Daily Briefing – September 8, 2025
Welcome to your daily update from airfreightinsider.com, where logistics professionals get a concise overview of the most important developments shaping the air cargo and aviation sector today.
American Airlines Prepares for Airbus A321 XLR Transatlantic Launch with Empty Test Flights
American Airlines is gearing up for the launch of its new Airbus A321 XLR transatlantic service planned for March 2026 by conducting nearly 40 empty “ghost flights” over the Atlantic. These operations aim to prepare crews for the aircraft’s long-range capabilities and operational nuances ahead of entering service.
Qatar Airways and China Southern Deepen Codeshare Partnership
Strengthening ties in Asia-Europe connectivity, Qatar Airways and China Southern are expanding their codeshare agreement. Starting October 16, Qatar Airways will place its code on three weekly China Southern flights between Beijing and points beyond, enhancing network fluidity for both airlines.
Lufthansa Pilot Union Signals Possible Strikes Amid Stalled Contract Negotiations
Lufthansa faces potential strike action as pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit has announced a vote among its members following deadlocked collective bargaining talks. The central sticking point remains unresolved pension reforms. Industry watchers should prepare for possible disruptions if negotiations fail to advance.
Digital Transformation Accelerates at Liège Airport with 30+ Projects
Liège Airport is pushing forward with a sweeping digitalization strategy focused on its cargo hub, Cargoland. Over 30 initiatives are underway to develop a sophisticated digital twin of the facility, positioning the airport at the forefront of tech-driven freight handling innovation.
New Cycling and Pedestrian Bridge Underway at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport has commenced construction of a €5 million, 76-meter-long bridge adjacent to Terminal 2. This new crossing will create seamless, direct routes for cyclists and pedestrians between the airport and Gateway Gardens, eliminating previous detours and enhancing sustainable access.
US-Europe Airport Partnership Eyes Diversification of Cargo Traffic
Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (South Carolina) and Frankfurt Hahn Airport (Germany) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at broadening cargo operations beyond automotive shipments. This joint effort seeks to tap into diverse commodity segments, strengthening transatlantic freight connectivity.
Business Aviation Training Boost: CAE Launches Center in Austria
CAE has officially opened its first Business Aviation Training Center in Central Europe, located in Austria. The facility is equipped with six advanced simulators, reflecting the growing demand for specialized pilot training in the business aviation sector.
Industry Moves & Corporate Updates
- Britten-Norman appoints Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket to spearhead its global support strategy, leveraging his extensive sales and technical experience.
- Airbus has kicked off an employee share buyback program, planning to repurchase up to 4.14 million shares by January 2026 to bolster staff stock incentive schemes.
- DHL relocates five Boeing 737-800s from bankrupt US carrier iAero Airways to European operations, enhancing capacity for its Leipzig-based DHL Aviation unit.
- Former Adria Airways executives Arno Schuster and Holger Kowarsch reach a settlement in the ongoing insolvency proceedings of the defunct Slovenian flag carrier.
Regulatory & Labor News
Swiss authorities ruled that Air Baltic crew members operating within Switzerland are not classified as posted workers, a decision met with criticism from local unions. Meanwhile, the FAA has extended the flight ban over Port-au-Prince, Haiti, citing persistent security concerns through March 2026.
Noteworthy Incidents & Milestones
- LOT Polish Airlines celebrates 60 years of service between Warsaw and Frankfurt, commemorating its first IL-18 flight on September 7, 1965.
- A Boeing 737-800 from WestJet suffered a hard landing at St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport on September 7, resulting in the collapse of the right landing gear; investigations are ongoing.
- Travelers have expressed confusion over Ryanair’s newly introduced safety pictograms, which some find unclear and aesthetically questionable, sparking discussion in the community.
- Hamburg Airport reports handling 2.2 million passengers during the peak summer holiday season, reflecting strong leisure travel demand.
In Brief
In our editorial column this week, author Adam Clermont reflects on the human impact of tariff policies on supply chains, offering a unique perspective on the legal and practical challenges faced by logistics professionals.
That wraps today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video analysis to gain deeper insights into the evolving airfreight landscape.
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