Daily Briefing – July 16, 2025
Welcome to your daily dose of essential updates from the global airfreight and aviation sectors. Today, we highlight a surge in demand out of the Indian sub-continent, expansion moves by airlines and cargo handlers, sustainability progress, infrastructure developments and notable industry shifts.
Strong Export Demand from Indian Sub-Continent Pushes Airfreight Rates Higher
The export boom in the Indian sub-continent continues to drive robust demand for air cargo capacity, leading to rising rates. According to Chennai-based Ligi Logistics, freighter space is now fully booked and charter activity is seeing a strong uptake, putting upward pressure on prices. This demand surge aligns with recent growth trends reported across major forwarding networks in the region. Meanwhile, Indigo Airlines – under former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers – is aggressively expanding its European footprint with new routes to Manchester and Amsterdam, reflecting broader confidence in India’s aviation market.
DHL Group Eyes Expansion, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal Boosts Green Cargo Push
DHL Group remains in the spotlight with ongoing M&A interest as it bolsters its global team with new professionals focused on growth. Complementing this strategy, DHL Express has partnered with Neste to secure 7,400 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Singapore Changi Airport for the period July 2025 to June 2026. This deal marks one of the largest SAF agreements for air cargo in Asia and underscores DHL’s commitment to reducing emissions in the supply chain.
Network Expansion and New Services Enter the Market
- Sky Express significantly increases flights to Germany in its 2025 winter schedule, launching new routes from Berlin and Hamburg to Athens, and from Düsseldorf to Thessaloniki. The Berlin-Athens connection will operate four times weekly from late October.
- Etihad Airways announces seven new destinations directly into Abu Dhabi from March 2026, including Almaty, Baku, Bukarest, Tiflis, Tashkent, Jerewan, and Medina, reinforcing its network across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
- Worldwide Flight Services (WFS)
Condor Strengthens Charter Offering in the South Pacific
Condor has announced multiple charter flights to the South Pacific island destinations. Flights are scheduled for Bali in February 2026 utilizing an Airbus A330 Neo, while Tahiti will be served twice in early 2026, with rotations planned for January and February. These developments demonstrate Condor’s growing focus on leisure markets in exotic long-haul sectors.
Industry, Infrastructure, and Safety Updates
- MSC Air Cargo has officially joined the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (Barig), signaling its intent to deepen engagement in the German aviation cargo community.
- Egypt’s Government announced plans to privatise Hurghada International Airport’s operations by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to modernise national aviation infrastructure.
- Mexican Airport Modernisation plans valued at US$7.15 billion signal large-scale investment, although industry experts remain sceptical about meaningful expansions to airport cargo facilities in the near term.
- Safety Ahead: Airports Paderborn/Lippstadt and Weeze have enhanced their emergency preparedness by acquiring matching special containers for aircraft recovery, a strategic cooperation improving incident response capabilities.
- Stuttgart Airport has opened a new 180 m² Budni drugstore on its arrival level (Terminal 3), improving passenger amenities.
Other Notable News
- Following protests related to contracts with the Trump administration, Avelo Airlines decided to close its base at Hollywood Burbank Airport amid ongoing financial struggles.
- A group of bipartisan US senators has urged the Trump administration to support raising the international pilot retirement age, citing strategic concerns over Chinese influence in the sector.
- EasyJet Holidays announced Kevin Keogh as its new European Director, who will spearhead efforts to boost market presence and product offerings in Germany, Switzerland, and France.
- KLM mourns the loss of a colleague involved in a tragic Beech King Air 200 crash at London Southend airport that claimed four lives, with one pilot also serving on KLM’s Boeing 777 and 787 fleets.
That concludes today’s briefing. Stay tuned to airfreightinsider.com and our YouTube channel for more in-depth coverage and expert insights.