Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – August 22, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals. Today’s briefing covers the latest developments shaping our industry—from labor unrest and airline network expansions to innovations in airport technology and sustainable aviation fuels. Let’s dive into the key stories you need to know.
Labor Strife Hits Zurich Airport: AAS Withdrawal and Ground Handling Strike
The situation in Zurich is heating up as Airline Assistance Switzerland (AAS) prepares to close its operations there, a move reportedly long planned but poorly communicated to staff, who accuse management of intransparency. In parallel, a labor strike among AAS ground handling personnel is partially paralyzing airport operations, affecting some 35 flights across various airlines. The strike adds additional uncertainty amid an already fragile airfreight and passenger environment.
This twin disruption at Zurich underscores ongoing pressures on ground handling firms and airport labor relations, which remain a critical vulnerability in the logistics chain.
Winter Schedule Trends: Belly Hold Capacity and Market Opportunities
Airlines unveiling their upcoming winter schedules are noticeably emphasizing belly-hold cargo space, hoping to capture any pockets of growth after recent cooling in US-China trade relations. However, the global picture remains cautious. World ACD recently reported a two-week global airfreight tonnage decline, pointing to ongoing softness despite selective network adjustments.
Carriers like Sun Express are simultaneously increasing capacity on leisure routes to Turkey from the DACH region this autumn, capitalizing on sustained holiday demand beyond peak seasons.
Strategic Moves and Network Expansion
- Qatar Airways remains the favored partner as the Mauritian government seeks a strategic ally to support Air Mauritius, potentially bringing technical know-how and financial stability to the island carrier.
- Etihad Airways is eyeing Hamburg as a new German destination, leveraging its Airbus A321 LR to open this route pending traffic rights. This would expand Etihad’s European footprint outside of the usual hubs.
- Southwest Airlines is reportedly negotiating with unions to launch intercontinental flights, marking a major shift for the traditionally domestic US carrier.
- British Airways confirms further expansion of its long-haul network in summer 2026, targeting new and existing destinations across Asia, North America, and the Middle East.
- Meanwhile, several US airlines have regained previously revoked slots at Mexico City Airport, a positive turn amid earlier bilateral slot reassignments.
- KLM announces it will resume flights to Tel Aviv starting September 28th following improved safety conditions in the region.
Aircraft Deployment and New Operations
Korean Air is deploying both the iconic Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 on its Frankfurt route, signaling continued demand for high-capacity widebody services on key transcontinental routes.
Avion Express Brasil, an ACMI operator, has officially launched commercial charter flights between São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Mendoza—marking its entry into the South American market.
Airport Innovation: Automation Takes Off at Paderborn/Lippstadt
In technology news, Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport in Germany has successfully tested an automated passenger boarding bridge system for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft within the scope of its “Innovationsflughafen PAD” initiative. Supported by regional funding, this project aims to streamline turnaround processes and boost operational efficiency — a promising sign for mid-size airports looking to raise service quality through automation.
Legal and Security Updates
Condor faces ongoing legal wrangling after a court ruling favored Lufthansa in the fight over feeder flight rights. Condor’s CEO insists the dispute is far from over and is considering appeals, highlighting the intense competition on short-haul connectivity within the German market.
In a disturbing incident, a flight operated by Jet2 from Manchester to Larnaca was forced to divert to Cologne/Bonn following violent behavior by a passenger, who attacked fellow travelers and crew. The event underscores ongoing aviation security challenges regarding disruptive passengers.
Green Skies Ahead: Finnair Advances Synthetic SAF Production
On sustainability, Finnair has joined forces with Finnish tech company Liquid Sun and partners ABB, Fortum, and Finavia to pilot synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) production. This initiative aims to build a fully operational value chain for eSAF in Finland, positioning the Nordic region as a pioneer in green aviation technologies. An important step as the industry accelerates decarbonization efforts.
Special Mentions
- Garuda Indonesia celebrates the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence with a special livery on a Boeing 737-800, reflecting national pride and heritage.
- A thoughtful commentary from traffic journalist Thomas Rietig questions the limited availability of domestic flights in Germany, musing whether temporary rail substitutes would be a viable alternative – a debate touching on multimodal transport and regional connectivity.
That’s all for today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube update for more insights and analysis.
Your editor,
Airfreight Insider Team