Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – May 28, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today’s briefing presents key developments shaping airfreight, aviation, and broader transport sectors worldwide. From innovations in digital customs processes in Africa to strategic shifts in airline leadership and aviation technology breakthroughs, here is what you need to know.
Digital Customs Clearance Bottlenecks Challenge Africa’s Ecommerce Growth
Africa’s ecommerce market is booming, with over 150 million people expected to shop online within the next four years, representing a robust 10.4% annual growth fueled by rising internet penetration, mobile usage, and digital payments. However, persistent inefficiencies in customs clearance—largely due to outdated and non-digital processes—are hindering fast, predictable delivery services crucial for sustaining this ecommerce momentum. Streamlining customs through digital solutions remains a critical challenge for stakeholders aiming to fully capitalize on Africa’s ecommerce potential.
Aviation Industry Calls for Revised Trade Frameworks and New Alliances
Aercap CEO Aengus Kelly has urged former US President Trump to renegotiate and modernize longstanding trade agreements in the aviation sector. The aim is to expand cooperative frameworks, include additional countries, and suspend punitive tariffs that currently restrict industry growth. Meanwhile, the Brazilian airline Azul, burdened by pandemic-related debt, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States to restructure its obligations. Azul has secured key agreements with creditors and partners, including Aercap, United, and American Airlines, to stabilize financially in the long term.
Fleet and Connectivity Innovations: Airbus, Eurowings, and Spirit Airlines
Airbus introduces “HBCplus,” a game-changing satellite connectivity service for aircraft that allows providers to be switched via software updates—no hardware changes needed—much like mobile phones changing networks but keeping the same antenna. This flexibility promises improved in-flight connectivity and lower operational complexity.
Eurowings is piloting new premium seats on its medium-haul routes, collaborating with an Italian seat manufacturer to enhance passenger comfort, marking a first for Lufthansa’s subsidiaries. Similarly, US-based low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is upgrading its onboard product by offering seats with more legroom and an expanded snack and beverage menu, including complimentary offerings for higher-tier ticket holders.
Labor and Operational Challenges Hit Key Airports and Manufacturers
Discontent boils over among taxi drivers at Athens International Airport, where a 48-hour strike aimed for Wednesday and Thursday threatens to severely disrupt city transport. Drivers protest against policies favoring Uber and related financial regulations.
Finnair faces significant disruption on Friday, canceling over 100 flights at Helsinki Airport due to strikes affecting approximately 8% of passengers. On the manufacturing side, Pratt & Whitney workers have voted overwhelmingly (74%) to accept a new contract offer, ending industrial uncertainty for now.
Geopolitical Impact on Regional Aviation
Escalating conflict in Yemen has further affected aviation assets, as Houthi rebels lost their last Airbus A320 following Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa Airport, including the destruction of its sole runway. Meanwhile, the US State Department raised the travel security alert for Italy to Level 2, cautioning about an increased terrorist threat even in popular tourist hubs such as Rome and Venice.
Leadership Moves and Market Expansion
Indian low-cost airline Indigo announced Vikram Singh Mehta as its new CEO, succeeding Venkataramani Sumantran who served since the post-pandemic recovery began. Meanwhile, Aegean Airlines reported record profits in Q1, credited to lengthened tourist seasons in Greece’s major cities.
In route expansion news, Transavia will launch its first flights to Amman, Jordan, operating two weekly Boeing 737-800 flights starting this November with plans to increase capacity in early 2026.
Other Industry Highlights
- Cebu Pacific ventures into wet-leasing by contracting two Airbus A320s to Flyadeal of Saudi Arabia to optimize off-season capacity.
- KF Aerospace has completed the first ATR 72-500F freighter for Purolator’s British Columbia feeder network, featuring a distinctive Purolator-branded livery after successful test flights.
- Russian manufacturer Yakovlev contemplates reviving its Yak-40 regional jet with a new variant featuring a single engine, aiming to capitalize on emerging market needs.
- Condor has filed a legal complaint opposing Lufthansa’s stake in Ita Airways, signaling ongoing competitive tensions within European aviation.
- Alstom CEO warns that the modernization of Germany’s rail infrastructure will take several more years, amidst calls for accelerated progress.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update on Airfreight Insider’s YouTube channel and have a productive day ahead!