Air China Ltd, the nation's largest international carrier, said it may save 549 million yuan ($80 million) after the government announced a business-tax exemption for overseas flights and shipping services.
The forecast was based on 2009 earnings, the company said in a Hong Kong stock exchange statement late Wednesday. Cosco Shipping Co, a unit of China's largest shipping group, predicted 42 million yuan in savings on a similar basis.
China introduced the tax exemption for airlines and shipping lines from Jan 1, covering both passenger and cargo services, according to a Ministry of Finance statement. The government has also bailed out state-controlled airlines after debts and competition caused losses.
Air China yesterday rose 2 percent in Hong Kong trading to HK$8.52 ($1.10) and 7.1 percent in Shanghai to 13.39 yuan. Cosco Shipping rose 0.8 percent to 9.14 yuan in Shanghai.
