US Airways inches toward merger deal with American
By Dawn Gilbertson, The Arizona Republic – USA TODAY Travel, 08/27/2012

US Airways, the smallest of the big four hub-and-spoke airlines, has been pressing its case for a merger with American since that airline filed for bankruptcy protection late last year. The merger would create an airline on par with United and Delta, each of which grew dramatically in the past few years through major acquisitions. A combined airline would be able to better compete for lucrative business travellers, especially on the East Coast and in the Midwest.
Read more at:
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2012-08-26/US-Airways-inches-toward-merger-deal-with-American/57328510/1

Amadeus Sets Expanded Strategic Alliance with Kayak
By James Shillinglaw – June 20, 2012 11:17 PM

Amadeus, the travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Kayak, a leading travel search company, have entered into a multi-year agreement that expands the companies’ current relationship.
As a result of this new agreement, Kayak will expand the use of Amadeus’ airline fare and availability technology in its efforts to provide the most comprehensive and accurate flight search results for Kayak’s global websites and mobile applications. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Read more at:
http://www.travelpulse.com/amadeus-sets-expanded-strategic-alliance-with-kayak.html

DreamWorks to build US$3.1bn theme park in Shanghai
BY Tom Walker – 07 Aug 2012

Image: Shanghai’s new theme park will open by 2016

DreamWorks Animation and its Chinese joint venture partners have announced plans to open a new theme park in Shanghai by 2016.
As part of the park plans, DreamWorks also announced the creation of Oriental DreamWorks to strengthen the company’s position in the Chinese entertainment market.

Oriental DreamWorks is a joint venture established by China Media Capital, Shanghai Media Group, Shanghai Alliance Investment and DreamWorks Animation.

The Chinese companies will hold a majority stake of approximately 55 per cent in Oriental DreamWorks and DreamWorks Animation will hold 45 per cent.

Read more at:
http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/detail1.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=302216