The German Federal Cartel office has approved Air Berlin’s acquisition of LTU. In March of this year Air Berlin announced its intent to acquire 100 percent of LTU International Airlines, one of Germany’s leading leisure carriers.

Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, said its second-quarter profit rose 2 percent as the company flew fuller planes.

Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer said on Wednesday second-quarter profit dropped 49 percent because of a surge in costs as it ramped up production of regional jets. Net income fell to $40.13 million from the year-earlier period.

Continuing revenue was up 12 percent from £377 million to £422 million, up 20 percent at constant currency, whilst continuing operating profit was up 5 percent from £106 million to £111 million, up 17 percent at constant currency according to the first half results to 30 June 2007 released by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

A largely Italian consortium of financiers and entrepreneurs has expressed interest in buying ailing Italian airline Alitalia, which is struggling to find a buyer, the group’s lawyer said on Friday.

Marriott International Inc. says that its second-quarter profit rose 11 percent on higher demand for rooms. However, its stock dipped on signs that growth in the lodging industry may be cooling off.