A senior China Southern Airlines executive has caused a stir in the Chinese airline sector by defecting to a privately owned airline – the first time such a thing has happened.
Li Kun, most recently Guangzhou-based China Southern’s executive vice-president, has taken over as president of Shenzhen Airlines, replacing Dong Lijia who stepped down following a change of ownership in May last year.
Li, 45, was with China Southern for 27 years and his move has surprised many in the Chinese airline sector. Executives such as Li typically remain with the same employer until they retire or move to positions with the regulatory Civil Aviation Administration of China. Industry observers expect more such defections now that a precedent has been set and as more carriers are being established by the private sector.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE