Daily Briefing – September 25, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of airfreightinsider.com’s Daily Briefing, your concise update on the most important developments shaping the aviation and air cargo industry worldwide.
US Airspace Modernization Sees Limited Competition
The FAA has received only two bids for the project management of its largest-ever air traffic control modernization program. A decision on the contract is expected by the end of October, marking a significant step in upgrading the US airspace infrastructure to improve efficiency and safety.
European Airlines Navigate Policy and Operational Challenges
German aviation giant Lufthansa voices strong concerns over the national air passenger tax, warning it threatens the airline’s competitive position by driving route cancellations. CEO Jens Ritter calls on the government to lower or preferably abolish the tax to prevent further market losses amid soaring costs.
Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines is grappling with internal fraud involving employee discount tickets. The airline has terminated an employee and issued a stern warning to staff about legal consequences, reflecting strict enforcement in workforce compliance.
Codeshares and Network Expansion Boost Lufthansa Group Airlines
Eurowings, part of the Lufthansa Group, has integrated codeshare flights from Aegean Airlines and Smartwings directly into its website and app, allowing customers seamless booking and check-in for partner flights. This marks a growing trend of digitized booking experiences and network synergies within airline groups.
New Bases, Routes, and Aircraft: Strategic Moves in Passenger Aviation
- Ryanair plans to open a new base at Palermo’s Trapani-Marsala airport in January 2026, stationing two Boeing 737s and launching 23 routes including 11 new destinations such as London and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden.
- Etihad Airways will operate a seasonal route from Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca, running three times weekly during the summer of 2026 – the only direct link between Asia and the Balearic Islands.
- Qantas has started commercial operations with the Airbus A321 XLR, becoming the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to operate this long-range single-aisle aircraft as part of a large order, enhancing its medium-haul network capabilities.
- WestJet is rejuvenating the interiors of acquired Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft that were inherited from other carriers, aiming to offer a fresh, modern cabin experience across its fleet.
- Swiss brings back its printed “Swiss Magazine” onboard, complementing digital content to appeal to passengers preferring traditional reading material during their flight.
Air Cargo Insights: Opportunities and Operational Risks
At the recent Caspian Air Cargo Summit in Baku, industry experts highlighted e-commerce as a major driver for rising demand in air freight. However, concerns were raised over potential volatility and yield pressure as the market adjusts to the surge.
ANA Trading announces a new partnership with Topre Corporation to globally distribute air cargo cool containers starting October, expanding its portfolio of temperature-controlled logistics solutions vital for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Operational Disruptions and Partnerships
Costa Rica faced a significant air traffic disruption on September 24 due to a power outage that knocked out radar systems at the San José international airport, forcing a seven-hour closure of the national airspace.
In a strategic move to enhance passenger and freight flows, Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport have entered a sister-airport partnership aimed at strengthening connectivity between China and the Middle East.
Industry Setbacks and Regulatory Developments
UPS and Mexican logistics firm Estafeta have mutually abandoned their planned takeover after 14 months of negotiations. The deal was expected to create a dominant player in cross-border parcel delivery but fell through amidst strategic differences.
In regulatory spheres, Christian Schleifer-Heingärtner, