Juneyao Airline, a small-sized carrier based in Shanghai, reported 416 million yuan in profit last year, almost tripling its profit of 108 million yuan in 2009.

The growth was mainly buoyed by the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

The World Expo was a big boost for airlines based in Shanghai. Spring Airlines said it netted 470 million yuan in 2010, a 240 percent increase over the previous year.

Juneyao Airline operates a fleet of 18 aircrafts on more than 30 routes between Shanghai and other major cities. The airline plans to add six planes this year, one of which was delivered in January.

China's business press carried the story above on Friday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.