China Airlines expects its cargo venture in mainland China – Yangtze River Express Airlines – to break even in 2008, the Commercial Times reported, citing China Airlines Chairman Philip Wei.

Mr Wei was quoted as saying that the Chinese cargo venture recorded cumulative losses of NT$550 million in 2006 and the fi rst half of 2007.

China Airlines acquired a 25 per cent stake in Yangtze River Express Airlines for about US$40 million in January 2006. Other investors in the Yangtze airline include Yangming Marine Transport Corp, which has a 12 per cent stake, Wan Hai Lines, with 6 per cent and China Container Express Lines, 6 per cent.