China Southern Airlines expects to return to the black for 2009 after making a loss in the previous year, as demand in the aviation industry recovers.
The airline's financial results for 2009 "are expected to turn from loss into profit", says the Guangzhou-based carrier.
Its estimated results have not been audited yet.
In 2008, the airline posted a net loss of 482.9 million yuan ($70.7 million).
"Demand for aviation and transportation services is gradually recovering as a result of positive factors such as the slow global economy and the domestic economic rebound," says China Southern.
The fall in fuel prices and the airline's various measures to boost revenue have helped return it to profit, it adds.