The Shanghai-based airline’s core business revenue totaled $2.11 billion in the three months ended March 31, up 36% from a year earlier.
The preliminary financial results took into account China Eastern’s recent acquisition of city rival Shanghai Airlines.
CargoNews said the person didn’t give reasons for the carrier’s sharply improved financial performance, but analysts have widely anticipated the results due to stronger global air travel demand, relatively steady international oil prices and the contribution from Shanghai Airlines.