000,000, and for the sale to CSAHC of a 90% interest in Guangzhou Aviation Hotel at a consideration of RMB75,000,000. The resolutions relating to the above transactions were unanimously approvedproperty lease incurred by the independent non-executive Directors.Group amounted to RMB21,817,145.00 and RMB48,474,632.77 respectively pursuant to such lease agreement.

Arrangements with CSAHC’s Associates

Southern Airlines (Groups) Import and Export Trading Company ("SAIETC"(“SAIETC”), a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC

The Company and SAIETC entered into an Import and Export Agency Framework Agreement dated January 1, 2006 for the import and export of aircraft, flight equipment, special vehicles for airline use, communication and navigation facilities, and training facilities. The Import and Export Agency Framework Agreement is valid for a term of three years, commencing from the date of agreement, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Listing Rules by the Company. Both parties agreed that the agency fee for import and export shall be determined after arm’s length negotiation and shall not be higher than the market rate. The annual cap for such agreement shall be RMB80,000,000 per annum. The independent non-executive Directors of the Company have approved the Import and Export Agency Framework Agreement.

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On January 10, 2008, the Company entered into a newan Import and Export Agency Framework Agreement with SAIETC, pursuant to which the parties shall cooperate on the following business domains: import and export, customs clearance, customs declaration and examination,inspection, tendering and agency, etc..etc. The Agreementagreement is valid from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, and the annual cap for the commission should not exceed RMB90,000,000. The INEDs have approved this new Import and Export Agency Framework Agreement.

For the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, the commission expenseagency fee incurred by the Group to SAIETC in respect of the import and export of the above equipmentservice was RMB46,205,000.RMB67,936,000.

Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd. (“SACM”), which is 50% owned by the Company and 50% owned by CSAHC

The Company and Southern Airlines Advertising Company (“SAAC”) entered into a new Advertising Agency Agreement dated January 1, 2006. SAAC and SACM entered into an acquisition agreement in 2006 whereby SACM acquired and merged with SAAC and assumed the rights, obligations and business of SAAC.

Advertising Agency Agreement is valid for a term of three years commencing from the date of the agreement. Under the agreement, SACM will produce advertisement script, graphic and music to the Company with the copyright of such products belonging to the Company, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Listing Rules. The parties have determined the various rates for providing advertising services after negotiations on a fair and equitable basis, which are not higher than the market rates for similar advertising services. The independent non-executive Directors of the Company have approved such Advertising Agency Agreement.
On April 12, 2007, the Company and SACM entered into an Advertising Agency Framework Agreement for a term of three years commencing from the date of the agreement. Under the agreement, SACM will produce advertisement script, graphic and music for the Company with the copyrights of such products belonging to the Company, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. The parties have agreed to determinedetermined the various rates for providing advertising agency services throughafter negotiations on arms lengtha fair and equitable basis, and SACM has undertaken to chargepromised that the advertising fees for which they charged the Company were all based on the basis of theprevailing market ratesprices for similar advertising agency services asbusiness which were accepted by the Company. Pursuant toAs set forth in the agreement, the annual capstransaction cap for 2007, 2008 and 2009 shall bewere RMB16,000,000, RMB20,500,000 and RMB25,500,000, respectively. The INEDs have approved

As the agreement.Advertising Agency Framework Agreement had expired and the transactions contemplated under the Advertising Agency Framework Agreement would continue to be entered into on a recurring basis with an expansion of scope between the parties, the Company has entered into the Media Services Framework Agreement on May 11, 2010 for a term of three years from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. Pusuant to the agreement, SACM will provide the following services to the Group: (1) exclusive advertising agency services, including the design, production, broadcast and agency of international and domestic screen, print, outdoor and other forms of advertisement; (2) the plotting, purchase and production of in-flight TV and movie program agency services; (3) public relations services relating to recruitment of airhostess, including organising and implementation of the promotional recruitment activities, on-site recruitment activities, and production of promotional advertising program; and (4) services relating to the distribution of newspapers and magazines issued by SACM within places of the Company services. As set forth in the agreement, the revised transaction cap for 2010, 2011 and 2012 were RMB40,000,000, RMB48,000,000 and RMB58,000,000, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, payments made2009, the advertising fees incurred by the Group to SACM for the advertising services amounted to RMB8,669,000.RMB20,868,000.

China Southern Airlines GroupSA Finance Company Limited (“SA Finance”) which is 66% ownedcontrolled by CSAHC, 21.1%21% owned by the Company and 12.9%13% owned in aggregate by four subsidiaries of the Company

The Company entered into a Financial Services Agreement (“Financial Services Agreement”) dated May 22, 1997 with SA Finance for the provision of financial services such as deposit and loan facilities, credit facilities, financial guarantees and credit references. The agreement was extended to May 22, 2006. In order to comply with the new requirements under the Listing Rules, the Company and SA Finance entered into a new Financial Services Agreement on December 31, 2004. On November 15, 2007, the GroupCompany renewed the Financial Services Framework Agreement with SA Finance commencingfor a term of three years starting from January 1, 2008 for a period of three years, and is renewable upon request by the Company by written notice of not less than 30 days before the end of the fixed term, subject to compliance with the requirements of the listing rules applicable in the places of listing of the Company.
As the Financial Services Agreement constitutes a discloseable and non-exempt continuing connected transaction within the meaning of Rule 14A.35 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules, it is subject to requirements under Rule 14A.48 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules regarding the reporting, announcement and independent shareholders’ approval. The independent shareholders of the Company approved the Financial Services Framework Agreement at the first extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on January 18, 2008.December 31, 2010.

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Under such agreement, SA Finance agrees to provide to the Company the following financial services:

Gruop deposit and loan services. SA Finance shall pay interests to the GroupCompany regularly at a rate not lower than the current deposit rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The Group’s deposits placed with SA Finance were re-deposited in a number of banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Bank of China, China Merchants Bank and Standard Chartered Bank (China), etc.. In order to ensure the implementation of the Agreement,banks. SA Finance has agreed that the loans it provided to CSAHC and its subsidiaries other than the Group should not exceed the aggregate of share capital, reserves and total deposits of other companies (excluding the Group). The rates should be determined on an arm’s length basis and based on fair market rate, and should not be higher than those available from independent third parties. The parties hereby agreed that the balance of the Group’s deposits placed with SA Finance (including accrued interests) should not at any time exceed RMB2.6 billion,RMB2,600,000,000, nor should the balance of loans provided toborrowed from SA Finance at any time exceed the above-mentioned level. The annual cap of fees payable to SA Finance for the other financial services should not exceed RMB5 million. The agreement is valid for a term of three years.RMB5,000,000.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s deposits placed with SA Finance amounted to RMB906 million. The applicable interest rates are determined in accordance with the rates published by the People’s Bank of China.RMB862,015,000.

As of December 31, 2007, loans from SA Finance to the Group amounted up to RMB329 million which bore interest at rates ranging from 5.10% to 6.16% per annum during the year.
Shenzhen Air Catering Company Limited, which is 33% owned by CSAHC, and 67% owned by two independent third partiesFreight Agency Agreement

The Company and Shenzhen Air Catering Company Limited entered into an agreement dated May 23, 1997 for the sale and purchase of in-flight meals for flights originating or stopping at the airport in Shenzhen. Pursuant to such agreement, Shenzhen Air Catering Company Limited will supply in-flight meals to the Group from time to time during the term from May 23, 1997 to May 23, 1998. The parties have mutually agreed that the agreement can be renewed automatically.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the amount payable by the Group to Shenzhen Air Catering Company Limited for the provision of in-flight meals was approximately RMB55,857,000.
China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd (the “Australian Pilot College”), which is 65% owned by the Company and 35% owned by CSAHC

CSAHC and the Australian Pilot College entered into an agreement dated October 7, 1993 for the provision of pilot training in Australia to the cadet pilots of CSAHC (the “Training Agreement”). The Training Agreement will remain in force unless terminated by either party upon 90 days’ prior written notice to the other party. Pursuant to the Demerger Agreement, the Company has assumed all the interests, rights and obligations of CSAHC under the Training Agreement.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the amount payable by the Group to the Australian Pilot College for training services was RMB109,847,000.

Southern Airlines (Group) Economic Development Company, which is 61% owned by CSAHC and 39% owned by an independent third party

The Company and Southern Airlines (Group) Economic Development Company entered into an agreement dated May 22, 1997 for the provision of drinks, snacks, liquor, souvenirs and other products for a term extending from May 22, 1997 to May 22, 2007. Since May 23, 2007, Southern Airlines (Group) Economic Development Company has not carried out any continuing connected transactions for the provision of drinks, snacks, liquor, souvenirs and other products to the Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the amount paid by the Group to Southern Airlines (Group) Economic Development Company for the provision of drinks, snacks, liquor, souvenirs and other products was RMB72,205,000.

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Sales arrangements

The Group has entered into Ticket Agency Agreements with several subsidiaries of CSAHC (the “Agents”) for the sale of the Group’s air tickets with several subsidiaries of CSAHC (the “Agents”).tickets. The Agents charge commission onwith reference to the basis ofprevailing market rate. Besides, the rates stipulated by the CAAC and International Air Transport Association (“IATA”). The GroupCompany has other air ticket sales agents in China who also charge commission at the same rates. The Agents also act as airthe ticket sales agents forof other Chinese airlinesairline companies in China, and charge commission at the same rates of commission to such other airlines as those chargedoffered to the Group.

The Company and China Southern Airlines Group Passenger and Cargo Agent Company Limited (“PCACL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC have entered into a new ticket agency framework agreement and a new airfreight forwarding agency framework dated January 1, 2006 (“Two Sales Agency Framework Agreements”).

The Two Sales Agency Framework Agreements are valid for a term of three years commencing from the date of the agreements, subject to the compliance of relevant provisions under the Hong Kong Listing Rules. The parties agreed that the agency fee shall be determined after arm’s length negotiation and shall not be higher than the market rate. The annual cap under each of the Two Sales Agency Framework Agreements is set at RMB10,000,000 per annum.

The Company and PCACL have entered into the Framework Agreement on Expanded Businesses Including the Sale of Air Tickets, the Airfreight Forwarding Services, Chartered Flight and Pallets Agency Services, Delivery Services For the Outside Storage Area and the relevantRelevant Internal Operation Services For the Inside Storage Area of China Southern Airlines Company Limited dated January 10, 2008 (“New Sales(the “Freight Agency Agreement”), which is valid from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Pursuant to the agreement,Freight Agency Agreement, the cooperative scope of both parties thereto mainly comprises extended businesses including air ticket sales agency services, airfreight forwarding sales agency services, chartered flight and pallets agency services, internal operation services for the inside storage area, and delivery services for the outside storage area and chartered flight and pallets sales agency business. The annual transaction cap of the sales value shall not exceed RMB250 million.RMB250,000,000.

For the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, the aggregate amount of ticket and cargo sales of the Group conducted through the above sales arrangementAgents was RMB151,822,000.
SAG Air Catering CompanyRMB182,019,000.

The Company and the SAG Air Catering Company entered into a catering agreement dated November 12, 2004 (“Catering Agreement”) under which the SAG Air Catering Company would supply: (1) in-flight meals in accordance with the menus of in-flight meals to be agreed with the Company from time to time, and in such quantity as the Company shall advise the Catering Company in advance; and (2) catering services for different flights of the Company (including normal, additional, chartered and temporary flights) originating or stopping at the domestic airports, mainly in northern China and the Xinjiang regions.

The Catering Agreement is for a fixed term of three years, commencing from the date of the agreement. The parties have agreed, after arm’s length negotiation, on the price of each type of in-flight meal and the service charges for each type of aircraft. The prices of in-flight meals and the service charges are not higher than the market rate of comparable in-flight meals and service charges. The SAG Air Catering Company would issue an invoice listing out the quantity of in-flight meals supplied, the agreed unit price and the total price payable for each of the Company flights it provides service for. The cap for the Catering Agreement is set at RMB220,000,000 per year. The Company and CSAHC entered into an acquisition agreement dated August 14, 2007 to acquire 100% equity interest of the SAG Air Catering Company.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Group has paid the in-flight meals charge in the sum of RMB101,338,000 pursuant to the Catering Agreement.

Guangzhou China Southern Airlines Property Management Company Limited (the “GCSAPMC”), which is 90%100% owned by CSAHC and 10% owned by the Company’s Union

The Company and GCSAPMC entered into a Framework Agreement for the Engagement of Property Management (“Property Management Framework Agreement”) dated January 1, 2006 in respect of engagingto engage GCSAPMC to provide property management and improvement service withfor a term of three years from the date of this agreement.years. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company has appointed GCSAPMC to provide management and maintenance services for the Company’s headquarters in Guangzhou and to provide maintenance and management services for the 110KV transformer substation to ensure the ideal working conditions of the Company’s production and office facilities and physical environment, and the normal operation of equipment. The fee charging schedule (or charge standard) shall be determined aton an arm’s length basis between both parties, and willshall not be higher than the fee charging schedule ofone charged by any independent third parties in the similar industry. The annual cap for the Property Management Framework Agreement Framework Agreement is set at RMB47,010,000 per annum.RMB47,010,000. The Company renewed the Property Management Framework Agreement has been approved bywith GCSAPMC on December 29, 2008 for a term of three years from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011, and there is no change in the independent non-executive Directorsscope of services and the Company.

annual caps.
61


For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company paid2009, the property management and maintenance fee of RMB31 millionincurred by the Group amounted to RMB19,471,000 pursuant to the Property Management Framework Agreement.

PleaseDisposal of Equity Interest

A resolution was passed at the board meeting of the Company on September 28, 2009, pursuant to which the Company was approved to transfer its 50% equity interests in MTU to CSAHC by way of agreement. The resolution also see note 37authorized the Executive Directors of the Company to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhereexecute the relevant equity interest transfer agreement. The Company entered into an equity interest transfer agreement with CSAHC on September 28, 2009. The transfer was considered and approved by the Independent Shareholders of the Company at the second extraordinary general meeting in this Form 20-F.2009. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company transferred its 50% equity interests in MTU to CSAHC at a consideration of RMB1,607,850,000.

As at December 31, 2009, the sale was approved by the State Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the PRC and shareholders of the Company and was pending approval by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC. The sale was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC in January 2010, and the Company received the acquisition consideration from CSAHC in full in February 2010.

Others

On May 7, 2009, the Company entered into the Airline Service Agreement with TravelSky Technology Limited (“TravelSky”) for the period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.  In December 2009, the Company and TravekSky agreed to extend the term of the Airline Service Agreement for the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Mr. Wang Quan Hua, a director of the Company also serves directorship in TravelSky, which is a provider of information technology solutions for aviation and travel industry.  Pursuant to the agreement, TravelSky agrees to provide to the Company with flight control system services, electronic travel distribution system services, ticket-reservation system extended services and civil aviation and commercial data network services.  In return, the Company pays service fees to TravelSky with reference to the standard rate set by CAAC.  Such transaction has been approved by the Board of the Company and will be submitted for approval at the General Meeting of the Shareholders. The total service fee paid by the Company to TravelSky for 2009 was RMB357 million.
 
54

All related party transactions have been approved by Independent Non-executive Directors.

Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.



Our audited consolidated financial statements are set forth beginning on page F-1, which can be found after Item 19.


No significant changes have occurred since the date of the financial statements provided in Item 18 below.statements.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be subject to various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary courseA writ of business. Insummons was issued on May 30, 2007 we received the court summons fromby the High People’s Court of Guangdong Province with respectrelating to a claim that certain sales agents in Taiwan (the “plaintiffs”) against the contractual dispute lawsuit filed against us by Taiwan J & P International Tours Co., Ltd. and Taiwan China Southern Aviation Travel Co., Ltd. (the "Plaintiffs").
In August 2004, we entered into a cooperation agreement withCompany for the Plaintiffs and, in September 2004, Nan Lung Travel & Express (H.K.) Ltd., our Hong Kong sales agent, entered into an air ticket sales agency agreement with the Plaintiffs. The performance of both agreements has been completed. The Plaintiffs, however, have filed a lawsuit against us for liquidated damages foralleged breach of certain terms and conditions of a cooperative agreement (the “cooperative agreement”).  The plaintiffs have made a claim against the provisions on air ticket sales commissionsCompany for a total sum of approximately HKD107 million and other payments under those two agreements. The amountan unspecified compensation for early termination of the claim is approximately HKD107 million. We are currently in the process of retaining legal counsel and will actively defend ourselves.cooperative agreement.

AlthoughIn May 2008, The High People’s Court of Guangdong Province rejected the proceeding is still atclaims made by the plaintiffs, and the plaintiffs were ordered to bear all litigation expenses in respect of the first trial. The plaintiffs submitted an early stage, we believe it will not have anyappeal to The Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China.

The directors considered that the claim was without merit and had no material adverse effect on the business operations and financial position of the Company.Group, and accordingly no provision in respect of the claims was made in the financial statements.

In May 2009, the Company has received the civil judgment from the Supreme People’s Court of the PRC, pursuant to which the plaintiffs were allowed to withdraw their appeal.  Accordingly, the verdict brought in by the High People’s Court of Guangdong Province became legally effective and such verdict is final and conclusive on the parties.

Dividend Information

No interim dividend was paid during the year ended December 31, 2007.2009. The Board of Directors does not recommend the payment of a final dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2007.2009.


Offer and Listing Details

The principal trading market for the Company’s H Shares is the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the Company’s trading code is “1055”.  The Company completed its initial public offering of H Shares on July 30, 1997.  The ADRs, each representing 50 H Shares, are evidenced by ADRs issued by Thethe Bank of New York as the Depositarydepositary. The ADRs have been listed for the ADRs, and are listedtrading on the New York Stock Exchange since July 31, 1997, under the symbol “ZNH”.

In July 2003,The principal trading market for the Company issued and listed 1,000,000,000Company’s A shares onShares is the Shanghai Stock Exchange with trading code of “600029”.  The 2,200,000,000 Domestic Shares held by CSAHC are not listed on any stock exchange and are essentially not transferable by CSAHC.

On July 25, 2003, the Company completed its initial public offering of A Shares.
62


Set forth below for the periods indicated are the high and low sales prices of H Shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange and A Shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

  
The Hong Kong
Stock Exchange
Price per H Share
(HK$)
 
The New York
Stock Exchange
Price per ADR
(US$)
 
The Shanghai
Stock Exchange
Price per A Share
(RMB)
 
  
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
              
Annual Market Prices
             
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2003
  3.50  1.46  22.78  9.53  5.34  3.75 
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2004
  4.68  2.47  29.73  15.95  6.87  3.96 
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2005
  3.10  1.83  19.93  11.68  5.30  2.23 
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2006
  3.42  1.60  22.43  10.51  4.09  2.24 
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007
  13.90  3.25  94.48  20.81  28.73  4.26 
Quarterly Market Prices
                   
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2006
                   
First Quarter
  2.45  2.18  15.82  14.00  2.97  2.48 
Second Quarter  2.30  1.66  14.96  10.82  2.92  2.24 
Third Quarter  2.25  1.60  14.86  10.51  2.94  2.27 
Fourth Quarter  3.42  2.29  22.43  14.06  4.09  2.95 
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007
                   
First Quarter
  4.22  3.25  26.82  20.81  7.43  4.26 
Second Quarter  5.59  3.37  35.64  21.80  9.48  7.80 
Third Quarter  13.90  5.01  94.48  32.37  28.73  8.42 
Fourth Quarter  12.08  7.97  77.97  49.45  27.95  19.08 
Monthly Market Prices             
December 2007  10.28  8.47  65.45  54.55  27.95  23.98 
January 2008  10.44  6.70  65.31  43.99  28.68  20.06 
February 2008  8.08  7.18  50.63  45.74  22.74  18.94 
March 2008  7.92  5.13  50.76  33.96  21.58  12.98 
April 2008  6.16  4.50  41.48  29.77  16.61  10.27 
May 2008  5.70  4.40  36.00  28.24  13.92  10.28 
June 2008 (up to June 19, 2008)  5.02  
3.67
  31.34  23.42  10.99  7.06 
 
6355

  
The Hong Kong
Stock Exchange
Price per H Share
(HK$)
  
The New York
Stock Exchange
Price per ADR
(US$)
  
The Shanghai
Stock Exchange
Price per A Share
(RMB)
 
  High  Low  High  Low  High  Low 
                   
Annual Market Prices                  
                   
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2005  3.10   1.83   19.93   11.68   5.30   2.23 
                         
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2006  3.42   1.60   22.43   10.51   4.09   2.24 
                         
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007  13.90   3.25   94.48   20.81   28.73   4.26 
          ��              
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2008  10.44   0.83   65.31   5.56   28.68   2.72 
                         
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2009  2.99   1.14   19.45   7.09   7.22   3.28 
                         
Quarterly Market Prices                        
                         
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2008                        
                         
First Quarter  10.44   5.13   65.31   33.96   28.68   12.98 
                         
Second Quarter  6.16   3.10   41.48   19.79   16.61   6.79 
                         
Third Quarter  3.70   1.40   23.22   9.03   8.46   3.18 
                         
Fourth Quarter  1.64   0.83   10.06   5.56   4.03   2.72 
                         
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2009                        
                         
First Quarter  1.57   1.14   10.18   7.09   5.61   3.28 
                         
Second Quarter  2.40   1.62   15.45   10.67   6.33   5.11 
                         
Third Quarter  2.99   2.02   19.45   12.75   7.22   4.96 
                         
Fourth Quarter  2.88   2.24   18.86   14.35   6.49   5.15 
                         
Monthly Market Prices                        
                         
November 2009  2.88   2.24   18.86   14.42   6.49   5.29 
                         
December 2009  2.78   2.36   18.05   15.36   6.21   5.62 
                         
January 2010  2.84   2.47   18.42   15.98   6.44   5.84 
                         
February 2010  2.98   2.58   18.14   16.36   6.62   6.10 
                         
March 2010  3.57   2.98   22.57   20.28   7.55   6.59 
                         
April 2010  4.09   3.48   26.38   22.58   9.20   7.53 
                         
May 2010 (up to May 7, 2010)  4.09   3.70   25.95   23.26   8.84   7.77 

56


Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

Markets

See “Offer and Listing Details” above.

Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
Dilution

Not applicable.

Dilution

Not applicable.

Expenses of the Issue

Not applicable.

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

A.Share Capital
A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

B.Memorandum and Articles of Association
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

The following is a summary of certain provisions of our Articles of Association. As this is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. You and your advisors should read the text of our most updated Articles of Association for further information, which wasis filed as an exhibit to ourthis Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File Number: 001-14660) dated on June 29, 2007.Report.

The Company is registered with and has obtained a business license from the State Administration Bureau of Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China on March 25, 1995. The Company’s business license number is 1000001001760.

On March 13, 2003, the Company obtained an approval certificate from the Ministry of Commerce to change to a permanent limited company with foreign investments and obtained the business license (Qi Gu Guo Zi Di No. 000995) on October 17, 2003 issued by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.investments.

Other Senior Administrative Officers

Pursuant to the Article 16 of the Articles of Association, other senior administrative officers of the Company refer to executive vice president, chief financial officer, the board secretary, chief economist, chief engineer, chief pilot, and chief legal adviser and chief information officer.

Objects and Purpose

Pursuant to the Article 18 of the Articles of Association, the scope of business of the Company includes: (I) provision of scheduled and non-scheduled domestic, regional and international air transportation services for passengers, cargo, mail and luggage; (II) undertaking general aviation services; (III) provision of aircraft repair and maintenance services; (IV) acting as agent for other domestic and international airlines; (V) provision of air catering services; (VI) provision of hotel business; (VII) acting as sale agent for aircraft leasing and aviation accident insurance; and (VIII) engaging in other airline or airline-related business, including advertising for such services.

services; and (IX) insurance agency business. (subject to approved of State Administration of Industry and Commerce).
64


Directors

Pursuant to Article 244 of the Articles of Association, where a Director of the Company is in any way, directly or indirectly, materially interested in a contract, transaction or arrangement or proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with the Company, (other than his contract of service with the Company), he 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 is otherwise subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

57


Pursuant to Article 174 of the Articles of Association, where a Director is interested in any resolution proposed at a board meeting, such Director shall not be present and shall not have a right to vote. Such Director shall not be counted in the quorum of the relevant meeting.

Pursuant to Article 252 of the Articles of Association, the Company shall, with the prior approval of shareholders in general meeting, enter into a contract in writing with a Director wherein his emoluments are stipulated. The aforesaid emoluments include, emoluments in respect of his service as Director, Supervisor or senior administrative officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; emoluments in respect of the provision of other services in connection with the management of the affairs of the Company and any of its subsidiaries; and payment by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for or in connection with his retirement from office.

Pursuant to Article 162(6) of the Articles of Association, the Board of Directors has the power to formulate proposals for increases or reductions in the Company’s registered capital and the issue of debentures of the Company; such resolutions must be passed by more than two-thirds of all the Directors.

There is no mandatory retirement age for the Directors of the Company. The Directors of the Company are not required to hold shares of the Company.

Ordinary Shares

Pursuant to Article 26 of the Articles of Association,, subject to the approval of the securities authority of the State Council, the Company may issue and offer shares to domestic investors or foreign investors for subscription. Foreign investors are those investors of foreign countries and regions of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan who subscribe for shares issued by the Company. Domestic investors are those investors within the territory of the PRC (excluding investors of the regions referred to in the preceding sentence) who subscribe for shares issued by the Company.

Pursuant to Article 27 of the Articles of Association,, shares issued by the Company to domestic investors for subscription in Renminbi shall be referred to as “Domestic-Invested Shares”. Shares issued by the Company to foreign investors for subscription in foreign currencies shall be referred to as “Foreign-Invested Shares”. Foreign-Invested Shares which are listed overseas are called “Overseas-Listed Foreign-Invested Shares”. The foreign currencies mean the legal currencies (apart from Renminbi) of other countries or districts which are recognized by the foreign exchange control authority of the state and can be used to pay the Company for the share price.

Pursuant to Article 28 of the Articles of Association,, Domestic-Invested Shares issued by the Company shall beare called “A Shares”. Overseas-Listed Foreign-Invested Shares issued by the Company and listed in Hong Kong shall beare called “H Shares”. H Shares are shares which have been admitted for listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, the par value of which is denominated in Renminbi and which are subscribed for and traded in Hong Kong dollars. H Shares can also be listed on a stock exchange in the United States of America in the form of ADR.

TheFollowing the issuance of 721,150,000 new A Shares to CSAHC and 721,150,000 new H Shares to Nan Lung, which were completed on August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, respectively, the Company has issued a total of 4,374,178,0008,003,567,000 ordinary shares, of which (a) 2,200,000,000 are Domestic Sharesapproximately 50.24% (4,021,150,000 A Shares) was directly held by CSAHC, (b) 1,174,178,000 areapproximately 18.74% (1,500,000,000 A Shares) was held by other domestic shareholders, and approximately 31.02% (2,482,417,000 H SharesShares) was held by Hong Kong and overseas shareholders and (c) 1,000,000,000 are A Shares(among which, approximately 29.27% (726,500,000 H Shares) was indirectly held by PRC shareholders.CSAHC).

Pursuant to Article 62 of the Articles of Association, the ordinary shareholders of the Company shall enjoy the following rights:

65


(1)the right to attend or appoint a proxy to attend shareholders’ general meetings and to vote thereat;

(2)the right to dividends and other distributions in proportion to the number of shares held;

(3)the right of supervisory management over the Company’s business operations, and the right to present proposals or enquiries;

(4)the right to transfer, donate or pledge his shares in accordance with laws, administrative regulations and provisions of these Articles of Association;

(5)the right of knowledge and decision making power with respect to important matters of the Company in accordance with laws, administrative regulations and these Articles of Association;

(6)the right to obtain relevant information in accordance with the provisions of these Articles of Association, including:

 (i)the right to obtain a copy of these Articles of Association, subject to payment of the cost of such copy;

 (ii)the right to inspect and copy, subject to payment of a reasonable charge;

 (a)all parts of the register of shareholders;

 
58


 (b)personal particulars of each of the Company’s directors, supervisors, president and other senior administrative officers, including:

 (aa)present name and alias and any former name or alias;

(bb)principal address (residence);

(cc)nationality;

(dd)primary and all other part-time occupations and duties;

(ee)identification documents and their relevant numbers;

 (c)state of the Company’s share capital;

 (d)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 last accounting year and the aggregate amount paid by the Company for this purpose;

 (e)minutes of shareholders’ general meetings; and

 (f)interim and annual reports of the Company.

(7)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; and

(8)other rights conferred by laws, administrative regulations and these Articles of Association.

Pursuant to Article 5567 of the Articles of Association, the ordinary shareholders of the Company shall assume the following obligations:

66


(1)to abide by these Articles of Association;

(2)to pay subscription monies according to the number of shares subscribed and the method of subscription;

(3)no right to return shares to the Company unless laws and regulations provide otherwise; and

(4)other obligations imposed by laws, administrative regulations and these Articles of Association.

Shareholders are not liable to make any further contribution to the share capital other than as agreed by the subscriber of the relevant shares on subscription.

Action necessary to change rights of shareholders

Pursuant to Article 112152 of the Articles of Association, shareholders who hold different classes of shares are shareholders of different classes.

The holders of the Domestic-InvestedDomestic Shares and holders of Overseas-Listed Foreign-InvestedOverseas Listed Foreign Shares shall beare deemed to be shareholders of different classes.

Pursuant to Article 113153 of the Articles of Association, rights conferred on any class of shareholders in the capacity of shareholders (“class rights”) may not be varied or abrogated unless approved by a special resolution of shareholders in general meeting and by holders of shares of that class at a separate meeting conducted in accordance with Articles 115 to 119.meeting.

Pursuant to Article 115155 of the Articles of Association, shareholdersshareholders 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)the following matters: (i) to (8), (11)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; (ii) to restrict the transfer or ownership of the shares of such class or add to such restriction; (iii) to restructure the Company where the proposed restructuring will result in different classes of shareholders bearing a disproportionate burden of such proposed restructuring; and (12)(iv) to vary or abrogate the provisions of Article 114, butthese Articles of Association. However, interested shareholder(s) shall not be entitled to vote at class meetings. “Interested shareholder(s)” is:
(1)in the case of a repurchase of shares by offers to all shareholders or public dealing on a stock exchange under Article 31, a “controlling shareholder” within the meaning of Article 57;
(2)in the case of a repurchase of share by an off-market contract under Article 31, a holder of the shares to which the proposed contract relates; and
(3)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.

Pursuant to Article 116156 of the Articles of Association, resolutions of a class of shareholders shall be passed by votes representing more than two-thirds of the voting rights of shareholders of that class represented at the relevant meeting who according to Article 115, are entitled to vote at class meetings.

 
59


Pursuant to Article 117157 of the Articles of Association, written notice of a class meeting shall be given forty-five days before the date of the class meeting to notify all of the shareholders in the share register of the class of the matters to be considered, the date and the place of the class meeting. A shareholder who intends to attend the class meeting shall deliver his written reply concerning attendance at the class meeting to the Company twenty days before the date of the class meeting.

If the number of shares carrying voting rights at the meeting represented by the shareholders who intend to attend the class meeting reaches more than one half of the voting shares at the class meeting, the Company may hold the class meeting; if not, the Company shall within five (5) days notify the shareholders again by public notice of the matters to be considered, the date and the place for the class meeting. The Company may then hold the class meeting after such publication of notice.

Pursuant to Article 118158 of the Articles of Association, notice of class meetings need only be served on shareholders entitled to vote thereat.

67


Meeting of any class of shareholders shall be conducted in a manner as similar as possible to that of general meetings of shareholders. The provisions of these Articles of Association relating to the manner to conduct any shareholders’ general meeting shall apply to any meeting of a class of shareholders.

Pursuant to Article 119160 of the Articles of Association, the special procedures for voting at any meeting of a class of shareholders shall not apply to the following circumstances:
 
(1)where the Company issues, upon the approval by special resolution of its shareholders in general meeting, either separately or concurrently once every twelve months, not more than 20 percent of each of its existing issued Domestic-InvestedDomestic Shares and Overseas-Listed Foreign-InvestedOverseas Listed Foreign Shares; and

(2)where the Company’s plan to issue Domestic-InvestedDomestic Shares and Overseas-Listed Foreign-InvestedOverseas Listed Foreign Shares at the time of its establishment is carried out within fifteen months from the date of approval of the Securities Committeecompetent securities authority of the State Council.

Meetings of shareholders

Shareholders’ general meetings is the organ of authority of the Company and shall exercise its functions and powers, among other things, to decide on the Company’s operational policies and investment plans, to elect and replace directors and decide on matters relating to the remuneration of directors, to examine and approve reports of the board of directors, etc.

There are two types of shareholders’ general meetings: annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. Shareholders’ general meetings shall beare convened by the Board of Directors. Annual general meetings are held once every year and within six months from the end of the preceding financial year.

Under any of the following circumstances, the Board of Directors shall convene an extraordinary general meeting within two months:

(1)when the number of Directors is less than the number of Directors required by the Company Law or two thirds of the number of Directors specified in the Articles of Association;

(2)when the unrecoveredaccumulated losses of the Company amount to one third of the total amount of its share capital;

(3)when shareholder(s) holding 10 percent or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares carrying voting rights request(s) in writing the convening of an extraordinary general meeting;

(4)when deemed necessary by the Board of Directors or as requested by the Supervisory Committee.Committee;

(5)More than one half of the independent directors propose to convene the meeting.

When the Company convenes a shareholders’ general meeting, written notice of the meeting shall beis given forty five 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 the place of the meeting. A shareholder who intends to attend the meeting shall deliver his written reply concerning the attendance of the meeting to the Company twenty days before the date of the meeting.

The Company shall, based on the written replies received twenty days before the date of the shareholders’ general meeting from the shareholders, calculate the number of voting shares represented by the shareholders who intend to attend the meeting. If the number of voting shares represented by the shareholders who intend to attend the meeting reaches one half or more of the Company’s total voting shares, the Company may hold the meeting; if not, then the Company shall within five days notify the shareholders again by public notice of the matters to be considered, the place and date for, the meeting. The Company may then hold the meeting after such publication of notice.
 
60

Limitation on right to own securities

The PRC Special Regulations on Overseas Offering and the Listing of Shares by Companies Limited by Share (the “Special Regulations”) and the Mandatory Provisions for Articles of Association of Companies to be Listed Overseas (the “Mandatory Provisions”) provide for different classes of shares to be subscribed for and traded by local and overseas investors respectively. Shares which can be traded by overseas investors must be in registered form and while denominated in Renminbi, they are traded in foreign currency with dividends payable in foreign currency. Local investors are prohibited from dealing in such shares.

68Cash dividends policy


Pursuant to Article 268 of the Articles of Association, in the event of distribution of dividend by way of cash, the accumulated payment of dividend by way of cash for the last three years may not be less than 30% of the Company’s average distributable profit for the last three years. Where the Company makes a payment of dividend satisfied by an allotment of new shares or completed conversion of capital common reserve fund into capital, the Company may not distribute dividend by way of cash in the same year.

Merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring

Pursuant to Article 221291 of the Articles of Association, in the event of the merger or division of the Company, a plan shall be presented by the Company’s Board of Directors and shall be approved in shareholders’ general meeting and 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 the Company or the shareholders who consent to the plan of merger or division to acquire that dissenting shareholder’s shareholding at a fair price. The contents of the resolution of merger or division of the Company shall be made into special documents for shareholders’ inspection. Such special documents shall be sent by mail to holders of Overseas-Listed Foreign-Invested Shares.

The Articles of Association do not contain any provisions governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.

C.Material Contracts
C. Material Contracts

The Company has not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in this Item 10, Item 7, "Related“Related Party Transactions"Transactions”, Item 4, “Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

(a)Pursuant to the Airbus Aircraft AcquisitionGeneral Terms Agreement dated July 6, 2006January 20, 2010 between the Company and Airbus the Company would acquire 50 AirbusS.A.S.  and A320 series aircraft from Airbus. The aggregate catalogue price for the AirbusFamily Aircraft is approximately US$3.316 billion. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the Airbus Aircraft is payable by cash in installments and the Airbus Aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from 2009 to 2010. The Board has passed resolutions with regard to the change in method of procuring eight A320 series out of the abovementioned 50 Airbus A320 series aircraft from purchase to operating lease.

(b)Pursuant to the Boeing Aircraft AcquisitionPurchase Agreement dated October 13, 2006January 20, 2010 between the Company and Boeing,Airbus SNC, the Company wouldagreed to purchase 6 Boeing B777F freighters20 Airbus A 320 series aircraft from Boeing. TheAirbus SNC in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. According to the information provided by Airbus SNC, the catalogue price of a Boeing B777F freighter is US$232 million. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the B777F Freighters is partly payable by cash of the Company, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions and the Boeing Aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from November 2008 to July 2010.

(c)Pursuant to the Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated October 13, 2006 between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing, Xiamen Airlines would acquire six Boeing B737 aircraft from Boeing. The catalogue price of a Boeing B737an Airbus A320 aircraft is US$66-US$75 76.9 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engine. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the B737 Aircraft is payable by cash in installments and the B737 Aircraft will be delivered to Xiamen Airlines in 2010.

(d)
Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated July 16, 2007 between the Company and Airbus SNC, the Company will acquire20 Airbus A320 series aircraft from Airbus SNC. The catalogue price for each of the Airbus A320 series aircraft is in the range from US$66.5 to US$85.9 million. Such catalogue price includes the price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the A320 aircraft will be partly payable by cash of the Company, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The A320 aircraftAirbus Aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from March 2009 to August 2010.

(e)Pursuant to the Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated July 16, 2007 between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing, Xiamen Airlines will acquire 25 Boeing B737 aircraft from Boeing. The catalogue price for each of the Boeing B737 aircraft is in the range from US$70.5 to US$79 million. Such catalogue price includes the price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the B737 aircraft will be partly payable by cash of Xiamen Airlines, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The B737 aircraft will be delivered in stages to Xiamen Airlines during the period commencing from July 2011 to November 2013.

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(f)Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated August 20, 2007 between the Company and Boeing, the Company will acquire 55 Boeing B737 series aircraft from Boeing, the catalogue price of a Boeing B737 series aircraft is in the range of US$57 -US$79 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition of the Boeing aircraft will be partly payable by cash of the Company, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Boeing aircraft will be delivered in stages to the Company during the period commencing from May 2011 to October 2013.

(g)(b)Pursuant to the Aircraft Acquisitiona Transfer Agreement dated October 23, 2007September 28, 2009 and a Supplemental Transfer Agreement dated December 29, 2009 entered into between the Company and Airbus SNC,CSAHC, the Company willagreed to sell and CSAHC agreed to acquire 10 Airbus A330-200 aircraft from Airbus SNC, the catalogue price of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft is50% equity interest in the range of US$167.7-176.7 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition will be partly payable by cashMTU, a jointly controlled entity of the Company, at a consideration of US$235.47 million. The sale was approved by the Company’s shareholders in an extraordinary general meeting held on November 27, 2009. The sale was approved by the State Owned Assets Supervision and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Airbus aircraft will be delivered in stages toAdministration Commission of the PRC and the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC subsequently, and the Company duringreceived the period commencingacquisition consideration from March 2010 to August 2012.CSAHC in full in February 2010.

(h)(c)Pursuant to the Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement dated April 18, 2008 between Xiamen Airlinesentered into by and Boeing, Xiamen Airlines will acquire 20 Boeing B737 series aircraft from Boeing. Accordingamong the information provided by Boeing,Company, CSAHC, MTU and MTU Aero Engines GmbH on September 28, 2009, the aggregate catalogue price forCompany agreed to continue to perform certain existing obligations, in particular, the 20 Boeing B737 series aircraft is around US$1,500 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframeexclusive maintenance undertaking, under the JV Contract to ensure the continuity and engines. The aggregate consideration for the acquisitionstability of the Boeing aircraft will be partly payable by cashbusiness of Xiamen Airlines, and partly by financing arrangements with banking institutions. The Boeing aircraft will be delivered in stages to Xiamen Airlines during the period commencing from April 2014 to October 2015.MTU.

D.Exchange Controls
D. Exchange Controls

Under current Chinese foreign exchange regulations, Renminbi is fully convertible for current account transactions, but is not freely convertible for capital account transactions. Current account foreign currency transactions can be undertaken without prior approval from the relevant Chinese Governmentgovernment agencies by producing commercial documents evidencing such transactions, provided that they are processed through Chinese banks licensed to engage in foreign currency transactions. Conversion from Renminbi into a foreign currency or vice versa for purposes of capital account transactions requires prior approvals of relevant Chinese Governmentgovernment agencies. This restriction on capital account transactions could affect the ability of the Company to acquire foreign currency for capital expenditures.

 
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The Company is generally required by law to sell all its foreign currency revenues to Chinese banks. The Company may purchase foreign currency directly from Chinese banks for any current account transactions, such as trade transactions in its usual and normal course of business, including acquisition of aircraft, jet fuel and flight equipment (such acquisition requires approvals from the relevant Chinese Governmentgovernment agencies). Payment of dividends by the Company to holders of the Company’s H Shares and ADRs is also considered a current account transaction under Chinese law. Therefore, there is no legal restriction on the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency for the purpose of paying dividends to such holders of H Shares and ADRs. In addition, the Company’s Articles of Association require the Company to pay dividends to holders of the Company’s H Shares and ADRs in foreign currency.

On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar so that the Renminbi is now permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. On May 18 2007, the People’s Bank of China announced that the floating band of Renminbi would be permitted to rise or fall by as much as 0.5%. The PRC government has stated publicly that it intends to further liberalize its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant change in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. Any significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on the Company'sCompany’s financial performance, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the Company'sCompany’s H Shares and ADRs in foreign currency terms.

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Other Limitations

There are no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote H Shares or ADRs imposed by Chinese law or by the Articles of Association or other constituent documents of the Company. However, under current Chinese law, foreign ownership of the Company may not exceed 49%.

E.Taxation
E. Taxation

Chinese Taxation

The following is a general summary of certain Chinese tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of A Shares, H Shares and ADRs. This summary is based upon tax laws of China as in effect on the date of this Annual Report, including the income tax treaty between the United States and China (the “U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty”), all of which are subject to change or different interpretation.

In general, for Chinese tax purposes, holders of ADRs will be treated as the owners of the H Shares represented by those ADRs, and exchanges of H Shares for ADRs, and ADRs for H Shares, will not be subject to taxation under the laws of China.

This summary does not purport to address all material tax consequences for holders or prospective purchasers of A Shares, H Shares or ADRs, and does not take into account the specific circumstances of such investors. Investors should consult their own tax advisors as to Chinese or other tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of A shares, H Shares or ADRs.

As a result of the new corporate income tax law, the statutory corporate income tax rate currently adopted by the Company and its subsidiaries has been changed from 33% to 25% with effect from January 1, 2008.  Pursuant to new corporate income tax law, the corporate income tax rates of entities that previously enjoyed preferential tax rates of 15% and 18% have been revised to 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% and 25% for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 onwards, respectively.

Dividends

The new corporate income tax law and its relevant regulations generally provides for the imposition of a withholding tax on dividends paid by a Chinese company to a non-resident enterprise at a rate of 10%.

For individuals, Chinese tax law generally provides that an individual who receive dividends from the Company is subject to a 20% income tax. Currently, dividend income received by any foreign individual that holds overseas shares in any Chinese domestic enterprise is temporarily exempt from income tax. In the event that the exemption is discontinued, such payments will be subject to individual income tax at the 20% rate unless the holder is entitled to a tax waiver or a lower tax rate under an applicable double-taxation treaty.
China currently has double-taxation treaties with a number of countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. Under the U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty, China may tax a dividend paid by the Company to a U.S. holder up to a maximum of 10% of the gross amount of such dividend

For individuals, Chinese tax law generally provides that an individual who receives dividends from Chinese companies is subject to a 20% individual income tax. A 50% reduction of taxable income is granted by Chinese tax law for an individual receiving dividends from a listed company on Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange.  As a result, the effective tax rate for dividends received by A share individual holder is 10%. Currently, dividend income received by any foreign individual that holds overseas shares in any Chinese domestic enterprise is temporarily exempt from individual income tax. In the event that the exemption is discontinued, such payments will be subject to individual income tax at the 20% rate unless the holder is entitled to a tax waiver or a lower tax rate under an applicable double-taxation treaty.

Capital Gains from Transfer or Disposition of Shares

The new corporate income tax law and its relevant regulations generally provides that a non-resident enterprise is subject to a 10% capital gains tax for the transfer or disposition of Shares.shares of a Chinese company.

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For individual share holders,shareholders, Chinese tax law generally providesprovide that an individual who transfers or otherwise disposes of a company’s shares of capital stock is subject to a 20% individual income tax on the capital gains tax.gain, if any. Currently, all individuals are temporarily exempt from capital gainsindividual income tax on transfers of shares of capital stock of joint stock companies listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, such as the Company. Should such temporary exemption be discontinued, such holders may be subject to a 20% individual income tax on the capital gains taxgain, if any, unless reduced by an applicable double-taxation treaty.

Under the U.S.-PRC Tax Treaty, for example, China may only impose a 20% capital gains tax from the sale or other disposition by a U.S. holder of H Shares or ADRs representing an interest in the Company of 25% or more.

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Stamp Duty

Transfers of shares of capital stock of a company are not subject to Chinese stamp duty if the stock transfer documents are not executed or received within China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
United States Federal Income Taxation

This discussion describes the materialgeneral U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Company’s ADRs. This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax, or the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in the Company’s ADRs. This discussion applies to you only if you hold and beneficially own the Company’s ADRs as capital assets for tax purposes. This discussion does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

·dealers in securities or currencies;

·traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

·banks or other financial institutions;

·insurance companies;

·tax-exempt organizations;

·partnerships and other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons holding ADRs through any such entities;

·persons that hold ADRs as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

·U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

·persons liable for alternative minimum tax; or

·persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of the Company’s shares (including ADRs) entitled to vote.

This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is referred to in this discussion as the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion relies on the assumptions regarding the value of the Company’s shares and the nature of its business over time. Finally, this discussion is based in part upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a holder of ADRs, you are treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares represented by such ADRs.

YouThe discussions and comments included herein are only a general description of the tax aspects and they do not constitute a tax advice or opinion.  Therefore, you should consult your own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Company’s ADRs, as well as the consequences to you arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

For purposes of the U.S. federal income tax discussion below, you are a “U.S. Holder” if you beneficially own ADRs and are:

·a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

·a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, that was created or organized in or 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 regardless of its source; or


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·a trust if (a) 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 substantial decisions of the trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.

If you are not a U.S. person, please refer to the discussion below under “Non-U.S. Holders.”

 
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For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through a foreign or domestic partnership or other flow-through entity is attributed to its owners. Accordingly, if a partnership or other flow-through entity holds ADRs, the tax treatment of the holder will generally depend on the status of the partner or other owner and the activities of the partnership or other flow-through entity.

U.S. Holders

Dividends on ADRs

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company”PFIC discussion below, if the Company makes distributions and you are a U.S. Holder, the gross amount of any distributions you receive on your ADRs will generally be treated as dividend income if the distributions are made from the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, calculated according to U.S. federal income tax principles. Dividends will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax as ordinary income on the day you actually or constructively receive such income. However, if you are an individual and have held your ADRs for a sufficient period of time, dividend distributions on the Company’s ADRs will generally constitute qualified dividend income taxed at a preferential rate (generally 15% for dividend distributions before January 1, 2009) as long as the Company’s ADRs continue to be readily tradable on the New York Stock Exchange and certain other conditions apply. You should consult your own tax adviser as to the rate of tax that will apply to you with respect to dividend distributions, if any, you receive from us.
 
Distributions on the Company’s ADRs, if any, will generally be taxed to you as dividend distributions for U.S. tax purposes. Even if you are a corporation, you will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction with respect to distributions you receive from the Company. Dividends generally will constitute foreign source passive income for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

Sales and other dispositions of ADRs

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company”PFIC discussion below, when you sell or otherwise dispose of the Company’s ADRs, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADRs, both as determined in U.S. dollars. Your adjusted tax basis will generally equal the amount you paid for the ADRs. Any gain or loss you recognize will be long-term capital gain or loss if your holding period in the Company’s ADRs is more than one year at the time of disposition. If you are an individual, any such long-term capital gain will be taxed at preferential rates. Your ability to deduct capital losses will be subject to various limitations.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

If the Company were a Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”)PFIC in any taxable year in which you hold the Company’s ADRs, as a U.S. Holder, you would generally be subject to adverse U.S. tax consequences, in the form of increased tax liabilities and special U.S. tax reporting requirements.

The Company will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either: (1) the average percentage value of its gross assets during the taxable year that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the value of its total gross assets;assets (the “Asset Test”); or (2) 75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income (such as certain dividends, interest or royalties)(the “Income Test”). For purposes of the first test:Asset Test: (1) any cash, cash equivalents, and cash invested in short-term, interest bearing, debt instruments, or bank deposits that is readily convertible into cash, will generally count as producing passive income or held for the production of passive income; and (2) the average value of the Company’s gross assets is calculated based on its market capitalization.

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In the case of publicly traded corporations, fair market value must be used for purposes of applying the Asset Test.  In addition, regarding the above two tests, there are complex look-through rules to consider with respect to the assets and activities of related corporations from which the foreign corporation either receives income or in which it holds an interest.  More specifically, certain adjustments are made to exclude certain income received from a related party or include income and assets held by a 25% or more owned subsidiary in determining whether a foreign company qualifies as a PFIC under the two tests.  In particular: 1) passive income received from a related party is excluded if it is properly allocable to the nonpassive income of the related party, and 2) a foreign company that owns directly or indirectly 25% or more of the stock of another corporation is treated as if it owned directly a proportionate share of that corporation’s assets and income.

The Company believes that it was not a PFIC for the taxable year 2007.2009. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be a PFIC for the taxable year 20082010 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is re-tested each year and depends on the facts in such year. For example, the Company would be a PFIC for the taxable year 20072009 if the sum of its average market capitalization, which is its share price multiplied by the total amount of its outstanding shares, and its liabilities over that taxable year is not more than twice the value of its cash, cash equivalents, and other assets that are readily converted into cash.

If the Company were a PFIC, you would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges on certain “excess” distributions the Company makes and on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of your ADRs, regardless of whether the Company continues to be a PFIC in the year in which you receive an “excess” distribution or dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADRs.  Distributions inAn excess distribution would be either (1) a distribution with respect of yourto ADRs during a taxable year would generally constitute “excess” distributions if, in the aggregate, they exceedthat is greater than 125% of the average amount of such distributions in respect of your ADRs over the three preceding taxablethree years, or if shorter,(2) 100% of the portiongain from the disposition of your holding period before such taxable year.shares/ADRs.

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To compute the tax on “excess” distributions or any gain, (1) the “excess” distribution or the gain would be allocated ratably to each day in your holding period, (2) the amount allocated to the current year and any tax year before the Company became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income in the current year, (3) the amount allocated to other taxable years would be taxable at the highest applicable marginal rate in effect for that year, and (4) an interest charge at the rate for underpayment of taxes for any period described under (3) above would be imposed with respect to any portion of the “excess” distribution or gain that is allocated to such period. In addition, if the Company were a PFIC, no distribution that you receive from the Company would qualify for taxation at the preferential rate discussed in the “Dividends on ADRs” section above.
 
If the Company were a PFIC in any year, as a U.S. Holder, you would be required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621 regarding your ADRs.“Return by a Shareholder of a Passive Foreign Investment Company or a Qualified Electing Fund.” However, the Company does not intend to generate, or share with you, information that you might need to properly complete IRS Form 8621. You should consult with your own tax adviser regarding reporting requirements with regard to your ADRs.

IfAs described above, if the Company were a PFIC in any year, you would generally be able to avoid the “excess” distribution rules described above by making a timely so-called “mark-to-market” election with respect to your ADRs provided the Company’s ADRs are “marketable”. The Company’s ADRs will be “marketable” as long as they remain regularly traded on a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. If you made this election in a timely fashion, you would generally recognize as ordinary income or ordinary loss the difference between the fair market value of your ADRs on the first day of any taxable year and their value on the last day of that taxable year. Any ordinary income resulting from this election would generally be taxed at ordinary income rates and would not be eligible for the reduced rate of tax applicable to qualified dividend income. Any ordinary losses would be limited to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election, if any. Your basis in the ADRs would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss. You should consult with your own tax adviser regarding potential advantages and disadvantages to you of making a “mark-to-market” election with respect to your ADRs. Separately, if the Company were a PFIC in any year, you would be able to avoid the “excess” distribution rules by making a timely election to treat us as a so-called “Qualified Electing Fund” or “QEF”. You would then generally be required to include in gross income for any taxable year (1) as ordinary income, your pro rata share of the Company’s ordinary earnings for the taxable year, and (2) as long-term capital gain, your pro rata share of the Company’s net capital gain for the taxable year. However, the Company does not intend to provide you with the information you would need to make or maintain a “QEF” election and you will, therefore, not be able to make or maintain such an election with respect to your ADRs.

Non-U.S.Non-US Holders

If you beneficially own ADRs and are not a U.S. Holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a “Non-U.S.“Non-US Holder”), you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or U.S. withholding tax on dividends received from the Company with respect to ADRs unless that income is considered effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for you to be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to income from your ADRs, such dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States. You generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on any gain realized upon the sale or exchange of ADRs, unless:

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·that gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, if an applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for you to be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to income from your ADRs, such gain is attributable to a permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States; or

·you are a non-resident alien individual and are present in the United States for at least 183 days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and either (1) your gain is attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the United States or (2) you have a tax home in the United States.

If you are engaged in a U.S. trade or business, unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, the income from your ADRs, including dividends and the gain from the disposition of the Company’s ADRs, that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to the rules applicable to U.S. Holders discussed above. In addition, if you are a corporation, you may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or any lower rate under an applicable tax treaty.

U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules

In general, dividend payments with respect to the ADRs and the proceeds received on the sale or other disposition of those ADRs may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and to backup withholding (currently imposed at a rate of 28%). Backup withholding will not apply, however, if you (1) are a corporation or come within certain other exempt categories and, when required, can demonstrate that fact or (2) provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise comply with the applicable backup withholding rules. To establish your status as an exempt person, you will generally be required to provide certification on IRS Form W-9, W-8BEN or W-8ECI, as applicable. Any amounts withheld from payments to you under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that you furnish the required information to the IRS.

 
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HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY’S ADRS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM PURCHASING, HOLDING OR DISPOSING OF THE ADRS, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION AND INCLUDING ESTATE, GIFT, AND INHERITANCE LAWS.

F.Dividends and Paying Agents
F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

G.Statement by Experts
G. Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

H.Documents on Display
H. Documents on Display

The Company has filed this Annual Report on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements made in this Annual Report as to the contents of any document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such document filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reports and other information which the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including this Annual Report on Form 20-F, may be inspected and copied at the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street N.W. Washington D.C. 20549.

You can also obtain copies of this Annual Report on Form 20-F by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, copies of this material may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The Commission’s telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of this material may also be obtained for the Company'sCompany’s website at http:// www.csair.com.

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I.Subsidiary Information
I. Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Comparison of New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Rules and China Corporate Governance Rules for Listed Companies

Under the amended Corporate Governance Rules of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), foreign issuers (including the Company) listed on the NYSE are required to disclose a summary of the significant differences between their domestic corporate governance rules and NYSE corporate governance rules that would apply to a U.S. domestic issuer. A summary of such differences is listed below:

NYSE corporate governance rules
Corporate governance rules applicable to the domestically listed companies in China and the Company’s governance practices
Director Independence
A listed company must have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors. No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company). In addition, a director must meet certain standards to be deemed independent. For example, a director is not independent if the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of the listed company, or if the director has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than US$100,000 in direct compensation from the listed company.
Director Independence
Any listed company must establish an independent director system and set forth specific requirements for the qualification of independent directors. An independent director shall not hold any other position in the listed company other than being a director and shall not be influenced by the main shareholders or the controlling persons of the listed company, or by any other entities or persons with whom the listed company has a significant relationship.
The Company’s governance practices
The Company has complied with the relevant Chinese corporate governance rules and has implemented internal rules governing the independence and responsibilities of independent directors. The Company determines the independence of independent directors every year.
The non-management directors of each listed company must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.No similar requirements.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.
The nominating/corporate governance committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities which, at minimum, must be to: search for eligible people for the board of directors, select and nominate directors for the next session of the shareholders’ annual meeting, study and propose corporate governance guidelines, supervise the evaluation of the board of directors and management, and evaluate the performance of the committee every year.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
The board of directors of a listed company may, through the resolution of the shareholders’ meeting, establish a nominating committee composed entirely of directors, of which the independent directors shall be the majority and the convener.
The Company’s governance practices
The Company has established a nominating committee. As at December 31, 2007, the Nomination Committee consists of three members, Messrs Liu Shao Yong, Wang Zhi and Gong Hua Zhang. Most of them are independent directors and Mr. Liu Shao Yong acts as the chairman. The responsibilities of the Nomination Committee are to make recommendations to the Board in respect of the size and composition of the Board based on the operational activities, assets and shareholding structure of the Company; study the selection criteria and procedures of directors and executives and give advice to the Board; identify qualified candidates for directors and executives; investigate and propose candidates for directors and managers and other senior management members to the Board.
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Compensation Committee
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.
Compensation Committee
The board of directors of a listed company can, through the resolution of shareholders’ meeting, have a compensation and evaluation committee composed entirely of directors, of whom the independent directors are the majority and act as the convener.
The Company’s governance practices
The Company has established a remuneration committee consisting of three members. The remuneration committee is chaired by independent non-executive Director Sui Guang Jun with independent non-executive Director Gong Hua Zhang and executive Director Wang Quan Hua as members.
The written charter of the compensation committee must state, at least, the following purposes and responsibilities:
(1) review and approve the corporate goals associated with CEO’s compensation, evaluate the performance of the CEO in fulfilling these goals, and based on such evaluation determine and approve the CEO’s compensation level;
(2) make recommendations to the board with respect to non-CEO executive officer compensation, and incentive-compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to board approval;
(3) produce a committee report on executive compensation as required by the SEC to be included in the annual proxy statement or annual report filed with the SEC.
The charter must also include the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the compensation committee.
The responsibilities are similar to those stipulated by the NYSE rules, but the committee is not required to produce a report on the executive compensation or make an annual performance evaluation of the committee. The responsibilities of the remuneration committee are to approve the remuneration packages of Directors and senior management of the Group, and the Company’s “preliminary proposals on annual emoluments of the directors and senior management of the Group”. The remuneration committee is also responsible for assessing performance of executive director and approving the terms of executive directors’ service contracts.
Audit Committee
Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of Exchange Act. It must have a minimum of three members, and all audit committee members must satisfy the requirements for independence set forth in Section 303A.02 of NYSE Corporate Governance Rules as well as the requirements of Rule 10A-3b (1) of the Exchange Act.
Audit Committee
The board of directors of a listed company can, through the resolution of the shareholders’ meeting, establish an audit committee composed entirely of directors, of which the independent directors are the majority and act as the convener, and, at minimum, one independent director is an accounting professional.

77


The written charter of the audit committee must specify that the purpose of the audit committee is to assist the board oversight of the integrity of financial statements, the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, qualifications and independence of independent auditors and the performance of the listed company’s internal audit function and independent auditors.
The written charter must also require the audit committee to prepare an audit committee report as required by the SEC to be included in the listed company’s annual proxy statement as well as an annual performance evaluation of the audit committee.
The responsibilities of the audit committee are similar to those stipulated by the NYSE rules, but according to the domestic practices, the Company is not required to make an annual performance evaluation of the audit committee and the audit committee is not required to prepare an audit report to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.
The Company’s governance practices
The Board of Directors of the Company has established an audit committee that satisfies relevant domestic requirements and the audit committee has a written charter.
Each listed company must have an internal audit department.China has a similar regulatory provision, and the Company has an internal audit department.
Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto, except for employment incentive plans, certain awards and plans in the context of mergers and acquisitions.The relevant regulations of China require the board of directors to propose plans and types of director compensation for the shareholders’ meeting to approve. The compensation plan of executive officers is subject to approval by the board and announced at the shareholders’ meeting and disclosed to the public upon the approval of the board of directors. The approval of director compensation and compensation plan of executive officers of the Company satisfies relevant domestic requirements.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines, involving director qualification standards, director compensation, director continuing education, annual performance evaluation of the board of directors, etc.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) has issued the Corporate Governance Rules, with which the Company has complied.
Code of Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.
Code of Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees
China does not have such requirement for a code for ethics. But, the directors and officers must perform their legal responsibilities in accordance with the Company Law of PRC, relative requirements of CSRC and Mandatory Provisions to the Charter of Companies Listed Overseas.
The Company’s governance practices
The Company does not have, in form, a code of ethics that applies to the president, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer, or collectively, the senior corporate officers. The senior executive officers, all of whom currently serve as our directors, are subject to the director service contracts that they have with the Company. Under the director service contracts, the directors, including the senior corporate officers, agree that each director owes a fiduciary and diligence obligation to the Company and that no director shall engage in any activities in competition with the Company’s business or carry any activities detrimental to the interests of the Company. Each of the directors, including the senior corporate officers, also agreed to perform their respective duties as directors and senior officers in accordance with the Company Law of the PRC, relevant rules and regulations promulgated by China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Mandatory Provisions of Articles of Association of Overseas Listed Companies.

78


Each listed company CEO must certify to the NYSE each year that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards and he or she must promptly notify the NYSE on writing of any material non-compliance with any applicable provisions of Section 303A.No similar requirements.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Group’s earnings are affected by changes in the price and availability of jet fuel. The Group enters into fuel option contractsThere are currently no effective means available to manage itsthe Group’s exposure to the fluctuations in domestic jet fuel prices. The Group’s results of operations may be significantly affected by fluctuations in fuel prices which is a significant expense for the Group. A reasonable possible increase or decrease of 10% in jet fuel price, with volume of fuel consumed and all other variables held constant, would have increased/decreased the fuel costs by approximately RMB1,639 million. The sensitivity analysis of jet fuel price risk exposureis disclosed in Note 49(e) to jet fuel. These contracts are designed to provide protection against sharp increases in the price of jet fuel. The fair value of the Group's fuel related derivatives was RMB2 million at December 31, 2007. These instruments will expire between 2008 and 2009.Financial Statements.

The Group is subject to market risks due to fluctuations in interest rates. The majority of the Group’s borrowing is in the form of long-term fixed-rate and variable-rate debts with original maturities ranging from twothree to fifteentwelve years. Fluctuations in interest rates can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair value of such debt instruments. From time to time, the Group may enter into interest rate swaps designed to mitigate exposure relating to interest rate risks. No such contract was outstanding as of December 31, 2007.2009. The sensitivity analysis of interest rate risk is disclosed in Note 49(b) to the Financial Statements.

The Group is also exposed to foreign currency risk as a result of its aircraft and flight equipment being sourced from overseas suppliers. Specifically, the Group’s foreign currency exposure relates primarily to its foreign currency long-term bank and other loans used to finance such capital expenditures and its capital commitments. Subject to certain restrictive conditions imposed by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange,SAFE, the Group may, from time to time, enter into forward foreign exchange forward option contracts to mitigate its foreign currency exposures. TheAs at December 31, 2009, the Group entered into certainhad two outstanding foreign exchange forward option contracts of notional amount ranging from US$34 million to manage this foreign currency risk. Under theUS$68 million. The contracts the Group willare to buy US$1 millionUS Dollars by selling Japanese Yen at certain specified rates on each of the 35monthly settlement dates until the maturity of the contracts in 2010. For the year ended2011. At December 31, 2007, a net loss of approximately RMB5 million arising from changes in2009, the fair value of these foreign currency forward option contracts has been recognised in profit or loss. At December 31, 2007, the fair value of these currencyexchange forward option contracts was financial liabilities of approximately RMB5RMB44 million. The sensitivity analysis of foreign currency risk is disclosed in Note 49(c) to the Financial Statements.

As of December 31, 2007,2009, the Group operated a total of 199203 aircraft under operating leases and financecapital leases at rates that are substantially fixed. Such leases expose the Group to market risks; however, in accordance with Item 305 of Regulation S-K, such leases have been excluded from the following market risk tables. Commitments under financecapital leases and operating leases are disclosed in Note 3035 and Note 4450 to the Financial Statements, respectively.

7966


The following table provides information regarding the Group’s material interest rate sensitive financial instruments as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006:2008:


As of December 31, 2007
As of December 31,
2006
Expected maturity date
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Thereafter
Total
recorded
amount
Fair
value(2)
Total
recorded
amount
Fair
value(2)
Fixed-rate bank and other loans In US$
274
237
195
84
64
483
1,337
1,355
1,863
1,861
Average interest rate
5.83
5.85
5.88
5.74
5.74
5.74
Variable-rate bank and other loans In US$
24,327
2,457
1,618
1,447
590
1,559
31,998
31,998
29,500
29,500
Average interest rate
5.12
%
5.12
%
5.12
%
5.12
%
5.11
%
5.11
%
In HKD
1
1
1
1,667
1,667
Average interest rate
4.75
%
In RMB
346
46
203
44
44
3
686
686
809
809
Average interest rate
6.17
%
6.24
%
6.26
%
6.24
%
6.24
%
  As of December 31, 2009  
As of December 31,
2008
 
  Expected maturity date    
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  Thereafter  
Total
recorded
amount
  
Fair
value(2)
  
Total
recorded
amount
  
Fair
value(2)
 
Fixed-rate bank and other loans
in US$
  182   79   59   62   65   325   772   795   994   1,036 
                                         
Average interest rate  4.81%  3.70%  3.70%  3.70%  3.70%  3.70%                
                                         
Variable-rate bank and other loans
in US$
  15,355   4,450   8,842   1,591   875   7,286   38,399   38,399   25,352   25,352 
                                         
Average interest rate  1.08%  1.18%  1.19%  1.14%  1.07%  1.16%                
                                         
Variable-rate bank and other loans in HKD  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   17   17 
                                         
Average interest rate  -   -   -   -   -   -                     
                                         
Fixed-rate bank and other loans
in RMB
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   2,224   2,224 
                                         
Average interest rate  -   -   -   -   -   -      -   -   - 
                                         
Variable-rate bank and other loans
in RMB
  1,915   3,694   524   20   -   -   6,153   6,153   11,020   11,020 
                                         
Average interest rate  4.77%  4.88%  4.95%  5.00%  -%  -   -   -   -   - 
                                         
Fixed-rate short-term financing bills
in RMB
  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   2,000   2,000 
                                         
Average interest rate  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                         
Fixed-rate bills payable
in RMB
  3,202   -   -   -   -   -   3,202   3,202   148   148 
                                         
Average interest rate  2.26%  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
67

(1)These interest rates are calculated based on the year end indices.

(2)Fair value of debt instruments was estimated based on the interest rates applicable to similar debt instruments as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006.2008.

The following table provides information regarding the Group’s material foreign currency sensitive financial instruments and capital commitments as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006:2008:

  As of December 31, 2009  
As of December 31,
2008
 
  Expected maturity date    
  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  Thereafter  
Total
recorded
amount
  
Fair
value(1)
  
Total
recorded
amount
  
Fair
value(1)
 
                               
Fixed-rate bank and other loans In US$  182   79   59   62   65   325   772   795   994   1,036 
                                         
Variable-rate bank and other loans  In US$  15,355   4,450   8,842   1,591   875   7,286   38,399   38,399   25,352   25,352 
                                         
Variable-rate bank and other loans in HKD  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   17   17 
                                         
Capital commitment in US$  16,404   17,482   17,421   9,845   2,646   2,045   65,843   65,843   75,639   75,639 
 
As of December 31, 2007
As of December 31,
2006
Expected maturity date
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Thereafter
Total
recorded
amount
Fair
value(1)
Total
recorded
amount
Fair
value(1)
Fixed-rate bank and other loans In US$
274
237
195
84
64
483
1,337
1,355
1,863
1,861
Variable-rate bank and other loans In US$
24,327
2,457
1,618
1,447
590
1,559
31,998
31,998
29,500
29,500
In HKD
1
1
1
1,667
1,667
Capital commitment in US$
19,125
20,767
20,065
12,747
15,466
572
88,742
88,742
66,881
66,881

(1)Fair value of debt instruments was estimated based on the floating interest rates applicable to similar debt instruments as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006.2008.

80


ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.

A.DEBT SECURITIES

Not applicable.

B.AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

Not applicable.

C.OTHER SECURITIES

Not applicable.
 
 


Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:For:
$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates
$.02 (or less) per ADS• Any cash distribution 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• Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders
$.02 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year• Depositary services
Registration or transfer fees• 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
Expenses of the depositary
• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
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 orits agents for servicing the deposited securities• As necessary







None.


 
None.
  
 
None.
  
  
Not applicable.
  

E. Use of Proceeds



Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a)Disclosure controls and procedures

Our president and chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)), and concluded that, based on their evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report to ensure that material information required to be includeddisclosed by the Company in this Annual Report would be made known to them by others on a timely basis.the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(b)Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internalInternal 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 International Financial Reporting Standardsgenerally accepted accounting principles and 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 a company’s assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as issued bynecessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on the International Accounting Standards Board.consolidated financial statements. Our management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.2009.

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 policies or procedures may deteriorate.

81


(c)Attestation of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
70

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
China Southern Airlines Company Limited:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of December 31, 2007,2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). China Southern Airlines Company Limited’sThe Company’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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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 Southern Airlines Company Limited and its subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of The Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of China Southern Airlines Company Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”) as of December 31, 20072009 and 2006,2008, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of operations,comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007,2009, and our report dated April 18, 2008,12, 2010, except for Note 46(e)52(a), which is as of 28 May, 2008,April 30, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Group’s adoption of IFRS 8, Operating segments.

/s/ KPMG

Hong Kong, China
April 18, 200812, 2010
 
82

(d)Changes in internal control over financial reporting

(d)Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16. RESERVED


The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Gong Hua Zhang qualifies as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with the terms of Item 16A of Form 20-F. Mr. Gong Hua Zhang satisfies as an “independent director” within the meaning of NYSE Manual Section 303A and meets the criteria for independence set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and Rule 10A-3under10A-3 under the Exchange Act. See “Item 6 Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Directors and Senior Management”.

71

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the date of this Annual Report, theThe Company does not have, in form,has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the president, chiefCompany’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, or collectively,officer. Such code is included in the director service agreements, a form of which is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report in Exhibit 4.1.  Each of the aforementioned senior corporate officers. The senior executive officers currently serves as a Director and all of whom currently serve as our Directors are subject to the director service contracts that they have with the Company.  UnderPursuant to the director service contracts, theagreements,  among other things, Directors including the senior corporate officers, agree that each Director owes a(i) owe fiduciary and diligence obligationduties to the Company and that no such Director shall perform their duties in compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; (ii) shall not engage in any activities in competition with the Company’s business or carry out any activities detrimental to the interests of the Company. Each of the Directors, including the senior corporate officers, also agreedCompany; and (iii) shall be held liable for any loss or injury incurred to perform their respective duties as directors and senior officers in accordance with the Company Lawas a result of the PRC, relevant rulessuch Director’s violation of applicable laws and regulations promulgated by China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Mandatory Provisions of Articles of Association of Overseas Listed Companies.regulations.  


