Daily Briefing – July 23, 2025
Welcome to your daily update from airfreightinsider.com, your go-to source for the latest trends and developments in air cargo and aviation logistics. Here’s what’s moving the industry today:
US Grants Airlines Extra Year to Implement Second Cockpit Barrier
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially postponed the mandatory installation of second cockpit barriers in new passenger aircraft by one year. Originally scheduled sooner, this delay has drawn criticism from pilots’ unions, who accuse regulators of stalling on improving flight deck safety. This extension aims to give airlines more time to comply, while safety organizations warn against compromising cockpit security. As reported by Aerotelegraph and airliners.de, the debate over cockpit protections remains a top priority in the wake of evolving security concerns.
Boeing Launches 777-8 Freighter Production with Key Customers on Board
Boeing has commenced production on the much-anticipated 777-8 freighter, targeting its first delivery in 2028—one year later than initially planned. The aircraft has secured six confirmed customers globally, including one major German airline. Boeing is also pushing to certify the 777-9 passenger variant by the end of this year. Meanwhile, the Chicago-based aerospace giant has tabled a new contract offer to workers in its St. Louis combat jet division, proposing a 20% wage increase over four years plus substantial bonuses. These strategic moves highlight Boeing’s efforts to balance production ramp-up with labor relations.
Expanding Networks: Wizz Air and Eurowings Announce New Routes
Wizz Air continues its aggressive network expansion from Vienna by adding a daily direct flight to London-Luton starting October 26, 2025, enhancing connectivity across Europe. Simultaneously, Eurowings will launch a new winter route from Nuremberg to Erbil in Iraq on November 4, deploying Airbus A320 aircraft with weekly service—though operations will briefly pause later in November. These new routes underscore continued growth opportunities in both established and emerging markets.
Airport Innovations and Security Updates
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has introduced four additional self-service kiosks dedicated to Ryanair passengers, streamlining baggage drop-off via app-based QR code technology. This initiative reflects airports’ increasing adoption of digital solutions to enhance passenger throughput.
- Meanwhile, Zurich Airport reported that in 2024 approximately 140,000 dangerous goods items were confiscated at security checkpoints, highlighting ongoing challenges in passenger baggage safety enforcement.
- In Germany, Leipzig/Halle Airport has been recognized by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilot association as the country’s safest airport, overtaking Munich, which suffered due to incomplete operation of stop-bars throughout the day.
- On another front, US authorities disclosed over 3,000 drone-related incidents at airports since 2021, prompting calls for stricter drone regulations from Congress to safeguard airspace security.
Cargo & Logistics: New Partnerships and Service Launches
In air cargo, FlyUs Aviation Group has been named exclusive General Sales Agent for Air Serbia in the Netherlands, managing operations for the daily Amsterdam-Belgrade service. Japanese ANA Cargo will begin offering cargo capacity on Kalitta Air’s Narita-Chicago route starting July 29 under a codeshare model, increasing flexibility for shippers.
Logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel renewed its contract with Airbus Spain, now expanding its scope to include maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) logistics for helicopters in addition to production and storage support. This highlights the integration of supply chain and aftersales support in aerospace.
Industry Moves: Safran Acquires Collins Aerospace Flight Control Division
Safran has completed the acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation business. This strategic deal positions Safran as a leading global supplier of flight control systems for commercial and military aircraft, as well as helicopters, strengthening its competitive edge in aerospace systems markets.
Technology and Safety Innovations
The flight recorder, or “black box,” is undergoing its most significant transformation since the 1960s. Next-generation systems like Boeing 787’s Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder already leverage new recording methodologies, but ongoing research is pushing towards even more advanced technologies—potentially redefining crash investigation capabilities.
Regulatory and Political Spotlight
Back in the US, three Democratic senators issued warnings accusing Delta Air Lines of employing artificial intelligence tools to implement personalized fare hikes. Delta refutes these claims, denying the use of AI-based dynamic pricing targeting individuals. This debate marks the growing scrutiny over AI’s role in consumer pricing and airline revenue management.
Infrastructure: Germany and Czechia Plan High-Speed Rail Link
Germany and the Czech Republic have announced plans to develop a high-speed rail connection between Berlin and Prague. The project aims to significantly reduce travel times and strengthen regional integration in Central Europe, complementing air routes with faster ground transport.
Qantas Cyberattack: Silent Strategy Under Scrutiny
Australian airline Qantas quietly dealt with one of the country’s largest data breaches, affecting six million customers at the end of June. Unlike some carriers, Qantas kept a low public profile during the crisis, raising questions about the effectiveness of its “keep mum” approach to cybersecurity incidents. The cases of both Qantas and Air India serve as high-profile examples of the ongoing cyber risks facing airlines.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube video for in-depth analysis and interviews with industry experts. Until tomorrow, keep your cargo moving and your operations smooth.
Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team