And at Zhuhai, COMAC and Eastern Air Lines, which hopes to start flying late next year with service between Miami and Latin America, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

FORBES: China's Aviation ABCs: Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC

But under Chief Executive Joseph Leonard, an industry veteran (Eastern, Northwest, American), AirTran came back by stealing business travelers away from big rivals such as Delta Air Lines with bargain fares and better service.

FORBES: Flying High