← China Eastern Airlines overview

China Eastern Airlines vs Thai Airways International: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd (600115.CG)

Q3 2026
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China Eastern squeezed by weak demand and fuel, but traffic and buybacks offer support

  • Weak demand and costly fuel drive big losses Soft domestic travel demand and high jet fuel prices caused a first-half net loss of 2.18 billion yuan, with gross margin nearly zero and debt at 87.67% of assets. HSBC expects a full-year loss near 16.8 billion yuan.

    This is the core reason the stock is under pressure this quarter.

  • Global fuel spike and industry profit cut IATA halved its 2026 industry profit forecast because the Strait of Hormuz blockage pushed oil to $152 per barrel. Chinese airlines barely hedge fuel, so they feel the full cost increase, squeezing profits further.

    This external shock amplifies the company's losses and weighs on the stock.

  • Traffic and holiday fares show resilience July traffic rose 7.13% with an 87.11% load factor, and National Day fares climbed 11.2%. China Eastern added extra holiday flights, showing demand is not uniformly weak and giving a lift to revenue prospects.

    This is a bright spot that supports the stock price.

  • Fleet growth and buybacks signal confidence The company ordered 25 A330neo planes and took Airbus Tianjin deliveries, expanding capacity for future demand. It also bought back 45.78 million shares, a sign management believes the stock is undervalued and a direct support for the price.

    These actions show long-term optimism and provide a counterweight to the negative news.

September 2026
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China Eastern: losses widen but demand and buybacks offer support

  • First-half loss widens to 2.18 billion yuan China Eastern's first-half net loss widened to 2.179 billion yuan from 1.431 billion a year earlier, even as revenue rose 11%. Gross margin collapsed to 0.04% and debt rose to 87.67% of assets. This confirms the airline is still losing money, which weighs on the share price.

    The interim loss is the core fundamental event of the period and directly explains why the stock faces pressure.

  • July traffic rises 7.13%, load factor 87.11% Passenger turnover rose 7.13% year on year in July and planes were 87.11% full, showing travel demand is holding up. The airline also added routes and kept its fleet steady at 833 aircraft. Stronger demand supports revenue and helps offset cost pressures.

    This is the main positive demand signal in the period and shows the loss is not due to collapsing travel.

  • National Day fares up 11.2%, China Eastern adds flights Domestic holiday airfares rose 11.2% from last year, and China Eastern plans over 39,000 flights with 800+ extra services and wide-body upgrades. Higher fares and more flying during the peak holiday should boost revenue and cash flow in the current quarter.

    It shows a near-term pricing recovery and higher capacity that can lift earnings after a weak summer.

  • Buybacks continue, 45.78 million shares repurchased China Eastern has bought back 45.78 million shares for 168 million yuan as of September 30, up from 39.74 million shares in early August. Buybacks reduce shares outstanding and signal management confidence, giving some support to the stock price.

    The ongoing buyback is a capital action that cushions the stock and shows management's view.

Latest
▲3▼1

China Eastern: losses widen but demand and buybacks offer support

  • First-half loss widens to 2.18 billion yuan China Eastern's first-half net loss widened to 2.179 billion yuan from 1.431 billion a year earlier, even as revenue rose 11%. Gross margin collapsed to 0.04% and debt rose to 87.67% of assets. This confirms the airline is still losing money, which weighs on the share price.

    The interim loss is the core fundamental event of the period and directly explains why the stock faces pressure.

  • July traffic rises 7.13%, load factor 87.11% Passenger turnover rose 7.13% year on year in July and planes were 87.11% full, showing travel demand is holding up. The airline also added routes and kept its fleet steady at 833 aircraft. Stronger demand supports revenue and helps offset cost pressures.

    This is the main positive demand signal in the period and shows the loss is not due to collapsing travel.

  • National Day fares up 11.2%, China Eastern adds flights Domestic holiday airfares rose 11.2% from last year, and China Eastern plans over 39,000 flights with 800+ extra services and wide-body upgrades. Higher fares and more flying during the peak holiday should boost revenue and cash flow in the current quarter.

    It shows a near-term pricing recovery and higher capacity that can lift earnings after a weak summer.

  • Buybacks continue, 45.78 million shares repurchased China Eastern has bought back 45.78 million shares for 168 million yuan as of September 30, up from 39.74 million shares in early August. Buybacks reduce shares outstanding and signal management confidence, giving some support to the stock price.

    The ongoing buyback is a capital action that cushions the stock and shows management's view.

August 2026
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China Eastern's losses deepen as weak demand and fuel costs bite

  • Weak domestic demand and fuel costs drive losses China Eastern and its two big rivals face a combined first-half loss of up to 9 billion yuan, with weak summer travel demand and high jet fuel prices. Analysts at HSBC expect a full-year loss of about 16.8 billion yuan, far worse than market hopes. This directly hurts earnings and the share price.

