Shanghai Airlines to remain independent post-merger

Shanghai Airlines expects to remain a separate entity and retain its brand after it merges with rival China Eastern, Reuters reported, citing statments by Shanghai Airlines Chairman Zhou Chi. Zhou said the government and the airlines are still discussing the merger plans, with a formal plan expected to emerge in early July. The government has been pushing for a merger since last year in order to raise the status of the two carriers in a weak travel market. If the airlines successfully merge, they will control more than 50% of Shanghai’s air travel market.