Two of China's largest air carriers, Air China and Shanghai Airlines, are expected to join the Star Alliance, the global network of passenger airlines next year.

Star Alliance predicts that more than 137 million business people and travelers will visit China by 2020, accounting for 8.6 percent of the global share.

Fueled by China's robust economy, the Star Alliance sees an ever expanding market in Chinese enterprises, whose needs for business travel are rising, an official with the company said.

Many small- and medium-sized companies will also opt for the alliance to travel, he added.

Established in 1997, the Star Alliance is the world's first global airline network, with 18 member carriers serving 152 countries.

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