Daily Briefing – May 29, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals. Today’s briefing covers critical legal developments, market trends, operational challenges, and exciting innovations shaping the air cargo and aviation sectors.
US Tariffs Ruling Under Appeal — Uncertainty for Shippers Remains
A recent ruling by the US Court of International Trade declared large parts of former President Trump’s tariffs illegal, citing overreach of presidential authority. However, the White House has quickly submitted an appeal, leaving shippers in a state of cautious waiting. Industry stakeholders are advised not to expect an immediate lifting of tariffs or relief in supply chain costs until the case is fully resolved.
Air Cargo Demand Climbs Again, Capacity Keeps Pace
According to IATA, global air cargo demand increased by 5.8% in April 2025 compared to last year, with international operations growing even faster at 6.5%. Cargo capacity also expanded, up by 6.3% globally, helping to ease some tightness in supply chains. This positive momentum underlines the resilience of air freight despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Labor Strife Clouds European and Finnish Air Transport
The air transport sector remains a hotspot for labor actions in Europe. Multiple trade unions, citing safety and working conditions, have demonstrated significant strike power due to the close interdependence of roles in aviation operations. Finland, in particular, faces disruption as Finnair staff have called another strike on May 30, leading to around 110 flight cancellations. Additional actions are planned for early June, keeping pressure on the carrier and its passengers.
Conflict Destroys Yemenia’s Last Airbus A320
In a stark reminder of the fragility of aviation infrastructure in conflict zones, Yemenia’s final operational Airbus A320 was destroyed just 30 minutes after landing at Sanaa Airport in an Israeli airstrike. The loss effectively grounds the carrier’s fleet controlled by Houthi forces, further debilitating civilian air connectivity in the region.
Innovation & Expansion: AI, New Aircraft, and Growing Hubs
- Qatar Airways Cargo debuts “Sama,” the world’s first AI-powered digital cabin crew designed for cargo operations, unveiled at Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich. This marks a strategic step towards automation and operational efficiency.
- Gulf Air is set to expand and modernize its fleet with nine new Airbus A320 Neo and A321 Neo aircraft, leased via BOC Aviation. Deliveries starting from 2025 aim to underpin the carrier’s network growth.
- Frankfurt Cargo Services (FCS) secured a contract with eDirect Transport (EDT) to provide comprehensive cross-border e-commerce logistics between China and Europe, reflecting the continuing boom in digital freight solutions.
- Ostend-Bruges International Airport signed an MoU with Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to boost cooperation, signaling stronger transcontinental partnerships in air cargo.
- Delta Airlines continues to strengthen its US domestic network by adding five new nonstop routes from its Austin hub, including key connections to Panama City and San Francisco.
Industry Consolidation & Market Moves
The Canadian WestJet Group has officially completed its integration of Sunwing Airlines, following the 2024 merger with Swoop. These moves aim to consolidate market share and streamline operations under a single air operator certificate. Meanwhile, Ryanair plans expansion in Germany pending the fate of the national air traffic tax, and Vietjet eyes European routes with its new Airbus A330 Neo fleet.
Regional Developments & Sustainability Initiatives
Germany faces criticism from its own aviation leadership over high taxes and political inertia, which are causing the national market to lag behind European growth trends. BDL Chief Executive Joachim Lang calls for urgent policy corrections to avoid losing further ground.
Environmental efforts in the Netherlands gain traction as cities including Nijmegen join The Hague, Utrecht, and Delft in banning fossil fuel-related advertising, particularly targeting air travel promotions.
Spotlight: New Aircraft and Fleet Innovations
In Oberpfaffenhofen, Deutsche Aircraft officially unveiled its D328 Eco turboprop in a milestone event marking Germany’s re-entry into aircraft manufacturing after decades. While the roll-out was celebrated, company leaders emphasized the challenging development work ahead.
Other Headlines in Brief
- Malaysia Airlines presents an Airbus A330 painted in a striking Manchester United special livery ahead of the team’s Asia tour.
- A South Korean military P-3C Orion tragically crashed during a training flight with little hope for survivors, reminding us of aviation’s inherent risks beyond commercial operations.
That’s all for today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our YouTube video analysis and more updates tomorrow.
— Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team