Daily Briefing – June 12, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of Airfreight Insider’s Daily Briefing, your go-to source for the latest and most relevant updates impacting the air cargo and aviation sectors worldwide. Here’s an overview of key developments shaping the industry:
Major Air India 787 Crash in Ahmedabad Shakes the Aviation World
In a tragic incident earlier today, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The flight, bound for London Gatwick with 242 people onboard, dropped suddenly and exploded near a residential area. All operations at Ahmedabad airport were immediately suspended. Authorities and rescue teams are responding to the scene. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of this devastating accident, which is sending shockwaves through the global aviation community. (Sources: The Loadstar, Aero Telegraph, Airliners.de, Luchtvaartnieuws)
Airbus Forecasts a Doubling of Global Aircraft Fleet by 2044
Airbus released its latest Global Market Forecast projecting significant growth in the worldwide aircraft fleet, expecting it to nearly double over the next two decades. The forecast anticipates demand for over 43,000 passenger and freighter aircraft by 2044, driven by rising global wealth and increasing travel demand, despite potential headwinds from trade tariffs. This forecast is broadly consistent with last year’s outlook but shows a slight increase in projected deliveries. (Sources: Airliners.de, Luchtvaartnieuws)
Global Airlines’ Ambitious A380 Revival Faces Obstacles
Start-up carrier Global Airlines aims to revive the golden era of aviation by operating Airbus A380s, targeting a fleet of up to 100 of the iconic double-decker jets. However, the initiative currently grapples with operational challenges and financial uncertainty. Founder James Asquith plans a strategic pivot backed by fresh funding from Saudi investors to keep the vision alive as the company pursues four scheduled A380 flights. Whether this bold plan materializes remains unclear amid the current market climate.
Bahamasair and Emirates Launch Interline Collaboration to Expand Caribbean Connectivity
In a move to enhance travel convenience to the Caribbean, Bahamasair and Emirates have established an interline partnership. This agreement allows Emirates passengers to seamlessly connect via Miami or Orlando to Bahamasair flights to destinations like Nassau, Freeport, and San Salvador. This collaboration is poised to improve passenger flow and create new routing options, particularly benefiting travelers from Europe and the Middle East heading to the Bahamas.
New Middle Eastern Carrier Fly Cham Takes Off
Fly Cham, a newly founded Syrian airline supported by investors from the UAE, conducted its maiden commercial flight on June 11 from Damascus to Abu Dhabi. Operating a fleet of four Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline plans to expand rapidly with ambitions to grow its size by the end of 2025. This launch reflects ongoing attempts to rejuvenate Syria’s aviation sector amid regional geopolitical shifts.
Lufthansa Cityline Faces Crew Uncertainty and Safety Concerns
Lufthansa Cityline pilots and crew members are voicing growing unease about their future amid the ongoing integration into Lufthansa City Airlines. With few opting to transition, those remaining report rising job insecurity, which internal communications link to a measurable uptick in cockpit errors. This situation highlights underlying challenges facing regional carriers as consolidation reshapes the German airline landscape.
Hellmann Expands Digital Express Service ‘HEX’ to North America
Global logistics provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is extending its digital express platform, HEX, to cover the USA and Canadian markets starting late June. HEX offers international door-to-door express shipments by consolidating parcels over major couriers, increasing service speed and efficiency—a response to growing customer demand for agile cross-border supply chain solutions.
Significant Moves in Aircraft Manufacturing and Airport Developments
- Liebherr-Aerospace is expanding its production footprint by building a new facility in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, set to open in 2026, replacing its existing plant in the region.
- AirAsia is reportedly in advanced talks for a major aircraft order at the upcoming Paris Airshow, potentially acquiring over 100 Airbus jets, including the A220, aligning with its growth strategy in Southeast Asia.
- Frankfurt Airport unveiled its retail and food & beverage concept for the upcoming Terminal 3, featuring 64 units across 12,000 m², blending international brands with local partners to enhance passenger experience ahead of its spring 2026 opening.
- At the Britten-Norman aircraft manufacturer, longtime CEO William Hynett is shifting from daily operations to a strategic advisory role on the supervisory board, marking a pivotal leadership transition.
Regulatory and Legal Developments
- Condor has filed a lawsuit challenging the EU’s approval of Lufthansa’s stake in ITA Airways. The airline engages law firm Morrison Foerster to represent it in this dispute, underscoring tensions in European aviation market consolidation.
- In the Netherlands, the BBB party is set to appoint the next Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management following political shifts caused by PVV’s withdrawal from the government coalition.
- Serious legal investigations into alleged fraud involving the former majority owner of Klagenfurt Airport are underway, prompted by findings from the regional audit office.
Market and Consumer Trends
In the Netherlands, young adults are flying more frequently despite climate concerns diminished over the past two years, with average annual trips rising notably among the 18–24 age group. This data from Ipsos suggests evolving attitudes towards air travel amid shifting environmental awareness and travel habits.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube video for deeper insights and expert analysis. For continuous updates, visit airfreightinsider.com.
Your editor-in-chief,
Airfreight Insider Team