Air China profits rise three-fold

China has seen air travel increase significantly

Air China has seen its profits increase three-fold in the first six months of the year, thanks to passenger demand and a stronger local currency.

The state-owned carrier saw profits for the six months to 30 June climb to 1.57bn yuan (£102m) from 458m yuan over the same period a year earlier.

A rising number of business class customers helped push up profits, countering a rise in fuel prices.

The firm said it had been "expanding its hub and route networks".

A rise in the value of the yuan compared to the dollar helped lower the burden of the firm's dollar-denominated debt.

The number of people flying in China has grown significantly as its continuing economic boom creates a growing middle class prepared to spend more on travel.

Figures published earlier this month showed China's air traffic rose 16% compared to a year earlier.

Next year's Olympics in Beijing is expected to increase the firm's passenger numbers as it is the official airline "partner" for the tournament.

Air China carried nearly 34 million passengers last year.