Daily Briefing – September 22, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals. Today’s briefing covers key developments shaping the airfreight and broader transport sector, from airline leadership changes and infrastructure expansions to cyber threats and industry collaborations. Let’s take a closer look.
Lufthansa and Aeroground Extend Ground Handling Partnership in Munich
Lufthansa has signed a new long-term ground handling contract with Aeroground, the airport subsidiary at Munich. This renewal, effective retroactively from November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2030, ensures continuity of ground operations for Lufthansa’s passenger and cargo flights at one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
United Cargo Expands Network Without New Freighters – Collaboration Is Key
United Airlines continues to grow its transatlantic cargo services, notably through enhanced partnerships rather than fleet expansion. The collaborative alliance with Swiss WorldCargo and Lufthansa leverages schedule coordination and aligned processes to increase network reach without deploying additional freighter aircraft. This trend of maximizing capacity through partnerships highlights airline cargo strategies adapting to market demands.
Top Leadership Changes at El Al and Eurowings
Israeli flag carrier El Al appoints new CEO and CFO following previously announced transitions, marking a leadership shakeup aimed at positioning the airline for future growth. Meanwhile, Eurowings, Lufthansa’s low-cost subsidiary, is set to welcome former FDP Vice Chair Johannes Vogel as Head of People & Legal from December 1. Vogel’s move from political office to aviation underscores increasing intersection between governance and corporate roles within the industry.
Vietjet Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 Max 8 in $32 Billion Order
Vietnam’s budget airline Vietjet has received its first Boeing 737 Max 8 in Seattle, kicking off a massive fleet modernization plan involving 200 aircraft valued at $32 billion. This confirms Vietjet’s aggressive expansion strategy in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing aviation market.
SAS to Launch New Routes, Increase Capacity by 20% from Copenhagen in 2026
Scandinavian carrier SAS announced the largest flight program in its history for summer 2026, including new connections to Hamburg and Luxembourg. The airline plans to boost capacity from Copenhagen by 20%, generating about 50% more connecting opportunities, further strengthening its inter-European network.
Rail and Air Transport: Missing Links in German Transport Strategy
Germany’s recent railway reform proposals prioritize heavy investment in Deutsche Bahn but conspicuously omit integration with air transport. According to experts, the new strategy lacks vision for multimodal connectivity between rail and aviation. This gap raises questions about the balance in Germany’s future mobility framework and the role airfreight and passenger flights will play.
Deutsche Bahn Names Evelyn Palla as New CEO
In a significant leadership decision, Evelyn Palla, current head of DB Regio, is set to become CEO of the entire Deutsche Bahn Group. The appointment has been broadly welcomed across politics and labor unions, though expectations are high for delivering tangible improvements to Germany’s heavily used rail network.
UK Government Approves Second Runway for Gatwick Airport
The UK continues to expand its aviation infrastructure with the official approval of a second runway at London Gatwick. Alongside plans to upgrade Heathrow, this development aims to alleviate congestion and boost capacity in one of Europe’s most important air travel hubs.
Cybersecurity Alert: Ransomware Behind European Airport System Outages
The EU’s cybersecurity agency Enisa confirmed that recent automated check-in disruptions at several European airports were caused by a ransomware attack. These cyber incidents highlight the increasing vulnerability of airport IT infrastructure and the critical need for enhanced digital security measures in airfreight operations.
Remarkable Survival Story: 13-Year-Old Stows Away in Airbus A340 Landing Gear
A rare and harrowing incident emerged from Kabul as a 13-year-old boy survived a flight to Delhi hidden in the landing gear bay of a Kam Air Airbus A340. While such occurrences are extraordinarily dangerous and tragic, they continue to draw attention to broader humanitarian challenges intersecting with aviation security.
KLM Cityhopper Nears Completion of Embraer E195-E2 Fleet Renewal
KLM’s regional subsidiary welcomed its second-to-last Embraer E195-E2 aircraft this week, bringing the total in operation to 24, with one more expected to join. The updated fleet supports KLM’s ambitions for efficient, sustainable short-haul European services.
Cathay Pacific Resumes Nonstop Flights to Seattle in Spring 2026
Cathay Pacific announced the return of its direct Hong Kong–Seattle route from March 30, 2026. This reintroduction will increase the airline’s North American network to nine passenger destinations, reflecting ongoing market recovery and transpacific demand.
Industry Spotlight: Klaus-Michael Kuehne’s Enduring Legacy
Logistics titan Klaus-Michael Kuehne remains a powerful figure shaping global supply chains. From shipping terminals to sports arenas, his strategy of staying publicly listed reinforces his influence and investment in logistics innovation and infrastructure. His legacy continues to be a reference point in discussions about entrepreneurial leadership in our sector.
Market Pressure on Ocean Freight Rates Ahead of China’s Golden Week
With China’s Golden Week rapidly approaching, ocean freight rates are unexpectedly softening, declining at double-digit rates despite blank sailings. Key West Coast ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles have tempered their outlook for the peak season, signalling ongoing volatility amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Life After De Minimis: E-Commerce Drives Logistics M&A Transformation
The post-de minimis era ushers in a paradigm shift for logistics mergers and acquisitions amid accelerating cross-border e-commerce growth. Social commerce and global marketplaces expand consumer reach, compelling logistics providers to innovate and consolidate for better integration of international fulfillment networks.
Why Iran Has More Airlines Than Germany, France, and the UK Combined
An unusual aviation market anomaly arises from Iran, where numerous airlines operate despite widespread sanctions and outdated fleets. Through a mix of subsidies, sanctions circumvention, and black market activity, the country sustains a surprisingly large, albeit often inefficient, airline industry, illustrating complex geopolitical impacts on aviation.
That wraps up today’s top headlines. Stay tuned for our daily video update on airfreightinsider.com and thank you for trusting us as your source for the latest in air cargo and logistics.
— Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team