Daily Briefing – September 19, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of airfreightinsider.com’s Daily Briefing, your go-to summary for the latest trends and developments in the airfreight and broader aviation logistics industry.
FedEx Faces $1 Billion Tariff Challenge, Shifts Capacity to Asia-Europe
FedEx confirmed a significant headwind from ongoing U.S. tariffs, citing a $1 billion impact including the recent elimination of the de minimis exemption that alone costs the carrier an additional $150 million per quarter. In response, FedEx is pivoting its airfreight capacity focus toward the Asia-Europe corridor to mitigate the effects. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its performance during the upcoming peak season, projecting a more robust outlook than some competitors. However, FedEx ducked several key questions during recent analyst calls, adding some uncertainty to its strategic execution going forward.
Kuehne + Nagel Cuts Branch Managers in US and UK Amid Strategic Uncertainty
Global logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel continues to tighten its belt with notable senior management layoffs in both the U.S. and U.K. markets. Following earlier cuts in America, the company has now reduced branch managers in the UK, with some “big hitters” exiting. These moves have raised questions about the firm’s broader strategic direction, including potential further layoffs, hiring freezes, and travel restrictions. Industry insiders eagerly await clarity on how K+N plans to navigate these changes amid evolving market conditions.
Network Expansion: Hi Sky to Launch Nonstop Bukarest-Chicago Service in 2026
Romanian carrier Hi Sky is making strides in expanding its long-haul network with a new twice-weekly nonstop flight from Bucharest to Chicago starting June 2026. This marks the airline’s second U.S. destination after New York and its first direct link between Romania and the U.S. Midwest. This move reflects Hi Sky’s growing ambitions to strengthen its international footprint in competitive markets.
Market Movements: IndiGo Enters Scandinavian Market with Copenhagen Route
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is making its debut in Scandinavia by launching flights to Copenhagen next month. This step further extends CEO Pieter Elbers’ expansion strategy in Europe, following recent service launches to Manchester and Amsterdam earlier this year. The airline’s expansion into Northern Europe underscores growing demand for connections between South Asia and Scandinavia’s business hubs.
Ita Airways Rolls Out Star Alliance Livery on First Aircraft
Italian carrier Ita Airways has unveiled Star Alliance branding on two of its aircraft — an Airbus A320 and an A220-300 — as part of its ongoing integration into the global alliance. The freshly painted planes recently left maintenance in Rome, with more to follow in the coming months. This visible alliance membership is expected to boost the airline’s global connectivity and brand recognition.
Slot Regulation Update: Switzerland Revises Rules for Zurich and Geneva
The Swiss government has approved a revised slot regulation effective immediately to streamline and enhance operational efficiency at Zurich and Geneva airports. One notable change allows airports greater flexibility in reallocating slots during extraordinary circumstances. This move is designed to improve punctuality and utilization amid rising traffic demand in these key European hubs.
Lufthansa Warns of Significant Losses at Core Airline Amid Ongoing Challenges
Lufthansa leadership has publicly disclosed concrete figures for its largest airline’s current heavy losses, underlining the precarious financial situation due to rising costs and labor tensions. The cockpit crew is meanwhile demanding improvements, notably on pay and working conditions, threatening further friction during a critical recovery phase. How Lufthansa manages its cost base and labor relations will be critical to stabilizing performance going forward.
Pilot Retirement Age Debate Continues: IATA Advocates Extending to Beyond 65
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is pushing for extending the mandatory pilot retirement age past 65 to help ease the global pilot shortage. However, the initiative faces significant hurdles, including medical, regulatory, and safety considerations, meaning any widespread change is likely years away. Industry observers view this as a complex but necessary conversation in maintaining the future pilot workforce amid rising travel demand.
Additional Industry Highlights
- Transavia boosts Amsterdam-Salzburg route: Starting summer 2026, Transavia will double weekly flights from two to four, adding Tuesday and Saturday departures to the schedule.
- Oman’s Omran Group invests in Tui: The tourism development arm of Oman has acquired a 1.4% stake in Tui, signaling growing Middle Eastern interest in European travel sectors.
- Cyberattack on Pulkovo Airport, St. Petersburg: The Russian airport has confirmed its website was hacked, part of a rising trend of cyber threats targeting aviation infrastructure.
- Putin hails Russian PD-14 engine: Claimed as “the best engine in the world,” the PD-14 powers the MS-21 aircraft, reflecting Russia’s push for technological independence in civil aviation.
- Sustainability push: The “PtX Lab Lausitz” has published sustainability criteria aimed at accelerating the adoption of synthetic aviation fuels, emphasizing a staged rollout approach.
- Aerticket strengthens procurement team: The Berlin-based flight ticket wholesaler has appointed Markus Denz, formerly with FTI Group, to enhance its purchasing strategy and product range.
- Emirates Oktoberfest onboard and lounge celebrations: Emirates is bringing Bavarian spirit to its Germany flights and lounges between September 20 and October 5, offering a unique cultural experience across cabins.
- Design philosophy in aviation: A feature explores how “form follows function” remains the guiding principle behind aircraft design, combining timeless aesthetics with operational efficiency.
Stay tuned for today’s YouTube video, where we delve deeper into these stories and what they mean for your business.
— The airfreightinsider.com Editorial Team