    This is the core reason the stock is under pressure: weak demand and high costs are crushing profits.

  • Global airline profit forecast slashed on fuel spike The global airline industry body IATA cut its 2026 profit forecast from $45 billion to $23 billion because of the Strait of Hormuz blockage and jet fuel at $152 a barrel. Chinese airlines barely hedge fuel, so they are hit hard. This adds to the negative outlook for China Eastern.

    It shows the external cost shock that is squeezing China Eastern's margins and pushing the stock down.

  • First-half results confirm heavy losses China Eastern and its two main rivals reported a combined net loss of 8.161 billion yuan for the first half. High and volatile jet fuel prices were a major factor. The actual loss confirms the weak demand and cost problems, keeping pressure on the share price.

    The reported loss is the concrete financial hit that investors are reacting to.

  • Fleet expansion with Airbus orders and new Tianjin line China Eastern ordered 25 A330neo jets worth $9.35 billion and received the first A320neo from Airbus's new Tianjin assembly line. These moves expand capacity, replace older planes, and improve fleet efficiency over time. They support future growth and cost savings, a positive for the stock.

    It shows the company is investing in a more efficient fleet, which could improve long-term profitability.

▼3▲1

China Eastern's losses deepen as weak demand and fuel costs bite

  • Weak domestic demand and fuel costs drive losses China Eastern and its two big rivals face a combined first-half loss of up to 9 billion yuan, with weak summer travel demand and high jet fuel prices. Analysts at HSBC expect a full-year loss of about 16.8 billion yuan, far worse than market hopes. This directly hurts earnings and the share price.

    This is the core reason the stock is under pressure: weak demand and high costs are crushing profits.

  • Global airline profit forecast slashed on fuel spike The global airline industry body IATA cut its 2026 profit forecast from $45 billion to $23 billion because of the Strait of Hormuz blockage and jet fuel at $152 a barrel. Chinese airlines barely hedge fuel, so they are hit hard. This adds to the negative outlook for China Eastern.

    It shows the external cost shock that is squeezing China Eastern's margins and pushing the stock down.

  • First-half results confirm heavy losses China Eastern and its two main rivals reported a combined net loss of 8.161 billion yuan for the first half. High and volatile jet fuel prices were a major factor. The actual loss confirms the weak demand and cost problems, keeping pressure on the share price.

    The reported loss is the concrete financial hit that investors are reacting to.

  • Fleet expansion with Airbus orders and new Tianjin line China Eastern ordered 25 A330neo jets worth $9.35 billion and received the first A320neo from Airbus's new Tianjin assembly line. These moves expand capacity, replace older planes, and improve fleet efficiency over time. They support future growth and cost savings, a positive for the stock.

    It shows the company is investing in a more efficient fleet, which could improve long-term profitability.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI.BK)

Latest
▼3▲1

Flood chaos hits flights, cargo; CEO ousted, but recovery and MRO deal emerge

  • Flood-driven staff shortage forces flight cuts and baggage chaos Bangkok flooding left Thai Airways short of ground staff, delaying nearly all flights, stranding thousands of bags, and forcing it to cancel about 30% of Bangkok departures and 59 flights. This directly hits peak-season revenue and adds compensation costs, weighing on profit and the share price.

    This is the core new operational shock that explains the stock's weakness this period.

  • Cargo warehouse suspended, 12,000 tons backlogged Thai Airways halted inbound and outbound cargo at its Suvarnabhumi warehouse for six days, creating a 12,000-ton backlog and drawing government pressure. Cargo is a profit source, so this disruption adds to the earnings hit and reputational damage.

    It shows the flood impact spreading beyond passengers into cargo, a second new negative force.

  • Board ousts CEO Chai, opens investigation The board suspended CEO Chai Eamsiri and appointed an acting chief pending a fact-finding probe into crisis management. Leadership uncertainty can weigh on the stock until a permanent CEO and strategy are clear, though a fresh start could eventually help.

    This is a major new governance event that adds uncertainty and explains negative sentiment.

  • Operations recover; U-Tapao MRO deal signed Thai Airways restored full flights by October 3 and cleared most bags, while brokers see limited profit impact and a fourth-quarter high-season recovery. It also signed a 10-billion-baht U-Tapao maintenance centre lease, a long-term growth project.

    This is the main new counterweight showing the disruption is temporary and long-term plans remain on track.

Q3 2026
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Thai Airways Q3 mixed: profit trough, but fuel, lock-up, floods weigh

  • Q2 profit trough and core earnings beat Q2 marked the profit trough, with core earnings beating expectations on higher fares and cargo revenue. This suggests the worst may be over, supporting recovery hopes.

