Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – August 13, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals. Today’s briefing covers key developments across the airline industry, air cargo operations, airline labor disputes, and cutting-edge digital innovations at airports. Here’s what’s moving the skies and supply chains today.
Privatization and Market Moves
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has officially approved the government decree to reprivatize TAP Air Portugal, moving the process forward after resolving several disputed points. This marks a major step toward TAP’s transition back into private hands, aiming to improve the carrier’s competitive position in Europe’s aviation market.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines is making a strategic move to strengthen its footprint in Latin America by submitting a binding offer of €275 million for a minority stake in Air Europa. The deal would help the Spanish carrier refinance a state loan and boost Turkish Airlines’ market presence in the region.
Labor Tensions Hit North America
The labor dispute at Air Canada escalates sharply as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has issued a 72-hour strike ultimatum for flight attendants, beginning this Saturday at 7:00 AM CET, unless wage negotiations conclude successfully. In response, Air Canada has preemptively served a 72-hour lockout notice and announced a phased suspension of flight operations through August 16. This conflict threatens to disrupt transatlantic and North American cargo and passenger flows substantially.
Airport and Air Cargo Operations: Recovery and Innovation
dnata is reporting a successful clearance of cargo backlogs that arose during its transition into a new $70 million cargo handling facility at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. After initial operational challenges and service disruptions this summer, normal service levels have resumed, reassuring supply chain stakeholders.
At Munich Airport, a new AI-driven system from Assaia is being implemented to optimize ground handling procedures. The technology will roll out at 150 gates initially, aiming to improve turnaround efficiency and reduce delays—a potential game changer for European hub operations.
Fraport’s international portfolio is outpacing growth at its home base Frankfurt. Airports under Fraport’s management, particularly in Ljubljana and Brazil, have recorded stronger passenger and cargo upticks, contributing to a significant boost in overall group numbers for July.
On the staffing front, Germany’s freight ground handlers are sounding the alarm over growing personnel shortages linked to prolonged security clearance processes. VACAD members report a paradox of increased freight volumes (+3.7% Q2 2025 YOY) alongside declines in employee numbers, posing risks to handling capacity.
New Airline Launches and Network Expansions
Avion Express Philippines, a subsidiary of the Wet-Lease specialist Avia Solutions Group, has received provisional operating approval from the Philippines aviation authority. The carrier plans to begin operations following the delivery of its first Airbus A320, signalling growing wet-lease capacity in Southeast Asia.
Wizz Air is launching a new base in Bratislava on November 14, stationing two Airbus A321neos and activating 12 new direct routes, including connections to Barcelona and Basel. This marks a strategic expansion into Central Europe’s low-cost market.
In network cooperation, Icelandair and Air India have agreed to start a codeshare partnership effective August 13, covering eight European routes from Reykjavík Keflavík to key hubs such as Frankfurt, London Gatwick, and Zurich. The alliance aims to strengthen connectivity between North America, Europe, and South Asia.
Regulatory and Security Developments
Security tensions impact El Al’s operations in France, where French authorities have blocked visas for Israeli airline security personnel. This disruption affects El Al’s activities at Paris, Nice, and Marseille airports amid broader political frictions.
In a rare security incident, Czech airspace withheld overflight rights for a Ryanair Boeing 737 en route from Sofia to London Stansted, prompting German Eurofighter jets to escort the aircraft for safety reasons. The details highlight ongoing complexities in European airspace control and diplomatic sensitivities.
On the legal front, a Canadian appellate court has held Ukraine International Airlines liable for the tragic downing of flight PS752 in January 2020. The ruling mandates full compensation for families of the 176 victims and may have profound implications for international airline liability frameworks.
Industry Strategic Moves and Tech Highlights
Lufthansa is evaluating new aircraft procurement strategies that could see future Boeing orders processed through Switzerland. This approach aims to mitigate risks posed by ongoing US trade disputes, with Swiss CEO Jens Fehlinger reportedly engaging with Washington policymakers to navigate the issue.
German travel giant TUI is turning the tide on its fleet strategy by purchasing aircraft previously leased, contributing to record operational quarterly profits (€320.6 million in Q3 2025). This move strengthens balance sheet control and long-term asset management.
The Salzburg Airport has taken decisive steps toward digital transformation by leveraging Lufthansa Consulting’s new analytical tool. The three-day intensive audit evaluated Salzburg’s digital maturity and pinpointed key areas for improvement, making it one of the early adopters worldwide.
Environmentally Sustainable Aviation Milestone
A Swiss pilot has set a new altitude record for solar-powered flight with the Solar-Stratos aircraft, surpassing a 15-year-old benchmark. Raphaël Domjan’s achievement underscores the growing potential of solar energy in advancing sustainable aviation technologies.
Market Watch
Forwarder Flexport is navigating ongoing challenges despite recent optimistic signals. CEO Ryan Petersen has highlighted how the latest US-China tariff truce could ease pressures on importers and exporters, but the company still wrestles with losses amid a shifting trade and logistics landscape.
Coming Up Next
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico have requested a delay in the enforcement of the US Department of Transportation’s decision to lift their antitrust immunity, originally set for October 25. The request aims to allow more time to adapt to a changing regulatory environment impacting their transborder cooperation.
As always, stay tuned for tomorrow’s update and our in-depth YouTube video covering these stories and more.
— The airfreightinsider.com editorial team