A global force

Chinese aviation interests and investors are spreading their influence around the world

Etihad Airways’ Australian-born supremo James Hogan has forged an unmatched reputation for business smarts with his single-handed dedication to setting up a unique, non-major global alliance, airline partnership group through equity investments.

The former Ansett flight attendant could have major competition with the news China’s HNA Group, owners of Hainan Airlines, is rapidly expanding its global footprint in a similar vein. Based on Hainan Island, China’s version of Hawaii, HNA is acquiring a 23. 7 per cent stake in Azul Brazilian Airlines, the third-largest carrier in Brazil, for $450 million. It’s hardly the group’s first overseas equity adventure and it will definitely not be the last, underscoring the growing propensity of Chinese aviation interests and investors to spread their influence into every corner of the world.