Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – July 15, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of the Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing, bringing you the latest essential updates from the air cargo and aviation logistics world. From industry shifts in aircraft fleets and airline strategies to technological innovations and geopolitical impacts on supply chains — here’s everything a logistics professional needs to know.
Rolls-Royce Expands Investment in German Aerospace Hub
Rolls-Royce is doubling down on growth in the aviation sector with a €35 million investment in its Dahlewitz facility near Berlin. The iconic engine manufacturer plans to benefit from increased military spending while reinforcing its footprint in Germany. This move underlines a broader trend of defense-related spend stimulating aerospace development in Europe.
Air Belgium Retires Airbus Fleet, Focuses Exclusively on Boeing 747-8F Freighters
Following the cessation of its passenger operations at the end of 2023, Air Belgium has now fully retired its Airbus A330 fleet and operates solely with two Boeing 747-8F freighters. This pivot towards large cargo aircraft and wet-lease services marks a strategic repositioning amid challenging market conditions.
Wizz Air Abandons Abu Dhabi Operations, Refocuses on European Market
Wizz Air has officially ended its six-year venture into the Middle East by shutting down its Abu Dhabi subsidiary. Plagued by technical, regulatory, and geopolitical hurdles, the airline will suspend all flights from September 1 and concentrate on expanding in Austria and other profitable European markets instead. This retreat shows the complexities airlines face when expanding into geopolitically sensitive regions.
Lufthansa Cargo to Launch Virtual Reality Training for Loading Supervisors
Innovating ground operations, Lufthansa Cargo is introducing a VR training program aimed at aircraft loading supervisors, with the first module slated for rollout in October 2025. This cutting-edge approach seeks to better prepare ground staff through immersive, realistic scenarios — a significant step forward in safety and efficiency of cargo handling.
South Korean Airlines Ordered to Inspect Boeing Fleets Following Fatal Air India Crash
In light of the tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, South Korean authorities have mandated thorough inspections of all Boeing aircraft operated by domestic airlines. Focus is on fuel-control switches, prompted by FAA recommendations. This move underscores sustained global safety repercussions following major air accidents.
Industry Spotlight: Non-CO₂ Emissions Gain Attention, but Remain under the Radar
While carbon dioxide emissions dominate the climate debate, airfreight logistics experts are increasingly urging the sector to address non-CO₂ emissions such as nitrogen oxides and contrail effects. These less obvious contributors to climate impact are starting to shape research and policy discussions, though mainstream industry awareness is still catching up.
Customs & Trade: US De Minimis Threshold Cut Sparks Brexit Lessons
The US plans to reduce its de minimis exemption for imported goods — a policy change that threatens to complicate customs processing and delay shipments, especially for low-value items. Industry analysts point to Brexit’s customs challenges as a warning sign, highlighting how such regulatory shifts can ripple through supply chains if not carefully managed.
Bangladeshi Exporters Struggle with Tariffs and Customs Delays
Exporters and importers in Bangladesh face mounting difficulties amid tariff pressures and prolonged congestion. Added complications arise from technical glitches in the country’s customs portal (Asycuda World System), with disruptions lasting over a week, further heightening risk and uncertainty in critical trade lanes.
Safety & Security
- During recent flights, Sundair’s Airbus A319 had to return shortly after departure from Bremen due to smoke in the cabin linked to engine washing procedures. The safely resolved incident highlights ongoing operational risks in aircraft turnaround processes.
- The Pilot Union Vereinigung Cockpit firmly rejects blanket cockpit video recording, citing privacy concerns and limited safety benefits, though targeted surveillance during critical events remains supported.
- A Dutch plane crash near London Southend is currently under international investigation, with Dutch safety authorities assisting British counterparts under established protocols.
- In-flight disturbances continue to be addressed legally, as courts hand fines and conditional sentences to unruly passengers involved in violent episodes, emphasizing zero tolerance for disruptive behavior on board.
Corporate Leadership Change at Israeli Carrier El Al
El Al’s CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia is set to resign by year-end after a turbulent but financially successful tenure starting in 2022. The airline now searches for new leadership amid ongoing operational challenges in a highly volatile regional market.
European Air Traffic Control Promises Stable Summer Operations
Despite recurring capacity bottlenecks during the summer peak season, German air traffic control assures stakeholders of improved readiness and fewer disruptions compared to previous years. This optimism is encouraging for cargo planners contending with seasonal volume spikes.
Natural Disaster Impact: Earthquake Causes Damage at Almería Airport
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shaking southern Spain’s Almería province has caused structural damage to parts of the airport, including a cafeteria ceiling collapse. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. This incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of airport infrastructure to natural hazards.
Looking Ahead: Supersonic Aviation’s Nostalgic Future
Reflecting on aviation’s speed revolution, industry commentators lament the retirement of the Concorde — the only supersonic passenger jet — and muse on the prospects of renewed ultra-fast travel. While safety concerns and economics halted the Concorde, new technological advances hold promise for a supersonic comeback in the decades to come.
That wraps up today’s Daily Briefing. Stay tuned for our latest YouTube video covering these stories and more insight into the evolving airfreight landscape.