The following table sets forth the aggregate audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees of the Company’s principal accountants and all other fees billed for products and services provided by the Company’s principal accountants other than the audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees for each of the fiscal years 20062008 and 2007:2009:

  
Audit Fees
Audit-Related
Fees
 
Audit-Related
Tax Fees 
Tax Fees
Other Fees
 
          
2006  
RMB112008RMB10.8 million  RMB4.0RMB5.0 million  RMB0.47RMB0.55 million  RMB3.7 million- 
              
2007  
RMB12.42009RMB11.2 million  RMB4.5RMB5.0 million  RMB0.25RMB0.25 million  RMB2.8RMB0.3 million 

Audit-related fees

Review of the Group’s 20062008 interim financial report prepared under IFRSs and 20072009 interim financial report prepared under IFRSs.

Tax fees

Services provided primarily consist of tax compliance services.

Other fees

Provision of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 advisory services.

BeforePrior to our principal accountant werebeing engaged by the Company or our subsidiaries to render the audit or non audit services, the engagements have been approved by our audit committee.

83


Not applicable.


The Company and its associates have not purchased any issued common shares of the Company during 20072009 and up to the date of this Annual Report.

Not applicable.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT.

Not applicable.

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Set out below is a summary of any significant ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”):
 
8472


NYSE  corporate  governance  rules   The Company’s governance practices 
Exhibit No.Director Independence
A listed company must have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors. No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company).  In addition, a director must meet certain standards to be deemed independent. For example, a director is not independent if the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of the listed company, or if the director has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than US$120,000 in direct compensation from the listed company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).
 
Director Independence
The Company has complied with the relevant Chinese corporate governance rules and has implemented internal rules governing the independence and responsibilities of independent directors. The Company determines the independence of independent directors every year.
Executive Sessions
The non-management directors of each listed company must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.
Executive Sessions
No similar requirements.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.
The nominating/corporate governance committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purposes and responsibilities which, at minimum, must be to: identify individuals qualified to become board members, consistent with criteria approved by the board, and to select, or to recommend that the board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders; develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the corporation; and oversee the evaluation of the board and management, and evaluate the performance of the committee every year.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
The Company has established a nominating committee.  As at December 31, 2009, the Nomination Committee consists of three members, Messrs Si Xian Min, Wang Zhi (Independent non-executive Director) and Gong Hua Zhang (Independent non-executive Director).   Mr. Si Xian Min was appointed as the chairman of the Nomination Committee on March 11, 2009.   The responsibilities of the Nomination Committee are to make recommendations to the Board in respect of the size and composition of the Board based on the operational activities, assets and shareholding structure of the Company; study the selection criteria and procedures of directors and executives and give advice to the Board; identify qualified candidates for directors and executives; investigate and propose candidates for directors and managers and other senior management members to the Board.
Compensation Committee
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.
Compensation Committee
The Company has established a remuneration committee consisting of three members. The remuneration committee is chaired by independent non-executive Director Sui Guang Jun with independent non-executive Director Gong Hua Zhang and executive Director Wang Quan Hua as members.
The written charter of the compensation committee must state, at least, the following purposes and responsibilities:
(1) review and approve the corporate goals associated with CEO’s compensation, evaluate the performance of the CEO in fulfilling these goals, and based on such evaluation determine and approve the CEO’s compensation level;
(2) make recommendations to the board with respect to non-CEO executive officer compensation, and incentive-compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to board approval;
(3) produce a committee report on executive compensation as required by the SEC to be included in the annual proxy statement or annual report filed with the SEC.
The charter must also include the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the compensation committee. 
The responsibilities are similar to those stipulated by the NYSE rules, but the committee is not required to produce a report on the executive compensation or make an annual performance evaluation of the committee. The responsibilities of the remuneration committee are to approve the remuneration packages of Directors and senior management of the Group, and the Company’s “preliminary proposals on annual emoluments of the directors and senior management of the Group”. The remuneration committee is also responsible for assessing performance of executive director and approving the terms of executive directors’ service contracts. 
Audit Committee
Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of Exchange Act. It must have a minimum of three members, and all audit committee members must satisfy the requirements for independence set forth in Section 303A.02 of NYSE Corporate Governance Rules as well as the requirements of Rule 10A-3b (1) of the Exchange Act.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors of the Company has established an audit committee that satisfies relevant domestic requirements and the audit committee has a written charter.
73

The written charter of the audit committee must specify that the purpose of the audit committee is to assist the board oversight of the integrity of financial statements, the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, qualifications and independence of independent auditors and the performance of the listed company’s internal audit function and independent auditors.
The written charter must also require the audit committee to prepare an audit committee report as required by the SEC to be included in the listed company’s annual proxy statement as well as an annual performance evaluation of the audit committee.
The responsibilities of the audit committee are similar to those stipulated by the NYSE rules, but according to the domestic practices, the Company is not required to make an annual performance evaluation of the audit committee and the audit committee is not required to prepare an audit report to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.
Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans
Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto, except for employment incentive plans, certain awards and plans in the context of mergers and acquisitions.
Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans
The relevant regulations of China require the board of directors to propose plans and types of director compensation for the shareholders’ meeting to approve. The compensation plan of executive officers is subject to approval by the board  and disclosed to the public upon the approval of the board of directors. The approval of director compensation and compensation plan of executive officers of the Company satisfies relevant domestic requirements.  
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines, involving director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director access to management and , as necessary and appropriate, independent advisors, director compensation, director orientation continuing education, management succession and annual performance evaluation of the board of directors, etc. 
Corporate Governance Guidelines
CSRC has issued the Corporate Governance Rules, with which the Company has complied.
Certification Requirements
Each listed company CEO must certify to the NYSE each year that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards and he or she must promptly notify the NYSE in writing of any material non-compliance with any applicable provisions of Section 303A.
Each listed company must submit an executed Written Affirmation annually to the NYSE. In addition, each listed company must submit an interim Written Affirmation as and when required by the interim Written Affirmation form specified by the NYSE.
Certification Requirements
There are no similar requirements under the domestic corporate governance rules in China.

74

PART III

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.

Reference is made to pages F-1 to F-88.

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS. 
Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.Description of Exhibit
1.1 
Restated and Amended Articles of Association of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File Number: 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2007)(1)
   
4.1 
Form of Director’s Service Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006)(2)
   
4.2 
Form of Non-Executive Director’s Service Agreement  (Incorporated(3)
4.3
Aircraft General Terms Agreement entered into by reference toand between Airbus S.A.S. and China Southern Airlines Company Limited on January 20, 2010 *
4.4
A320 Family Aircraft Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660)Company and Airbus SNC on January 20, 2010 *
4.5
A Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and CSAHC on December 10, 2008(4)
4.6
H Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Nan Lung Holding Limited on December 10, 2008(5)
4.7A Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and CSAHC on March 8, 2010
4.8H Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Nan Lung Holding Limited on March 8, 2010
4.9Transfer Agreement entered into by and among the Company, CSAHC, MTU and MTU Aero Engines GmbH on September 28, 2009
4.10Transfer Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with50% Equity Interest in MTU between CSAHC and the Securities and Exchange CommissionCompany on June 30, 2006)September 28, 2009
   
8.1 Subsidiaries of China Southern Airlines Company Limited
   
10.111.1 
Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between China Southern Airlines Company Limited and Airbus dated July 6, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to theCode of Ethics (included in Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2006) 
10.2Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between China Southern Airlines Company Limited and Boeing dated October 13, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2006)
10.3Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated October 13, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2006)
10.4Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Airbus dated on July 16, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2007)
10.5Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated on July 16, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2007)
10.6Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Boeing dated on August 20, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2007)
10.7Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Airbus dated on October 23, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2007)
10.8Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated April 18, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2008)4.1)
   
12.1 Section 302 Certification of President
85

12.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
   
13.1 Section 906 Certification of President
   
13.2 Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
*   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.

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 1.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

8675


(2) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006

(3) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006

(4) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.8 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

(5) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.9 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

76


CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED
AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
Consolidated Income Statements of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20072009 and 20062008 F-4F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007 F-6F-7
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007 F-7F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-10F-11

8777



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
China Southern Airlines Company Limited

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the(collectively, the “Group”) as of December 31, 20062009 and 2007,2008, and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of operations,comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity, and consolidated cash flow statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007.2009.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statementstatements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of China Southern Airlines Company Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 20062009 and 2007,2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20072009, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group has changed its presentation of segment information with retrospective effect due to the adoption of IFRS 8, Operating segments.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Group’sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated April 18, 200812, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG
Hong Kong, China
April 18, 2008,12, 2010, except for Note 46(e)52(a), which is as of May 28, 2008April 30, 2010

F-1


Consolidated Income Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
    RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Operating revenue         
Traffic revenue  3  53,297  45,087  37,419 
Other operating revenue  3  1,205  1,132  874 
Total operating revenue     54,502  46,219  38,293 
              
Operating expenses             
Flight operations  4  29,082  25,022  19,761 
Maintenance  5  4,643  3,999  4,589 
Aircraft and traffic servicing  6  8,160  7,063  6,534 
Promotion and sales  7  3,478  2,811  2,780 
General and administrative  8  1,983  1,941  1,315 
Depreciation and amortisation  9  5,554  4,971  4,440 
Others     113  100  179 
Total operating expenses     53,013  45,907  39,598 
Other income / (expenses), net  12  130  333  (32)
Operating profit / (loss)     1,619  645  (1,337)
              
Non-operating income / (expenses)             
Interest income     73  41  55 
Interest expense  11  (2,291) (2,070) (1,616)
Share of associates’ results  19  57  5  (285)
Share of jointly controlled entities’ results  20  123  115  36 
Gain / (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net     90  (19) 
 
Exchange gain, net     2,832  1,492  1,220 
Gain on sale of other investments in equity securities     107  
  
 
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary  42(c)  7  
  
 
Others, net     306  148  74 
Total net non-operating income / (expenses)     1,304  (288) (516)
Profit / (loss) before taxation
     2,923  357  (1,853)
Income tax (expense) /benefit  14  (858 (153 7 
Profit / (loss) for the year     2,065  204  (1,846)

  Note 2009  2008  2007 
    RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Operating revenue           
Traffic revenue 4  52,967   53,913   53,196 
Other operating revenue 5  1,835   1,375   1,205 
Total operating revenue    54,802   55,288   54,401 
               
Operating expenses              
Flight operations 6  29,296   34,982   29,082 
Maintenance 7  4,446   4,890   4,643 
Aircraft and traffic servicing 8  9,169   8,476   8,160 
Promotion and sales 9  4,170   3,491   3,421 
General and administrative 10  1,844   2,041   1,874 
Impairment on property, plant and equipment 20(g)  26   1,884   109 
Depreciation and amortisation 11  5,971   5,746   5,554 
Others    429   257   113 
Total operating expenses    55,351   61,767   52,956 
Other net income 15  1,989   833   436 
               
Operating profit/(loss)    1,440   (5,646)  1,881 
Interest income    68   103   73 
Interest expense 13  (1,497)  (1,987)  (2,291)
Share of associates’ results 22  69   (12)  57 
Share of jointly controlled              
entities’ results 23  214   170   123 
Gain/(loss) on derivative              
financial instruments, net    45   (124)  90 
Exchange gain, net    93   2,592   2,832 
Gain on sale of other investments in equity securities    -   -   107 
Gain on sale of a jointly controlled entity    -   143   - 
Gain on sale of equity interest in subsidiaries    -   37   7 
               
Profit/(loss) before taxation    432   (4,724)  2,879 
Income tax credit/(expense) 16  95   (62)  (847)
Profit/(loss) for the year    527   (4,786)  2,032 

F-2


Consolidated Income Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007 (continued)
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
    RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Attributable to         
Equity shareholders of the Company     1,871  188  (1,848)
Minority interests     194  16  2 
Profit / (loss) for the year     2,065  204  (1,846)
              
Earnings per share  16          
Basic     RMB 0.43  RMB 0.04  RMB (0.42)
Diluted     RMB 0.43  RMB 0.04  RMB (0.42)
  Note 2009  2008  2007 
    RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Attributable to:           
Equity shareholders of the           
Company    330   (4,823)  1,839 
Minority interests    197   37   193 
               
Profit/(loss) for the year    527   (4,786)  2,032 
               
Earnings/(loss) per share 19            
Basic and diluted   RMB0.05  RMB (0.74 RMB0.28 

The notes on pages F-10F-11 to F-82F-88 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3


Consolidated Balance Sheets atStatements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 20072009, 2008 and 20062007
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
    RMB million RMB million 
Non-current assets
          
Property, plant and equipment, net  17  58,441  56,335 
Construction in progress  18  11,385  9,587 
Lease prepayments     
556
  493 
Interest in associates  19  219  149 
Interest in jointly controlled entities  20  873  870 
Other investments in equity securities  21  168  261 
Lease deposits     
659
  782 
Available-for-sale equity securities  22  362  69 
Deferred tax assets  23  11  95 
Other assets  24  469  260 
      73,143  68,901 
           
Current assets
          
Financial assets  25  2  
 
Inventories  26  1,213  1,315 
Trade receivables  27  1,966  1,512 
Other receivables     1,075  879 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     592  585 
Amounts due from related companies  32  118  128 
Cash and cash equivalents  28  3,824  2,264 
      8,790  6,683 
           
Current liabilities
          
Financial liabilities  25  5  26 
Bank and other loans  29  24,948  23,822 
Obligations under finance leases  30  2,877  3,091 
Trade payables  31  1,844  1,909 
Sales in advance of carriage     
1,885
  1,436 
Taxes payable     500  126 
Amounts due to related companies  32  194  254 
Accrued expenses  33  7,354  5,463 
Other liabilities  34  2,994  2,736 
      42,601  38,863 
Net current liabilities  43(a)  (33,811) (32,180)
Total assets less current liabilities     
39,332
  36,721 
  Note  2009  2008  2007 
     RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Profit/(loss) for the year     527   (4,786)  2,032 
                
Other comprehensive income               
for the year (after tax and               
reclassification adjustments):               
                
Available-for-sale securities:               
net movement in the fair value               
reserve 17   30   (192)  218 
                 
Total comprehensive income                
for the year      557   (4,978)  2,250 
                 
Attributable to:                
Equity shareholders of the                
Company      349   (4,988)  2,022 
Minority interests      208   10   228 
                 
Total comprehensive income                
for the year      557   (4,978)  2,250 

The notes on pages F-11 to F-88 form part of these financial statements.

F-4


Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 20072009 and 2006 (continued)2008
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
    RMB million RMB million 
Non-current liabilities and deferred items
       
Bank and other loans  29  9,074  10,018 
Obligations under finance leases  30  12,858  12,307 
Provision for major overhauls  35  683  805 
Provision for early retirement benefits  36  230  306 
Deferred credits     
1,027
  792 
Deferred tax liabilities  23  748  372 
      24,620  24,600 
Net assets
     14,712  12,121 
           
Capital and reserves
          
Share capital  37  4,374  4,374 
Reserves  38  7,872  5,814 
Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
     12,246  10,188 
Minority interests
     2,466  1,933 
Total equity
     14,712  12,121 
  Note 2009  2008 
    RMB million  RMB million 
Non-current assets        
Property, plant and equipment, net 20  63,673   53,237 
Construction in progress 21  18,059   17,321 
Lease prepayments    516   531 
Interest in associates 22  257   235 
Interest in jointly controlled entities 23  728   1,048 
Other investments in equity securities 24  166   166 
Lease deposits    564   563 
Available-for-sale equity securities 25  93   114 
Deferred tax assets 26  479   167 
Other assets 27  558   412 
     85,093   73,794 
           
Current assets          
Inventories 29  1,256   1,229 
Trade receivables 30  1,359   1,317 
Other receivables    1,408   1,371 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets    711   620 
Amounts due from related companies 38  51   11 
Pledged bank deposits 33(j)  -   51 
Cash and cash equivalents 31  4,343   4,649 
     9,128   9,248 
Asset classified as held for sale 32  529   - 
     9,657   9,248 
           
Current liabilities          
Financial liabilities 28  44   116 
Bank and other loans 33  17,452   22,178 
Short-term financing bills 34  -   2,000 
Obligations under finance leases 35  1,431   1,781 
Trade and bills payables 36  4,992   1,353 
Sales in advance of carriage    2,196   2,244 
Deferred revenue 37  316   261 
Income tax payable    44   120 
Amounts due to related companies 38  94   102 
Accrued expenses 39  8,153   8,420 
Other liabilities 40  3,376   2,963 
     38,098   41,538 
           
Net current liabilities 49  (28,441)  (32,290)
           
Total assets less current liabilities    56,652   41,504 

F-5


Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (continued)
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  Note 2009  2008 
    RMB million  RMB million 
Non-current liabilities and deferred items        
Bank and other loans 33  27,875   17,429 
Obligations under finance leases 35  11,887   11,157 
Deferred revenue 37  594   445 
Provision for major overhauls 41  953   945 
Provision for early retirement benefits 42  148   179 
Deferred benefits and gains      1,080   1,109 
Deferred tax liabilities 26  853   761 
     43,390   32,025 
           
Net assets    13,262   9,479 
           
Capital and reserves          
Share capital 43  8,003   6,561 
Reserves 44  2,348   460 
Total equity attributable to equity          
shareholders of the Company    10,351   7,021 
Minority interests    2,911   2,458 
Total equity    13,262   9,479 

The notes on pages F-10F-11 to F-82F-88 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5F-6


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

   
Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
     
          
Retained
       
          
earnings /
       
  
Share
 
Share
 
Fair value
 
Other
 
(accumulated
   
Minority
 
Total
 
  
capital
 
premium
 
reserves
 
reserves
 
losses)
 
Total
 
interests
 
equity
 
  
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
  
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
        
(Note)
         
                  
At January 1, 2005  4,374  5,325  -  603  1,546  11,848  2,055  13,903 
Loss for the year  -  -  -  -  (1,848) (1,848) 2  (1,846)
Capital contribution by minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  17  17 
Acquisition of equity interest held by minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  (118) (118)
Distributions to minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  (20) (20)
At December 31, 2005  4,374  5,325  -  603  (302) 10,000  1,936  11,936 
                          
At January 1, 2006  4,374  5,325  -  603  (302) 10,000  1,936  11,936 
Profit for the year  -  -  -  -  188  188  16  204 
Acquisition of equity interest held by minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  (12) (12)
Distributions to minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  (7) (7)
At December 31, 2006  4,374  5,325  -  603  (114) 10,188  1,933  12,121 
                          
At January 1, 2007  4,374  5,325  -  603  (114) 10,188  1,933  12,121 
Profit for the year  -  -  -  -  1,871  1,871  194  2,065 
Capital contribution by minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  240  240 
Acquisition of Nan Lung Freight and Air Catering (Note 42(b))  -  -  -  -  -  -  80  80 
Disposal of equity interest to minority shareholders (Note 42(c))  -  -  -  -  -  -  (8) (8)
Changes in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net (Note 22)  -  -  183  -  -  183  35  218 
Distributions to minority shareholders  -  -  -  -  -  -  (8) (8)
Share of an associate’s reserves movement  -  -  -  4  -  4  -  4 
At December 31, 2007  4,374  5,325  183  607  1,757  12,246  2,466  14,712 
 
  
Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
       
              (Accumulated          
           Other  losses) /          
  Share  Share  Fair value  reserves  retained     Minority  Total 
  capital  premium  reserves  RMB  earnings  Total  interests  equity 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  million  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  (Note (a))  million  million  million  million 
                         
Balance at January 1, 2007  4,374   5,325   -   603   (465)  9,837   1,915   11,752 
Changes in equity for 2007:                                
Paid in capital from minority                                
equity holders of a subsidiary  -   -   -   -   -   -   240   240 
Acquisition of Nan Lung                                
Freight and Air Catering                                
(Note 48(b))  -   -   -   -   -   -   80   80 
Disposal of equity interest in                                
a subsidiary to minority                                
shareholders                                
(Note 48(c))  -   -   -   -   -   -   (8)  (8)
Distributions to minority                                
shareholders  -   -   -   -   -   -   (8)  (8)
Share of an associate’s                                
reserves movement  -   -   -   4   -   4   -   4 
Total comprehensive income                                
for the year  -   -   183   -   1,839   2,022   228   2,250 
                                 
Balance at December 31,                                
2007 and January 1, 2008  4,374   5,325   183   607   1,374   11,863   2,447   14,310 
                                 
Changes in equity for 2008:                                
Bonus share issue (Note 43(a))  2,187   (2,187)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Acquisition of China Southern                                
West Australian Flying                                
College Pty Limited                                
(Note 45(c)(xv))  -   -   -   (5)  -   (5)  -   (5)
Disposal of partial equity interest in                                
a subsidiary to minority                                
shareholders  -   -   -   -   -   -   24   24 
Distributions to minority                                
shareholders  -   -   -   -   -   -   (28)  (28)
Government contributions                                
(Note 44(d))  -   -   -   151   -   151   5   156 
Total comprehensive income                                
for the year  -   -   (165)  -   (4,823)  (4,988)  10   (4,978)
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2008                                
and January 1, 2009  6,561   3,138   18   753   (3,449)  7,021   2,458   9,479 
                                 
Changes in equity for 2009:                                
Issuance of shares (Note 43(a))  1,442   1,538   -   -   -   2,980   -   2,980 
Paid in capital from minority                                
equity holders of subsidiaries                                
(Note (b))  -   -   -   -   -   -   261   261 
Liquidation of subsidiaries  -   -   -   -   -   -   (6)  (6)
Distributions to minority                                
shareholders  -   -   -   -   -   -   (10)  (10)
Government contributions                                
(Note 44(d))  -   -   -   1   -   1   -   1 
Total comprehensive income                                
for the year  -   -   19   -   330   349   208   557 
Balance at December 31, 2009  8,003   4,676   37   754   (3,119)  10,351   2,911   13,262 

F-7


Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (continued)
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

Note:Note (a): Other reserves represent statutory surplus reserve, discretionary surplus reserve and others.  Details are set out in Note 38.44.
Note (b):In 2009, the minority equity holders of certain subsidiaries of the Company injected cash of RMB242 million and assets of RMB19 million in respect of their shares of the registered capital in these subsidiaries.

The notes on pages F-10F-11 to F-82F-88 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6F-8


Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 20062009, 2008 and 20052007
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
    RMB million RMB million RMB million 
          
Profit / (loss) before taxation     2,923  357  (1,853)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment     5,597  4,999  4,420 
Other amortisation     28  33  40 
Amortisation of deferred credits     (71) (61) (78)
Impairment loss     109  
  
 
Share of associates’ results     (57) (5) 285 
Share of jointly controlled entities’ results     (123) (115) (36)
(Gain) / loss on sale of property, plant and equipment, net     (130) (333) 32 
Gain on sale of other investments in equity securities     (107) 
  
 
Gain on sale of subsidiary     (7) 
  
 
Interest income     (73) (41) (55)
Interest expense     2,291  2,070  1,616 
(Gain) / loss on derivative financial instruments, net     (90) 19  
 
Net realised and unrealised gain on equity securities held for trading     
  
  (6)
Dividend income from other investments in equity securities     (12) (7) - 
Unrealised exchange gain, net     (2,832) (1,492) (1,164)
Decrease in inventories     108  95  46 
(Increase) / decrease in trade receivables     (349) 36  (315)
Decrease / (increase) in other receivables     304  152  (236)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets     (8) (205) (2)
(Decrease) / increase in net amounts due to related companies     (50) 113  (493)
(Decrease) / increase in trade payables     (95) (2,048) 2,239 
Increase in sales in advance of carriage     449  23  539 
Increase / (decrease) in accrued expenses     1,846  568  (399)
Increase/ (decrease) in other liabilities     245  (247) 822 
(Decrease) / increase in provision for major overhauls     (122) 504  17 
(Decrease) / increase in provision for early retirement benefits     (76) 306  

 
Cash inflows from operations     9,698  4,721  5,419 
Interest received     73  41  55 
Interest paid     (2,814) (2,419) (1,616)
Income tax paid     (88) (46) (23)
Net cash inflows from operating activities     6,869  2,297  3,835 
  Note 2009  2008  2007 
    RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Operating activities           
Cash generated from operations 31(b)  11,232   4,256   9,698 
Interest received    68   103   73 
Interest paid    (2,131)  (2,805)  (2,814)
Income tax paid    (210)  (399)  (88)
Net cash generated from              
operating activities    8,959   1,155   6,869 
               
Investing activities              
Proceeds from disposal of              
property, plant and              
equipment    320   312   288 
Proceeds from sale of available-              
for-sale equity securities    138   -   - 
Proceeds from sale of a jointly              
controlled entity    -   210   - 
Proceeds from sale of equity              
interest in subsidiaries    -   61   - 
Proceeds from sale of other              
investments in equity              
securities    -   -   127 
Net cash settlement of derivative              
financial instruments    (27)  (11)  67 
Dividends received from              
associates    47   -   - 
Dividends received from jointly              
controlled entities    -   14   79 
Dividends received from other              
investments    14   14   12 
Payment of lease deposits    (10)  -   (86)
Refund of lease deposits    8   54   165 
Capital expenditures    (15,007)  (8,364)  (5,502)
Decrease/(increase) in pledged              
bank deposits    51   (51)  - 
Payment for the investment in              
an associate, jointly control              
entities, a subsidiary and other              
investments    (6)  (29)  (10)
Payment for acquisition of              
Nan Lung Freight and Air              
Caterting 48(b)  -   -   (58)
Liquidation of subsidiaries    (6)  -   74 
Net cash used in investing              
  activities    (14,478)  (7,790)  (4,844)
 
F-7F-9


Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 2006 and 2005 (continued)
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
    RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Investing activities         
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     288  490  238 
Proceeds from sale of other investments in equity securities     127  
  689 
Net cash settlement of derivative financial instruments     67  7  
 
Increase in deferred credits     
  
  57 
Dividends received from associates     
  33  2 
Dividends received from jointly controlled entities     79  50  39 
Dividends received from other investments     12  7  4 
Decrease in other non-current assets     
  16  4 
Payment for the CNA/XJA Acquisitions (Note 42(e))     
  
  (1,959)
Payment of acquisition of equity interest held by minority shareholders     
  (12) (118)
Payment of lease deposits     (86) (136) (206)
Refund of lease deposits     165  103  16 
Capital expenditures     (5,502) (6,044) (6,775)
Payment for the investment in associate and other investments     (10) (31) 
 
Through the acquisition of CSAHC Hainan (Note 42(d))     
  33  
 
Payment for acquisition of Nan Lung Freight and Air Catering (Note 42(b))     (58) 
  
 
Proceeds from disposal of GZ Aviation Hotel (Note 42(c))     74  
  
 
Net cash used in investing activities     (4,844) (5,484) (8,009)
Net cash inflows / (outflows) before financing activities     2,025  (3,187) (4,174)
  Note 2009  2008  2007 
    RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Financing activities           
Proceeds from issue of shares 43(a)  2,980   -   - 
Proceeds from bank and other              
loans    37,146   41,450   30,984 
Repayment of bank and other              
loans    (31,396)  (33,783)  (28,660)
Proceeds from issue of short-              
term financing bills    -   2,000   - 
Repayment of short-term              
financing bills    (2,000)  -   - 
Repayment of principal under              
finance lease obligations    (1,750)  (2,335)  (3,021)
Capital contributions received              
from government 44(d)  1   156   - 
Paid in capital from minority              
equity holders of subsidiaries    242   -   240 
Dividends paid to minority              
shareholders    (10)  (28)  (8)
Net cash generated from/(used in)              
financing activities    5,213   7,460   (465)
               
Net (decrease)/increase in cash              
and cash equivalents    (306)  825   1,560 
Cash and cash equivalents at              
January 1    4,649   3,824   2,264 
Cash and cash equivalents at              
December 31    4,343   4,649   3,824 

The notes on pages F-11 to F-88 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8
F-10


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 (continued)
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)

  
Note
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
    RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Financing activities             
Proceeds from bank and other loans     30,984  24,983  18,238 
Repayment of bank and other loans    (28,660) (19,113) (12,193)
Repayment of principal under finance lease obligations     (3,021) (3,313) (2,050)
Capital contribution received from minority shareholders     240  
  17 
Dividends paid to minority shareholders     (8) (7) (20)
Net cash (outflow) / inflows from financing activities     (465) 2,550  3,992 
              
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     1,560  (637) (182)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1     2,264  2,901  3,083 
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31     3,824  2,264  2,901 

The notes on pages F-10 to F-82 form part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(Prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards)
(Expressed in Renminbi)
 
1
Basis of presentation
 
China Southern Airlines Company Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) are principally engaged in the provision of domestic, Hong Kong, Macau and MacauTaiwan and international passenger, cargo and mail airline services.
 
The Company was established in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”) on March 25, 1995 as a joint stock limited company as part of the reorganisation (the “Reorganisation”) of the Company’s holding company, China Southern Air Holding Company (“CSAHC”).  CSAHC is a state-owned enterprise under the supervision of the PRC central government.
 
The Company’s H Shares and American Depositary Receipts (“ADR”) (each ADR representing 50 H Shares) have been listed on theThe Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the New York Stock Exchange, respectively since July 1997.  In July 2003, the Company issued 1,000,000,000 A Shares which are listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
 
The 2007 bonus share issue of 2,187,089,000 shares, by the conversion of share premium to share capital, was implemented in August 2008.
On August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, the Company issued 721,150,000 A shares to CSAHC and 721,150,000 H shares to Nan Lung Holdings Ltd. (“Nan Lung”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC, respectively.
2
Principal accounting policies
 
(a)
Statement of compliance
 
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”), which collective term includes all applicable individual International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards (“IASs”) and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”).
 
The IASB has issued certainNote 3 provides information on the impact of the new and revised IFRSs and interpretations that are first effective or available for early adoption for the current accounting period ofand the Group. There have been no significant changes to thein accounting policies appliedfor the current and prior accounting periods reflected in these consolidated financial statements for the years presented as a result of these developments. A summary of the principal accounting policies adopted by the Group is set out below.
However, as a result of the adoption of IFRS 7, Financial instruments: Disclosures and the amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of financial statements: Capital disclosures, there have been some additional disclosures provided as follows:
·
As a result of the adoption of IFRS 7, the consolidated financial statements include expanded disclosure about the significance of the Group’s financial instruments and the nature and extent of risks arising from those instruments, compared with the information previously required to be disclosed by IAS 32, Financial instruments: Disclosure and presentation. These disclosures are provided throughout these consolidated financial statements, in particular in note 43.
·The amendment to IAS 1 introduces additional disclosure requirements to provide information about the level of capital and the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital. These new disclosures are set out in note 37.

F-10

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(a)
Statement of compliance (continued)
Both IFRS 7 and the amendment to IAS 1 do not have any material impact on the classification, recognition and measurement of the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Group has not applied any new standard or interpretation that is not yet effective for the current accounting period (see Note 50).
(b)
Basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements
 
At December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by RMB33,811RMB28,441 million, which includes bank and other loans repayable within one year of RMB24,948RMB17,452 million.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the directors have considered the Group’s sources of liquidity and believe that adequate funding is available to fulfil the Group’s short-term obligations and capital expenditure requirements.  Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern.  Further details are set out in Note 43(a)49(a).
 
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20072009 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries and the Group’s interest in associates and jointly controlled entities.
 
The measurement basis used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value as explained in the accounting policies set out below:
 
-      Certain property, plant and equipment (Note 2(h));
Derivative financial instruments (Note 2(g)); and
 
-      Certain
Available-for-sale equity securities (Note 2(f)).

F-11

Principal accounting policies (continued)
(b) Basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)
Non-current assets held under finance leasesfor sale are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell (Note 2(j));
-      Derivative financial instruments (Note 2(g)); and
-      Available-for-sale securities (Note 2(f)2(cc)).
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRSs requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.  The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.
 
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
 
Judgements made by management in the application of IFRSs that have significant effect on the consolidated financial statements and estimates with a significant riskmajor sources of material adjustment in the next yearestimation uncertainty are discussed in Note 48.

F-11

54.
 
2(c) 
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(c)
Subsidiaries and minority interests
 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group.  Control exists when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.  In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable are taken into account.
 
An investment in a subsidiary is consolidated into the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.  Intra-group balances and transactions and any unrealised profits arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in full in preparing the consolidated financial statements.  Unrealised losses resulting from intra-group transactions are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.
 
Minority interests represent the portion of the net assets of subsidiaries attributable to interests that are not owned by the Company, whether directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, and in respect of which the Group has not agreed any additional terms with the holders of those interests which would result in the Group as a whole having a contractual obligation in respect of those interests that meets the definition of a financial liability.  Minority interests are presented in the consolidated balance sheet within equity, separately from equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company.  Minority interests in the results of the Group are presented on the face of the consolidated income statements and the consolidated statements of operationscomprehensive income as an allocation of the total profit or loss and total comprehensive income for the year between minority interests and the equity shareholders of the Company.
 
Where losses applicable to the minority exceed the minority’s interest in the equity of a subsidiary, the excess, and any further losses applicable to the minority, are charged against the Group’s interest except to the extent that the minority has a binding obligation to, and is able to, make additional investment to cover the losses.  If the subsidiary subsequently reports profits, the Group’s interest is allocated all such profits until the minority’s share of losses previously absorbed by the Group has been recovered.
 
Loans from holders of minority interests and other contractual obligations towards these holders are presented as financial liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with Notes 2(o) or (p) depending on the nature of the liability.

F-12

 
(d)
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(d) Associates and jointly controlled entities
 
An associate is an entity in which the Group or the Company has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over its management, including participation in the financial and operating policies.policy decisions.
 
A jointly controlled entity is an entity which operates under a contractual arrangement between the Group or the Company and other parties, where the contractual arrangement establishes that the Group or the Company and one or more of the other parties share joint control over the economic activities of the entity.

F-12

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(d)
Associates and jointly controlled entities (continued)
 
An investment in an associate or a jointly controlled entity is accounted for in the consolidated financial statements under the equity method, andunless it is classified as held for sale (or included in a disposal group that is classified as held for sale) (Note 2(cc)). Under the equity method, the investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post acquisition change in the Group’s share of the associate’s orinvestee’s net assets and any impairment loss relating to the jointly controlled entity’s net assets.investment (Note 2(l)).  The consolidated statements of operations includes the Group’s share of the post-acquisition, post-tax results of the associatesinvestees and jointly controlled entitiesany impairment losses for the year including any impairment loss on goodwill relating toare recognised in the investmentconsolidated income statements, whereas the Group’s share of the post-acquisition post-tax items of the investees’ other comprehensive income is recognised in associates and jointly controlled entities recognised for the year (Notes 2(e) and (l)).consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in the associate or the jointly controlled entity, the Group’s interest is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or the jointly controlled entity.investee.  For this purpose, the Group’s interest in the associate or the jointly controlled entity is the carrying amount of the investment under the equity method together with the Group’s long-term interests that in substance form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate or the jointly controlled entity.
 
Unrealised profits and losses arising from transactions between the Group and its associates and jointly controlled entities are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associate or jointly controlled entity,investee, except where unrealised losses provide evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred, in which case they are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
 
(e)
Goodwill
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination or an investment in an associate or a jointly controlled entity over the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities.
 
Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses.  Goodwill arising on a business combination is allocated to each cash-generating unit, or groups of cash generating units, that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and is tested annually for impairment (Note 2(l)).  In respect of associates or jointly controlled entities, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the interest in the associate or jointly controlled entity.entity and the investment as a whole is tested for impairment whenever there is objective evidence of impairment (Note 2(l)).
 
Any excess of the Group’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of a business combination or an investment in an associate or a jointly controlled entity is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
 
On disposal of a cash-generatingcash generating unit, an associate or a jointly controlled entity during the year, any attributable amount of purchased goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or loss on disposal.

F-13

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(f)
Other investments in equity securities
 
The Group’s policies for investments in equity securities, other than investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities, are as follows:
 
Investments in equity securities are initially stated at cost,fair value, which is their transaction price unless fair value can be more reliably estimated using valuation techniques whose variables include only data from observable markets.  Cost includes attributable transaction costs, except where indicated otherwise below.  These investments are subsequently accounted for as follows, depending on their classification:
 
Available-for-sale equity securities are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale.  At each balance sheet date the fair value is remeasured, with any resultant gain or loss being recognised directlyin other comprehensive income and accumulated separately in equity in the fair value reserve, except foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from changes in the amortised cost of monetary items which are recognised directly in profit or loss.  Dividend income from these investments is recognised in profit or loss in accordance with the policy set out in Note 2 (v)(iii)2(v)(iv).  When these investments are derecognised or impaired (Note 2(l)), the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised directly inis reclassified from equity is recognised into profit or loss.
 
The Group’s other investments in equity securities represent unlisted equity securities of companies established in the PRC.  They do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured. Accordingly, they are recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at cost less impairment losses (Note 2(1)2(l)).
 
Investments are recognised / recognised/derecognised on the date the Group commits to purchase / purchase/sell the investments or they expire.
 
(g)
Derivative financial instruments
 
Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value.  At each balance sheet date the fair value is remeasured.  The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is chargedrecognised immediately toin profit or loss.
 
(h)
Property, plant and equipment
 
(i)Investment property
 
Investment properties are land and/or buildings which are owned or held under a leasehold interest (Note 2(j)) to earn rental income and/or for capital appreciation.
 
Investment properties are stated in the consolidated balance sheet at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (Note 2(l)). Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of items of investment property, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight line method over their estimated useful lives. Rental income from investment properties is accounted for as described in Note 2(v)(ii)(iii).

F-14

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(h)
Property, plant and equipment (continued)
 
(ii)Other property, plant and equipment
 
Items of property,Property, plant and equipment are initially stated in the consolidated balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (Note 2(l)). The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset to working condition and location for its intended use and the initial estimate, where relevant, of the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located.
Subsequent to the revaluation of the Group’s property, plant and equipment as at December 31, 1996 (Note 17(b)), which was based on depreciated replacement costs, certain of the Group’s property, plant and equipment are carried at revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation.
Revaluations are performed with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of these assets does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the balance sheet date.
Changes arising on the revaluation of property, plant and equipment are generally dealt with in reserves. The only exceptions are as follows:
-When a deficit arises on revaluation, it will be charged to profit or loss to the extent that it exceeds the amount held in the reserve in respect of that same asset immediately prior to the revaluation; and
-When a surplus arises on revaluation, it will be credited to profit or loss to the extent that a deficit on revaluation in respect of that same asset had previously been charged to profit or loss.
 
The cost of self-constructed items of property, plant and equipment includes the cost of materials, the initial estimate, where relevant, of the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site on which they are located, and an appropriate proportion of production overheads and borrowing costs (Note 2(y)).
 
Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognised in profit or loss on the date of retirement or disposal. Any related revaluation surplus is transferred from the revaluation reserve to retained profits.

F-15

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(h)
Property, plant and equipment (continued)
(ii)Other property, plant and equipment (continued)
 
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of items of property, plant and equipment, less their estimated residual value, if any, using the straight line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings30 to 35 years
Owned and leased aircraft15 to 20 years
Other flight equipment 
- Jet engines15 to 20 years
- Others, including rotable spares2.53 to 15 years
Machinery and equipment4 to 10 years
Vehicles6 to 8 years
   
Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the cost or valuation of the item is allocated on a reasonable basis between the parts and each part is depreciated separately.  Both the useful life of an asset and its residual value, if any, are reviewed annually.
 
(i)
Construction in progress
 
Construction in progress represents office buildings, various infrastructure projects under construction and equipment pending installation, and is stated at cost less impairment losses (Note 2(l)).  Capitalisation of these costs ceases and the construction in progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment when the asset is substantially ready for its intended use, notwithstanding any delay in the issue of the relevant commissioning certificates by the relevant PRC authorities.
 
No depreciation is provided in respect of construction in progress.

F-16

 
2(j) 
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(j)
Leased assets
 
An arrangement, comprising a transaction or a series of transactions, is or contains a lease if the Group determines that the arrangement conveys a right to use a specific asset or assets for an agreed period of time in return for a payment or a series of payments.  Such a determination is made based on an evaluation of the substance of the arrangement and is regardless of whether the arrangement takes the legal form of a lease.

F-15

 
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(j) Leased assets (continued)
(i)Classification of assets leased to the Group
 
Assets that are held by the Group under leases which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as being held under finance leases.  Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Group are classified as operating leases, except for land held for own use under an operating lease, the fair value of which cannot be measured separately from the fair value of a building situated thereon at the inception of the lease, is accounted for as being under a finance lease, unless the building is also clearly held under an operating lease.  For these purposes, the inception of the lease is the time that the lease was first entered into by the Group, or taken over from the previous lessee.
 
(ii)Assets acquired under finance leases
 
Where the Group acquires the use of assets under finance leases, the amounts representing the fair value of the leased asset, or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments, of such assets are included in property, plant and equipment and the corresponding liabilities, net of finance charges, are recorded as obligations under finance leases.  Depreciation is provided at rates which write off the cost or valuation of the assets over the term of the relevant lease or, where it is likely the Group will obtain ownership of the asset, the life of the asset, as set out in Note 2(h)(ii).  Impairment losses are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policy as set out in Note 2(l).  Finance charges implicit in the lease payments are charged to profit or loss over the period of the leases so as to produce an approximately constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance of the obligations for each accounting period.  Contingent rentals are charged to profit or loss in the accounting period in which they are incurred.
 
(iii)Operating lease charges
 
Where the Group has the use of assets held under operating leases, payments made under the leases are charged to profit or loss in equal instalmentsinstallments over the accounting periods covered by the lease term, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased asset.  Lease incentives received are recognised in profit or loss as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments made.
 
The cost of acquiring land held under an operating lease is amortised on a straight-line basis over the respective periods of lease terms which ranged from 30 to 70 years.

F-17F-16

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(j)
Leased assets (continued)
 
(iv)Sale and leaseback transactions
 
Gains or losses on sale and leaseback transactions which result in finance leases are deferred and amortised over the terms of the related leases.  Gains or losses on other aircraft sale and leaseback transactions which result in operating leases are recognised immediately if the transactions are established at fair value.  Any difference between the sales price and the fair value is deferred and amortised over the period the assets are expected to be used.
 
(k)
Deferred expenditure
 
Lump sum housing benefits payable to employees of the Group are deferred and amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years, which represents the benefit vesting period of the employees.
 
Deferred expenditure is stated at cost less impairment losses (Note 2(l)).
 
(l)
Impairment of assets
 
(i)Impairment of investments in equity securities and other receivables
 
Investments in equity securities (other than investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities: Notes 2(c) and 2(d)subsidiaries: see (Note 2(l)(ii)) and other current and non-current receivables that are stated at cost or amortised cost or are classified as available-for-sale equity securities are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is objective evidence of impairment.  Objective evidence of impairment includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about one or more of the following loss events:
 
-significant financial difficulty of the debtor;
 
-a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;
 
-it becoming probable that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;
 
-significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have an adverse effect on the debtor; and
 
-a significant or prolonged declined in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost.

F-18

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(l)
Impairment of assets (continued)
(i)Impairment of investments in equity securities and other receivables (continued)
 
If any such evidence exists, any impairment loss is determined and recognised as follows:
 
-For investments in associates and jointly controlled entities recognised using the equity method (Note 2(d)), the impairment loss is measured by comparing the recoverable amount of the investment as a whole with its carrying amount in accordance with Note 2(l)(ii).  The impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favourable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount in accordance with Note 2(l)(ii).
-For unquoted equity securities carried at cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset and the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset where the effect of discounting is material.  Impairment losses for equity securities carried at cost are not reversed.

F-17

2Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(l)Impairment of assets (continued)
(i)Impairment of investments in equity securities and other receivables (continued)
-For trade and other current receivables and other financial assets carried at amortised cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these assets), where the effect of discounting is material.  This assessment is made collectively where financial assets carried at amortised cost share similar risk characteristics, such as similar past due status, and have not been individually assessed as impaired.  Future cash flows for financial assets which are assessed for impairment collectively are based on historical loss experience for assets with credit risk characteristics similar to the collective group.
 
If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be linked objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised, the impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.  A reversal of an impairment loss shall not result in the asset’s carrying amount exceeding that which would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years.
 
-For available-for-sale equity securities, the cumulative loss that has been recognised directly in equitythe fair value reserve is removed from equity and is recognised inreclassified to profit or loss.  The amount of the cumulative loss that is recognised in profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment and amortisation) and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that asset previously recognised in profit or loss.
 
Impairment losses recognised in profit or loss in respect of available-for-sale equity securities are not reversed through profit or loss.  Any subsequent increase in the fair value of such assets is recognised directly in equity.other comprehensive income.
 
Impairment losses are written off against the corresponding asset directly, except for impairment losses recognised in respect of trade and other receivables, whose recovery is considered doubtful but not remote.  In this case, the impairment losses for doubtful debts are recorded using an allowance account.  When the Group is satisfied that recovery is remote, the amount considered irrecoverable is written off against trade and other receivables directly and any amounts held in the allowance account relating to that debt are reversed.  Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged to the allowance account are reversed against the allowance account.  Other changes in the allowance account and subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off directly are recognised in profit or loss.

F-19F-18

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(l)
Impairment of assets (continued)
 
(ii)Impairment of other assets
 
Internal and external sources of information are reviewed at each balance sheet date to identify indications that the following assets may be impaired or, except in the case of goodwill, an impairment loss previously recognised no longer exists or may have decreased:
 
-Property, plant and equipment carried at cost less accumulated depreciation;equipment;
 
-      Construction in progress;
-      Lease deposits;
-      Lease prepayments;
-      Deferred expenditure;
-Construction in progress;
 
-Lease deposits;
-Lease prepayments;
-Deferred expenditure;
-Investments in associates and jointly controlled entities;subsidiaries; and
 
-Goodwill.
 
If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.  For goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated annually whether or not there is any indication of impairment.
 
-Calculation of recoverable amount
 
The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its net selling pricefair value less costs to sell and the value in use.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.  Where an asset does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows independently (i.e. a cash-generating unit).
 
-Recognition of impairment losses
 
An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss wheneverif the carrying amount of an asset, or the cash-generating unit to which it belongs, exceeds its recoverable amount.  Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit (or group of units) and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (or group of units) on a pro-rata basis, except that the carrying value of an asset will not be reduced below its individual fair value less costs to sell, or value in use, if determinable.

F-20F-19

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(l)
Impairment of assets (continued)
 
(ii)Impairment of other assets (continued)
 
-Reversals of impairment losses
 
In respect of assets other than goodwill, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favourable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.  An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.
 
A reversal of an impairment loss is limited to the asset’s carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years.  Reversals of impairment losses are credited to profit or loss in the year in which the reversals are recognised.
 
(iii)Interim financial reporting and impairment
 
Impairment losses recognised in an interim period in respect of goodwill, available-for-sale equity securities and unquoted equity securities carried at cost are not reversed in a subsequent period.  This is the case even if no loss, or a smaller loss, would have been recognised had the impairment been assessed only at the end of the financial year to which the interim period relates.  Consequently, if the fair value of an available-for-sale equity security increases in the remainder of the annual period, or in any other period subsequently, the increase is recognised in other comprehensive income and not profit or loss.
 
(m)
Inventories
 
Inventories, which consist primarily of expendable spare parts and supplies, are stated at cost less any applicable provision for obsolescence, and are charged to profit or loss when used in operations. Cost represents the average unit cost.
 
Inventories held for disposal are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
 
(n)
Trade and other receivables
 
Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and thereafter stated at amortised cost less allowance for impairment of bad and doubtful debts (Note 2(l)), except where the effect of discounting would be immaterial.  In such cases, the receivables are stated at cost less allowance for impairment of bad and doubtful debts.
 
(o)
Interest-bearing borrowings
 
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs.  Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between the amount initially recognised and redemption value being recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings, together with any interest and fees payable, using the effective interest method.

F-21F-20

 
2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
(p)
Trade and other payables
 
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair valuevalue.  Except for financial guarantee liabilities measured in accordance with Note 2(r)(i), trade and other payables are subsequently stated at amortised cost unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.
 
(q)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other financial institutions having been within three months of maturity at acquisition.  Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are also included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement.statements.
 
(r)
Financial guarantees issued, provisions and contingent liabilities
 
(i)Financial guarantees issued
 
Financial guarantees are contracts that require the issuer (i.e. the guarantor) to make specified payments to reimburse the beneficiary of the guarantee (the “holder”) for a loss the holder incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument.
 
Where the Group issues a financial guarantee, the fair value of the guarantee (being the transaction price, unless the fair value can otherwise be reliably estimated) is initially recognised as deferred income within trade and other payables.  Where consideration is received or receivable for the issuance of the guarantee, the consideration is recognised in accordance with the Group’s policies applicable to that category of asset.  Where no such consideration is received or receivable, an immediate expense is recognised in profit or loss on initial recognition of any deferred income.
 
The amount of the guarantee initially recognised as deferred income is amortised in profit or loss over the term of the guarantee as income from financial guarantees issued.  In addition, provisions are recognised in accordance with Note 2(r)(ii) if and when (i) it becomes probable that the holder of the guarantee will call upon the Group under the guarantee, and (ii) the amount of that claim on the Group is expected to exceed the amount currently carried in trade and other payables in respect of that guarantee i.e. the amount initially recognised, less accumulated amortisation.

F-22

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(r)
Financial guarantees issued, provisions and contingent liabilities (continued)
 
(ii)ProvisionProvisions and contingent liabilities
 
Provisions are recognised for other liabilities of uncertain timing or amount when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation arising as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligationsobligation and a reliable estimate can be made.  Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditures expected to settle the obligation.
 
Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.  Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.

F-21

 
(s)
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(s) Defeasance of long-term liabilities
 
Where long-term liabilities have been defeased by the placement of security deposits, those liabilities and deposits (and income and charge arising therefrom) are netted off in order to reflect the overall commercial effect of the arrangements. Such netting off has been effected where a right is held by the Group to insist on net settlement of the liability and deposit including in all situations of default and where that right is assured beyond doubt.
 
(t)
Deferred credits
benefits and gains
 
In connection with the acquisitions or operating leases of certain aircraft and engines, the Group receives various credits. Such credits are deferred until the aircraft and engines are delivered, at which time they are either applied as a reduction of the cost of acquiring the aircraft and engines, resulting in a reduction of future depreciation, or amortised as a reduction of rental expense for aircraft and engines under operating leases.
 
(u)
Income tax
 
Income tax for the year comprises current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Current tax and movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that they relate to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case theythe relevant amounts of tax are recognised in equity.other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
 
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from deductible and taxable temporary differences respectively, being the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets also arise from unused tax losses and unused tax credits.

F-23

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(u)
Income tax (continued)
 
Apart from certain limited exceptions, all deferred tax liabilities, and all deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised, are recognised.  Future taxable profits that may support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences include those that will arise from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, provided those differences relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse either in the same period as the expected reversal of the deductible temporary difference or in periods into which a tax loss arising from the deferred tax asset can be carried back or forward.  The same criteria are adopted when determining whether existing taxable temporary differences support the recognition of deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and credits, that is, those differences are taken into account if they relate to the same taxation authority and the same taxable entity, and are expected to reverse in a period, or periods, in which the tax loss or credit can be utilised.
 
The limited exception to the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities are those temporary differences arising from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit (provided they are not part of a business combination), and temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that, in the case of taxable differences, the Group controls the timing of the reversal and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future, or in the case of deductible differences, unless it is probable that they will reverse in the future.

F-22

Principal accounting policies (continued)
(u) Income tax (continued)
 
The amount of deferred tax recognised is measured based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
 
The carrying amount of a deferred tax asset is reviewed at each balance sheet date and is reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow the related tax benefit to be utilised.  Any such reduction is reversed to the extent that it becomes probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available.

F-24

2
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(u)
Income tax (continued)
 
Current tax balances and deferred tax balances, and movements therein, are presented separately from each other and are not offset.  Current tax assets are offset against current tax liabilities, and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities, if the Group has the legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the following additional conditions are met:
 
-in the case of current tax assets and liabilities, the Group intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously; or
 
-in the case of deferred tax assets and liabilities, if they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either:
 
 -the same taxable entity; or
 
 -different taxable entities, which, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered, intend to realise the current tax assets and settle the current tax liabilities on a net basis or realise and settle simultaneously.
 
(v)
Revenue recognition
 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.  Provided it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue and costs, if applicable, can be measured reliably, revenue is recognised in profit or loss as follows:
 
(i)(i)Passenger, cargo and mail revenues
Passenger, cargo and mail revenues are recognised at the fair value of the consideration received when the transportation is provided.  Ticket sales for transportation not yet provided are included in current liabilities as sales in advance of carriage.  Revenues from airline-related business are recognised when services are rendered.  Revenue is stated net of sales tax.
 
(ii)Frequent flyer revenue
The Group maintains two frequent flyer award programmes, namely, the China Southern Airlines Sky Pearl Club and the Egrets Mileage Plus, which provide travel and other awards to members based on accumulated mileages.
Revenue received in relation to mileage earning flights is allocated, based on fair value, between the flight and mileages earned by members of the Group’s frequent flyer award programmes. The value attributed to the awarded mileages is deferred as a liability, within deferred revenue, until the mileages are ultimately utilised.
Revenue received from third parties for the issue of mileages under the frequent flyer award programmes is also deferred as a liability, within deferred revenue.

F-23

Principal accounting policies (continued)
(v) Revenue recognition (continued)
(ii)Frequent flyer revenue (continued)
As members of the frequent flyer award programmes redeem mileages for an award, revenue is recorded in profit or loss. Revenue in relation to flight awards is recognised when the transportation is provided. Revenue is recognised at the point of redemption where non-flight rewards are selected.
The value attributed to mileages that are expected to expire is recognised as revenue, based on the number of mileages that have been redeemed relative to the total number expected to be redeemed.
(iii)Rental income receivable under operating leases is recognised in profit or loss in equal instalments over the periods covered by the lease term, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the use of the leased asset.  Lease incentives granted are recognised in profit or loss as an integral part of the aggregate net lease payments receivables.
 
(iii)(iv)Dividend income is recognised when the shareholder’s right to receive payment is established.
 
(iv)(v)Government grants are recognised in the consolidated balance sheet initially when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attaching to them.  Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are recognised as revenue in profit or loss on a systematic basis in the same periods in which the expenses are incurred.  Grants that compensate the Group for the cost of an asset are deducted in arriving atfrom the carrying amount of the asset and consequently are effectively recognised in profit or loss over the useful life of the asset.asset by way of reduced depreciation expense.
 
(v)(vi)Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest method.

F-25

 
2(w) 
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(w)
Traffic commissions
 
Traffic commissions are expensed in profit or loss when the transportation is provided and the related revenue is recognised.  Traffic commissions for transportation not yet provided are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as a prepaid expense.

F-24

 
(x)
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(x) Maintenance and overhaul costs
 
Routine maintenance, repairs and overhauls are charged to profit or loss as and when incurred.
 
In respect of owned and finance leased aircraft, components within the aircraft subject to replacement during major overhauls are depreciated over the average expected life between major overhauls.  When each major overhaul is performed, its cost is recognised in the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the estimated period between major overhauls.  Any remaining carrying amount of cost of previous major overhaul is derecognised and charged to profit or loss.
 
In respect of aircraft held under operating leases, the Group has responsibility to fulfil certain return conditions under relevant lease agreements.  In order to fulfil these return conditions, major overhauls are required to be conducted on a regular basis.  Accordingly, estimated costs of major overhauls are accrued and charged to profit or loss over the estimated period between overhauls.  After the aircraft has completed its last overhaul cycle prior to being returned, expected cost of overhaul to be incurred at the end of the lease is estimated and accrued over the remaining period of the lease. Differences between the estimated costs and the actual costs of overhauls are charged to profit or loss in the period when the overhaul is performed.
 
(y)
Borrowing costs
 
Borrowing costs are expensed in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred, except to the extent that they are capitalised as being directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or constructionproduction of an asset which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use.use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset.  Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
 
The capitalisation of borrowing costs as part of the cost of a qualifying asset commences when expenditure for the asset is being incurred, borrowing costs are being incurred and activities that are necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use are in progress.  Capitalisation of borrowing costs is suspended or ceases when substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use are interrupted or complete.
 
(z)
Short term employee benefits and contributions to defined contribution retirement schemes
 
Salaries, annual bonuses and contributions to defined contribution retirement schemes are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by employees.  Where payment or settlement is deferred and the effect would be material, these amounts are stated at their present values.

F-26

 
2(aa) 
Principal accounting policies (continued)
(aa)
Termination benefits
 
Termination benefits are recognised when, and only when, the Group demonstrably commits itself to terminate employment or to provide benefits as a result of voluntary redundancy by having a detailed formal plan which is without realistic possibility of withdrawal.
 
(bb)
Frequent flyer award programmes
The Group maintains two frequent flyer award programmes, namely, the China Southern Airlines Sky Pearl Club and the Egret Mileage Plus, which provide travel awards to members based on accumulated mileage. The estimated incremental cost to provide free travel is recognised as an expense and accrued as a current liability as members accumulate mileage. As members redeem awards or their entitlements expire, the incremental cost liability is reduced accordingly to reflect the acquittal of the outstanding obligations.
Revenue from mileage sales to third parties under the frequent flyer award programmes is recognised when the related transportation services are provided.
(cc)
Translation of foreign currencies
 
Foreign currencies transactions during the year are translated into Renminbi at the applicable rates of exchange quoted by the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”) prevailing onat the transaction dates.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Renminbi at the PBOC exchange rates prevailing onat the balance sheet date.  Exchange gains and losses are recognised in non-operating income/(expenses) in the consolidated statements of operations.profit or loss.

F-25

2Principal accounting policies (continued)
(bb)Translation of foreign currencies (continued)
 
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated into Renminbi at the PBOC exchange rates prevailing onat the transaction dates.  Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated into Renminbi at the PBOC exchange rates prevailing onat the dates the fair value was determined.

F-27

 
2(cc)
Principal accounting policies (continued)
Non-current assets held for sale
 
A non-current asset is classified as held for sale if it is highly probable that its carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use and the asset is available-for-sale in its present condition.
Immediately before classification as held for sale, the measurement of the non-current assets is brought up-to-date in accordance with the accounting policies before the classification. Then, on initial classification as held for sale and until disposal, the non-current assets (except for certain assets as explained below), are recognised at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.  The principal exceptions to this measurement policy so far as the consolidated financial statements of the Group are concerned are deferred tax assets, financial assets (other than investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities) and investment properties.  These assets, even if held for sale, would continue to be measured in accordance with the policies set out elsewhere in Note 2.
Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale, and on subsequent remeasurement while held for sale, are recognised in profit or loss.  As long as a non-current asset is classified as held for sale, the non-current asset is not depreciated or amortised.
(dd)
Related parties
 
For the purposes of these consolidated financial statements, a party is considered to be related to the Group if:
 
(i)the party has the ability, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, to control the Group or exercise significant influence over the Group in making financial and operating policy decisions, or has joint control over the Group;
 
(ii)the Group and the party are subject to common control;
 
(iii)the party is an associate of the Group or a joint venture in which the Group is a venturer;
 
(iv)the party is a member of key management personnel of the Group or the Group’s parent, or a close family member of such an individual, or is an entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals;
 
(v)the party is a close family member of a party referred in (i) or is an entity under the control, joint control or significant influence of such individuals; or
 
(vi)the party is a post-employment benefit plan which is for the benefit of employees of the Group or of any entity that is a related party of the Group.
 
Close family members of an individual are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that individual in their dealings with the entity.

F-26

 
(ee)
2
Segmental reporting
Principal accounting policies (continued)
 
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged either in providing products or services (business segment), or in providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments.
(ee)Segmental reporting
 
In accordance withOperating segments, and the amounts of each segment item reported in the consolidated financial statements, are identified from the financial information provided regularly to the Group’s internal financial reporting system, the Group has chosen business segment information as the primary reporting format and geographical segment information as the secondary reporting formatmost senior executive management for the purposes of allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, the Group’s various lines of business and geographical locations.
Individually material operating segments are not aggregated for financial reporting purposes unless the segments have similar economic characteristics and are similar in respect of the nature of products and services, the nature of production processes, the type or class of customers, the methods used to distribute the products or provide the services, and the nature of the regulatory environment.  Operating segments which are not individually material may be aggregated if they share a majority of these criteria.

F-27

3Changes in accounting policies
(a)Standards, amendment and interpretations effective in 2009
The IASB has issued certain new and revised IFRSs and interpretations that are first effective for the current accounting period of the Group. Of these, the following developments are relevant to the Group’s financial statements:
IFRS 8, Operating segments
IAS 1 (revised 2007), Presentation of financial statements
Amendments to IFRS 7, Financial instruments: Disclosures – improving disclosures about financial instruments
Improvements to IFRSs (2008)
IAS 23, Borrowing costs
IAS 27, Consolidated and separate financial statements – cost of an investment in a subsidiary, jointly controlled entity or associate
IFRIC 13, Customer loyalty programmes
The amendments to Improvements to IFRSs (2008) and IAS 23 have had no material impact on the Group’s financial statements as the amendments and interpretations were consistent with policies already adopted by the Group.  The impact of the remainder of these developments is as follows:
IFRS 8 requires segment disclosure to be based on the way that the Group’s chief operating decision maker regards and manages the Group, with the amounts reported for each reportable segment being the measures reported to the Group’s chief operating decision maker for the purposes of assessing segment performance and making decisions about operating matters. This contrasts with the presentation of segment information in prior years which was based on a disaggregation of the Group’s financial statements into segments based on related services and on geographical areas. The adoption of IFRS 8 has resulted in the presentation of segment information in a manner that is more consistent with internal reporting provided to the Group’s chief operating decision maker. Corresponding amounts have been provided on a basis consistent with the revised segment information.
As a result of the adoption of IAS 1 (revised 2007), details of changes in equity during the year arising from transactions with equity shareholders in their capacity as such have been presented separately from all other income and expenses in a revised consolidated statement of changes in equity.  All other items of income and expense are presented in the consolidated income statement, if they are recognised as part of profit or loss for the year, or otherwise in a new primary statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.  Corresponding amounts have been restated to conform to the new presentation.  This change in presentation has no effect on reported profit or loss, total income and expense or net assets for any period presented.
As a result of the adoption of the amendments to IFRS 7, the consolidated financial statements.statements include expanded disclosures in Note 49(f) about the fair value measurement of the Group’s financial instruments, categorising these fair value measurements into a three-level fair value hierarchy according to the extent to which they are based on observable market data.  The Group has taken advantage of the transitional provisions set out in the amendments to IFRS 7, under which comparative information for the newly required disclosures about the fair value measurements of financial instruments has not been provided.

F-28

 
3
Turnover
Changes in accounting policies (continued)
 
Turnover comprises revenues
(a)Standards, amendment and interpretations effective in 2009 (continued)
The amendments to IAS 27 have removed the requirement that dividends out of pre-acquisition profits should be recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment in the investee, rather than as income. As a result, as from airlineJanuary 1, 2009 all dividends receivable from subsidiaries, associates and airline-related businessjointly controlled entities, whether out of pre- or post-acquisition profits, will be recognised in the Company’s profit or loss and the carrying amount of the investment in the investee will not be reduced unless that carrying amount is assessed to be impaired as a result of the investee declaring the dividend. In such cases, in addition to recognising dividend income in profit or loss, the Company would recognise an impairment loss. In accordance with the transitional provisions in the amendment, this new policy will be applied prospectively to any dividends receivable in the current or future periods and previous periods have not been restated.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Group early adopted IFRIC 13, Customer loyalty programmes, which is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2008. The impact of the adoption of IFRIC 13 on the 2008 consolidated financial statements was disclosed in Note 3 to the Group’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Further details of the accounting policy are set out in Note 2(v)(ii).
(b) Change in accounting policy for property, plant and equipment
Under IFRSs, the Group has the option to use the revaluation model or historical cost model to account for its property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”).  Previously, the Group adopted the revaluation model in accordance with IAS 16.  In 2009, the Group changed its IFRS accounting policy in respect of PP&E from the revaluation model to the historical cost model to increase the relevance of financial data to the users of the consolidated financial statements for the following factors:
The alignment of the Group’s accounting policy with industry peers - management considers that the historical cost model will improve comparability of certain financial performance data and results of operations of the Group with other airlines.  The valuation model is not commonly used by leading global airlines and the valuation data is generally not relevant to the operation of airlines except upon disposal of aircraft or assessment of impairment of aircraft.
Increased comparability between finance and operating leased aircraft – under the old policy the depreciation cost of a finance leased aircraft was based on the revalued amount whereas operating lease payments are based on cost as aircraft held under operating leases are not recognised as assets subject to valuation.  Management therefore considers that the change to the cost model increases the level of consistency in accounting for aircraft which are not distinguished from an operational perspective.
The high degree of subjectivity and risk of cyclical volatility associated with external valuation and second hand aircraft fair values – the market value of second hand aircraft can be volatile and is statedinfluenced by transactions in global markets that may have little relevance to the operating environment in China. Management does not believe that financial statements that reflect, often subjective, movements in second hand values provide meaningful information to investors.

F-29

3Changes in accounting policies (continued)
(b)Change in accounting policy for property, plant and equipment (continued)
This change in accounting policy has been accounted for retrospectively, and the comparative financial information has also been restated.  This change in accounting policy has no effect on reported profit or loss, total income and expenses or net assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  The change in accounting policy only resulted in changes in the cost and accumulated depreciation of sales tax. An analysisthe PP&E of turnoverthe same amount with no profit or loss effect as shown in Note 20.  As the effect of change in accounting policy was not material to the consolidated financial statements, no comparative balance sheet as at January 1, 2008 is as follows:presented.
4Traffic revenue

  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Traffic revenue       
Passenger  49,600  41,549  34,328 
Cargo and mail  3,697  3,538  3,091 
           
   53,297  45,087  37,419 
           
Other operating revenue          
Commission income  281  238  237 
General aviation income  108  91  77 
Ground services income  241  184  195 
Air catering income  81  50  25 
Rental income  119  107  69 
Others  375  462  271 
           
   1,205  1,132  874 
           
   54,502  46,219  38,293 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Passenger  48,488   42,808   44,589 
Cargo and mail  2,493   2,908   3,248 
Fuel surcharge income  1,986   8,197   5,359 
   52,967   53,913   53,196 
 
Pursuant to various sales tax rules and regulations, the Group is required to pay sales tax (including business tax and other surcharges) to national and local tax authorities at the rate of approximately 3% of the traffic revenue in respect of domestic flights and outbound international, Hong Kong, Macau and MacauTaiwan flights.  Pursuant to the “Notice of exemption of business tax on fuel surcharge for airline companies” issued jointly by the PRC Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation, the Group is exempted from business tax on fuel surcharge income received during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010.  Sales tax incurred by the Group during the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, netted off against revenue, amounted to RMB1,532 million (2008: RMB1,337 million; 2007: RMB1,574 million (2006: RMB1,300 million; 2005: RMB1,111 million). Traffic revenue is stated net of sales tax.
 
45
Flight operations expenses
Other operating revenue

  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Jet fuel costs  18,316  16,193  11,929 
Operating lease charges          
- Aircraft and flight equipment  3,735  3,027  2,497 
- Land and buildings  320  249  302 
Air catering expenses  1,350  1,170  1,150 
Aircraft insurance  207  274  283 
Flight personnel payroll and welfare  2,226  1,697  1,599 
Training expenses  517  389  373 
CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund contributions
  1,250  1,127  978 
Others  1,161  896  650 
           
   29,082  25,022  19,761 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Commission income  342   317   281 
General aviation income  197   133   108 
Ground services income  320   250   241 
Air catering income  112   107   81 
Rental income  116   120   119 
Expired sales in advance of carriage  350   276   273 
Aircraft lease income  83   -   - 
Others  315   172   102 
   1,835   1,375   1,205 

F-29

5
Maintenance expenses
  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Repairing and maintenance charges  4,111  3,585  4,153 
Maintenance materials  532  414  436 
           
   4,643  3,999  4,589 
6
Aircraft and traffic servicing expenses
  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Landing and navigation fees  6,030  5,343  4,977 
Ground service and other charges  2,130  1,720  1,557 
           
   8,160  7,063  6,534 
7
Promotion and sales expenses
  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Sales commissions  1,789  1,489  1,503 
Ticket office expenses  1,016  824  784 
Computer reservation services  385  307  292 
Advertising and promotion  108  43  32 
Others  180  148  169 
           
   3,478  2,811  2,780 
8
General and administrative expenses
  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
General corporate expenses  1,811  1,897  1,266 
Auditors’ remuneration  16  15  12 
Impairment on aircraft (Note 17(h))  109  
  
 
Other taxes and levies  47  29  37 
           
   1,983  1,941  1,315 

F-30

 
96
Depreciation and amortisation
Flight operations expenses

  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
Depreciation       
- Owned assets  4,232  3,678  3,292 
- Assets acquired under finance leases  1,365  1,321  1,128 
Amortisation of deferred credits  (71) (61) (20)
Other amortisation  28  33  40 
           
   5,554  4,971  4,440 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Jet fuel costs  16,390   23,086   18,316 
Operating lease charges            
 - Aircraft and flight equipment  4,740   4,166   3,735 
 - Land and buildings  383   361   320 
Air catering expenses  1,392   1,363   1,350 
Aircraft insurance  188   174   207 
Flight personnel payroll and welfare  2,622   2,490   2,226 
Training expenses  556   577   517 
Civil Aviation Administration of China            
(”CAAC”) Infrastructure Development            
Fund contributions  1,418   1,289   1,250 
Others  1,607   1,476   1,161 
   29,296   34,982   29,082 
 
107
Staff costs
Maintenance expenses

  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Salaries, wages and welfare  5,130  3,854  3,515 
Retirement scheme contributions  614  584  472 
Early retirement benefits (Note 36)  12  392  
 
           
   5,756  4,830  3,987 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Repair and maintenance charges  3,903   4,406   4,111 
Maintenance materials  543   484   532 
   4,446   4,890   4,643 
8Aircraft and traffic servicing expenses

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Landing and navigation fees  6,772   6,135   6,030 
Ground service and other charges  2,397   2,341   2,130 
   9,169   8,476   8,160 

F-31

9Promotion and sales expenses

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Sales commissions  2,539   1,853   1,789 
Ticket office expenses  1,055   1,055   1,016 
Computer reservation services  327   331   385 
Advertising and promotion  52   52   51 
Others  197   200   180 
   4,170   3,491   3,421 
10General and administrative expenses

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
General corporate expenses  1,760   1,973   1,811 
Auditors’ remuneration  16   16   16 
Other taxes and levies  68   52   47 
   1,844   2,041   1,874 
11Depreciation and amortisation

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Depreciation         
 - Owned assets  4,702   4,199   4,232 
 - Assets acquired under finance leases  1,260   1,560   1,365 
Amortisation of deferred benefits and gains  (71)  (71)  (71)
Other amortisation  80   58   28 
   5,971   5,746   5,554 
12Staff costs

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Salaries, wages and welfare  5,887   5,591   5,130 
Retirement scheme contributions  567   686   614 
Early retirement benefits (Note 42)  6   10   12 
   6,460   6,287   5,756 
 
Staff costs relating to flight operations, maintenance, aircraft and traffic servicing, promotion and sales and general and administrative expenses are also included in the respective total amounts disclosed separately in Notes 46 to 810 above.

