(Yicai Global) Jan. 28 -- China Southern Airlines has swiped its new general manager from one of the carrier's biggest rivals.

General Manager Ma Xulun has stepped down from the same role he held at China Eastern Airlines for 10 years to join the Guangzhou-based carrier, Yicai Global learned from sources close to the company.

China Southern announced the appointment at a meeting of high-ranking company officials today. 

The firm's previous General Manager Tan Wangeng departed in November to take up the same position at Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, the country's state-owned commercial aircraft manufacturer better known as Comac.