China Eastern Airlines' profits decline 98 pct

China Eastern Airlines, one of the country's leading carriers, has posted a net profit drop of 97.76 percent from the same period last year in the first half of 2014.

With a net profit of 14 million yuan (2.28 million U.S. dollars), the company registered a business revenue of 42.59 billion yuan in the first six months, according to a statement it filed to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Sunday.

The revenue was a 2.68-percent increase from the same period last year, said China Eastern Airlines.

It attributed the lackluster performance to "geopolitical instability, fewer high-end business travelers, and more convenient high-speed railway services."

The airline foresees both opportunities and challenges in the second half of this year due to a mixed picture consisting of "uncertainties in global economic recovery, continuous growth in China's airline market, and fierce competition."

By June 30, the Shanghai-based carrier had 485 planes, including 459 passenger ones, 12 cargo, and 14 corporate jets under its trusteeship.