F-32

 
1113
Interest expense

  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
        
Interest on bank and other loans wholly       
repayable within five years  1,986  1,675  995 
Interest on other loans  105  138  93 
Finance charges on obligations          
under finance leases  743  716  626 
Other interest expense (Note 36)  15  
  
 
Less: borrowing costs capitalised  558  (459) (98)
           
   2,291  2,070  1,616 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Interest on bank and other loans wholly         
repayable within five years  1,333   1,934   1,986 
Interest on other loans  120   30   105 
Finance charges on obligations            
under finance leases  471   678   743 
Other interest expense (Note 42)  14   19   15 
Less:  borrowing costs capitalised  (441)  (674)  (558)
   1,497   1,987   2,291 
 
The borrowing costs have been capitalised at rates ranging from 1.55% to 3.30% per annum in 2009 (2008: 5.17% to 5.28% per annum; 2007: 5.30% to 5.84% per annum in 2007 (2006: 5.29% to 5.61% per annum; 2005: 4.14% to 5.27% per annum).

F-31


12
Other income / (expenses), net
  
2007
RMB million
 
2006
RMB million
 
2005
RMB million
 
Gain / (loss) on sale of property, plant       
and equipment, net       
- Aircraft and spare engines  106  329  
 
- Other property, plant and equipment  24  4  (32)
           
   130  333  (32)
In 2007, the Group recognised a gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment of RMB106 million on selling of 11 MD82 aircraft, three MD82 spare engines and one Boeing 737-500 spare engine to certain independent third parties, being the excess of the sale proceeds over the carrying amounts of the assets and related disposal costs.
In 2006, the Group recognised a gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment of RMB329 million on selling of three Boeing 757-200 aircraft to certain independent third parties, being the excess of the sale proceeds over the carrying amounts of the assets and related disposal costs.
F-32

 
1314
Emoluments of directors, supervisors and senior management
 
Details of directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 2009 are set out below:

     Salaries,          
     allowances          
     and     Retirement    
  Directors’  benefits  Discretionary  scheme    
Name fees  in kind  bonuses  contributions  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
Executive directors               
Si Xian Min  -   698   -   40   738 
Li Wen Xin  -   608   -   40   648 
Wang Quan Hua  -   550   -   40   590 
Liu Bao Heng  -   550   -   40   590 
Tan Wan Geng  -   672   -   38   710 
Xu Jie Bo  -   572   -   38   610 
Chen Zhen You  -   572   -   38   610 
Zhang Zi Fang (Note (ii))  -   590   -   38   628 
                     
Supervisors                    
Sun Xiao Yi  -   550   -   40   590 
Yang Guang Hua (Note (iii))  -   407   -   17   424 
Zhang Wei  -   345   -   40   385 
Yang Yi Hua  -   266   -   38   304 
Liang Zhong Gao  -   269   -   38   307 
Li Jia Shi (Note (iv))  -   118   -   19   137 
                     
Independent                    
non-executive directors                    
Wang Zhi  50   - �� -   -   50 
Sui Guang Jun  100   -   -   -   100 
Gong Hua Zhang  100   -   -   -   100 
Lam Kwong Yu  88   -   -   -   88 
   338   6,767   -   504   7,609 

F-33

(a)14
Directors’Emoluments of directors, supervisors and supervisors’ emolumentssenior management (continued)
Details of directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 2008 are set out below:

     Salaries,          
     allowances          
     and     Retirement    
  Directors’  benefits  Discretionary  scheme    
Name fees  in kind  bonuses  contributions  Total 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
Executive directors               
Si Xian Min  -   857   -   60   917 
Li Wen Xin  -   596   -   80   676 
Wang Quan Hua  -   535   -   61   596 
Liu Bao Heng (Note (v))  -   -   -   -   - 
Tan Wan Geng  -   854   -   59   913 
Xu Jie Bo  -   711   -   57   768 
Chen Zhen You  -   711   -   55   766 
Liu Shao Yong (Notes (i) and (vi))  -   597   -   79   676 
Zhao Liu An (Notes (i) and (vii))  -   442   -   61   503 
                     
Supervisors                    
Sun Xiao Yi  -   535   -   61   596 
Yang Guang Hua  -   712   -   28   740 
Yang Yi Hua  -   292   -   53   345 
Liang Zhong Gao  -   296   -   54   350 
Zhang Wei (Note (viii))  -   282   -   61   343 
                     
Independent                    
non-executive directors                    
Wang Zhi  100   -   -   -   100 
Sui Guang Jun  100   -   -   -   100 
Gong Hua Zhang  100   -   -   -   100 
Lam Kwong Yu  89   -   -   -   89 
   389   7,420   -   769   8,578 

F-34

14Emoluments of directors, supervisors and senior management (continued)
 
Details of directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 2007 are set out below:

    
Salaries,
       
    
allowances
       
    
and
   
Retirement
   
  
Directors’
 
benefits
 
Discretionary
 
scheme
   
Name
 
fees
 
in kind
 
bonuses
 
contributions
 
Total
 
  RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 
                 
Executive directors
                
Liu Shao Yong (Note (i))    737  
  14  751 
Li Wen Xin  
  329  
  14  343 
Wang Quan Hua  
  597  
  14  611 
Zhao Liu An (Note (i))  
  576  
  14  590 
Si Xian Min  
  670  
  13  683 
Tan Wan Geng  
  542  
  13  555 
Xu Jie Bo  
  529  
  13  542 
Chen Zhen You  
  513  
  16  529 
                 
Supervisors
                
Sun Xiao Yi  
  597  
  14  611 
Yang Guang Hua  
  565  
  8  573 
Yang Yi Hua  
  209  
  16  225 
Liang Zhong Gao (Note (iii))  
  232  
  12  244 
Liu Biao (Note (iv))  
  134  
  2  136 
                 
Independent
                
non-executive directors
                
Peter Lok (Note (ii))  49  
  
  
  49 
Wei Ming Hai (Note (ii))  50  
  
  
  50 
Gong Hua Zhang (Note (iii))  50  
  
  
  50 
Wang Zhi  100  
  
  
  100 
Sui Guang Jun  100  
  
  
  100 
Lam Kwong Yu, Albert (Note (iii))  48  
  
  
  48 
                 
  
397
  
6,230
  
  
163
  
6,790
 

F-33

13
Emoluments of directors, supervisors and senior management (continued)
(a)
Directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments (continued)
Details of directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 2006 are set out below:
    
Salaries,
       
    
allowances
       
    
and
   
Retirement
   
  
Directors’
 
benefits
 
Discretionary
 
scheme
   
Name
 
fees
 
in kind
 
bonuses
 
contributions
 
Total
 
  RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 
Executive directors
                
Liu Shao Yong (Note (i))  
  472  
  14  486 
Li Wen Xin  
  87  
  3  90 
Wang Quan Hua  
  374  
  14  388 
Zhao Liu An (Note (i))  
  374  
  14  388 
Si Xian Min  
  442  
  13  455 
Tan Wan Geng  
  271  
  11  282 
Xu Jie Bo  
  357  
  13  370 
Chen Zhen You  
  253  
  13  266 
Zhou Yong Qian  
  146  
  3  149 
                 
Supervisors
                
Sun Xiao Yi  
  374  
  14  388 
Yang Guang Hua  
  374  50  13  437 
Yang Yi Hua  
  220  
  13  233 
                 
Independent
                
non-executive directors
                
Peter Lok  102  
  
  
  102 
Wei Ming Hai  100  
  
  
  100 
Wang Zhi  100  
  
  
  100 
Sui Guang Jun  100  
  
  
  100 
                 
   402  3,744  50  138  4,334 

F-34

13
Emoluments of directors, supervisors and senior management (continued)
(a)
Directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments (continued)
Details of directors’ and supervisors’ emoluments for the year ended December 31, 2005 are set out below:

   
Salaries,
           Salaries,          
   
allowances
           allowances          
   
and
   
Retirement
       and     Retirement    
 
Directors’
 
benefits
 
Discretionary
 
scheme
    Directors’  benefits  Discretionary  scheme    
Name
 
fees
 
in kind
 
bonuses
 
contributions
 
Total
  fees  in kind  bonuses  contributions  Total 
 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
           
Executive directors
                          
Liu Shao Yong (Note (i))  
 299 
 12 311 
Liu Ming Qi  
 242 
 10 252 
Peng An Fa  
 101 
 6 107 
Si Xian Min  -   670   -   13   683 
Li Wen Xin  -   329   -   14   343 
Wang Quan Hua  
 237 
 12 249   -   597   -   14   611 
Zhao Liu An (Note (i))  
 237 
 12 249 
Zhou Yong Qian  
 237 
 12 249 
Si Xian Min  
 281 
 12 293 
Zhou Yong Jin  
 127 
 2 129 
Tan Wan Geng  -   542   -   13   555 
Xu Jie Bo  
 226 
 12 238   -   529   -   13   542 
Wu Rong Nan  
 368 162 7 537 
Chen Zhen You  -   513   -   16   529 
Liu Shao Yong (Notes (i) and (vi))  -   737   -   14   751 
Zhao Liu An (Notes (i) and (vii))  -   576   -   14   590 
                                
Supervisors
                                
Sun Xiao Yi  
 237 
 12 249   -   597   -   14   611 
Yang Guang Hua  
 225 
 12 237   -   565   -   8   573 
Yang Yi Hua  
 48 70 11 129   -   209   -   16   225 
Liang Zhong Gao (Note (xi))  -   232   -   12   244 
Liu Biao (Note (ix) and (xi))  -   134   -   2   136 
                                
Independent
                                
non-executive directors
                                
Simon To (Note (v))  
 
 
 
 
 
Peter Lok  58 
 
 
 58 
Wei Ming Hai  58 
 
 
 58 
Peter Lok (Note (x))  49   -   -   -   49 
Wei Ming Hai (Note (x))  50   -   -   -   50 
Gong Hua Zhang (Note (xi))  50   -   -   -   50 
Wang Zhi  58 
 
 
 58   100   -   -   -   100 
Sui Guang Jun  58  
  
  
  58   100   -   -   -   100 
Lam Kwong Yu (Note (xi))  48   -   -   -   48 
              397   6,230   -   163   6,790 
  232  2,865  232  132  3,461 
 
Notes:
 
(i)The above amounts included salaries paid to these directors as pliotspilots of the Company.
 
(ii)(ii)Appointed on June 30, 2009.
(iii)Resigned on June 30, 2009.
(iv)Appointed on June 30, 2009.
(v)Appointed on December 29, 2008.
(vi)Resigned on December 12, 2008.
(vii)Resigned on September 19, 2008.
(viii)Appointed on June 25, 2008.
(ix)Resigned on January 18, 2008
(x)Retired on June 28, 2007.
 
(iii)Appointed on June 28, 2007.
(iv)(xi)Appointed on June 28, 2007 and resigned on January 18, 2008.
(v)Simon To received director’s fee of RMB1 during the year ended December 31, 2005.

F-35

 
1315Other net income
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Refund of CAAC infrastructure         
development fund  1,328   -   - 
Government subsidies  541   901   329 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale equity            
securities (Note 17(b))  78   -   - 
Gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant            
and equipment, net            
- Aircraft and spare engines  14   (20)  106 
- Other property, plant and equipment  17   (39)  24 
Others  11   (9)  (23)
   1,989   833   436 
Pursuant to the “Notice of refund of CAAC infrastructure development fund” jointly issued by CAAC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC in 2009, RMB1,328 million of CAAC infrastructure development fund paid for the period from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 was refunded during the year.
Emoluments of directors, supervisors and senior management (continued)
16Income tax (credit)/expense
 
(b)(a)
Individuals with highest emoluments
In 2007 and 2006, one of the five individuals (2006: none) with the highest emoluments are directors. The aggregate of the emoluments in respect of four (2006: five) individuals during the year are as follows:
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB’000 RMB’000 
      
Salaries, allowances and benefits in kind  3,162  2,680 
Retirement scheme contributions  50  58 
        
   
3,212
  
2,738
 
The emoluments of the four (2006: five) individuals with the highest emoluments are within the following band:
  
2007
 
2006
 
  
Number
 
Number
 
  
of individuals
 
of individuals
 
Nil to HK$1,000,000 (RMB972,700 equivalent       
(2006: RMB1,025,000 equivalent))  4  5 
14
Income tax expense
(a)
Income tax (credit)/expense in the consolidated income statements of operations

  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
PRC income tax          
Provision for the year  408  160  12 
Over-provision in prior year  (58) (16) 
 
           
   
350
  
144
  12 
Deferred tax (Note 23)  508  9  (19)
           
Income tax expense / (benefit)  
858
  
153
  
(7
)
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
PRC income tax         
Provision for the year  90   25   408 
Over-provision in prior year  -   (6)  (58)
   90   19   350 
Deferred tax (Note 26)            
Origination and reversal of            
temporary differences  327   232   301 
Utilisation of unused tax losses and            
deductible temporary differences            
not recognised in prior year            
(Note 16(b))  (512)  -   - 
Effect on deferred tax balances            
resulting from a change in tax rate  -   (189)  196 
   (185)  43   497 
Income tax (credit)/expense  (95)  62   847 
 
In respect of the Group’s overseas airline activities, the Group has either obtained exemptions from overseas taxation pursuant to the bilateral aviation agreements between the overseas governments and the PRC government, or has sustained tax losses in these overseas jurisdictions.  Accordingly, no provision for overseas tax has been made for both the current and prior years.

F-36

 
1416
Income tax (credit)/expense (continued)
 
(b)(a)
Reconciliation between actualIncome tax expense and calculated tax based on accounting profit at applicable tax rates
in the consolidated income statements (continued)
The Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC (“new tax law”) took effect on January 1, 2008 and the statutory income tax rate adopted by the Company and its subsidiaries has been changed from 33% to 25% with effect from January 1, 2008.
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
        
Profit / (loss) before taxation  2,923  357  (1,853)
           
           
Tax on profit before taxation, calculated          
at the rates applicable to profit in          
the tax jurisdiction concerned (Note i)  482  50  (271)
Adjustments for tax effect of:          
Non-deductible expenses  250  127  82 
Non-taxable income  
  
  (8)
Share of results of associates          
and jointly controlled entities  (36) (22) 37 
Tax losses not recognised  28  39  135 
Effect of change of tax rate (Note (ii))  196  (21) 
 
Over-provision in prior year  (58) (16) 
 
Others  (4) (4) 18 
           
Actual tax expense / (benefit)  
858
  
153
  
(7
)
Pursuant to the new tax law, the income tax rates of entities that previously enjoyed preferential tax rates of 15% and 18% have been revised to 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% and 25% for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 onwards respectively.
 
(b)          Reconciliation between actual tax (credit)/expense and calculated tax based on accounting profit/(loss) at applicable tax rates

  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Profit/(loss) before taxation  432   (4,724)  2,879 
             
Notional tax on profit/(loss) before taxation,            
calculated at the rates applicable to            
profit/(loss) in the tax jurisdictions            
concerned (Note (i))  87   (913)  474 
Adjustments for tax effect of:            
Non-deductible expenses  63   64   250 
Non-taxable income            
  - Share of results of associates            
    and jointly controlled entities  (76)  (38)  (36)
  - Others  (20)  -   - 
Recognition of taxable temporary            
difference on asset classified as held            
for sale  67   -   - 
Unused tax losses not recognised  216   566   28 
Deductible temporary differences            
not recognised  -   577   - 
Utilisation of unused tax losses and            
deductible temporary differences not            
recognised in prior year (Note 16(a)/Note (ii))  (512)  -   - 
Difference in tax rates (Note (ii))  81   -   - 
Effect of change in tax rate (Note (iii))  -   (189)  196 
Over provision in prior years  -   (6)  (58)
Others  (1)  1   (7)
Actual tax (credit)/expense  (95)  62   847 

Notes:
 
(i)The statutory income tax rate in the PRC is 33%. Headquarterheadquarters of the Company is taxed at a preferential rate of 18% (2006: 18%; 2005: 15%), and its certain branches are taxed at rates ranging from 20% to 25% (2008: 18% to 25%; 2007: 15% to 33%).  The subsidiaries of the Group are taxed at rates ranging from 15% to 25% (2008: 15% to 25%; 2007: 7.5% to 33% (2006: 15%).

F-37

16Income tax (credit)/expense (continued)
(b)          Reconciliation between actual tax (credit)/expense and calculated tax based on accounting profit/(loss) at applicable tax rates (continued)
 (ii)
The Company increased its retained earnings under PRC Accounting Standards for Business Enterprises (“PRC GAAP”) as a result of changes in accounting policies in 2003 and 2007.  As at December 31, 2008, the Company recognised deferred tax liabilities of RMB498 million and an income tax payable of RMB112 million in respect of the increase in retained earnings of RMB3,320 million in 2003 and RMB627 million in 2007, respectively in the financial statements prepared under IFRSs.  In 2009, the Company agreed with the local tax authority that the above deferred tax liabilities and income tax payable would be settled from 2009 to 33%; 2005: 15% to 33%).2011.
 
 (iii)(ii)On March 16,The deferred tax assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 have been remeasured for the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tenth National People’s Congress passed the Corporate Income Tax Law of the PRC (“newchange in applicable tax law”) which has taken effect from January 1, 2008. Asrates as a result of enactment of regulations governing administration of income tax among headquarters and branches in 2008, and the new tax law the statutory income tax rate currently adopted by the Company and its subsidiaries has changed from 33% to 25% with effect from January 1, 2008. Pursuant to new tax law, the income tax rates of entities that previously enjoyed preferential tax rates of 15% and 18% have been revised to 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% and 25% for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012certain detailed implementation rules in 2007, respectively.
 
The deferred tax assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2007 have been remeasured for the change in applicable tax rates as a result of the new tax law.
17Other comprehensive income
 
15(a)Tax effects relating to each component of other comprehensive income
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  Before-tax  Tax  Net-of-tax  Before-tax  Tax  Net-of-tax  Before-tax  Tax  Net-of-tax 
  amount  expense  amount  amount  benefit  amount  amount  expense  amount 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million  million  million  million  million  million 
Available-for-sales securities:                           
net movement in fair value reserve
  39   (9)  30   (248)  56   (192)  282   (64)  218 
(b)Reclassification adjustments relating to components of other comprehensive income
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Available-for-sale securities:         
Changes in fair value recognised         
during the year  117   (248)  282 
Reclassification adjustment for amount            
transferred to profit or loss:            
- gain on disposal (Note 15)  (78)  -     
Net deferred tax (debited)/credited to            
other comprehensive income            
(Note 26(a)) 
(9
  56   (64)
Net movement in the fair value reserve            
during the year recognised in other            
comprehensive income  30   (192)  218 
18Dividends
 
The board of directors of the Company does not recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2007.2009.
 
No dividend was paid in respect of the yearsyear ended December 31, 20062008 and 2005.2007.

F-37F-38

 
1619
EarningsEarnings/(loss) per share
 
The calculation of basic earningsearnings/(loss) per share for the year ended December 31, 20072009 is based on the profit / (loss) attributable to equity shareholders of the Company of RMB1,871RMB330 million (2006: RMB188(2008 loss of RMB4,823 million; 2005: RMB (1,848)2007 profit of RMB1,839 million) and the weighted average number of 7,084,842,000 shares in issue during the year of 4,374 million (2006: 4,374 million; 2005: 4,374 million)(2008 and 2007: 6,561,267,000 shares).

  2009  2008  2007 
  Million shares  Million shares  Million shares 
          
Issued ordinary shares at January 1  6,561   4,374   4,374 
Effect of bonus share issue (Note 43)  -   2,187   2,187 
Effect of issuance of A shares (Note 43)  263   -   - 
Effect of issuance of H shares (Note 43)  261   -   - 
Weighted average number of            
ordinary shares at December 31  7,085   6,561   6,561 
 
The amounts of diluted earnings per share are the same as basic earnings per share as there were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in existence for both the current and prior years.
17
Property, plant and equipment, net

      
Aircraft
 
Other
     
        
Acquired
 
flight
 
Machinery,
   
        
under
 
equipment,
 
equipment
   
  
Investment
     
finance
 
including
 
and
   
  
properties
 
Buildings
 
Owned
 
leases
 
rotables
 
vehicles
 
Total
 
  RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB 
  million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million
 
million 
Cost or valuation:
                      
At January 1, 2006  264  7,023  28,961  22,675  10,047  2,867  71,837 
Additions  -  -  843  4,037  769  339  5,988 
Transfer from construction                      
in progress  -  516  677  580  12  46  1,831 
Through the acquisition of                      
CSAHC Hainan                      
(Note 42(d))  -  34  39  -  41  17  131 
Reclassification on exercise                      
of purchase options  -  -  3,273  (3,273) -  -  - 
Reclassification  -  (172) -  -  -  172  - 
Disposals  -  (780) (580) (204) (575) (133) (2,272)
                       
At December 31, 2006  264  6,621  33,213  23,815  10,294  3,308  77,515 
                       
Representing:                      
Cost  264  6,266  27,420  19,475  8,120  2,824  64,369 
Valuation – 1996 (Note (b))  -  355  5,793  4,340  2,174  484  13,146 
                       
   264  6,621  33,213  23,815  10,294  3,308  77,515 
                       
At January 1, 2007  264  6,621  33,213  23,815  10,294  3,308  77,515 
Additions  2  159  1,149  4,340  698  282  6,630 
Transfer from construction                      
in progress  -  129  681  396  73  5  1,284 
Through the acquisition of                      
Nan Lung Freight                      
and Air Catering                      
(Note 42(b))  -  24  -  -  -  53  77 
Reclassification on exercise                      
of purchase options  -  -  2,705  (2,705) -  -  - 
Disposals  -  (141) (359) (63) (376) (200) (1,139)
                       
At December 31, 2007  266  6,792  37,389  25,783  10,689  3,448  84,367 
                       
Representing:                      
Cost  266  6,440  32,016  21,496  8,540  3,039  71,797 
Valuation – 1996 (Note (b))  -  352  5,373  4,287  2,149  409  12,570 
                       
   
266
  
6,792
  
37,389
  
25,783
  
10,689
  
3,448
  
84,367
 

F-38

17
Property, plant and equipment, net (continued)

      
Aircraft
 
Other
     
        
Acquired
 
flight
 
Machinery,
   
        
under
 
equipment,
 
equipment
   
  
Investment
     
finance
 
including
 
and
   
  
properties
 
Buildings
 
Owned
 
leases
 
rotables
 
vehicles
 
Total
 
  RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB 
  million million million million million million million 
Accumulated
                      
depreciation and
                      
impairment losses:
                      
At January 1, 2006  47  858  5,877  4,002  5,113  1,686  17,583 
Charge for the year  11  237  1,984  1,321  995  451  4,999 
Reclassification on exercise                      
of purchase options  -  -  1,034  (1,034) -  -  - 
Reclassification  -  (41) -  -  -  41  - 
Disposals  -  (56) (510) (204) (513) (119) (1,402)
                       
At December 31, 2006  58  998  8,385  4,085  5,595  2,059  21,180 
                       
At January 1, 2007  58  998  8,385  4,085  5,595  2,059  21,180 
Charge for the year  11  286  2,554  1,365  1,037  344  5,597 
Reclassification on exercise                      
of purchase options  -  -  878  (878) -  -  - 
Disposals  -  (27) (359) (63) (343) (168) (960)
Impairment loss for the year                      
(Note (h))  -  -  109  -  -  -  109 
                       
At December 31, 2007  69  1,257  11,567  4,509  6,289  2,235  25,926 
                       
Net book value:
                      
At December 31, 2007  197  5,535  25,822  21,274  4,400  1,213  58,441 
                       
At December 31, 2006  
206
  
5,623
  
24,828
  
19,730
  
4,699
  
1,249
  
56,335
 
(a)Most of the Group’s buildings are located in the PRC. The Group was formally granted the rights to use the thirty parcels of land in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Beihai, Changsha, Shantou, Haikou, Zhengzhou, Guiyang and Wuhan by the relevant PRC authorities for periods of 30 to 70 years, which expire between 2020 and 2068. For other land in the PRC on which the Group’s buildings are erected, the Group was formally granted the rights to use such land for periods of one to three years pursuant to various lease agreements between the Company and CSAHC. In this connection, rental payments totalling RMB22 million were paid to CSAHC during 2007 (2006: RMB22 million; 2005: RMB24 million) in respect of these leases.

F-39

 
1720Property, plant and equipment, net

        
Aircraft
  Other       
           Acquired  flight  Machinery,    
           under  equipment,  equipment    
  Investment        finance  including  and    
  properties  Buildings  Owned  leases  rotables  vehicles  Total 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million  million  million  million 
Cost:                     
                      
At January 1, 2008                     
-as previously reported  266   6,792   37,389   25,783   10,689   3,448   84,367 
-prior period adjustment  -   (223)  1,243   -   -   -   1,020 
-as restated (Note 3(b))  266   6,569   38,632   25,783   10,689   3,448   85,387 
Additions  -   36   683   288   739   307   2,053 
Transfer from construction                            
in progress (Note 21)  -   180   56   101   152   22   511 
Reclassification on exercise                            
of purchase options  -   -   4,784   (4,784)  -   -   - 
Reclassification in respect                            
of sale and lease back                            
(finance lease)  -   -   (640)  640   -   -   - 
Reclassification from                            
lease prepayments  98   -   -   -   -   -   98 
Disposals  -   (45)  (828)  (96)  (271)  (193)  (1,433)
Other reclassifications  412   (555)  -   190   (190)  143   - 
At December 31, 2008                            
(Restated, Note 3(b))  776   6,185   42,687   22,122   11,119   3,727   86,616 
                             
At January 1, 2009                            
(Restated, Note 3(b))  776   6,185   42,687   22,122   11,119   3,727   86,616 
Additions  -   67   4,490   2,326   1,067   402   8,352 
Transfer from construction                            
in progress (Note 21)  -   356   7,603   102   150   104   8,315 
Reclassification on exercise                            
of purchase options  -   -   2,586   (2,586)  -   -   - 
Reclassification to                            
lease prepayments  (12)  -   -   -   -   -   (12)
Disposals  -   (36)  (1,209)  (37)  (480)  (109)  (1,871)
Other reclassifications  (181)  179   (77)  -   77   2   - 
At December 31, 2009  583   6,751   56,080   21,927   11,933   4,126   101,400 

F-40


20Property, plant and equipment, net (continued)

        
Aircraft
  Other       
           Acquired  flight  Machinery,    
           under  equipment,  equipment    
  Investment        finance  including  and    
  properties  Buildings  Owned  leases  rotables  vehicles  Total 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million  million  million  million 
Accumulated                     
  depreciation and                     
  impairment losses:                     
                      
At January 1, 2008                     
-as previously reported  69   1,257   11,567   4,509   6,289   2,235   25,926 
-prior period adjustment  -   (223)  1,243   -   -   -   1,020 
-as restated (Note 3(b))  69   1,034   12,810   4,509   6,289   2,235   26,946 
Charge for the year  14   232   2,752   1,560   835   366   5,759 
Reclassification on exercise                            
of purchase options  -   -   2,050   (2,050)  -   -   - 
Reclassification in respect                            
of sale and lease back                            
(finance lease)  -   -   (15)  15   -   -   - 
Reclassification from                            
lease prepayments  6   -   -   -   -   -   6 
Disposals  -   (14)  (732)  (65)  (240)  (165)  (1,216)
Other reclassifications  47   (62)  -   50   (50)  15   - 
Impairment losses (Note (g))  -   3   1,741   50   90   -   1,884 
At December 31, 2008                            
(Restated, Note 3(b))  136   1,193   18,606   4,069   6,924   2,451   33,379 
                             
At January 1, 2009                            
(Restated, Note 3(b))  136   1,193   18,606   4,069   6,924   2,451   33,379 
Charge for the year  19   234   3,260   1,260   844   345   5,962 
Reclassification on exercise                            
of purchase options  -   -   1,354   (1,354)  -   -   - 
Reclassification to                            
lease prepayments  (1)  -   -   -   -   -   (1)
Disposals  -   (11)  (970)  (37)  (428)  (93)  (1,539)
Other reclassifications  (32)  31   (66)  -   66   1   - 
Impairment losses (Note (g))  -   -   -   -   26   -   26 
Impairment written off                            
on disposal  -   -   (97)  -   (3)  -   (100)
At December 31, 2009  122   1,447   22,087   3,938   7,429   2,704   37,727 
                             
Net book value:                            
At December 31, 2009  461   5,304   33,993   17,989   4,504   1,422   63,673 
At December 31, 2008  640   4,992   24,081   18,053   4,195   1,276   53,237 
(a)           Most of the Group’s buildings are located in the PRC.  The Group was formally granted the rights to use the thirty-two parcels of land in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Beihai, Changsha, Shantou, Haikou, Zhengzhou, Jilin, Guiyang and Wuhan, etc. by the relevant PRC authorities for periods of 30 to 70 years, which expire between 2020 and 2073.  For other land in the PRC on which the Group’s buildings are erected, the Group was formally granted the rights to use such land for periods of one to three years pursuant to various lease agreements between the Company and CSAHC.  In this connection, rental payments in respect of land use rights totalling RMB22 million were paid to CSAHC during 2009 (2008 and 2007: RMB22 million) in respect of these leases.

F-41

20Property, plant and equipment, net (continued)
 
(b)
In compliance with the PRC rules and regulations governing initial public offering of shares by PRC joint stock limited companies, the property, plant and equipment of the Group as at December 31, 1996 were revalued. This revaluation was conducted by Guangzhou Assets Appraisal Corp. (“GAAC”), a firm of independent valuers registered in the PRC, on a depreciated replacement cost basis, and approved by the China State-owned Assets Administration Bureau.
Subsequent to the 1996 revaluation, the property, plant(b)           As at December 31, 2009, certain aircraft, land use rights and equipmentinvestment properties of the Group are carried at revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation. Revaluation is performed periodically to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the balance sheet date. Based on a revaluation performed as of September 30, 2005, by Savills Valuation & Professional Services Limited, a firm of independent valuers, on a depreciated replacement cost basis, thewith an aggregate carrying value of property, plantapproximately RMB34,384  million (2008: RMB29,321 million) were mortgaged under certain loan and equipment did not differ materially from their fair value.lease agreements (Notes 33 and 35).
 
At December 31, 2007(c)           The Group leased out investment properties and 2006,certain flight training facilities under operating leases.  The leases typically run for an initial period of five to fifteen years, with an option to renew the carrying amountlease after that date at which time all terms are renegotiated.  None of such revalued property, plant and equipment approximated the historical carrying valueleases includes contingent rentals.  In this connection, rental income totalling RMB62 million (2008: RMB54 million; 2007: RMB49 million) was received by the Group during the year in respect of such assets had they been stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
(c)the leases.As at December 31, 2007, certain aircraft of the Group with an aggregate carrying value of approximately RMB32,976 million (2006: RMB30,075 million) were mortgaged under certain loan and lease agreements (Notes 29 and 30).
(d)The Group leased out investment properties and certain flight training facilities under operating leases. The leases typically run for an initial period of five to fifteen years, with an option to renew the lease after that date at which time all terms are renegotiated. None of the leases includes contingent rentals. In this connection, rental income totalling RMB49 million (2006: RMB49 million; 2005: RMB46 million) was received by the Group during the year in respect of the leases.
 
All properties held under operating leases that would otherwise meet the definition of investment property are classified as investment property.
 
The Group’s total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are receivable as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Within 1 year  49  49 
After 1 year but within 5 years  191  193 
After 5 years  198  245 
   
438
  
487
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 1 year  56   64 
After 1 year but within 5 years  182   203 
After 5 years  111   154 
   349   421 
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the cost and accumulated depreciationnet book value of the aircraft and flight training facilities leased out by the Group under the operating leases amounted to RMB160 million (2006: RMB160RMB52 (2008: RMB63 million). Depreciation
(d)           The investment properties are located in the PRC, where comparable market transactions are infrequent.  In the absence of the current or recent prices in an active market and alternative reliable estimates of fair value (for example, discounted cash flow projection) are not available, the Group could not reliably determine the fair value of the investment properties.
(e)           The Company entered into two separate arrangements (the “Arrangements”) with certain independent third parties during each of 2002 and 2003.  Under each of the Arrangements, the Company sold an aircraft and then immediately leased back the aircraft for an agreed period.  The Company has an option to purchase the aircraft at a pre-determined date.  In the event that the lease agreement is early terminated by the Company, the Company is liable to pay a pre-determined penalty to the lessor.  Provided that the Company complies with the lease agreements, the Company is entitled to the continued possession and operation of the aircraft.  Since the Company retains substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the aircraft and enjoys substantially the same rights to their use as before the Arrangements, no adjustment has been made to the property, plant and equipment.
(f)           As at December 31, 2009 and up to the date of approval of these financial statements, the Group is in the process of applying for the land use right certificates and property title certificates in respect of the properties located in Guangzhou (including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport), Xiamen, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Jilin, Dalian, Hunan, Xinjiang, Henan and Shenzhen, in which the Group has interests and for which such certificates have not been granted.  As at December 31, 2009, carrying value of such properties of the Group amounted to RMB2,638 million (2008: RMB2,331 million).  The directors of the Company are of the opinion that the use of and the conduct of operating activities at the properties referred to above are not affected by the fact that the Group has not yet obtained the relevant facilities recognised during the year totalled RMB14 million (2006: RMB28 million; 2005: RMB 20 million).land use right certificates and property title certificates.

F-40F-42

 
1720
Property, plant and equipment, net (continued)
 
(g)           During the year, in view of the age of the Group’s fleet of ATR72 aircraft, the Group determined to dispose of these aircraft and commenced its process of seeking buyers for these aircraft. As a result, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of these aircraft and related fleet assets. The carrying amount of the related fleet assets was written down by RMB26 million. The estimates of recoverable amounts were based on the assets’ fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to the recent observable market prices for the aircraft fleet and related fleet assets.
(e)The investment properties are located in the PRC, where comparable market transactions are infrequent. In the absence of the current or recent prices in an active market and alternative reliable estimates of fair value (for example discounted cash flow projection) are not available, the Group could not reliably determine the fair value of the investment properties.
In 2008, in view of the age and operating efficiency of the Group’s fleet of Boeing 777-200A aircraft, Airbus 300 aircraft and McDonnell Douglas 90 aircraft, the Group determined to dispose and commenced its process of seeking buyers for these aircraft.  As a result, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of these aircraft and the related fleet assets.  The carrying amount of the aircraft and the related fleet assets was written down by RMB1,590 million.  The estimates of recoverable amounts were based on the aircraft’s fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to observable market prices for the respective model of aircraft.  In addition, in 2008, there had been a decrease in demand of cargo transportation services as a result of the economic conditions, and that the operating efficiency of the Group’s cargo freighters Boeing 747 was not satisfactory due to lack of economy of scale for the existing small fleet of cargo freighters.  The Group assessed the recoverable amounts of its cargo freighters and the related fleet assets, the carrying amount of the cargo freighters was written down by RMB291 million.  The estimates of recoverable amounts were based on the aircraft’s fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to the observable market prices for the cargo freighters.
 
