Daily Briefing – 23 September 2025
Welcome to your daily industry briefing, your trusted overview of today’s top developments in air freight and logistics. Here are the key stories shaping the market as we near the last quarter of 2025.
AI Driving Innovation in Customs and Logistics
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape logistics and customs operations. In The Loadstar Podcast, experts from Raft.AI and ALS Customs Services discuss how AI-powered tools improve decision-making, streamline customs clearance, and enhance supply chain visibility. As digitalization accelerates, adopters of AI technologies stand to gain competitive advantages in efficiency and compliance.
DHL Resumes Postal Shipping to USA and Puerto Rico
After a month-long pause due to new U.S. customs regulations, DHL Parcel will restart its postal goods shipping service from Germany to the U.S. and Puerto Rico on September 25. This resumption marks a critical step in restoring seamless transatlantic e-commerce flows, alleviating pressures on alternative shipping channels, as reported by Stattimes.
Collaborations and New Ventures in Regional Aviation
German aircraft manufacturers Vaeridion and Deutsche Aircraft have signed a letter of intent to jointly advance research and development in the regional aircraft segment, focusing notably on electric and hybrid propulsion systems. Meanwhile, startup Vini launches an AI-driven on-demand regional air service aiming to revive regional connectivity through demand bundling and sustainable operations.
New Airport Infrastructure to Boost Indian Air Cargo
The upcoming Noida International Airport is set to ease the significant congestion at the New Delhi air cargo complex. Scheduled to open by the end of October and operated by Zurich Airport International, the modern cargo terminal is expected to greatly enhance India’s air freight capacity, bolstering growth prospects for the local logistics community according to The Loadstar.
Expanding Codeshare Partnerships in Asia and Europe
Several airlines are deepening cooperation to expand network reach:
- Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines will launch a codeshare agreement on flights between Singapore, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City from late October, improving connectivity for Southeast Asia passengers.
- Air France and SAS have extended their codeshare to cover numerous transatlantic routes between Scandinavia and the U.S., facilitating smoother connections amid still volatile travel demand.
Freighter Capacity Tight as Demand Surges
With demand outpacing supply, dedicated freighter capacity remains critical. Silk Way West Airlines, which recently took delivery of its third Boeing 777F, is pursuing a cautious expansion strategy aligned with peers like Cargolux. Industry insiders emphasize that securing modern freighter assets is pivotal to meeting growing cargo volumes in the global air freight market.
Parcel Rate Changes Complicate U.S. Shipping Landscape
Shippers in the U.S. face a challenging environment as integrators UPS and FedEx roll out multiple parcel rate increases and peak surcharges within a brief timeframe. Experts call this a “masterclass in strategic pricing,” requiring logistics managers to carefully navigate fluctuating cost structures during peak season.
Supply Chain Disruptions Shift to Legal Arenas
Beyond traditional causes like weather or geopolitical tensions, supply chains now face escalating risks from legal disputes. Numerous high-profile court cases in both the U.S. and Europe illustrate that regulatory and litigation challenges may become a leading source of disruption, demanding increased legal vigilance from logistics professionals.
Labor Unrest and Operational Challenges
KLM management urges an end to costly ground staff strikes that have entered their third week, with the next walkout planned for Wednesday. CEO Marjan Rintel calls for unions to return to the negotiating table to prevent further operational strain and reputation damage.
Geopolitical Pressures Impact Aviation Supply Chains
Russia has appealed to global aviation leaders meeting in Montréal to lift sanctions on aircraft spare parts and overflight rights. Moscow condemns the restrictions as unlawful coercive measures, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining aircraft maintenance and operational continuity amid geopolitical tensions.
Other Industry & Travel Highlights
- Swiss unveils a new cinematic safety video, replacing animations with real people and evoking emotional connections to home.
- TUI confirms its upgraded profit forecast despite summer booking declines, buoyed by a positive outlook for the winter season.
- EVA Air will introduce Premium Economy seating on its Vienna routes, catering to growing demand for enhanced passenger comfort.
- KLM plans cabin reconfigurations on Boeing long-haul aircraft, adding more Premium Comfort seats at the expense of Economy Comfort to boost revenue per available seat.
- Tourism renewal in Egypt continues with new attractions emphasizing sustainability and cultural heritage aimed at diversifying the travel base.
- Autumn paints Salt Lake City in vibrant colors, combining urban culture and nature—a growing destination for leisure travelers.
Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow. For detailed analysis, follow our daily YouTube briefing on airfreightinsider.com.