Transportation China's slumping state airlines pin hopes on overseas demand like exporters

Carriers blame Middle East war for losses while acknowledging domestic 'involution'

A man takes a selfie as a China Eastern Airlines plane lands at Beijing Capital International Airport in March 2022. © Reuters

TOKYO -- China's three major state-owned airlines are counting more on overseas demand to lift them out of poor financial performance, echoing Chinese companies in other industries that are attempting to offset severe domestic competition and a sluggish economy.