Daily Briefing – September 17, 2025
Welcome to today’s Daily Briefing, your go-to source for the latest insights and trends in the air freight and aviation industry. From strategic partnerships and infrastructure investments to labor disputes and innovative technologies, here’s what you need to know today.
Brazil Makes National Aviation Fund a Permanent Fixture
Brazilian Transport Minister Silvio Costa Filho confirmed that the National Aviation Fund (Fnac), established in 2011, will now operate on a permanent basis. The fund offers financial support to airlines, marking the first dedicated, ongoing state backing in the country’s aviation sector. This move aims to strengthen Brazil’s airline industry over the long term.
New Codeshare Partnership Between Qantas and Malaysia Airlines
Qantas and Malaysia Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement starting October 26, 2025. Passengers will benefit from seamless connections on Malaysia Airlines’ direct flights between Malaysia and Australian cities including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, enhancing connectivity across the region.
Lufthansa’s “Miles & More” Credit Card Shifts to Deutsche Bank
Starting October 1, Deutsche Bank will take over issuing Lufthansa’s “Miles & More” credit card from its previous provider DKB, with a phased transition completing by spring 2026. Mastercard remains the card network partner, ensuring continuity for customers in the popular loyalty program.
Air Corsica Airbus A320 Circles Over Corsica Due to Air Traffic Controller Error
An Airbus A320 Neo from Air Corsica was forced to circle for nearly an hour over Ajaccio, Corsica, after a lapse by the air traffic controllers: the runway was unlit and radio contact was lost briefly. The incident highlights ongoing safety and operational challenges in air traffic management.
SkyWest Invests in Sustainable Aviation with Maeve Aerospace
U.S.-based regional carrier SkyWest has become a strategic investor and launch customer of Dutch aviation start-up Maeve Aerospace. Maeve is developing the “Maeve Jet,” a sustainable regional aircraft designed to reduce environmental impact. This partnership reflects growing interest in green technologies within regional aviation.
Remote Tower Center to Be Established in Lübeck for Northern Germany
The Airport of Lübeck is making a significant investment in air traffic control infrastructure by building a remote tower center. This facility will control airports such as Sylt and Heringsdorf remotely, marking a push towards digital and more flexible air traffic management solutions in the region.
Airport Stuttgart Aligns Aviation and Non-Aviation Sales Under New Leadership
Christopher Losmann, the new head of sales at Stuttgart Airport, is integrating both aviation and non-aviation business lines, including the airport’s trading and service subsidiaries. In a recent interview, he outlined a customer-centric approach focusing on innovative offerings and unified sales strategies.
Austrian Airlines and ÖBB Extend “AIRail” Rail-Air Collaboration to Klagenfurt
From December 14, passengers can book a seamless single ticket for trips including rail travel to Klagenfurt, enabled by the opening of the Koralmbahn railway line. The expanded “AIRail” partnership between Austrian Airlines and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) improves regional connectivity.
Austrian Airlines and Swiss Expand Boston Routes with Dreamliners and A350s
Austrian Airlines will increase flights between Vienna and Boston for summer 2026, growing to five weekly flights serviced by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Similarly, Swiss will deploy its new Airbus A350 jet on Boston routes starting late November, further enhancing transatlantic capacity. Both moves signal robust demand on the Austro-American market.
Labor Disputes Escalate: KLM Ground Staff Set for Additional Strikes
The KLM ground handling staff in Amsterdam Schiphol have announced fresh strike days on September 24 and October 1 after recent walkouts caused significant flight cancellations. The union FNV demands higher wages amid stalled negotiations, threatening further disruption in one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
Air Canada Flight Attendants End Mediation, Prepare for Arbitration
In Canada, Air Canada flight attendants and their union CUPE have terminated wage mediation and will enter binding arbitration. The union called off talks citing unresolved disputes over pay and working conditions, potentially signaling ongoing labor disputes at the North American carrier.
German Airports Advocate for Stronger Political Support to Remain Competitive
The German Airport Association (ADV) met with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder to discuss enhancing the country’s aviation sector competitiveness. ADV President Aletta von Massenbach pressed for political commitments toward a comprehensive “location offensive,” focusing on regulatory relief, infrastructure investments, and innovation.
Infrastructure and Technology Developments: Pilatus and Emirates
Swiss manufacturer Pilatus acquired land in Carmona, Spain, for a new factory dedicated to PC-24 business jet components, marking its second European production site. Meanwhile, Emirates opened a sprawling pilot training center in Dubai equipped with six full-flight simulators, starting with Airbus A350 models and set for future expansion.
Noteworthy News and Industry Movements
- The Airbus A380 once operated by HiFly has been revived after five years in storage, undergoing reactivation by EFW in Dresden. The future operator remains undisclosed.
- Delta Air Lines will add Sardinia and Malta to its European route network from New York JFK starting summer 2026, destinations chosen via passenger and staff polls.
- German politician Franziska Wegner advocates for more flexible night flight regulations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, addressing airline frustration over current strict curfews causing frequent diversions.
- India’s logistics tech startup scene sees another setback as a highly valued Chennai-based digital forwarder backed by major investors faces insolvency, underscoring challenges in the digital freight market.
That wraps up today’s briefing — stay tuned for our daily YouTube video for a deeper dive into these stories and more.