SHANGHAI — Soaring demand and fewer discounts have secured the profits of the nation's major airlines in the first six months, with China's aviation industry expected to stay well in the black for the rest of the year, said analysts.

SHANGHAI — Shanghai Airlines Co Ltd said on Thursday it has agreed to terminate its Star Alliance membership by the end of October.

SYDNEY — Qantas Airways Ltd is revamping business-class services as Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd and Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd threaten its 90 percent share of Australia's corporate travel market.

Beijing ­— China National Aviation Holding Company is to take over China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CASC), a major aircraft and material provider for domestic airlines, which is part of the government's plan to consolidate the aviation industry, a source knowledgeable with the deal told China Daily on Tuesday.

SHANGHAI — China Eastern Airlines Co Ltd, one of the nation's three major carriers, said on Tuesday that it will set up a joint venture in Kunming with the Yunnan provincial government, as part of its effort to explore the southwestern market.

LONDON — The smallest profits in the commodity shipping market in 18 months may be ending as a rebound in steel and iron-ore prices signal improving Chinese demand that will ease the transport glut.