IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released performance figures for 2018 showing that global air connectivity continues to become more accessible and more efficient. 

System-wide, airlines carried 4.4 billion passengers on scheduled services, an increase of 6.9 percent over 2017, representing an additional 284 million trips by air. Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region once again carried the largest number of passengers system-wide. 

Asia-Pacific grabs a 37.1 percent market share (1.6 billion passengers, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to the region's passengers in 2017). 

Following a very strong 2017, air freight volumes grew more modestly in 2018, in line with global trade volumes. Globally, freight and mail ton-kilometers showed a 3.4 percent expansion as compared to 9.7 percent in 2017.

Airbus

Airbus SE reported half-year 2019 consolidated financial results and maintained its guidance for the full year.

Gross commercial aircraft orders totaled 213, with net orders of 88 aircraft. The order book stood at 7,276 commercial aircraft as of 30 June 2019. Net helicopter orders of 123 units included 23 NH90s for Spain and 11 H145s in the second quarter. 

At Airbus, a total of 389 commercial aircraft were delivered, comprising 21 A220s, 294 planes from the A320 family, 17 A330s, 53 A350s and 4 A380s. Airbus Helicopters delivered 143 units with stable revenues driven by program phasing compensated by growth in services. 

Boeing

Boeing is on track to redeliver 17 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs) in 2019, with five conversion lines in operation, and the program is exploring the possibility of increasing capacity in China. The expected output will more than double the eight 737-800 BCF redeliveries the company recorded in 2018.

The announcement comes amid increased demand for freighters in China, which boasts one of the world's largest and fastest growing e-commerce and express delivery markets. Boeing's order book for the 737-800 BCF stands at 120 orders and commitments, from eight customers. 

Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) and Taikoo (Shangdong) Aircraft Engineering Company are currently performing the 737-800 conversion, which further extends the service life and residual value of the world's most popular single-aisle passenger airplane.  

Boeing launched the 737-800 BCF program in Shanghai in February 2016, and delivered the first-in-service model to its launch customer GECAS in April 2018.

China Eastern

China Eastern Airlines released its first self-made electronic baggage tag on Tuesday, claiming a new record for the baggage tracking system and another innovation for the application of air luggage transport.

China's new electronic tag can be used repeatedly and does not need a built-in battery. It is not restricted by aviation safety, while existing e-luggage tags need to be equipped with power batteries. 

The interactive data transferred by the e-luggage tag, which is shockproof, will not be affected by weather changes and other external factors.

The usage of the new e-luggage tag helps reduce time at baggage claim as passengers can finish the process on a mobile app.

Finnair

Finnair will suspend its air route from Helsinki to Chongqing in Southwest China from the end of October in 2020.

The company attributed the move to the airline's financial performance, which did not meet the company's expectations, according to media reports. 

Passengers from Chongqing to Helsinki can transfer in Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong Province or in Shanghai. Members of the airline can fly with its partners China Southern Airlines and Juneyao Airlines.

The last flight will be on October 24, 2019. The route began in May 2012.