China Eastern Airlines Co Ltd, one of the nation's major three carriers, may expand its joint-venture budget operation Jetstar Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland within three years.

Jetstar, a 50/50 joint venture between China Eastern and Qantas Group, Australia's national carrier, is expected to play a key part in China Eastern's finances over the coming years, said Ma Xulun, the president of the company.

"We are eyeing the mainland market within three years, around the point at which we expect Jetstar Hong Kong to become profitable," Ma, an NPC deputy from Shanghai, told China Daily on the sidelines of the annual session of the 12th National People's Congress.