(f)The Company entered into two separate arrangements (the “Arrangements”) with certain independent third parties during each of 2002 and 2003. Under each of the Arrangements, the Company sold an aircraft and then immediately leased back the aircraft for an agreed period. The Company has an option to purchase the aircraft at a pre-determined date. In the event that the lease agreement is early terminated by the Company, the Company is liable to pay a pre-determined penalty to the lessor. Provided that the Company complies with the lease agreements, the Company is entitled to the continued possession and operation of the aircraft. Since the Company retains substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the aircraft and enjoys substantially the same rights to their use as before the Arrangements, no adjustment has been made to the property, plant and equipment.
(g)As at December 31, 2007, and up to the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements, the Group is in the process of applying for the land use right certificates and property title certificates in respect of the properties located in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Xiamen, Heilongjiang, Hainan, Jilin and Xinjiang, in which the Group has interests and for which such certificates have not been granted. As at December 31, 2007, carrying value of such properties of the Group amounted to RMB2,471 million (2006: RMB1,800 million). The directors of the Company are of the opinion that the use of and the conduct of operating activities at the properties referred to above are not affected by the fact that the Group has not yet obtained the relevant land use right certificates and property title certificates.
(h)In view of the age of the Group’s fleet of MD82 aircraft, the Group has disposed of 11 MD82 aircraft during the year and plans to dispose of its remaining fleet of MD82 aircraft. The Group has commenced its process of seeking buyers for its remaining 12 MD82 aircraft. As a result, the Group assessed the recoverable amounts of thesethe remaining 12 MD82 aircraft.  Based on this assessment, the carrying amount of the aircraft was written down by RMB109 million (Note 8).and recognised as an impairment loss during the year ended December 31, 2007.  The estimates of recoverable amount were based on the aircraft'saircraft’s fair value less costs to sell, determined by reference to the recent observable market prices for MD82 aircraft.
 
1821
Construction in progress

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
At 1 January  9,587  6,895 
Additions  6,004  4,563 
Transferred to property,       
plant and equipment  (1,284) (1,831)
Other decrease (Note)  (2,922) (40)
        
At December 31  11,385  9,587 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  17,321   11,385 
Additions  9,070   10,711 
Transferred to property, plant        
and equipment (Note 20)  (8,315)  (511)
Transferred to other assets upon        
completion of development  (17)  (112)
Transferred out in respect of sales and        
lease back of aircraft  -   (4,135)
Other decrease  -   (17)
At December 31  18,059   17,321 

F-41F-43

 
1821
Construction in progress (continued)
 
The construction in progress as at December 31, 20072009 mainly related to advance payments for acquisition of aircraft and flight equipment and progress payments for other construction projects at the Guangzhou, Hainan, Shenzhen and Fuzhou airports, Shanghai Pudong Airport Base, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Base and Beijing Branch.
 
Note:As at December 31, 2009, advance payments for acquisition of aircraft of the Group of approximately RMB7,601million (2008: RMB6,337 million) were mortgaged under certain loan agreements (Note 33).
 
Certain software systems to be used in the Group’s operation were transferred to other assets upon completion of the development of relevant systems.
During the year,In 2008, the Company entered into agreements with certain third partiesparty lessors to sell nine14 aircraft to third partiesthe lessors prior to the deliveries of these aircraft and then lease back the aircraft from the then lessors in the form of operating leases.  TheUpon delivery of aircraft, the advance payments paid to aircraft manufacturers and the related interest costs capitalised as construction in progress in respect of the nine aircraft accumulated immediately prior to the deliveries of aircraftincluded in construction in progress were transferred out to calculate the gain or loss on sales and leaseback.lease back.
 
1922
Interest in associates
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Share of net assets  219  149 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Share of net assets  257   235 
 
DetailsThe details of the Group’s principal associates are set out in Note 52,58, all of which are unlisted corporate entities.
 
Summary of financial information on associates:


 
100 Percent
 
Group’s effective interest
  100 Percent  Group’s effective interest 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007 
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
 million million million million million million  million  million  million  million  million  million 
                               
Non-current assets  7,713 6,042   2,946 2,319     11,190   9,587      4,210   3,546    
Current assets  3,116 2,281   633 502     3,597   5,524      986   1,158    
Non-current liabilities  (4,597) (3,525)   (1,789) (1,372)     (7,347)  (6,314)     (2,861)  (2,460)   
Current liabilities  (5,366) (4,110)    (1,571) (1,300)     (6,837)  (8,213)     (2,229)  (2,135)   
Net assets  603   584      106   109    
Net liabilities not                      
shared by the Group             151   126    
                                    
Net assets  866  688    219  149   
             257   235    
                                    
Revenue  5,635 4,485 3,314 2,184 1,727 1,318   7,123   5,761   5,635   2,750   2,234   2,184 
Expenses  (5,471) (4,487) (3,837) (2,127) (1,722) (1603)  (7,009)  (6,071)  (5,471)  (2,715)  (2,312)  (2,127)
              
Profit / (loss) for the year  164  (2) (523) 57  5  (285)
Profit/(loss) for the year  114   (310)  164   35   (78)  57 
Net loss not                        
shared by the Group              34   66   - 
The Group’s share of associates’ results              69   (12)  57 
 
During the year, an associate of the Group was in a net liability position.  The Group only shared its losses up to the Group’s investment cost in the associate.

F-44


2023
Interest in jointly controlled entities

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Share of net assets  873  870 

F-42

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Share of net assets  728   1,048 
 
20
Interest in jointly controlled entities (continued)
DetailsThe details of the Group’s principal jointly controlled entities are set out in Note 52,58, all of which are unlisted corporate entities.  Major changes in investments in jointly controlled entities during the year are summarised below:
·During the year, the Company acquired 50% equity interest in a jointly controlled entity of the Company, Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Services Company Limited (“Beijing Ground Services”) from the other venturer, which has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The carrying amount of Beijing Ground Services was RMB18 million as at December 31, 2009.
·During the year, the Company entered into an agreement with CSAHC to dispose of its entire equity interest in MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd. (“MTU”) with carrying amount of RMB529 million to CSAHC.  As at December 31, 2009, the investment in MTU was classified as asset held for sale.  Please refer to Note 32 for more details
 
Summary of financial information on jointly controlled entities:

  
Group’s effective interest
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
        
Non-current assets  1,140  925    
Current assets  1,186  1,111    
Non-current liabilities  (1,185) (335)   
Current liabilities  (268) (831)   
           
Net assets  873  870    
           
Revenue  1,885  1,464  1,115 
Expenses  (1,762) (1,349) (1,079)
           
Profit for the year  
123
  
115
  
36
 
  Group’s effective interest 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Non-current assets  812   986    
Current assets  547   1,226    
Non-current liabilities  (231)  (291)   
Current liabilities  (400)  (873)   
Net assets  728   1,048    
            
Revenue  1,973   2,382   1,885 
Expenses  (1,759)  (2,212)  (1,762)
Profit for the year  214   170   123 
 
2124
Other investments in equity securities
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Unlisted equity       
securities, at cost  168  261 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Unlisted equity securities, at cost  166   166 
 
Dividend income from unlisted securities of the Group amounted to RMB10 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 (2006: RMB72009 (2008: RMB13 million; 2005: RMB 42007: RMB10 million).

F-45

25Available-for-sale equity securities
 
22
Available-for-sale equity securities
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Available-for-sale securities       
-Listed in the PRC  362  69 
        
        
Market value of       
listed securities  
362
  
69
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Available-for-sale securities      
- Listed in the PRC  93   114 
         
Market value of listed securities
  93   114 
 
During the year, the Group disposed of certain equity securities with carrying amount of RMB138 million and recorded a gain on re-measurementdisposal of the fair value, net of tax, of the Group’s available-for-sale securities was recognised directly in equity amounted to RMB183RMB78 million.
 
Dividend income from listed securities of the Group amounted to RMB2 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 (2006:2009 (2008: RMB1 million; 2005: RMB Nil)2007: RMB2 million).
26Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
(a)Movements of net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  (594)  (607)
Credited/(charged) to profit or loss (Note (16(a))  185   (43)
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive        
income (Note (17(b))  (9)  56 
Transfer to income tax payable  44   - 
At December 31  (374)  (594)

F-43F-46

 
2326
Deferred tax assets / assets/(liabilities)
(continued)
 
Movements of net deferred tax assets /
(b)The components of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognised are analysed as follows:
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Deferred tax assets:      
Accrued expenses  599   574 
Deferred revenue  118   136 
Others  52   53 
Total deferred tax assets  769   763 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Accrued expenses  (334)  (278)
Depreciation allowances in excess of the        
related depreciation  (672)  (1,071)
Change in fair value of available-for-sale        
equity securities  (17)  (8)
Asset classified as held for sale  (67)  - 
Others  (53)  - 
Total deferred tax liabilities  (1,143)  (1,357)
Net deferred tax liabilities  (374)  (594)

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
At January 1  (277) (268)
(Charged) / credited to consolidated       
statements of operations (Note 14(a))  
(508
) (9)
Charged to equity  (64) 
 
Transfer to income tax payable  112  
 
        
At December 31  
(737
)
 
(277
)
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Net deferred tax asset recognised on      
the consolidated balance sheet  479   167 
Net deferred tax liability recognised        
on the consolidated balance sheet  (853)  (761)
   (374)  (594)

F-47

 
The deferred tax assets / (liabilities) at December 31, 2007 were made up of the following tax effects:
26Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) (continued)
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Deferred tax assets:       
Repair charges capitalised  
  203 
Accrued expenses  506  465 
Others  46  38 
        
Total deferred tax assets  552  706 
        
Deferred tax liabilities:       
Accrued expenses  (177) (105)
Depreciation allowances in excess of the       
related depreciation  (1,048) (878)
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities  (64) 
 
        
Total deferred tax liabilities  (1,289) (983)
        
   (737) (277)

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Net deferred tax asset recognised on       
the consolidated balance sheet  11  95 
Net deferred tax liability recognised       
on the consolidated balance sheet  (748) (372)
        
   (737) (277)
(c)Deferred tax assets not recognised
 
At December 31, 2007, the Group’s gross amount of2009, deferred tax assets were not recognised in relation to certain unused tax losses not expected to be utilised was RMB401 million (2006: RMB423 million).and other deductible temporary differences. The unrecognised unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences are analysed as follows:

F-44

  2009  2008 
  RMB  RMB 
  million  million 
       
Tax losses  1,720   3,251 
Other deductible temporary differences:        
- Accrued expenses  499   637 
- Provision for impairment losses  1,916   1,990 
   2,415   2,627 
   4,135   5,878 
 
23
Deferred tax assets / (liabilities) (continued)
At December 31, 2009, the Group’s deductible temporary differences amounting to RMB2,415 million (2008: RMB2,627 million) have not been recognised as deferred tax assets as it was determined by management that it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available for these deductible temporary differences to reverse in the foreseeable future.
 
Tax losses in the PRC are available for carry forward to set off future PRC assessable incomeincomes for a maximum period of five years.  Of the RMB401 millionThe Group’s unused tax losses at December 31, 2007, approximately RMB309of RMB1,720 million and RMB92 million will expire in 2011 and 2012 respectively. In accordance with accounting policy set out in Note 2(u), the Group had(2008: RMB3,251 million) have not been recognised as deferred tax asset in respect of these unused tax lossesassets, as it was determined by management that it is not probable that future taxable profits against which the losses can be utilised will be available before they expire.  The expiry dates of unrecognised unused tax losses are analysed as follows:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Expiring in:      
       
2011  309   309 
2012  92   92 
2013  373   2,850��
2014  946   - 
   1,720   3,251 

F-48

 
2427
Other assets
 
Other assets of the Group mainly include lump sum housing benefits (Note 40)46(b)(ii)), computer software systems used for airline operation and prepayment for exclusive use right of an airport terminal.
 
Movements of lump sum housing benefit,benefits, computer software and prepayment for exclusive use of right of an airport terminal are as follows:
      
Prepayment
 
      
for exclusive
 
  
Lump sum
   
use right of
 
  
housing
   
an airport
 
  
benefit
 
Software
 
terminal
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
        
At January 1, 2006  171  92  
 
Additions  
  2  
 
Amortisation  (26) (27) 
 
           
At December 31, 2006  145  67  
 
At January 1, 2007  145  67  
 
Additions  
  101  150 
Amortisation  (26) (19) 
 
           
At December 31, 2007  
119
 
149
  
150
 
        Prepayment 
        for exclusive 
  Lump sum     use right of 
  housing  Computer  an airport 
  benefits  software  terminal 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
At January 1, 2008  119   149   150 
Additions  -   1   - 
Amortisation for the year  (26)  (41)  - 
At December 31, 2008  93   109   150 
             
At January 1, 2009  93   109   150 
Additions  -   32   150 
Amortisation for the year  (26)  (45)  - 
At December 31, 2009  67   96   300 
 
2528
Financial assets / liabilities
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Foreign exchange forward option  44   116 
Further disclosure of the financial derivative instruments are set out in Note 49(c) and (f).
(a)29
Financial assets
Inventories
 
2007
2006
RMB millionRMB million
Fuel option2

F-45

25
Financial assets / liabilities (continued)
(b)
Financial liabilities
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Fuel option  
  26 
Foreign exchange forward option  5  
 
   
5
  
26
 
The above financial derivative instruments are held for trading.
26
Inventories
 
2007
 
2006
  2009  2008 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
           
Expendable spare parts and maintenance materials  1,087  1,236   1,112   1,094 
Other supplies  126  79   144   135 
  
1,213
  
1,315
   1,256   1,229 
 
The analysis of the amount of inventories recognised as an expense and included in profit or loss is as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
        
Consumption  836  694  720 
Write-down of inventories  101  161  209 
   
937
  
855
  
929
 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Consumption  887   828   836 
Write-down of inventories  30   189   101 
   917   1,017   937 
 
Inventories hadhave been written down as a result of fleet adjustmentadjustments during the current and prior years.
27
Trade receivables
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Trade receivables  1,999  1,552 
Allowance for doubtful debts  (33) (40)
   1,966  1,512 

F-46F-49

 
2730
Trade receivables (continued)
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Trade receivables  1,389   1,348 
Allowance for doubtful debts  (30)  (31)
   1,359   1,317 
(a)
Ageing analysis
 
Credit terms granted by the Group to sales agents and other customers generally range from one to three months.  An ageing analysis of trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful debts, is set out below:
 
2007
 
2006
  2009  2008 
 RMB million RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
           
Within 1 month  1,803  1,355   1,191   1,123 
More than 1 month but less than 3 months  144  131   147   182 
More than 3 months but less than 12 months  18  24   21   11 
More than 12 months  1  2   -   1 
  
1,966
  
1,512
   1,359   1,317 
 
All of the trade receivables are expected to be recovered within one year.
 
(b)
Impairment of trade receivables
 
Impairment loss in respect of trade receivables is recorded using an allowance account unless the Group is satisfied that recovery of the amount is remote, in which case the impairment loss is written off against trade receivables directly.
 
The movements in the allowance for doubtful debts during the year are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
At January 1  40  42 
Impairment loss recognised  2  7 
Uncollectible amounts written off  (9) (9)
At December 31  
33
  
40
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  31   33 
Impairment loss recognised  14   - 
Impairment loss written back  (13)  - 
Uncollectible amounts written off  (2)  (2)
At December 31  30   31 
 
(c)
Trade receivables that are not impaired
 
The ageing analysis of trade receivables that is neither individually nor collectively considered to be impaired is as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Neither past due nor impaired  
1,947
  
1,486
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Neither past due nor impaired  1,338   1,305 
 
Trade receivables that were neither past due nor impaired relate to customers for whom there was no recent history of default.

F-47F-50

 
2831
Cash and cash equivalents
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Deposits with banks  1,111  26 
Cash at bank and on hand  2,713  2,238 
Cash and cash equivalents  
3,824
  
2,264
 
(a)Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Deposits with banks  1,116   1,998 
Cash at bank and in hand  3,227   2,651 
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet  4,343   4,649 
 
Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited (“SA Finance”) is a PRC authorised financial institution controlled by CSAHC and is an associate of the Group.  In accordance with the financial agreement dated May 22, 1997, as revised subsequently on December 31, 2004 and November 15, 2007 between the Company and SA Finance, all of the Group’s deposits accepted by SA Finance werewould be simultaneously placed with several designated major PRC banks by SA Finance.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s deposits with SA Finance amounted to RMB906RMB862 million (2006: RMB629(2008: RMB1,139 million) (Note 39(d)45(d)).

F-51

 
2931Cash and cash equivalents (continued)

(b) Reconciliation of profit/(loss) before taxation to cash generated from operations:

     2009  2008  2007 
  Note  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
             
Profit/(loss) before taxation     432   (4,724)  2,879 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 20   5,962   5,759   5,597 
Other amortisation 11   80   58   28 
Amortisation of deferred benefits and gains 11   (71)  (71)  (71)
Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment      26   1,884   109 
Share of associates’ results 22   (69)  12   (57)
Share of jointly controlled entities’ results 23   (214)  (170)  (123)
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment, net 15   (31)  59   (130)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale equity securities 15   (78)  -   - 
Gain on sale of other investment in equitiy securities     -   -   (107)
Gain on sale of a jointly controlled entity     -   (143)  - 
Gain on sale of equity interest in subsidiaries     -   (37)  (7)
Interest income     (68)  (103)  (73)
Interest expense 13   1,497   1,987   2,291 
(Gain)/Loss on derivative financial instruments, net     (45)  124   (90)
Dividend income from other investments in equity securities     (14)  (14)  (12)
Unrealised exchange gain, net     (70)  (2,649)  (2,832)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories     (27)  (16)  108 
(Increase)/decrease in trade receivables     (42)  649   (349)
(Increase)/decrease in other receivables     (15)  203   156 
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets     (91)  (28)  (8)
(Decrease)/increase in net amounts due to related companies     (48)  15   (50)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and bills payables     3,639   (491)  (95)
(Decrease) /increase in sales in advance of carriage     (48)  353   451 
(Decrease)/increase in accrued expenses     (49)  1,274   1,790 
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities     353   (36)  245 
Increase in deferred revenue     204   116   98 
Increase/(decrease) in provision for major overhauls     8   262   (122)
Decrease in provision for early retirement benefits     (31)  (51)  (76)
Increase in deferred benefits and gains     42   34   148 
Cash generated from operations     11,232   4,256   9,698 

F-52

32Asset classified as held for sale
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Share of net assets  529   - 
In accordance with a Transfer Agreement dated September 28, 2009 and a Supplemental Transfer Agreement dated December 29, 2009, entered into between the Company and CSAHC, the Company agreed to sell and CSAHC agreed to acquire the 50% equity interest in MTU, a jointly controlled entity of the Company.  As at December 31, 2009, the sale was approved by the State Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the PRC and shareholders of Company and was pending approval by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC.  The sales was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC in January 2010, and the Company received the acquisition consideration from CSAHC in full in February 2010.
33Bank and other loans
 
(a)
At December 31, 2007,2009, bank and other loans were repayable as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Within 1 year or on demand  24,948  23,822 
        
After 1 year but within 2 years  2,740  2,986 
After 2 years but within 5 years  4,289  4,533 
After 5 years  2,045  2,499 
        
   9,074  10,018 
 34,022 33,840

F-48

29
Bank and other loans (continued)
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 1 year or on demand  17,452   22,178 
         
After 1 year but within 2 years  8,223   6,104 
After 2 years but within 5 years  12,038   10,343 
After 5 years  7,614   982 
   27,875   17,429 
   45,327   39,607 
 
(b)
At December 31, 2007,2009, bank and other loans are analysed as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Short-term bank loans  21,313  19,908 
Long-term bank and other loans due within       
one year (classified as current liabilities)  3,635  3,914 
   24,948  23,822 
Long-term bank and other loans due after one       
year (classified as non-current liabilities)  9,074  10,018 
   34,022  33,840 
Representing:       
Bank loans  34,019  33,818 
Other loans  3�� 22 
   
34,022
  
33,840
 
(c)
As at December 31, 2007, the Group’s weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 5.14% per annum (2006: 5.77% per annum).
Subsequent to December 31, 2007 through March 31, 2008, the Group renewed certain short-term bank loans of RMB3,179 million. The renewed bank loans are unsecured, bear interest at floating rates ranging from 6-month LIBOR + 0.50% to 1.80% per annum and are repayable within one year from their respective renewal dates.
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Short-term bank loans  11,012   18,232 
Long-term bank and other loans due within        
one year (classified as current liabilities)  6,440   3,946 
   17,452   22,178 
Long-term bank and other loans due after one        
year (classified as non-current liabilities)  27,875   17,429 
   45,327   39,607 
         
Representing:        
Bank loans  45,324   39,604 
Other loans  3   3 
   45,327   39,607 

F-49F-53

 
2933
Bank and other loans (continued)
 
(c)          As at December 31, 2009, the Group’s weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 1.18% per annum (2008: 4.48% per annum).
(d)
Details of bank and other loans with original maturity over one year are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Renminbi denominated loans
Non-interest bearing loan from a municipal government authority
  3  3 
        
Floating interest rates ranging from 5.58% to 6.72% per annum as at December 31, 2007, with maturities through 2012  383  325 
        
United States Dollars denominated loans
Fixed interest rates ranging from 4.43% to 7.48% per annum as at December 31, 2007, with maturities through 2015
  1,337  1,863 
        
Floating interest rates ranging from 3-month LIBOR + 0.50% to 0.75% per annum as at December 31, 2007, with maturities through 2010  1,527  1,727 
        
Floating interest rates ranging from 6-month LIBOR + 0.28% to 1.20% per annum as at December 31, 2007, with maturities through 2017  9,459  9,995 
        
Hong Kong Dollars denominated loans
Non-interest bearing loan from a minority shareholder repayable within five years (Note 39(g))
  
  19 
        
   12,709  13,932 
Less: loans due within one year classified as current liabilities  (3,635) (3,914)
        
   9,074  10,018 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Renminbi denominated loans      
Non-interest bearing loan from a      
municipal government authority  3   3 
         
Floating interest rates ranging from 90% to 91% of        
benchmark interest rate (stipulated by PBOC) as        
at December 31, 2009, with maturities through 2013  5,660   7,647 
         
United States Dollars denominated loans        
Fixed interest rates ranging from 3.26% to 7.20%        
per annum as at December 31, 2009, with        
maturities through 2015  772   994 
         
Floating interest rates ranging from 1-month        
LIBOR + 0.50% to 1.20% per annum as at        
December 31, 2009, with maturities through 2019  4,681   - 
         
Floating interest rates ranging from 3-month        
LIBOR + 0.45% to 1.20% per annum as at        
December 31, 2009, with maturities through 2019  13,937   1,343 
         
Floating interest rates ranging from 6-month        
LIBOR + 0.30% to 2.30% per annum as at        
December 31, 2009, with maturities through 2019  9,262   11,388 
   34,315   21,375 
Less:  loans due within one year classified        
as current liabilities  (6,440)  (3,946)
   27,875   17,429 

F-50F-54

29
Bank and other loans (continued)
(e)
The remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date of the Group’s bank and other loans, which are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payments computed using contractual rates, or if floating, based on rates current at the balance sheet date) and the earliest date the Group can be required to pay, are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Within 1 year  26,233  25,248 
After 1 year but within 2 years  3,157  3,513 
After 2 years but within 5 years  4,899  5,348 
After 5 years  2,215  2,779 
   36,504  36,888 
(f)As at December 31, 2007, bank and other loans of the Group totalling RMB8,583 million (2006: RMB8,726 million) were secured by mortgages over certain of the Group’s aircraft with carrying amount of RMB11,703 million (2006: RMB10,345 million).
(g)As at December 31, 2007, certain bank and other loans were guaranteed by the following parties:
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Guarantors
       
Industrial Commercial Bank of China  46  79 
Export-Import Bank of the United States  516  828 
Bank of China  
  74 
CSAHC  1,176  1,484 
Shenzhen Yingshun Investment       
Development Company Ltd.  22  22 
SA Finance  3  5 
Industrial Bank Co., Ltd.  
  48 
Huaxia Bank Co., Ltd.  657  
 
   2,420  2,540 
(h)As at December 31, 2007, loans to the Group from SA Finance amounted to RMB329 million (2006: RMB300 million) (Note 39(d)).
(i)As at December 31, 2007, the Group had banking facilities with several PRC commercial banks for providing loan finance up to approximately RMB50,262 million (2006: RMB49,041 million), of which approximately RMB29,338 million (2006: RMB28,295 million) was utilised.

F-51

 
2933
Bank and other loans (continued)
 
(j)(e)          The remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date of the Group’s bank and other loans, which are based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payments computed using contractual rates, or if floating, based on rates current at the balance sheet date) and the earliest date the Group can be required to pay, are as follows:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Contractual undiscounted cash flows      
       
Within 1 year  18,141   23,478 
After 1 year but within 2 years  8,640   6,752 
After 2 years but within 5 years  12,461   10,792 
After 5 years  7,866   1,035 
   47,108   42,057 
         
Consolidated balance sheet carrying amounts  45,327   39,607 
(f)          As at December 31, 2009, bank and other loans of the Group totalling RMB17,677 million (2008: RMB9,188 million) were secured by mortgages over certain of the Group’s aircraft, advance payments for aircraft, lease prepayments of land use right and investment properties with aggregate carrying amount of RMB23,996 million (2008: RMB17,652million).
(g)          As at December 31, 2009, certain bank and other loans were guaranteed by the following parties:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Guarantors      
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd.  -   15 
Export-Import Bank of the United States  149   304 
CSAHC (Note 45(e))  512   783 
Shenzhen Yingshun Investment & Development Co., Ltd.  -   22 
SA Finance (Note 45(e))  -   1 
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd.  -   438 
China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd.  -   629 
   661   2,192 
(h)          As at December 31, 2009, loans to the Group from SA Finance amounted to RMB819 million (2008: RMB2,539 million) (Note 45(d)).
(i)
The exchange rate of Renminbi to US dollar was set by the PBOC and had fluctuated within a narrow band prior to July 21, 2005. Since July 21, 2005, a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies has been used and US dollar exchange rate has declined against the Renminbi since then.           The Group has significant bank and other loans balances as well as obligations under finance leases (Note 35) which are denominated in US dollars as at December 31, 2009. The net exchange gain of RMB93 million (2008: RMB2,592 million; 2007: RMB2,832 million) recorded by the Group was mainly attributable to the exchange gain arising from retranslation and settlement of bank and other loans balances and finance lease obligations denominated in US dollars and Japanese Yen.  The foreign currency risk is further discussed in Note 49(c).
(j)           As at December 31, 2008, short-term bank loans of the Group amounting to RMB37 million were secured by pledged bank deposits of RMB51 million.

F-55

33Bank and other loans balances as well as obligations under finance leases (Note 30) which are denominated in US dollars. The net exchange gain of RMB2,832 million (2006: RMB1,492 million; 2005: RMB1,220 million) recorded by the Group was mainly attributable to the exchange gain arising from retranslating bank and other loans balances and finance lease obligations denominated in US dollars. The foreign currency risk is further discussed in Note 43(c).(continued)
 
(k)          As at December 31, 2009, a long-term loan of RMB10 million (2008: RMB10 million) was granted by SA Finance to a subsidiary of the Company.  The loan was secured by the trade receivables of the subsidiary due from the Company during the loan period.  As at December 31, 2009, the balance of the trade receivables of the subsidiary due from the Company amounted to RMB21 million (2008: RMB8 million).
3034Short-term financing bills
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Short-term financing bills  -   2,000 
In October 2008, the Group issued short-term financing bills with total value of RMB2,000 million, bearing coupon interest rate at 4.7%, with a maturity period of one year for funding of the business activities of the Company. The short-term financing bills were fully repaid in October 2009.
35Obligations under finance leases
 
The Group have commitments under finance lease agreements in respect of aircraft and related equipment.  The majority of these leases have terms of 10 to 1512 years expiring during the years 20082011 to 2022.2019.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, future payments under these finance leases are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  
Obligations
 
Payments
 
Interest
 
Obligations
 
Payments
 
Interest
 
  RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB RMB 
  million million million million million million 
              
Within 1 year  2,877  3,588  711  3,091  3,769  678 
After 1 year but                   
within 2 years  1,835  2,422  587  2,800  3,330  530 
After 2 years but                   
within 5 years  3,906  5,237  1,331  3,873  4,926  1,053 
After 5 years  7,117  8,252  1,135  5,634  6,378  744 
   15,735  19,499  3,764  15,398  18,403  3,005 
                    
Less:   balance due
within one year classified as current liabilities
  (2,877)       (3,091)      
   12,858        12,307       
  2009  2008 
  Present  Total     Present  Total    
  value of the  minimum     value of the  minimum    
  minimum lease  lease     minimum lease  lease    
  payments  payments  Interest  payments  payments  Interest 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million  million  million 
                   
Within 1 year  1,431   1,972   541   1,781   2,390   609 
After 1 year but                        
within 2 years  1,495   1,970   475   1,215   1,752   537 
After 2 years but                        
within 5 years  4,240   5,274   1,034   3,654   4,845   1,191 
After 5 years  6,152   6,596   444   6,288   7,049   761 
                         
   13,318   15,812   2,494   12,938   16,036   3,098 
                         
Less:  balance due within one year classified as current liabilities  (1,431)          (1,781)        
   11,887           11,157         

F-52F-56

 
3035
Obligations under finance leases (continued)
 
Details of obligations under finance leases are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
United States Dollars denominated obligations
Fixed interest rates ranging from 4.24% to 7.53% per annum as at December 31, 2007
  6,587  8,314 
        
Floating interest rates ranging 6 month LIBOR + 0.03% to 0.80% per annum as at December 31, 2007  7,626  4,761 
        
Japanese Yen denominated obligations
Fixed interest rates ranging from 2.20% to 3.95% per annum as at December 31, 2007
  1,522  2,323 
   15,735  15,398 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
United States Dollars      
denominated obligations      
Fixed interest rates ranging from      
4.24% to 6.01% per annum as      
at December 31, 2009  7,035   7,949 
         
Floating interest rates        
3 month LIBOR + 1% per annum        
as at December 31, 2009  2,172   - 
         
Floating interest rates ranging        
6 month LIBOR + 0.03%        
to 1.05% per annum        
as at December 31, 2009  4,111   4,515 
         
Japanese Yen        
denominated obligations        
Fixed interest rates ranging from        
2.20% to 3.51% per annum as        
at December 31, 2008  -   474 
   13,318   12,938 
 
Under the terms of the leases, the Group has an option to purchase, at or near the end of the lease term, certain aircraft and related equipment at either fair market value or a percentage of the respective lessor’s defined cost.
 
Security, including charges over the assets concerned and relevant insurance policies, is provided to the lessors.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, certain of the Group’s aircraft with carrying amount of RMB21,273RMB17,989 million (2006: RMB19,730(2008: RMB18,054 million) were mortgaged to secure finance lease obligations totalling RMB15,735RMB13,318 million (2006: RMB15,398(2008: RMB12,938 million).
36Trade and bills payables

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Bills payable  3,207   148 
Trade payables  1,785   1,205 
   4,992   1,353 

F-53F-57

 
3136
Trade and bills payables
(continued)
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Trade payables  1,844  1,909 
 
The following is the ageing analysis of trade and bills payables:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Within 1 month  1,180  1,125 
More than 1 month but less than 3 months  347  448 
More than 3 months but less than 6 months  317  336 
   
1,844
  
1,909
 
As at December 31, 2007, the Group had an amount due to a fellow subsidiary of RMB Nil million (2006: RMB11 million) which was included in trade payables.
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 1 month  1,873   809 
More than 1 month but less than 3 months  1,545   302 
More than 3 months but less than 6 months  1,566   239 
More than 6 months but less than 1 year  8   3 
   4,992   1,353 
 
All of the trade and bills payables are expected to be settled within one year.
 
3237Deferred revenue
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Current portion  316   261 
Non-current portion  594   445 
   910   706 
Deferred revenue represents the unredeemed frequent flyer revenue.
38Amounts due from / from/to related companies
 
(a)
Amounts due from related companies

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
CSAHC and its affiliates  6  4 
An associate  1  2 
Jointly controlled entities  111  122 
   
118
  
128
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
CSAHC and its affiliates  6   1 
An associate  14   1 
Jointly controlled entities  31   9 
   51   11 
 
The amounts due from related companies wereare unsecured, interest free and have no fixed terms of repayment.  They are expected to be recovered within one year.
 
(b)
Amounts due to related companies

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
CSAHC and its affiliates  76  167 
Jointly controlled entities  118  87 
   
194
  
254
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
CSAHC and its affiliates  43   64 
Jointly controlled entities  51   38 
   94   102 
 
The amounts due to related companies wereare unsecured, interest free and have no fixed terms of repayment. They are expected to be settled within one year.

F-54F-58

 
3339
Accrued expenses
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Jet fuel costs  1,210  1,020 
Air catering expenses  161  153 
Salaries and welfare  1,517  868 
Repairs and maintenance  1,642  1,281 
Provision for major overhauls (Note 35)  450  255 
Provision for early retirement benefits (Note 36)  77  86 
Landing and navigation fees  1,209  1,168 
Computer reservation services  398  66 
Interest expense  483  448 
Others  207  118 
   7,354  5,463 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Jet fuel costs  1,368   1,320 
Air catering expenses  115   161 
Salaries and welfare  1,545   1,452 
Repairs and maintenance  1,827   1,853 
Provision for major overhauls (Note 41)  503   409 
Provision for early retirement benefits (Note 42)  57   68 
Landing and navigation fees  1,899   2,097 
Computer reservation services  518   539 
Interest expenses  146   339 
Others  175   182 
   8,153   8,420 
 
3440
Other liabilities
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund  96  189 
Airport construction surcharge  257  404 
Airport tax  414  288 
Construction cost payable  110  130 
Advance payments on chartered flights  63  100 
Sales agent deposits  239  221 
Other taxes payable  827  494 
Others  988  910 
   2,994  2,736 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
CAAC Infrastructure Development Fund,      
airport construction surcharge and airport tax payable  1,052   899 
Construction cost payable  154   106 
Advance payments on chartered flights  71   58 
Sales agent deposits  224   222 
Other taxes payable  611   591 
Others  1,264   1,087 
   3,376   2,963 
 
3541
Provision for major overhauls
 
Details of provision for major overhauls in respect of aircraft held under operating leases are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
At January 1  1,060  452 
Provision for the year  376  683 
Provision utilised during the year  (303) (75)
At December 31  1,133  1,060 
Less:   Current portion included in accrued
       
expenses (Note 33)  (450) (255)
   683  805 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  1,354   1,133 
Provision for the year  398   462 
Provision utilised during the year  (296)  (241)
At December 31  1,456   1,354 
Less:  current portion included in accrued expenses (Note 39)  (503)  (409)
   953   945 

F-55F-59

 
3642
Provision for early retirement benefits
 
Details of provision for early retirement benefits in respect of obligations to early retired employees are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
At January 1  392  
 
Provision for the year (Note 10)  12  392 
Financial cost (Note 11)  15  
 
Less:   Payment  (98) 
 
Actuarial gain on       
the obligations
  (14) 
 
At December 31  307  392 
Less: Current portion included in accrued expenses (Note 33)  (77) (86)
   
230
  
306
 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
At January 1  247   307 
Provision for the year (Note 12)  6   10 
Financial costs (Note 13)  14   19 
Payments made during the year  (80)  (108)
Effect of changes in discount rate  18   19 
At December 31  205   247 
Less:  current portion included in accrued expenses (Note 39)  (57)  (68)
   148   179 
 
The Group has implemented an early retirement plan for certain employees.  The benefits of the early retirement plan are calculated based on factors including the remaining number of years of services from the date of early retirement to the normal retirement date and the salary amount on the date of early retirement of the employees.  The present value of the future cash flows expected to be required to settle the obligations is recognised as provision for early retirement benefits.
 
