Daily Briefing – September 20, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals. Today’s briefing covers major cyber disruptions at European airports, key developments in fleet expansions and conversions, geopolitical tensions affecting airspace, and industry outlooks on technology adoption. Let’s dive into the highlights.
Widespread Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at Major European Airports
Several prominent European airports faced severe disruptions last Friday following a cyberattack on a key IT service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems. Among the affected hubs were Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Brussels Airport, and London Heathrow. At Berlin, operations temporarily reverted to paper-based procedures causing delays and increased manual workload. Brussels Airport similarly struggled with hand-checking passengers, leading to significant congestion and flight schedule impacts.
Interestingly, Dutch airports including Amsterdam Schiphol and Rotterdam The Hague confirmed they were not affected by the attack, suggesting a targeted or partial breach. This incident highlights the growing vulnerabilities of airport IT infrastructure and the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, as widely reported by airliners.de, aerotelegraph.com, and luchtvaartnieuws.nl.
Fleet and Network Growth: Turkish Airlines, Gol, Atlas Air and More
Turkish Airlines continues its strategic expansion with the launch of a new Istanbul-Sevilla route and a notable increase in South American connectivity. Starting June 2026, Turkish will operate daily flights from Istanbul to Santiago de Chile via São Paulo, up from six to seven weekly frequencies, reinforcing its footprint in the Latin American market.
In South America, Gol Linhas Aéreas has strengthened its fleet by taking delivery of its 58th Boeing 737 Max 8, further modernizing and growing its network within Brazil.
Meanwhile, Atlas Air inaugurated a new freighter service linking Luxembourg with Jinan, China, using Boeing 777 freighters operated twice weekly with up to 100 tons capacity, meeting increasing demand for Europe-China cargo lanes.
Freighter Market and Modernizations: Boeing 777 Conversions and New Orders
Mammoth Freighters commenced FAA certification flights for its 777-200LRMF conversion, marking a significant step toward expanding the converted freighter segment with this versatile long-range model.
Along similar lines, World Star Aviation signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert a Boeing 777-300 ER into a freighter under the “Big Twin” program—these conversions continue to attract attention as airlines and lessors seek cost-efficient widebody freighter options amid ongoing cargo growth.
Business Aviation and Airport Infrastructure Updates
Flexjet augmented its elite business jet fleet by adding three Gulfstream G700 ultra-long-range jets. With a maximum range exceeding 14,000 kilometers, these aircraft provide unrivaled transcontinental and intercontinental private charter capabilities.
In infrastructure news, Somaliland signed a $70 million modernization agreement for the Hargeisa airport, aiming to enhance facilities and support growing regional traffic—a notable development for an often overlooked but strategically important hub.
Industry and Market Challenges: Air Albania in Crisis and FedEx Faces Headwinds
Air Albania is currently battling multiple challenges including lawsuits, financial difficulties, and operational disruptions just months after announcing a relaunch. These troubles serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics facing smaller carriers in competitive markets.
On the express logistics front, FedEx forecasts a $1 billion operating income headwind for fiscal year 2026, mainly driven by tariff pressures and continuing volatility in global trade. Despite solid Q1 revenue growth, the company signals caution amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions.
AI in Freight Forwarding: Optimism Tempered by Data Challenges
A recent survey among over 800 freight forwarding professionals reveals widespread enthusiasm about the potential of artificial intelligence to transform logistics operations over the next three years. However, adoption remains hindered by poor-quality or fragmented data, underscoring the importance of improving data management and integration for AI to deliver its promised efficiencies and insights.
Geopolitical Tensions Impact Airspace Security
In response to renewed Russian aerial attacks on western Ukraine, Poland temporarily deployed fighter jets as a precautionary measure to safeguard its airspace. The operation has since concluded but highlights ongoing regional instability affecting flight operations and airspace management in Eastern Europe.
Additional Network Announcements
- Volotea from Strasbourg begins Sunday flights to Rodez in southern France starting November 29.
- Air Canada expands its regional network with daily Dash 8-400 flights from Ottawa to Fredericton and Moncton, plus new direct service from Vancouver to Fort McMurray beginning December.
Careers in Aviation – Current Job Opportunities
Looking to advance your career in airport operations? Our [Aviation Jobs Board](https://www.airliners.de/airlinersde-stellenmarkt-apron-controler-sicherheitsmanager-abteilungsleiter-gesucht/83215) features current openings for apron controllers, security managers, and department heads at major airports. Check if your dream role is available now.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update on YouTube. Until tomorrow, keep your operations flying smoothly!