Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline grouping, is “confident” it will sign up China Eastern Airlines Corp., the only major Chinese carrier yet to join to a global alliance.

The group has invited by Shanghai-based China Eastern to join and it expects a decision within the next few weeks, Star Chief Executive Officer Jaan Albrecht said today in an interview in Guangzhou, southern China. China Eastern’s Shanghai Airlines Co. unit already belongs to the grouping.

Star, whose members include Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Air China Ltd. and United Air Lines, has sought to add China Eastern to boost its presence in Shanghai, China’s financial capital. Oneworld and SkyTeam have also held talks with China Eastern as the nation’s economic growth spurs demand for overseas flights. (Bloomberg)