3743
Share capital
and capital management
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Registered, issued and paid up capital:       
2,200,000,000 domestic state-owned       
shares of RMB 1.00 each  2,200  2,200 
1,174,178,000 H shares of RMB 1.00 each  1,174  1,174 
1,000,000,000 A shares of RMB 1.00 each  1,000  1,000 
   
4,374
  
4,374
 
(a)Share capital
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Registered, issued and paid up capital:      
4,021,150,000 domestic state-owned      
shares with selling restrictions of RMB1.00 each      
(2008: 3,300,000,000 shares of RMB1.00 each)  4,021   3,300 
2,482,417,000 H shares of RMB1.00 each        
(2008: 1,761,267,000shares of RMB1.00 each)  2,482   1,761 
1,500,000,000 A shares of RMB1.00 each        
(2008: 1,500,000,000 shares of RMB1.00 each)  1,500   1,500 
   8,003   6,561 
A bonus share issue of 1,100,000,000 domestic state-owned shares, 587,089,000 H shares and 500,000,000 A shares, totalling 2,187,089,000 shares, by the conversion of share premium in the amount of RMB2,187,089,000 to share capital of the same amount, was approved by shareholders and relevant government authorities and took effect in November 2008.
On August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, the Company issued 721,150,000 A shares to CSAHC and 721,150,000 H shares to Nan Lung, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC, for net cash considerations of RMB2,259 million and RMB721 million, respectively.
The 721,150,000 A shares and 721,150,000 H shares issued on August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009 are subject to a lock-up period to August 20, 2012 and August 21, 2010, respectively.  The remaining 3,300,000,000 domestic state-owned shares would become listed and tradable in August 2010.
 
All the domestic state-owned, H and A shares rank pari passu in all material respects.

F-60

 
Capital Management
43Share capital and capital management (continued)
(b)Capital management
 
The Group’s primary objectives in managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, and to generate sufficient profit to maintain growth and provide returns to its shareholders, by securing access to finance at a reasonable cost.

F-56

37
Share capital (continued)
Capital Management (continued)
 
The Group manages the amount of capital in proportion to risk and managing its debt portfolio in conjunction with projected financing requirements.  The Group monitors capital on the basis of the debt to equity ratio, which is calculated on net debt as a percentage of the total equity where net debt areis represented by the aggregate of bank and other loans, short-term financing bills, obligations under finance leases, trade and bills payables, sales in advance of carriage, amounts due to related companies, accrued expenses and other liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. The Group’s debt to equity ratios over the past five years have been trending upward towards 484% at December 31, 2006 because of the acquisitions of aircraft and businesses during 2006.
 
There was no change in the Group’s approach to capital management during 20072009 as compared with previous years. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements.  The Group’s debt to equity ratio stoodremains high at 409%551% at December 31, 2007.
38
Reserves
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Share premium
     
      
At January 1 and at December 31  5,325  5,325 
Fair value reserve
       
At January 1  
  
 
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities  183  
 
At December 31  183  
 
Statutory surplus reserve (Note a)
       
        
At January 1  526  349 
Transfer from statutory public welfare fund (Note b)  
  177 
At December 31  526  526 
Statutory public welfare fund (Note b)
       
        
At January 1  
  177 
Transfer to statutory surplus reserve  
  (177)
At December 31  
  
 
2009 (2008: 685%) because of the acquisitions of aircraft during the current and prior years.

F-57F-61

 
3844
Reserves (continued)
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Discretionary surplus reserve (Note c)
       
        
At January 1 at December 31  77  77 
        
Other reserve
       
        
At January 1  
  
 
Share of an associate’s reserves movement  4  
 
At December 31  4  
 
        
Retained earnings / (accumulated losses)
       
        
At January 1  (114) (240)
Profit for the year  1,871  126 
At December 31  1,757  (114)
        
  7,872  5,814 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Share premium      
       
At January 1  3,138   5,325 
Bonus Share Issue (Note 43)  -   (2,187)
Issue of shares (Note 43)  1,538   - 
At December 31  4,676   3,138 
         
Fair value reserve        
At January 1  18   183 
Change in fair value of available-for-sale equity securities  19   (165)
At December 31  37   18 
         
Statutory surplus reserve (Note (a))
        
         
At January 1 and at December 31  526   526 
         
Discretionary surplus reserve        
         
At January 1 and at December 31  77   77 
         
Other reserve        
         
At January 1  150   4 
Acquisition of equity interest in a subsidiary (Note (c))  -   (5)
Government contributions (Note (d))  1   151 
At December 31  151   150 
         
Retained earnings/(accumulated losses)        
         
At January 1  (3,449)  1,374 
Profit/(loss) for the year  330   (4,823)
At December 31  (3,119)  (3,449)
Total  2,348   460 

F-62

 
(a)44According to the PRC Company Law and the Articles of Association of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, the Company and the relevant subsidiaries are required to transfer 10% of their annual net profits after taxation, as determined under the PRC accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve until the reserve balance reaches 50% of the registered capital. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of a dividend to shareholders and when there are retained earnings at the financial year end.Reserves (continued)
(a)          According to the PRC Company Law and the Articles of Association of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, the Company and the relevant subsidiaries are required to transfer 10% of their annual net profits after taxation, as determined under the PRC accounting rules and regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve until the reserve balance reaches 50% of the registered capital. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of a dividend to shareholders and when there are retained earnings at the financial year end.
 
Statutory surplus reserve can be used to offset prior years’ losses, if any, and may be converted into share capital by the issue of new shares to shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholding or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.
 
(b)          Dividend distributions may be proposed at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, after consideration of the transfers of reserves referred to above and making up cumulative prior years’ losses. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of the Company, the net profit of the Company for the purpose of profit distribution is deemed to be the lesser of (i) the net profit determined in accordance with the PRC accounting rules and regulations, and (ii) the net profit determined in accordance with IFRSs.  As at December 31, 2009, the Company did not have any distributable reserves (2008: Nil).
(c)          The Company acquired certain equity interest in a subsidiary from CSAHC in 2008 (Note 45(c)(xv)).  The balance represents the difference of the consideration paid and the share of net assets of the subsidiary.
(d)          Pursuant to the “Notice of approval for funds to be used specifically for the purchase of snow handling equipment” issued by the CAAC, national fund amounting to RMB1 million was contributed during the year ended December 31, 2009 by the PRC government to the Company.  Such fund is to be used specifically for the maintenance of safety condition of airports located at Zhengzhou, Luoyang and Nanyang.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, national funds amounting to RMB121 million and RMB35 million were contributed by the PRC government.  Such funds are to be used specifically for the reconstruction after the snowstorm disaster and the maintenance of Urumqi airport parking apron and other projects.
Pursuant to the requirements of the relevant notice, the national funds were designated as capital contribution and vested solely by the PRC government. They can be converted to share capital of the entities receiving the funds upon approval by their shareholders and completion of other procedures.

F-63

(b)45According to the revised PRC Company Law effective on January 1, 2006, appropriation to the statutory public welfare fund is no longer required and the balance of statutory public welfare fund at December 31, 2005 was transferred to statutory surplus reserve.Material related party transactions
 
(c)(a)The appropriation to this reserve is subject to shareholders’ approval. The usage of this reserve is similar to that of statutory surplus reserve.
(d)Dividend distributions may be proposed at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, after consideration of the transfers referred to above and making up cumulative prior years’ losses. Pursuant to the Articles of Association of the Company, the net profit of the Company for the purpose of profit distribution is deemed to be the lesser of (i) the net profit determined in accordance with the PRC accounting rules and regulations, and (ii) the net profit determined in accordance with IFRSs. As at December 31, 2007, the Company did not have any distributable reserves (2006: Nil).

F-58

39
Material related party transactions
(a)
Key management personnel remuneration
 
Remuneration for key management personnel of the Group, including amounts paid to the Company’s directors and certain of the highest paid employees as disclosed in Note 13,14, is as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 
        
Short-term employees benefits  12,226  6,638  5,926 
Post-employment benefits  275  220  221 
           
   12,501  6,858  6,147 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Short-term employees benefits  13,991   14,117   12,226 
Post-employment benefits  922   1,268   275 
   14,913   15,385   12,501 

  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB’000 RMB’000 RMB’000 
        
Directors and supervisors (Note 13)  6,790  4,334  3,461 
Senior management  5,711  2,524  2,686 
           
   12,501  6,858  6,147 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB’000  RMB’000  RMB’000 
          
Directors and supervisors (Note 14)  7,609   8,578   6,790 
Senior management  7,304   6,807   5,711 
   14,913   15,385   12,501 
 
Total remuneration is included in “staff costs” (Note 10)12).
 
(b)
Contributions to post-employment benefit plans
 
The Group participates in various defined contribution retirement plans organised by municipal and provincial governments for its staff.  Details of the Group’s employee benefits plan are disclosed in Note 40.46.

F-59F-64

 
3945 
Material related party transactions (continued)
 
(c)
(c)           Transactions with CSAHC and its affiliates (the “CSAHC Group”), and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group
 
The Group obtained various operational services provided by the CSAHC Group and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group during the normal course of its business.
 
Details of the significant transactions carried out by the Group are as follows:

    
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  
Note
 RMB million RMB million RMB million 
Expenses paid to the CSAHC Group
             
              
Handling charges  (i)  46  29  32 
Air catering supplies  (ii)  157  194  173 
Commission expense  (iii)  7  43  26 
Sundry aviation supplies  (iv)  72  86  88 
Lease charges for aircraft  (v)  
  3  10 
Lease charges for land and buildings  (vi)  101  99  90 
Property management fee  (vii)  31  26  28 
              
Expenses paid to jointly controlled entities
             
              
Ground service expenses  (viii)  37  43  32 
Repairing charges  (ix)  1,047  1,183  1,118 
Flight simulation service charges  (x)  120  133  126 
              
Income received from a jointly controlled entity
             
              
Rental income  (x)  31  35  31 
              
Acquisition of CSAHC Hainan
  (xi)  
  5  
 
              
Disposal of properties to the CSAHC Group
  (xii)  
  23  
 
              
Acquisition of assets from CSAHC Group
  (xiii)  270  
  
 
              
Disposal of GZ Aviation Hotel to CSAHC Group
  (xiv)  75  
  
 
   2009  2008  2007 
 Note RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Expenses paid to the CSAHC Group          
           
Handling charges(i)  68   50   46 
Air catering supplies(ii)  -   60   157 
Commission expense(iii)  6   4   7 
Sundry aviation supplies(iv)  -   -   72 
Lease charges for land and buildings(v)  107   100   101 
Property management fee(vi)  19   31   31 
              
Expenses paid to jointly controlled entities and an associate             
              
Ground service expenses(vii)  36   64   37 
Repairing charges(viii)  1,344   1,129   1,047 
Flight simulation service charges(ix)  172   150   120 
Advertising expenses(x)  21   20   9 
              
Income received from a jointly controlled entity             
              
Rental income(ix)  47   33   31 
              
Issuance of A shares to CSAHC(xi)  2,279   -   - 
              
Issuance of H shares to Nan Lung(xi)  721   -   - 
              
Acquisition of assets from CSAHC Group(xii)  -   -   270 
              
Disposal of GZ Aviation Hotel to CSAHC Group(xiii)  -   -   75 
              
Transfer of exclusive right to use certain advertising resources to Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd.(xiv)  -   35   - 
              
Acquisition of 26% equity interest in West Australian Flying College from CSAHC Group(xv)  -   5   - 
              
Disposal of certain buildings to Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd.(xvi)  -   2   - 

F-60
F-65

 
3945 
Material related party transactions (continued)
 
(c)
(c)           Transactions with CSAHC and its affiliates (the “CSAHC Group”), and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group (continued)
 
(i)The Group acquires aircraft, flight equipment and other airline-related facilities through Southern Airlines (Group) Import and Export Trading Company (“SAIETC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC.CSAHC and pays handling charges to SAIETC.
 
(ii)The Group purchases certain inflightin flight meals and related services from Shenzhen Air Catering Company Limited and Southern Airlines Group Air Catering Company Ltd (“AirSZ Catering”), which arewas an associate andof the CSAHC. SZ Catering ceased to be a wholly-owned subsidiaryrelated party of CSAHC respectively. Air Catering was acquired by the Company on August 14, 2007 (Note 39(c) (xiii)).in November 2008.
 
(iii)Commission is earned by certain subsidiaries of CSAHC in connection with the air tickets sold by them on behalf of the Group.  Commission is calculated based on the rates stipulated by the CAAC and International Air Transportation Association.
 
(iv)Certain sundry aviation supplies arewere purchased from Southern Airlines (Group) Economic Development Company (“SAGEDC”), a subsidiary of CSAHC.CSAHC in 2007.  No sundry aviation supplies were purchased from SAGEDC during the year and 2008.
 
(v)The Group leased an aircraft from CSAHC Hainan Co., Ltd. (“CSAHC Hainan”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSAHC. The lease was terminated on April 30, 2006.
(vi)The Group leases certain land and buildings in the PRC from CSAHC.  Rental payments for land and buildings were paid or payable to CSAHC.
 
(vii)(vi)Guangzhou China Southern Airlines Property Management Co., Ltd.,Ltd, a subsidiary of CSAHC, provides property management services to the Group.
 
(viii)(vii)Beijing Ground Service Co., Ltd.,Services, a former jointly controlled entity of the Group, provides airport ground service to the Group. In June 2009, the Company acquired 50% equity interests in Beijing Ground Services from the other venture of Beijing Ground Services and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
(ix)(viii)Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (“GAMECO”) and MTU, Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Ltd.,both are jointly controlled entities of the Group, provide comprehensive maintenance services to the Group.
 
(x)(ix)Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited (“Zhuhai Xiang Yi”), a jointly controlled entity of the Group, provides flight simulation services to the Group.  In addition, the Group entered into operating lease agreements to lease certain flight training facilities and buildings to Zhuhai Xiang Yi.
 
(x)(xi)On April 30, 2006,Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd. an associate of the Company acquired certain assets of CSAHC Hainan at a total consideration of RMB294 million, which was partly satisfied by assumption of debts and liabilities of CSAHC Hainan totalling RMB289 million outstanding as at that date. The remaining balance of RMB5 million had been settled in cash duringGroup, provides advertising services to the year ended December 31, 2007 (Note 42(d)).Group.
 
(xi)(xii)
On December 28, 2006,August 20, 2009 and August 21, 2009, the Company disposed of certain propertiesissued 721,150,000 A shares to CSAHC atand 721,150,000 H shares to Nan Lung, a considerationwholly-owned subsidiary of RMB23 million.
F-61

39
Material related party transactions (continued)CSAHC, for cash considerations of RMB2,279 million and RMB721 million, respectively.
 
(c)
Transactions with CSAHC and its affiliates (the “CSAHC Group”), and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group (continued)
(xiii)(xii)On August 14, 2007, the Company signed an agreement to acquire (1) the entire equity interest in Air Catering; (2) certain assets of Guangzhou BiHuaYuanBi Hua Yuan Training Centre including certain properties and office facilities; and (3) certain assets of Nan Lung Travel & Express (Hong Kong) Limited, including certain properties and office facilities and the 51% equity interest in Nan Lung International Freight Company Limited (“Nan Lung Freight”), from CSAHC for a total consideration of RMB270 million (Note 42(b)48(b)).
 
(xiv)(xiii)On August 14, 2007, the Company signed an agreement to dispose of its equity interestsinterest in GZ Aviation Hotel Co., Ltd. to CSAHC at a consideration of RMB75 million.

F-66

45 Material related party transactions (continued)
(c)           Transactions with CSAHC and its affiliates (the “CSAHC Group”), and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group (continued)
(xiv)On November 11, 2008, the Company signed an agreement to transfer the exclusive right to use certain advertising space on the aircraft fleet for a period of 18 years to Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd. an associate of the Group, for a total consideration of RMB35 million.
(xv)On December 30, 2008, the Company signed an agreement to acquire 26% equity interest in West Australian Flying College from CSAHC at a consideration of RMB5 million (Note 42(c)).
(xvi)On November 11, 2008, the Company signed an agreement to transfer certain buildings to Southern Airlines Culture and Media Co., Ltd. an associate of the Group at a consideration of RMB2 million.
 
In addition to the above, certain subsidiaries of CSAHC also provided hotel and other services to the Group.Group during the year.  The total amount involved is not material to the results of the Group for the current and prior years.
 
Details of amounts due from/to the CSAHC Group, and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Receivables:       
The CSAHC Group  6  4 
An associate  1  2 
Jointly controlled entities  111  122 
        
Payables:       
The CSAHC Group  76  167 
Jointly controlled entities  118  87 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Receivables:      
The CSAHC Group  6   1 
Associates  14   1 
Jointly controlled entities  31   9 
   51   11 
         
Payables:        
The CSAHC Group  43   64 
Jointly controlled entities  51   38 
   94   102 
 
The amounts due from/to the CSAHC Group, the associateassociates and jointly controlled entities of the Group are unsecured, interest free and have no fixed terms of repayment.

F-67

 
(d)45 Material related party transactions (continued)
(d) Loans from and deposits placed with SA Finance
 
(i)Loans from SA Finance
 
At December 31, 2007,2009, loans from SA Finance to the Group amounted to RMB329RMB819 million (2006: RMB300(2008: RMB2,539 million). The loans are unsecured and repayable within one year.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, interestThe loans were repayable and secured as follows:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Within 1 year  400   2,100 
After 2 years but within 5 years  419   439 
   819   2,539 
         
Unsecured  819   2,539 
Interest expense paid on such loans amounted to RMB17RMB71 million (2006: RMB16(2008: RMB38 million; 2005: RMB372007: RMB17 million) and the interest rates ranged from 1.25% to 7.56% per annum during the year ended December 31, 2009 (2008: 4.75% to 7.56% per annum; 2007: 5.10% to 6.16% per annum (2006: 5.02% to 5.26% per annum; 2005: 3.30% to 5.02% per annum).
 
The loans are guaranteed by CSAHC (included in the amount as disclosed in (e) below).
F-62

39
Material related party transactions (continued)
(d)
Loans from and deposits placed with SA Finance (continued)
(ii)Deposits placed with SA Finance
 
At December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s deposits with SA Finance amounted to RMB906RMB862 million (2006: RMB629(2008: RMB1,139 million).  The applicable interest rates are determined in accordance with the rates published by the PBOC.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, interestInterest income received on such deposits amounted to RMB11 million (2008: RMB22 million; 2007: RMB20 million (2006: RMB5 million; 2005 RMB3 million). during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
(e)
Guarantees from CSAHC and SA Finance
 
Certain bank loans of the Group were guaranteed by the following related parties:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
CSAHC  1,176  1,484 
SA Finance  3  5 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
CSAHC  512   783 
SA Finance  -   1 
   512   784 

F-68

 
(f)45 Material related party transactions (continued)
(f) Transactions with other state-controlled entities
 
The Company is a state-controlled entity and operates in an economic regime currently dominated by entities directly or indirectly controlled by the PRC government (“state-controlled entities”) through its government authorities, agencies, affiliations and other organisations.
 
Other than those transactions with the CSAHC Group, and the associates and jointly controlled entities of the Group as disclosed in Notes 39(c)45(c), (d), and (e) above, the Group conducts transactions with other state-controlled entities which include but are not limited to the following:

-Transportation services;
-Leasing arrangements;
-Purchase of equipment;
-Purchase of ancillary materials and spare parts;
-Ancillary and social services; and
-Financial services arrangement.
 
These transactions are conducted in the ordinary course of the Group’s business on terms comparable to those with other entities that are not state-controlled.  The Group has established its buying, pricing strategy and approval process for purchases and sales of products and services.  Such buying, pricing strategy and approval processes do not depend on whether the counterparties are state-controlled entities or not.
 
F-63

39
Material related party transactions (continued)
(f)
Transactions with other state-controlled entities (continued)
Having considered the potential for transactions to be impacted by related party relationships, the Group’s pricing strategy, buying and approval processes, and what information would be necessary for an understanding of the potential effect of the relationship on the consolidated financial statements, the directors are of the opinion that the following transactions with other state-controlled entities require disclosure:
 
(i)The Group’s transactions with other state-controlled entities, including state-controlled banks in the PRC

  
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million 
        
Jet fuel cost  14,814  13,054  9,592 
Interest income  47  33  48 
Interest expense  1,751  1,405  694 
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Jet fuel cost  15,260   21,042   14,814 
Interest income  56   77   47 
Interest expense  1,249   1,719   1,751 
 
(ii)The Group’s balances with other state-controlled entities, including state-controlled banks in the PRC

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Cash and deposits at bank  2,624  1,434 
Short-term bank loans and current portion of long-term bank loans  23,004  21,209 
Long-term bank loans, less current portion  6,772  8,223 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Cash and deposits at bank  3,174   3,354 
Short-term bank loans and current portion of long-term bank loans  16,068   18,675 
Long-term bank loans, less current portion  26,646   14,773 

F-69


45 Material related party transactions (continued)
 
(f) Transactions with other state-controlled entities (continued)
(iii)Guarantees from other state-controlled entities, including state-controlled banks in the PRC
 
  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Guarantees on certain bank loans of the Group  703  201 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Guarantees on certain bank loans of the Group  -   1,082 
 
(g)(iv)
Loan from minority shareholders
In 2008, the issuance of the short-term financing bills of RMB2,000 million was underwritten by certain state-controlled banks in the PRC.  No issuance of short-term financing bills was made during the year.
 
A loan of RMB19 million from a minority shareholder was outstanding at December 31, 2006. The loan was unsecured, interest free and repayable within five years. The loan was fully repaid during 2007.
46 Retirement and housing benefits
 
40(a) 
Retirement and housing benefits
 
Employees of the Group participate in several defined contribution retirement schemes organised separately by the PRC municipal governments in regions where the major operations of the Group are located.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, theThe Group is required to contribute to these schemes at the rates ranging from 10% to 25% (2008 and 2007: 9% to 24% (2006: 10% to 23%; 2005: 9% to 20%) of salary costs including certain allowances.  A member of the retirement schemes is entitled to pension benefits from the Local Labour and Social Security Bureaus at the retirement date.Bureau upon his/her retirement.  The retirement benefit obligations of all retired staff of the Group are assumed by these schemes.
 
F-64

40
Retirement and housing benefits (continued)
In addition, the Group has established a supplementary defined contribution retirement scheme for the benefit of employees in accordance with relevant regulations in the PRC.  In this connection, employees of the Group participate in a supplementary defined contribution retirement scheme whereby the Group is required to make contributions not exceeding one-twelfth of the prior year’s total salaries.
 
The Group has no obligation for the payment of pension benefits beyond the contributions described above.
(b) Housing benefits
 
The Group contributes on a monthly basis to housing funds organised by municipal and provincial governments based on certain percentages of the salaries of the employees.  The Group’s liability in respect of these funds is limited to the contributions payable in each year.
 
In addition to the housing funds, certain employees of the groupGroup are eligible to one of the following housing benefit schemes:
 
(i)Pursuant to the comprehensive services agreement (the “Service Agreement”) dated May 22, 1997 between the Company and CSAHC, CSAHC provided quarters to eligible employees of the Group. In return, the Group paid a fixed annual fee of RMB85 million to CSAHC for a ten-year period from 1995 to 2004. The agreement expired by December 31, 2004.
(ii)Pursuant to a staff housing benefit scheme effective on September 2002, the Group agreed to pay lump sum housing allowances to certain employees who have not received quarters from CSAHC or the Group according to the relevant PRC housing reform policy, for subsidising their purchases of houses.  An employee who quits prior to the end of the vesting benefit period is required to pay back a portion of the lump sum housing benefits determined on a pro-rata basis of the vesting benefit period.  The Group has the right to effect a charge on the employee’s house and to enforce repayment through selling the house in the event of default in repayment.  Any shortfall in repayment would be charged against income. As at December 31, 2007, the Group had made payments totalling RMB173 million (2006: RMB170 million) under the scheme and recorded its remaining contractual liabilities totalling RMB87 million (2006: RMB90 million) on the consolidated balance sheets. Housing allowances are payable when applications are received from eligible employees.to profit or loss.
 
(iii)(ii)The Group also pays cash housing subsidies on a monthly basis to eligible employees.  The monthly cash housing subsidies are charged to the consolidated statements of operations as incurred.profit or loss.

F-70

47 Segmental reporting
The Group’s network passenger and cargo operations are managed as a single business unit.  The Group’s chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions based on route profitability, which considers aircraft type and route economics.  The objective in making resource allocation decisions is to optimise consolidated financial results.  Therefore, based on the way the Group manages the network passenger and cargo operations, and the manner in which resource allocation decisions are made, the Group has only one reportable operating segment for financial reporting purposes, reported as the “airline business”.
Financial results from other operating segments are below the quantitative threshold for determining reportable operating segments and consist primarily of business segments of aviation repair services, aviation training services, ground services, air catering and other miscellaneous services.  These other operating segments are combined and reported as “all other segments”.  Inter-segment sales are based on prices set on an arm’s length basis.
For the purposes of assessing segment performance and allocating resources between segments, the Group’s chief operating decision maker monitors the results, assets and liabilities attributable to each reportable segment based on financial results prepared under PRC GAAP. As such, the amount of each material reconciling item from the Group’s reportable segment revenue, profit or loss, assets and liabilities arising from different accounting policies are set out in Note 47(c).

F-71


47Segmental reporting (continued)

(a)Business segments

Information regarding the Group’s reportable segments as provided to the Group’s chief operating decision maker for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009 is set out below.
  
Airline business
  
All other segments
  
Elimination
  
Unallocated*
  
Total
 
  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million  million  million�� million  million  million  million  million  million  million  million  million 
                                              
Revenue from external customers  55,708   56,150   55,522   335   277   250   -   -   -   -   -   -   56,043   56,427   55,772 
Inter-segment sales  -   4   -   674   506   484   (674)  (510)  (484)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                                             
Reportable segment revenue  55,708   56,154   55,522   1,009   783   734   (674)  (510)  (484)  -   -   -   56,043   56,427   55,772 
                                                             
Reportable segment profit/(loss) before taxation  27   (5,031)  2,532   56   (68)  11   -   -   -   374   351   306   457   (4,748)  2,849 
                                                             
Reportable segment assets  91,322   79,841       1,776   1,705       (159)  (131)      1,797   1,588       94,736   83,003     
Addition to non- current segment assets during the year  17,558   12,801       66   47       -   -       13   29       17,637   12,877     
                                                             
Reportable segment liabilities  80,435   72,519       1,202   1,167       (159)  (131)      -   -       81,478   73,555     
                                                             
Other segment information                                                            
                                                             
Interest income  65   99   68   3   4   5   -   -   -   -   -   -   68   103   73 
Interest expenses  1,446   1,923   2,286   51   64   46   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,497   1,987   2,332 
Depreciation and  amortisation for  the year  5,954   5,724   5,501   85   94   94   -   -   -   -   -   -   6,039   5,818   5,595 
Impairment losses (including impact on PP&E, allowance for doubtful debts and provision for inventories)  57   2,073   212   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   57   2,073   212 
*Unallocated assets primarily include investments in associates and jointly controlled entities, available-for-sale securities and other investments.  Unallocated results primarily include the share of results of associates and jointly controlled entities and gain on sale of available-for-sale securities.

F-72

47 Segmental reporting (continued)
 
41(b) 
SegmentalGeographic information

The Group operates principally as a single business segment for the provision of air transportation services. The analysis of turnover and operating profit/(loss) by geographical segment is based on the following criteria:
(i)Traffic revenue from domestic services within the PRC (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) is attributed to the domestic operation. Traffic revenue from inbound/outbound services between the PRC and Hong Kong/Macau, and the PRC and overseas destinations is attributed to the Hong Kong and Macau operation and international operation respectively.
F-65

41
Segmental information (continued)
(ii)Other revenue from ticket selling, general aviation services, ground services, air catering and other miscellaneous services is attributed on the basis of where the services are performed.
    
Hong Kong
     
  
Domestic
 
and Macau
 
International*
 
Total
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
2007
             
Traffic revenue  42,526  1,140  9,631  53,297 
Other operating revenue  1,188  17  
  1,205 
              
Total operating revenue  43,714  1,157  9,631  54,502 
Operating profit / (loss)  2,435  58  (874) 1,619 
              
2006
             
Traffic revenue  35,707  1,329  8,051  45,087 
Other operating revenue  1,132  
  
  1,132 
              
Total operating revenue  36,839  1,329  8,051  46,219 
Operating profit / (loss)  1,258  (4) (617) 645 
              
2005
             
Traffic revenue  29,533  1,298  6,588  37,419 
Other operating revenue  874  
  
  874 
              
Total operating revenue  30,407  1,298  6,588  38,293 
Operating loss  (314) (97) (926) (1,337)
  2009  2008  2007 
  RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
          
Domestic  47,645   45,972   44,785 
Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan  1,067   1,051   1,188 
International *  7,331   9,404   9,799 
   56,043   56,427   55,772 
 
 *For the year ended December 31, 2007, Asian market accounted for approximately 68% (2006: 64%74% (2008: 72%; 2005: 74%2007: 68%) of the Group’s total international traffic revenue.revenue for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The remaining portion was mainly derived from the Group’s flights to / to/from European, North American and Australian regions.
 
The major revenue-earningrevenue earning assets of the Group are its aircraft fleet all arewhich is registered in the PRC. Since the Group’s aircraft fleetPRC and is employed flexibly across its worldwide route network,network.  The chief operating decision maker considers that there is no suitable basis offor allocating such assets and related liabilities to geographic segments. Most of the Group’s non-aircraftgeographical locations. Accordingly, geographical segment assets and liabilities are located in the PRC.not disclosed.
(c)Reconciliations of reportable segment revenue, profit or loss, assets and liabilities arising from different accounting policies
 
 Note 2009  2008  2007 
   RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Revenue          
           
Reportable segment revenue   56,717   56,937   56,256 
Elimination of intersegment revenues   (674)  (510)  (484)
Reclassification of expired sales in advance of carriage
(i)  350   276   273 
Reclassification of business tax(ii)  (1,591)  (1,415)  (1,644)
Consolidated revenue   54,802   55,288   54,401 

F-66F-73

 
4247 Segmental reporting (continued)
(c)Reconciliations of reportable segment revenue, profit or loss, assets and liabilities arising from different accounting policies (continued)
 Note 2009  2008  2007 
   RMB million  RMB million  RMB million 
Profit          
           
Reportable segment profit/ (loss) before taxation   83   (5,099)  2,543 
Unallocated amounts   374   351   306 
Losses on lump sum housing benefits(iii)  (26)  (26)  (26)
Revaluation of land use rights(iv)  4   4   4 
Adjustments arising from  business combinations under common control(v)  (7)  (7)  (6)
Capitalisation of exchange difference of specific loans(vi)  3   51   57 
Government grants(vii)  1   2   1 
Consolidated profit/(loss) before taxation   432   (4,724  2,879 

   2009  2008 
 Note RMB million  RMB million 
        
Assets       
        
Reportable segment assets   93,098   81,546 
Elimination of intersegment balances   (159)  (131)
Other unallocated amounts   1,797   1,588 
Losses on lump sum housing benefits(iii)  66   92 
Revaluation of land use rights(iv)  (142)  (146)
Adjustments arising from business         
combinations under common control(v)  1   8 
Capitalisation of exchange difference of         
specific loans(vi)  111   108 
Government grants(vii)  (39)  (40)
Effect of the above adjustments on taxation   17   17 
Consolidated total assets   94,750   83,042 
          
   2009  2008 
   RMB million  RMB million 
Liabilities         
          
Reportable segment liabilities   81,637   73,686 
Elimination of intersegment balances   (159)  (131)
Effect of the above adjustments on taxation   10   8 
Consolidated total liabilities   81,488   73,563 
F-74

47 Segmental information (continued)
(c)Reconciliations of reportable segment revenue, profit or loss, assets and liabilities arising from different accounting policies (continued)
Notes:
(i)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, expired sales in advance of carriage is recorded under non-operating income. Under IFRSs, such income is recognised as other net income.
(ii)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, business tax and surcharge is separately disclosed rather than deducted from revenue under IFRSs.
(iii)In accordance with the PRC GAAP , losses on the lump sum housing benefits executed by CSAHC are charged to retained profits as of January 1, 2001 pursuant to the relevant regulations. Under IFRSs, losses on lump sum housing benefits are charged to the consolidated statements of opeartions, which are spread over the vesting benefit periods stipulated by the relevant contracts.
(iv)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, land use rights are carried at revalued amounts. Under IFRSs, land use rights are carried at cost with effect from January 1, 2002, and accordingly, the unamortised surplus on revaluation of land use rights was reversed against shareholders’ equity.
(v)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, business combinations under common control should be accounted for by applying the pooling-of-interest method. The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities in the books of subsidiaries acquired were used for consolidation. Under IFRSs, purchase accounting is adopted. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are recorded at fair value.
(vi)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, exchange difference arising on translation of specific loans and related interest denominated in a foreign currency is capitalised as part of the cost of qualifying assets. Under IFRSs, such exchange difference should be recognised in profit or loss unless the exchange difference represents an adjustment to interest.
(vii)In accordance with the PRC GAAP, special funds such as investment grants allocated by the government, if clearly defined in official documents as part of “capital reserve”, are credited to capital reserve, and amortised over the respective useful lives of corresponding assets. Under IFRSs, government grants relating to purchase of fixed assets are deducted from the cost of the related fixed assets.
48 Supplementary information to the consolidated cash flow statementstatements
 
(a)
Non cash transactions - acquisitionsacquisition of aircraft
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, aircraft acquired under finance leases amounted to RMB2,171 million (2008: RMB281 million; 2007: RMB4,330 million (2006: RMB3,402 million; 2005: RMB6,938 million).

F-75

 
(b)48 Supplementary information to the consolidated cash flow statements (continued)
(b) Effect of the acquisition of Nan Lung Freight and Air Catering
 
The Group acquired a 51% equity interest in Nan Lung Freight and a 100% equity interest in Air Catering on August 31, 2007.  Details are as follows:
  RMB million 
Assets acquired:   
Property, plant and equipment, net  77 
Inventories  6 
Trade receivables  106 
Other receivables  7 
Cash and cash equivalents  54 
   250 
Liabilities assumed:    
Trade payables  30 
Accrued expenses  10 
Other liabilities  18 
   58 
Net identifiable assets before minority interests192
Less: Minority interest  (80)
     
Net identifiable assets and liabilitiesafter minority interest  112 
     
Satisfied by: ��  
Cash  112 
     
Analysis of the net outflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the acquisition:    
     
Cash consideration paid  (112)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired  54 
Net outflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the acquisition  (58)
 
In the four months to December 31, 2007, these subsidiaries contributed profit of RMB3 million.