    It signals a potential turning point in profitability, a key driver for the stock.

  • Lower oil prices and broker upgrades Lower oil prices and broker upgrades (KKPS Buy, 9.20 baht target) provided support. Fleet expansion under Jump+ plan and FTSE Small Cap inclusion also boosted sentiment.

    These factors directly improve cost outlook and investor perception, driving price.

  • Q2 profit plunge and share lock-up expiry Q2 profit plunged 87% on doubled jet fuel costs and weak demand. The expiry of a 19.8bn-share lock-up created heavy selling pressure, weighing on the stock.

    These are major negative events that pressured the stock price during the quarter.

  • Bangkok flooding and CEO suspension Bangkok flooding caused cancellations, a 12,000-ton cargo backlog, and 30% capacity cuts. The CEO's suspension adds leadership uncertainty, further dampening investor confidence.

    Operational disruptions and management instability are significant negative drivers.

September 2026
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Thai Airways: FTSE boost, flood disruptions, CEO suspended

  • FTSE Small Cap inclusion and winter schedule expansion Thai Airways joined the FTSE Small Cap index and expanded its winter schedule to 998 weekly flights. Strong bookings with an 85% cabin factor support its 200 billion baht revenue target.

    This point highlights the positive operational and market developments that drove investor sentiment during the period.

  • Bangkok flooding causes flight cancellations and cargo backlog Severe flooding in Bangkok forced dozens of flight cancellations, stranded over 5,600 bags, cut capacity by 30%, and suspended cargo operations with a 12,000-ton backlog, disrupting operations.

    This point captures the major operational disruption that negatively impacted the airline's performance during the period.

  • CEO suspended pending investigation The board suspended CEO Chai Eamsiri pending an investigation, creating leadership uncertainty and potentially affecting strategic execution and investor confidence.

    This point addresses the governance and leadership risk that emerged during the period.

  • Brokers recommend gradual accumulation on cheap valuation Brokers recommend gradual accumulation, citing a cheap 6.9x 2027 P/E, a 7.56 baht target, lower fuel costs, and expected high-season earnings recovery, despite recent disruptions.

    This point shows analyst optimism and the factors that could drive future price recovery.

▲3

Thai Airways: index inclusion, winter schedule, and bookings offset fuel cost pressure

  • FTSE Small Cap inclusion draws index-tracking buyers Thai Airways joined the FTSE Small Cap index effective September 18-21, 2026. Funds that track the index must buy the stock, creating steady demand. This is a one-time technical event that can lift the share price as new buyers step in.

    This is a new, concrete event that directly increases demand for THAI shares.

  • Winter schedule adds flights and routes, boosting revenue outlook Thai Airways launched its winter 2026/2027 schedule with 998 weekly flights across 66 routes, including a new Bangkok-Da Nang service and more flights to Europe. More flights mean more revenue, supporting the company's 200 billion baht full-year target.

    This is a new operational expansion that directly supports future revenue and earnings.

  • Strong bookings and 85% cabin factor signal resilient demand KGI Securities said 3Q69 bookings grew year on year, helped by a European route recovery and an 85% cabin factor. The fourth quarter is expected to grow with the tourism season. This shows demand is holding up despite high fuel costs, supporting earnings.

    This is new analyst evidence that passenger demand remains strong, a key driver of profit.

  • CEO search adds uncertainty but also a chance for fresh strategy Thai Airways opened applications for a new CEO to succeed Chai Eamsiri, whose term ends in January 2027. The new leader must handle 80 billion baht in debenture debt and a 55-aircraft order plan. Uncertainty over leadership can weigh on the stock, but a strong new CEO could improve execution.

    This is a new governance event that could affect investor confidence and future strategy.

August 2026
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Thai Airways: fuel spike hits Q2, but upgrades and recovery bets lift outlook

  • Q2 profit plunges 87% on fuel spike Thai Airways' second-quarter profit fell 87% to 1.528 billion baht as jet fuel prices more than doubled due to Middle East unrest. Fewer passengers and a lower load factor added pressure, showing how fuel and travel demand directly hit earnings.

    This is the period's biggest negative event and explains why the stock faced pressure.

  • Brokers: core profit beat despite fuel Analysts said core profit was stronger than expected, helped by higher fares and cargo revenue. Most kept buy or hold ratings and expect a clear recovery in the fourth quarter as peak travel season begins and fuel hedging rises to 40%.

    It shows the market looked past the headline profit drop and focused on underlying strength.

  • Fleet and route expansion targets 2028 growth Thai Airways reaffirmed its Jump+ plan, targeting 14-15% revenue growth in 2028 and expanding its fleet from 84 to 128 aircraft. New routes to Xiamen and Da Nang and more European flights signal confidence in future demand.

