Daily Briefing – August 29, 2025
Welcome to your daily update from Airfreight Insider, where we bring you the most relevant news and trends shaping the logistics and air cargo industry.
Airfreight Faces Headwinds Amid Improved Ocean Carrier Reliability
The airfreight market continues to feel the impact of stronger ocean carrier reliability, which is steadily eroding air cargo’s appeal, particularly for less time-sensitive goods. The recent removal of all de minimis exemptions into the US—the last major holdout after China’s earlier exemption ended—has further dampened demand for airfreight services. As a Shanghai-based forwarder noted, “The airfreight market has generally been flat,” with ecommerce the only segment still providing some vitality.
Kuehne+Nagel Preps Aggressive Growth Strategy Amid Market Downturn
September brings strategic shifts in transport and logistics as companies adjust budgets and targets heading into Q4. Kuehne+Nagel is set to ramp up its sales efforts, with its new “sales queen” gearing up to target competitor Schenker’s business aggressively amid the current air-sea-road freight market downturn. These moves underscore the intensifying competition in the sector as market players fight for share.
Airline Network Developments: Partnerships, Fleet Updates & New Routes
- WestJet and Copa Airlines have announced an interline partnership, allowing WestJet passengers seamless connectivity to 37 destinations across Central and South America via Panama City. This deal enhances network reach for both carriers in the Americas.
- LOT Polish Airlines unveiled a first look at the cabin interior of its upcoming Airbus A220 fleet, slated to enter service from 2027. The cabins will mirror the Boeing 737 MAX seats currently in use, enhancing comfort and consistency across the fleet.
- Ryanair is resuming winter 2025/2026 flights connecting London and Alicante with Linz, operating twice weekly from London and weekly from Alicante. Additionally, Ryanair is launching Travel Agent Direct, a new platform designed to attract older customer segments through traditional travel agencies while steadfastly excluding package holidays and charters.
- Brussels Airlines is expanding its fleet with three additional Airbus A320 Neo aircraft by summer 2026, replacing older A319s and increasing overall capacity.
- Luxair has showcased its first Embraer E195-E2 with striking new livery as part of its ongoing fleet modernization, reflecting the airline’s focus on enhancing regional service with efficient new jets.
Industry Personnel & Labor Issues in Focus
The restructuring efforts inside the Lufthansa Group are drawing fire from Austrian trade union Vida, which warns that the move could lead to job losses at Austrian Airlines and demands firm commitments to the Vienna hub. Meanwhile, Swissport plans to equip its ground service vehicles in Sydney and Melbourne with cameras and microphones for staff conversations—a move criticized by unions as a “Big Brother” approach to worker monitoring.
Operational Disruptions and Technical Issues Highlight Ongoing Challenges
Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a significant operational meltdown this week due to a technical defect impacting radio frequencies for air traffic control, causing an hour-long landing halt and cascading delays exceeding two hours. The FAA responded by lowering airport capacity to maintain safety, echoing similar disruptions earlier this year.
Air Cargo Partnerships and Fleet Utilization
Atlas Air has signed a new long-term agreement to operate Boeing 777 Freighters dedicated to DSV, one of the world’s largest freight forwarders. This deal reinforces Atlas Air’s position as a key outsourced air cargo operator and strengthens DSV’s dedicated air logistics capabilities.
Additional Noteworthy Industry Moves
- Spirit Airlines is reportedly engaged in talks with Frontier Group regarding its ongoing restructuring plans amid financial pressure, signaling possible steps toward insolvency protection.
- Thai Airways faces a fleet availability crunch that could delay or suspend further expansion plans into European markets during its fleet modernization phase.
- NS Dutch Railways warns travelers to expect significantly busier trains and less seating availability once the summer holidays end, particularly during weekday peak hours starting September 1.
- In executive news, Joost Meijs is stepping down as CEO of Maastricht Aachen Airport to join Netherlands Air Traffic Control (LVNL), marking another senior leadership shift in the aviation sector.
Looking Ahead
The logistics and air cargo sectors remain in flux, marked by shifting trade flows, fleet renewal pressures, and evolving partnerships. As ocean carriers regain reliability and pricing pressure mounts, airfreight players will need to innovate to maintain their edge. We’ll keep you updated on these dynamics as they unfold.
— Your Airfreight Insider editorial team