F-67F-76

    
4248 
Supplementary information to the consolidated cash flow statementstatements (continued)
 
(c)
Effect of the disposal of GZ Aviation Hotel
 
The Group disposed of its 90% equity interest in GZ Aviation Hotel to CSAHC on August 31, 2007.  Details are as follows:
  RMB million 
Assets disposed of:   
Property, plant and equipment, net  72 
Trade receivables  1 
Other receivables  6 
Cash and cash equivalents  1 
   80 
Liabilities disposed of:    
Other liabilities  4 
Minority interest  8 
     
Net identifiable assets and liabilities  68 
Gain on disposal  7 
                   75 
     
Satisfied by:    
Cash  75 
     
Analysis of the net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal:    
     
Cash consideration received  75 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed of  (1)
Net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the disposal  74 

F-68F-77

 
4249 
Supplementary information to the consolidated cash flow statement (continued)
(d)
Effect of the acquisition of CSAHC Hainan
The Group acquired certain assets of CSAHC Hainan on April 30, 2006. Details are as follows:
RMB million
Assets acquired:
Property, plantFinancial risk management and equipment, net131
Lease prepayment35
Inventories28
Trade receivables30
Other receivables32
Cash and cash equivalents38
294
Liabilities assumed:
Trade payables28
Accrued expenses14
Other liabilities247
289
Net identifiable assets and liabilities5
Satisfied by:
Cash5
Analysis of the net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the acquisition:
Cash consideration paid(5)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired38
Net inflow of cash and cash equivalents in respect of the acquisition33

F-69

42
Supplementary information to the consolidated cash flow statement (continued)
(e)
Effect of the acquisitions of China Northern Airlines Company (“CNA”) and Xinjiang Airlines Company (“XJA”)
The Group acquired the airline operations and certain related assets of CNA and XJA from its parent company, CSAHC, with effect from 31 December 2004 at a consideration of RMB1,959 million. The consideration payable was settled in 2005.
43
Financial instruments
fair values
 
Exposure to liquidity, interest rate, currency, jet fuel price risk and credit risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business.  TheseThe Group’s exposure to these risks are limited byand the Group’s financial risk management policies and practices used by the Group to manage these risks are described below.below:
 
(a)
Liquidity risk
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by RMB33,811RMB28,441  million.  For the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, the Group recorded a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB6,869RMB8,959 million, a net cash outflow from investing activities of RMB4,844RMB14,478 million and a net cash outflowinflow from financing activities of RMB465RMB5,213 million, and resulted in a net increasedecrease  in cash and cash equivalents of RMB1,560RMB306 million.
 
In 20082010 and thereafter, the liquidity of the Group is primarily dependent on its ability to maintain adequate cash inflow from operations to meet its debt obligations as they fall due, the renewal of its short-term bank loans and on its ability to obtain adequate external financing to meet its committed future capital expenditures.  The Group has obtained firm commitments from its principal bankers to renew its short-term bank loans outstandingAs at December 31, 2007 when they fall due during 2008. Subsequent to December 31, 2007 through March 31, 2008,2009, the Group renewed short-term loans outstandinghad banking facilities with several PRC commercial banks for providing loan finance up to approximately RMB128,175 million (2008: RMB125,265 million), of RMB3,179which approximately RMB50,455 million (Note 29).(2008: RMB47,125 million ) was utilised.  The directors of the Company believe that sufficient financing will be available to the Group.
 
The directors of the Company have carried out a detailed review of the cash flow forecast of the Group for the twelve months ending December 31, 2008.2010.  Based on such forecast, the directors have determined that adequate liquidity exists to finance the working capital and capital expenditure requirements of the Group during that period.  In preparing the cash flow forecast, the directors have considered historical cash requirements of the Group as well as other key factors, including the availability of the above-mentioned loan finance which may impact the operations of the Group during the next twelve-month period.  The directors are of the opinion that the assumptions and sensitivities which are included in the cash flow forecast are reasonable.  However, as with all assumptions in regard to future events, these are subject to inherent limitations and uncertainties and some or all of these assumptions may not be realised.
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s recognised financial liabilities, bank and other loans, short-term financing bills, finance lease obligations, trade and bills payables and amounts due to related companies as disclosed in Notes 29, 30, 3128, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 3238 respectively, are not materially different from the amount determined based on contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest payments computed using contractual rates or, if floating, based on rates current at the balance sheet date).
F-70

  During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Group had derivatives settled gross in respect of the foreign exchange forward option contracts, of which the outflow amounted to RMB426 million (2008: RMB79 million) and inflow amounted to RMB399 million (2008: RMB25 million).
 
43(b) 
Financial instruments (continued)
(b)
Interest rate risk
 
The interest rates and maturity information of the Group’s bank and other loans, short-term financing bills and finance lease obligations are disclosed in Notes 2933, 34 and 3035 respectively.
 
At December 31, 2007, 2009, it is estimated that a general increaseincrease/decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would decreasehave decreased/increased the Group’s profit after tax and would have increased/decreased the Group’s accumulated losses by approximately RMB279RMB238 million (2006: RMB254 (2008: would have increased/decreased the Group’s loss after tax and accumulated losses by approximately RMB186 million). Other components of consolidated equity would not be affected (2008: Nil) by the changes in interest rates.

F-78

49 Financial risk management and fair values (continued)
(b) Interest rate risk (continued)
 
The sensitivity analysis above has been determinedindicates the instantaneous change in the Group’s profit after tax (and accumulated losses) and other components of consolidated equity that would arise assuming that the change in interest rates had occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to re-measure those financial instruments held by the Group which expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk at the balance sheet date. The 100 basis point increaseIn respect of the exposure to cash flow interest rate risk arising from floating rate non-derivative instruments held by the Group at the balance sheet date, the impact on the Group’s profit after tax (and accumulated losses) and other components of consolidated equity is estimated as an annualised impact on interest expense or decrease represents management’s assessmentincome of such a reasonably possible change in interest rates over the period until the next annual balance sheet date.rates. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2006.2008.
 
(c)
Foreign currency risk
 
The Renminbi is not freely convertible into foreign currencies.  All foreign exchange transactions involving Renminbi must take place either through the PBOC or other institutions authorised to buy and sell foreign exchange or at a swap centre.
 
The Group has significant exposure to foreign currency risk as substantially all of the Group’s obligations under finance leaseleases (Note 30)35) and bank and other loans (Note 29)33) are denominated in foreign currencies, principally US dollars and Japanese Yen.dollars.  Depreciation or appreciation of the Renminbi against foreign currencies affects the Group’s results significantly because the Group’s foreign currency payments generally exceed its foreign currency receipts.  The Group is not able to hedge its foreign currency exposure effectively other than by retaining its foreign currency denominated earnings and receipts to the extent permitted by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or subject to certain restrictive conditions, entering into forward foreign exchange contracts with authorised banks.
 
The Group also has exposure to foreign currency risk in respect of net cash inflow denominated in Japanese Yen from ticket sales in overseas branch office after payment of expenses.  TheAs at December 31, 2009, the Group entered into certainhad two outstanding foreign exchange forward option contracts of notional amount ranging from USD34 million to manage this foreign currency risk. UnderUSD68 million (2008: USD64 million to USD128 million).  The contracts are to buy USD1 million and USD1.5 million respectively (or USD2 million and USD3 million respectively if the contracts, the Group will buy US$1 millionspot exchange rate at settlement date is below certain specified strike rates) by selling Japanese Yen at certain specified rates on each of the 35monthly settlement dates until the maturity of the contracts in 2010.2011.  Both contracts have a knock-out clause where the contracts early terminate upon the exchange rate of Japanese Yen to US dollar reaching a certain knock-out level.  For the year ended December 31, 2007,2009, a net gain of approximately RMB72 million (2008: a loss of approximately RMB5 millionRMB111 million) arising from changes in the fair value of these foreign currencyexchange forward option contracts has been recognised in profit or loss.  At December 31, 2007,2009, the fair value of these currencyforeign exchange forward option contracts was financial liabilities of approximately RMB5 million.RMB44 million (2008: RMB116 million).

F-79

49 Financial risk management and fair values (continued)
(c) Foreign currency risk (continued)
As at December 31, 2009, it is estimated that  if an appreciation/depreciation of 3.4% in exchange rate of US dollar against Japanese Yen, with all other variables held constant, would have increased/decreased the Group’s profit after tax and decreased/increased the Group’s accumulated losses by approximately RMB15 million/RMB16 million, respectively.
 
The exchange rate of Renminbi to US dollar was set by the PBOC and had fluctuated within a narrow band prior to July 21, 2005.  Since then, a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of foreign currencies has been used and the US dollar exchange rate has gradually declined against the Renminbi.
 
F-71

43
Financial instruments (continued)
(c)
Foreign currency risk (continued)
The following table indicates the approximateinstantaneous change in Group’s profit or loss after tax in response to reasonably possible changes in the(and accumulated losses) that would arise if foreign exchange rates to which the Group has significant exposure at the balance sheet date.date had changed at that date, assuming all other risk variables remained constant.

  
2007
 
2006
 
  
Increase
 
Effect on profit
 
Increase
 
Effect on profit
 
  
in foreign
 
after tax and
 
in foreign
 
after tax and
 
  
exchange
 
retained profits
 
exchange
 
retained profits
 
  
rates
 
RMB million
 
rate
 
RMB million
 
          
United States Dollars  5% 1,815  5% 1,649 
Japanese Yen  2% 24  2% 37 
  2009  2008 
  Appreciation /  Decrease/(increase)  Appreciation/  Increase/(decrease) 
  (depreciation) of  on profit after tax and  (depreciation) of  on loss after tax 
  Renminbi against  increase/(decrease)  Renminbi against  and accumulated 
  foreign  on accumulated losses  foreign  losses 
  currency  RMB million  currency  RMB million 
             
United States Dollars  2%  (764)  2%  (606)
   (2)%  764   (2)%  606 
Results of the analysis as presented in the above table represent an aggregation of the instantaneous effects on each of the Group entities’ profit or loss after tax and equity measured in the respective functional currencies, translated into Renminbi at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date for presentation purposes.
 
The sensitivity analysis has been determined assumingassumes that the change in foreign exchange rates had occurredbeen applied to re-measure those financial instruments held by the Group which expose the Group to foreign currency risk at the balance sheet date, including inter-company payables and had been applied to eachreceivables within the Group which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currencies of the Group entities’ exposure to currency risk for both derivative and non-derivativelender or the borrower.  The analysis excludes differences that would result from the translation of the financial instruments in existence at that date, and that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant.
The stated changes represent management’s assessmentstatements of reasonably possible changes in foreign exchange rates overoperations into the period until the next annual balance sheet date.Group’s presentation currency.  The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2006.2008.
 
(d)
Jet fuel priceCredit risk
 
The Group allows for the judicious use of approved derivative instruments such as swaps and options with approved counter-parties and within approved limits to manage the risk of surge of jet fuel price. In addition, counter-partyGroup’s credit risk is generally restrictedprimarily attributable to any gains on changes in fair value at any time,cash and not the principal amount of the instrument. Therefore, the possibility of material loss arising in the event of non-performance by counter-party is considered to be unlikely.
The fair values of derivative financial instruments of the Group at the balance sheet date are as follows:
  
2007
 
2006
 
  
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
  RMB million RMB million RMB million RMB million 
          
Fuel option contracts  2  
  
  26 
F-72

43
Financial instruments (continued)
(c)
Jet fuel price risk (continued)
At December 31, 2007, the Group had outstanding fuel option contracts to buy approximately 3,300,000 barrels (2006: approximately 6,150,000 barrels) of crude oil at prices ranging from US$42 to US$64 per barrel (2006: US$55 to US$79 per barrel). However, if the prevailing market price of crude oil is above the price as stipulated in the contracts at settlement date of a fuel option, that fuel option at the particular settlement date will be invalidated. On the other hand, the Group sold fuel put options to approved counter-partycash equivalents and had outstanding options at December 31, 2007 of approximately 7,800,000 barrels (2006: 12,300,000 barrels) of crude oil at prices ranging from US$40 to US$54 per barrel (2006: US$43 to US$60 per barrel). All contracts will expire between 2008 and 2009.
A change in price of US$1 per tonne of jet fuel affects the Group’s annual fuel costs by RMB22 million, assuming no change in volume of fuel consumed.
(e)
Credit risk
trade receivables.
 
Substantially all of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents are deposited with PRC financial institutions, which management believes are of high credit quality.
 
A significant portion of the Group’s air tickets are sold by agents participating in the Billing and Settlement Plan (“BSP”), a clearing scheme between airlines and sales agents organised by International Air Transportation Association which has insignificant credit risk to the Group.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, the balance due from BSP agents amounted to RMB1,238RMB631 million (2006: RMB863(2008: RMB641 million).  The credit risk exposure to BSP and the remaining trade receivables balance are monitored by the Group on an ongoing basis and the allowance for impairment of doubtful debts is within management’s expectations. Further quantitative disclosures in respect of the Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from trade receivables is set out in Note 30.

F-73F-80

 
4349
Financial instrumentsrisk management and fair values (continued)
 
(f)(e) Jet fuel price risk
The Group’s results of operations may be significantly affected by fluctuations in fuel prices which is a significant expense for the Group. A reasonable possible increase or decrease of 10% (2008: 40%) in jet fuel price, with volume of fuel consumed and all other variables held constant, would have increased/decreased the fuel costs by approximately RMB1,639 million (2008: RMB9,232 million).  The sensitivity analysis indicates the instantaneous change in the Group’s fuel cost that would arise assuming that the change in fuel price had occurred at the balance sheet date.
(f) Fair value
 
(i)All financialFinancial instruments are carried at amounts not materially different from their fair values as at December 31, 2007 and 2006.value.
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimatetable presents the carrying value of financial instruments measured at fair value at the balance sheet date across the three levels of the fair value forhierarchy defined in IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures, with the fair value of each classfinancial instrument categorised in its entirety based on the lowest level of financial instruments:input that is significant to that fair value measurement.  The levels are defined as follows:
 
-Cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables and other current assets, trade payables, taxes payable and other liabilitiesLevel 1 (highest level): fair values measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments
The carrying values approximate their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments.
 
-Financial assets/ liabilitiesLevel 2: fair values measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar financial instruments, or using valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are directly or indirectly based on observable market data
 
The
-Level 3 (Lowest level): fair values measured using valuation techniques in which any significant input is not based on observable market data

2009

  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
  RMB  RMB  RMB  RMB 
  million  million  million  million 
Assets            
Available-for-sale equity securities:                
- Listed  93   -   -   93 
                 
Liabilities                
Derivative financial instruments:               
 - Forward option  contracts -   44   -   44 
During the year there were no significant transfers between instruments in Level 1 and Level 2.
Fair value of fuel option contracts and foreign exchange forward option contracts are determinedavailable-for-sale securities is based on dealer price quotations and options pricing modelquoted market prices at the balance sheet date without any deduction for transaction costs.
 
-Available-for-sale equity securities
The fair value of forward option contracts is determined based on quoted market prices without any deduction for transaction costs.
-Bank and other loans
The fair value has been estimated by applying a discounted cash flow approach using Black Scholes Pricing Model, taking into account the terms and conditions of the forward option contracts.  The major inputs used in estimation process include implied volatility, benchmark interest rates available to the Group for similar indebtedness.
-Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and are based on relevant market information about the financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
and foreign exchange spot and forward rates, which can be obtained from observable markets.
 
(ii)The economic characteristics of the Group’s finance leases vary from lease to lease.  It is impractical to compare such leases with those prevailing in the market within the constraints of timeliness and cost for the purpose of estimating the fair value of such leases.

F-81

49Financial risk management and fair values (continued)
(f) Fair value (continued)
 
(iii)Other non-current investments represent unlisted equity securities of companies established in the PRC.  There is no quoted market price for such equity securities and accordingly a reasonable estimate of the fair value could not be measured reliably.
 
(iv)Amounts due from / from/to related companies are unsecured, interest-free and have no fixed terms of repayment.  Given these terms, it is not meaningful to disclose fair values of this balance.
F-74

44
Commitments
these balances.
 
(a)(v)Loans, trade and other payables, bills payable and short-term financing bills are carried at amounts not materially different from their fair values as at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
50 Commitments
(a) Capital commitments
Capital commitments outstanding at December 31, 2009 not provided for in the financial statements were as follows:

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Commitments in respect of aircraft      
and flight equipment      
- authorised and contracted for  57,890   75,639 
- authorised but not contracted for  7,953   - 
   65,843   75,639 
Other commitments        
- authorised and contracted for  462   884 
- authorised but not contracted for  1,399   1,958 
   1,861   2,842 
   67,704   78,481 
 
As at December 31, 2007, the Group had capital commitments as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Commitments in respect of aircraft and flight equipment       
- authorised and contracted for  88,742  66,881 
        
Other commitments       
- authorised and contracted for  772  420 
- authorised but not contracted for  1,686  1,404 
   2,458  1,824 
   91,200  68,705 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Group had on order 212199 aircraft and certain flight equipment, scheduled for deliveries in 20082010 to 2013. Deposits2015, and deposits of RMB15,366RMB14,792 million have been made towards the purchase of these aircraft and related equipment.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, the approximate total future payments, including estimated amounts for price escalation through anticipated delivery dates for these aircraft and flight equipment are as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
2007  
  12,299 
2008  19,125  22,572 
2009  20,767  17,483 
2010  20,065  14,232 
2011  12,747  295 
2012 and afterwards  16,038  
 
   88,742  66,881 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
2009  -   15,777 
2010  16,404   19,167 
2011  17,482   15,142 
2012  17,421   13,893 
2013  9,845   7,170 
2014 and afterwards  4,691   4,490 
   65,843   75,639 

F-82

50 Commitments (continued)
(a) Capital commitments (continued)
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the Group’s attributable share of the capital commitments of jointly controlled entities was as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
Authorised and contracted for  1  11 
Authorised but not contracted for  32  208 
   33  219 
F-75

  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
       
Authorised and contracted for  2   1 
Authorised but not contracted for  40   26 
   42   27 
 
44(b) 
Commitments (continued)
(b)
Operating lease commitments
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of properties, aircraft and flight equipment operating leases were payable as follows:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
Payments due       
Within 1 year  3,512  3,077 
After 1 year but within 5 years  13,836  10,846 
After 5 years  10,831  8,046 
   28,179  21,969 
(c)
Investing commitments
As at December 31, 2007, the Group committed to make capital contributions in respect of:

  
2007
 
2006
 
  RMB million RMB million 
      
A jointly controlled entity  
  83 
A subsidiary  133  
 
   133  83 
  2009  2008 
  RMB million  RMB million 
Payments due      
Within 1 year  4,028   4,186 
After 1 year but within 5 years  15,107   15,689 
After 5 years  11,231   14,455 
   30,366   34,330 
 
4551 
Contingent liabilities
 
(a)The Group leasesleased certain properties and buildings from CSAHC certain landwhich located in Guangzhou, Wuhan and certain landHaikou, etc.  However, such properties and buildings in Wuhan, Haikou and Zhengzhou cities. The Group has a significant investment in buildings and other leasehold improvements located on such land. However, such land in Guangzhou and such land and buildings in Wuhan, Haikou and Zhengzhou lack adequate documentation evidencing CSAHC’s rights thereto.
 
Pursuant to an indemnification agreement dated May 22, 1997 between the Group and CSAHC, CSAHC has agreed to indemnify the Group against any loss or damage caused byarising from any challenge or interference withof the Group’s right to use of any of its landthe certain properties and buildings.
 
F-76

45(b)
Contingent liabilities (continued)
(b)A writ of summons was issued on May 30, 2007 by certain sales agents in Taiwan (the “plaintiffs”) against the Company for the alleged breach of certain terms and conditions of a cooperative agreement (the “cooperative agreement”). The plaintiffs have made a claim against the Company or a total sum of approximately HKD107 million in respect of the alleged non-payment of sales commission on air tickets sold in Taiwan, annual bonus and interest on late payment during the period from September 1, 2004 to August 31, 2006. The plaintiffs have also claimed against the Company for an unspecified compensation for early termination of the cooperative agreement.
The directors consider that given the nature of the claims and the preliminary status of the proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the eventual outcome of the claims, with reasonable certainty at this stage. However, the directors are of the opinion that the claims are without merit and have instructed its legal advisor to defend the claims vigorously. The directors consider that the outstanding claim should have no material adverse effect on the financial position of the Group.
(c)During the year, the Company entered into agreements with its pilot trainees and certain banks to provide guarantees toon personal bank loans amounting to RMB90,858,000RMB292,586,000 (2008: RMB90,858,000) to be granted to its pilot trainees to finance their respective flight training expenses.  As at December 31, 2007, none2009, an aggregate of the personal bank loans of RMB60 million (2008: RMB13million), under these guarantees, were drawn down from the banks.banks.

F-83

52Non-adjusting post balance sheet events
 
46(a)On March 8, 2010, the board of the Company approved (i) the placement of not more than 1,766,780,000 new A shares to not more than 10 specific investors (subject to the maximum number as permitted by PRC laws and regulations at the time of the issuance) including CSAHC, at the same subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share; and (ii) the placement of not more than 312,500,000 new H shares to Nan Lung, at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share.
On the same date, the Company entered into the A shares subscription agreement with CSAHC, pursuant to which CSAHC conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new A shares of not more than 132,510,000 at the subscription price of not less than RMB5.66 per A share.  In addition, the Company and Nan Lung entered into the H shares subscription agreement, pursuant to which Nan Lung conditionally agreed to subscribe and the Company conditionally agreed to allot and issue new H shares of not more than 312,500,000 at the subscription price of not less than HKD2.73 per H share.
The above placement and subscription agreements were approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting and the respective Meetings of shareholders of A and H shares on April 30, 2010 and are pending approval from the relevant security regulatory authorities.
Non-adjusting post balance sheet events
(b)On January 20, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Airbus SNC to purchase 20 Airbus 320 series aircraft, which were scheduled for delivery from 2011 to 2013.  According to the information provided by Airbus SNC, the catalogue price of an Airbus 320 aircraft is around USD77 million. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and engines.
 
(a)(c)On April 18, 2008, Xiamen AirlinesIn accordance with a Transfer Agreement dated September 28, 2009 and a Supplemental Transfer Agreement dated December 29, 2009 entered into between the Company Limited,and CSAHC, the Company agreed to sell and CSAHC agreed to acquire the 50% equity interest in MTU, a subsidiaryjointly controlled entity of the Company, entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing Company for the purchase of 20 Boeing B737-800 series aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2014 to 2015. According the information provided by Boeing Company, the total catalogue price for the 20 Boeing B737-800 series aircraft is around US$1,500 million.
(b)On April 18, 2008, the Board proposed to the shareholders of the Company for their consideration and approval a bonus share issue (the “Bonus Share Issue”) by the conversion of share premium to share capital. Pursuant to the Bonus Share Issue, which is based on 4,374,178,000 Shares in issue asCompany.  As at December 31, 2007,2009, the number of paid up shares will be increasedsale was approved by 2,187,089,000 shares to 6,561,267,000 shares. The Bonus Share Issue is conditional upon (i) the passingState Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the special resolution to approvePRC and shareholders of Company and was pending approval by the Bonus Share Issue at the Annual General Meeting and the class meetingMinistry of holders of H sharesCommerce of the Company; (ii) approval fromPRC.  The sales was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC being obtained;in January 2010, and (iii)the Company received the acquisition consideration from CSAHC in respect of the new H Shares, the Listing Committee of the Stock Exchange granting or agreeing to grant the listing of, and permission to dealfull in the new H Shares.February 2010.
 
(c)53 During the year, the shareholders of the Company authorised the Board to approve guarantees on personal bank loans of its pilot trainees of no more than RMB100 million in each fiscal year (Note 45(c)). On April 18, 2008, the Board further proposed to the shareholders of the Company for their consideration and approval the increase of the amount of such guarantee to no more than RMB400 million in each of the fiscal year.
F-77

46
Non-adjusting post balance sheet events (continued)
(d)On April 18, 2008, the Board approved the proposal of issuance of short-term financing bills in the PRC in the principal amount of up to RMB4 billion and the submission of this proposal to the shareholders’ approval. The short-term financing bills are to be used to fund the operating activities of the Company.
(e)On May 28, 2008, the Board approved the proposal of issuance of medium term notes in the PRC in the principal amount of up to RMB1.5 billion and the submission of this proposal to the shareholders for their approval. The medium term notes are to be used as the working capital of the Company and fund the capital expenditure of the Company.
47
Immediate and ultimate controlling party
 
As at December 31, 2007,2009, the directors of the Company consider the immediate parent and ultimate controlling party of the Group to be CSAHC, a state-owned enterprise established in the PRC.  CSAHC does not produce financial statements available for public use.

F-84

 
4854
Accounting estimatesjudgements and judgements
estimates
 
The Groups’ financial position and results of operations are sensitive to accounting methods, assumptions and estimates that underlie the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  The Group bases the assumptions and estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Group believes to be reasonable and which form the basis for making judgements about matters that are not readily apparent from other sources.  On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates.  Actual results may differ from those estimates as facts, circumstances and conditions change.
 
The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgements and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in condition and assumptions are factors to be considered when reviewing the consolidated financial statements.  The principal accounting policies are set forth in Note 2.  The Group believes the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant judgements and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
(a) Impairment of long-lived assets
 
If circumstances indicate that the net book value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable, this asset may be considered “impaired”, and an impairment loss may be recognised in accordance with IAS 36, Impairment of Assets.Assets.  The carrying amounts of long-lived assets are reviewed periodically in order to assess whether the recoverable amounts have declined below the carrying amounts.  These assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  When such a decline has occurred, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling pricefair value less costs to sell and the value in use.  In determining the value in use, expected cash flows generated by the asset are discounted to their present value, which requires significant judgementjudgements relating to the level of traffic revenue and the amount of operating costs.  The Group uses all readily available information in determining an amount that is a reasonable approximation of recoverable amount, including estimates based on a reasonable and supportable assumptions andfor projections of traffic revenue and amount of operating costs.
F-78

 
48(b) 
Accounting estimates and judgements (continued)
Depreciation
Depreciation
 
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 Group reviews the estimated useful lives of the assets regularly in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period.  The useful lives are based on the Group’s historical experience with similar assets and taking into account anticipated technological changes.  The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes from previous estimates.
Impairment of trade receivables
The Group maintains an allowance for impairment of bad and doubtful debts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the debtors to make required payments. The Group bases the estimates of future cash flows on the ageing of the trade receivables balance, debtors’ credit-worthiness, and historical write-off experience. If the financial condition of the debtors were to deteriorate, actual write-offs would be higher than estimated.
 
4955 
Comparative figures
 
The comparative figures represent figuresAs a result of the application of IAS1 (revised 2007), Presentation of financial statements, and IFRS 8, Operating segments and the change in accounting policy for the years ended December 31, 2006property, plant and 2005. Certain items in theseequipment, certain comparative figures have been reclassifiedadjusted to conform with theto current year’s presentation and to facilitate comparison.provide comparative amounts in respect of items disclosed for the first time in 2009. Further details of these developments are disclosed in Note 3.

F-79F-85

 
5056
Possible impact of amendments, new standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2007
2009
 
Up to the date of issue of these consolidated financial statements, the IASB has issued a number of amendments, new standards and interpretations which are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 20072009 and which have not been adopted in these consolidated financial statements:

Effective for accounting
period beginning on or after
IFRS 8, Operating Segments
January 1, 2009
IFRIC 11, IFRS 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions
March 1, 2007
IFRIC 12, Service Concession Agreements
January 1, 2008
IFRIC 13, Customer Loyalty Programmes
July 1, 2008
IFRIC 14, IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction
January 1, 2008
IAS 1 (Revised), Presentation of Financial Statement
January 1, 2009
IAS 23 (Revised), Borrowing Costs
January 1, 2009
Amendment to IFRS 2, Share-Based Payment – Vesting Conditions and Cancellations
January 1, 2009
Amendments to IAS 32, Financial instruments:
Presentation and IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements - Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation
January 1, 2009
IFRS 3 (Revised), Business Combinations
Applied to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after July 1, 2009
Amendments to IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
July 1, 2009
statements.
 
The Group is in the process of making an assessment of what the impact of these amendments, new standards and new interpretations is expected to be in the period of initial application. So far the Group believesit has concluded that the adoption of measurement of the above amendments, new standards and new interpretationsthem is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Group’s results of operations and financial position except for IFRIC 13. IFRIC 13 is effective forposition.
In addition, the Group’s accounting period beginning on or after January 1, 2009 and mayfollowing developments are expected to result in changes to revenue recognitionamended disclosures in respectthe financial statements, including restatement of mileages granted undercomparative amounts in the Group’s frequent flyer programmes.first period of adoption:

Effective for accounting periods
beginning on or after
IAS 24 (Revised), Related party disclosuresJanuary 1, 2011
IFRS 9, Financial instrumentsJanuary 1, 2013

F-80
F-86

 
5157 
Subsidiaries
 
The particulars of the Group’s principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 20072009 are as follows:

Name of company
Place of 
establishment 
/ operation
Registered capital
Proportion of 
ownership 
interest held 
by the 
Company
Principal 
activities
Southern Airlines (Group) Shantou Airlines Company Limited (a)PRCRMB280,000,00060%  Airline
Chongqing Airlines Company Limited (a)PRCRMB1,200,000,00060%Airline
Zhuhai Airlines Company Limited (a)PRCRMB250,000,00060%Airline
Xiamen Airlines Company Limited (a)PRCRMB700,000,00060%Airline
Guizhou Airlines Company Limited (a)PRCRMB80,000,00060%Airline
Nan Lung International Freight Comapny LimitedHKHKD3,270,00051%Freight services
Guangzhou Air Cargo Company Limited (a)PRCRMB238,000,00070%Cargo services
Guangzhou Baiyun International Logistics Company Limited (a)PRCRMB50,000,00061%Logistics operations
Southern Airlines Group Air Catering Company Limited (a)PRCRMB10,200,000100%Air catering
Guangzhou Nanland Air Catering Company Limited (b)PRCRMB120,000,00075%Air catering 
China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty LimitedAustraliaAUD100,00065%Pilot training services
Xinjiang Civil Aviation Property Management Limited (a)PRCRMB251,332,83251.8%Property management
Name of company 
Place of
establishment/
operation
 Registered capital 
Proportion of
ownership
interest held
by the
Company
 
Principal
activities
          
Southern Airlines Shantou Airlines Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 280,000,000  60Airline
           
Chongqing Airlines Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 1,200,000,000  60%Airline
           
Zhuhai Airlines Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 250,000,000  60%Airline
           
Xiamen Airlines Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 1,200,000,000  60%Airline
           
Guizhou Airlines Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 80,000,000  60%Airline
           
Nan Lung International Freight Limited HK HKD 3,270,000  51%Freight services
           
Guangzhou Baiyun International Logistic Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 50,000,000  61%Logistics operations
           
China Southern Airlines Group Air Catering Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 10,200,000  100%Air catering
           
Guangzhou Nanland Air Catering Company Limited (“Nanland”) (b) PRC RMB 120,000,000  55%Air catering
           
China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Limited Australia AUD 100,000  91%Pilot training services
           
Xinjiang Civil Aviation Property Management Limited (a) PRC RMB 251,332,832  51.8%Property management
           
Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Services Company Limited (a) PRC RMB 18,000,000  100%Provision of airport ground services
 
(a)These subsidiaries are PRC limited liability companies.
 
(b)This subsidiary is Sino-foreign equity joint venture company established in the PRC.
 
(c)Certain of the Group’s subsidiaries are PRC joint ventures which have limited lives pursuant to the PRC law.
 
F-81F-87

 
5258 
Associates and jointly controlled entities
 
The particulars of the Group’s principal associates and jointly controlled entities as of December 31, 20072009 are as follows:

   
Proportion of ownership interest
held by
      
Proportion of ownership interest
held by
  
Name of company
 
Place of 
establishment/ 
operation
 
Group’s
effective
interest
 
The
Company
 
subsidiaries
 
Principal activities
  
Place of
establishment/
operation
 
Group’s
effective
interest
  
The
Company
  Subsidiaries Principal activities
                       
Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (a) PRC  50% 50% - Provision of aircraft repair and maintenance services  PRC  50%  50%  - Provision of aircraft repair and maintenance services
China Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited PRC  34 21.1 12.9Provision of financial services 
               
Southern Airlines Group Finance Company Limited PRC  34%  21.1%  12.9Provision of financial services
               
Sichuan Airlines Corporation Limited PRC  39% 39% - Airline  PRC  39%  39%  - Airline
               
MTU Maintenance Zhuhai Co., Limited (a) PRC  50% 50% - Provision of engine repair and maintenance services  PRC  50%  50%  - Provision of engine repair and maintenance services
China Postal Cargo Airlines Limited (a) PRC  49% 49% - Airline 
               
Zhuhai Xiang Yi Aviation Technology Company Limited (a) PRC  51% 51% - Provision of flight simulation services  PRC  51%  51%  - Provision of flight simulation services
Beijing Southern Airlines Ground Services Company Limited (a) PRC  50% 50% - Provision of airport ground services 
Guangzhou China Southern Zhongmian Dutyfee Store Co., Limited PRC  50% 50% - Sales of duty free goods in flight 
               
Guangzhou China Southern Zhongmian Dutyfree Store Co., Limited (a) PRC  50%  50%  - Sales of duty free goods in flight
 
(a)These are jointly controlled entities.
 
(b)Certain of the Group’s jointly controlled entities are PRC joint ventures which have limited lives pursuant to the PRC law.

F-82F-92



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 SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED
  
 /s/ Liu Shao YongSi Xian Min
 Name: Liu Shao YongSi Xian Min
 Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors

Date: June 23, 2008May 28, 2010



EXHIBIT INDEXIndex to Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description of Exhibit
1.1 
Restated and Amended Articles of Association of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File Number: 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2006 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2007)(1)
   
4.1 
Form of Director’s Service Agreement (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006)(2)
   
4.2 
Form of Non-Executive Director’s Service Agreement  (Incorporated(3)
4.3
Aircraft General Terms Agreement entered into by reference toand between Airbus S.A.S. and China Southern Airlines Company Limited on January 20, 2010 *
4.4
A320 Family Aircraft Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660)Company and Airbus SNC on January 20, 2010 *
4.5
A Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and CSAHC on December 10, 2008(4)
4.6
H Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Nan Lung Holding Limited on December 10, 2008(5)
4.7A Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and CSAHC on March 8, 2010
4.8H Shares Subscription Agreement entered into by and between the Company and Nan Lung Holding Limited on March 8, 2010
4.9Transfer Agreement entered into by and among the Company, CSAHC, MTU and MTU Aero Engines GmbH on September 28, 2009
4.10Transfer Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with50% Equity Interest in MTU between CSAHC and the Securities and Exchange CommissionCompany on June 30, 2006)September 28, 2009
   
8.1 Subsidiaries of China Southern Airlines Company Limited
   
10.111.1 Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between China Southern Airlines Company Limited and Airbus dated July 6, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to theCode of Ethics (included in Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2006)   
10.2Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between China Southern Airlines Company Limited and Boeing dated October 13, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2006)
10.3Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated October 13, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2006)
10.4Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Airbus dated on July 16, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2007)
10.5Xiamen Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated on July 16, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2007)
10.6Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Boeing dated on August 20, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2007)
10.7Airbus Aircraft Acquisition Agreement entered into between the Company and Airbus dated on October 23, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2007)
10.8Boeing Aircraft Acquisition Agreement between Xiamen Airlines and Boeing dated April 18, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 6-K (File No. 001-14660) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2008)4.1)
   
12.1 Section 302 Certification of President

12.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
   
13.1 Section 906 Certification of President
   
13.2 Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
*   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.

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 1.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

(2) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006

(3) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.2 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006

(4) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.8 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009

(5) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.9 to our Form 20-F (File No. 001-14660) for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2009