Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-04 08:00Group 1 - The performance of four mainland airlines in Q3 showed divergence, with China Eastern Airlines experiencing the strongest net profit growth of 34% year-on-year, followed by China Southern Airlines with a 20% increase. Spring Airlines and Air China saw net profit declines of 6% and 11%, respectively [1] - Revenue per available seat kilometer exceeded expectations, with stable data reported for September. The decline in fuel costs is expected to benefit the overall cost structure, although the unit cost performance excluding fuel varied, with Air China lagging in cost optimization [1] - Adjustments were made to Air China's 2025 profit forecast, changing from a loss of 54 million yuan to a profit of 473 million yuan, while forecasts for 2026 and 2027 were lowered by 5.7% and 4.2%, respectively. China Southern Airlines' 2025 profit forecast was reduced by 54%, but forecasts for 2026 and 2027 were raised by 16% and 14%. China Eastern Airlines' forecasts for 2025 to 2027 were increased by 56%, 0.8%, and 0.7%, respectively. Spring Airlines' 2025 profit forecast was lowered by 2.7%, with 2026 and 2027 forecasts remaining unchanged [1] Group 2 - The firm reiterated "underperform" ratings for Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines due to ongoing pressure on domestic ticket prices, which pose downside risks to profits in 2025 and 2026. Conversely, a "buy" rating was maintained for Spring Airlines, attributed to its cost leadership position and expected stable growth in 2025 and 2026 [2]