China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines both rallied in trading on Thursday as their parents received government aid to help the carriers struggling in the global downturn.

China Eastern shares jumped 41.3 per cent to HK1.06 to the highest since October 22 in Hong Kong, and gained 9.9 per cent to Rmb4.32 in Shanghai, while China Southern gained 43 per cent to HK$1,33 in Hong Kong and 9.9 per cent to Rmb3.66 in Shanghai.