    It gives a concrete long-term growth path that supports the investment case.

  • KKPS upgrades to Buy, target 9.20 baht KKPS upgraded Thai Airways to Buy and raised its target price to 9.20 baht, citing higher fares, market share gains from low-cost and Middle Eastern carriers, and rising profit through 2028. Middle East conflict pushing oil higher remains the key risk.

    A fresh analyst upgrade with a much higher target directly boosts investor sentiment.

▲3▼1

Thai Airways: fuel spike hits Q2, but upgrades and recovery bets lift outlook

  • Q2 profit plunges 87% on fuel spike Thai Airways' second-quarter profit fell 87% to 1.528 billion baht as jet fuel prices more than doubled due to Middle East unrest. Fewer passengers and a lower load factor added pressure, showing how fuel and travel demand directly hit earnings.

    This is the period's biggest negative event and explains why the stock faced pressure.

  • Brokers: core profit beat despite fuel Analysts said core profit was stronger than expected, helped by higher fares and cargo revenue. Most kept buy or hold ratings and expect a clear recovery in the fourth quarter as peak travel season begins and fuel hedging rises to 40%.

    It shows the market looked past the headline profit drop and focused on underlying strength.

  • Fleet and route expansion targets 2028 growth Thai Airways reaffirmed its Jump+ plan, targeting 14-15% revenue growth in 2028 and expanding its fleet from 84 to 128 aircraft. New routes to Xiamen and Da Nang and more European flights signal confidence in future demand.

    It gives a concrete long-term growth path that supports the investment case.

  • KKPS upgrades to Buy, target 9.20 baht KKPS upgraded Thai Airways to Buy and raised its target price to 9.20 baht, citing higher fares, market share gains from low-cost and Middle Eastern carriers, and rising profit through 2028. Middle East conflict pushing oil higher remains the key risk.

    A fresh analyst upgrade with a much higher target directly boosts investor sentiment.

July 2026
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THAI's Q2 profit troughs as 20bn share unlock pressures price, but lower oil offers recovery

  • Q2 profit set to be year's lowest Brokers expect THAI's Q2 2026 profit to plunge 88-91% from a year earlier to 850m-2.27bn baht, hit by high fuel costs and Middle East conflict. This weak earnings picture weighs on the shares.

    Directly explains the weak earnings backdrop driving the stock.

  • 19.8bn share lock-up expiry creates selling pressure On 4 August, 19.8bn shares (70% of total) from debt-to-equity conversion became tradable. Creditors who got shares at ~2.5 baht can sell at a profit, adding a large supply overhang that pushes the price down.

    This is the main new supply event pressuring the stock.

  • U-Tapao MRO lease signed, long-term revenue stream THAI signed a 50-year lease for a 210-rai maintenance site at U-Tapao, investing ~13bn baht. Operations start 2030, adding a new long-term revenue source and government partnership, which supports the stock's long-term value.

    New capital project that adds long-term value and is a positive driver.

  • Lower oil prices and Q3 recovery hopes Brent crude fell below $80 on hopes of a Strait of Hormuz deal, cutting jet fuel costs. Brokers see Q2 as the trough and expect Q3 improvement, with some upgrading THAI to buy, which supports the share price.

    Shows the positive counterweight that could lift the stock after the lock-up.

▲2▼2

THAI's Q2 profit troughs as 20bn share unlock pressures price, but lower oil offers recovery

  • Q2 profit set to be year's lowest Brokers expect THAI's Q2 2026 profit to plunge 88-91% from a year earlier to 850m-2.27bn baht, hit by high fuel costs and Middle East conflict. This weak earnings picture weighs on the shares.

    Directly explains the weak earnings backdrop driving the stock.

  • 19.8bn share lock-up expiry creates selling pressure On 4 August, 19.8bn shares (70% of total) from debt-to-equity conversion became tradable. Creditors who got shares at ~2.5 baht can sell at a profit, adding a large supply overhang that pushes the price down.

    This is the main new supply event pressuring the stock.

  • U-Tapao MRO lease signed, long-term revenue stream THAI signed a 50-year lease for a 210-rai maintenance site at U-Tapao, investing ~13bn baht. Operations start 2030, adding a new long-term revenue source and government partnership, which supports the stock's long-term value.

    New capital project that adds long-term value and is a positive driver.

  • Lower oil prices and Q3 recovery hopes Brent crude fell below $80 on hopes of a Strait of Hormuz deal, cutting jet fuel costs. Brokers see Q2 as the trough and expect Q3 improvement, with some upgrading THAI to buy, which supports the share price.

    Shows the positive counterweight that could lift the stock after the lock-up.