China Southern introduces domestic premium-economy seats; AirAsia sees “strong” 1Q2010 earnings

Chinese airlines’ shares rose on Thursday, on expectations of a stronger Yuan, which would help reduce the cost of aviation fuel and aircraft purchases. China Southern and China Eastern led the way, with gains of 5.3% and 5.6%, respectively, while shares in Air China were up 2.0%. Hainan Airlines’ shares slipped 1.1%.