China's Hainan Airlines (HNA) is considering making a bid for the loss-making Hungarian national airline Malev. HNA hopes to have an opportunity to help rebuild Malev and the two sides are negotiating on related issues, HNA President Chen Feng told a joint press conference with Malev's President Laszlo Sandor in Haikou.

Malev boasts an abundant flight network and professional air staff and the favourable geological position of Budapest will contribute to a promising aviation market, Chen said.

Late last month, the Hungarian Government announced plans to sell its 99.95 per cent stake in the ailing State-owned airline and hoped to close the transaction this year.

HNA will complete a feasibility report on reorganizing the stock ownership of the Hungarian airline based on a prudent financial analysis of the company, Chen said.

HNA has consulted Morgan Stanley and some renowned law firms about the issue and the rebuilding programme will be made in accordance with the law of Hungary and international practice, he added.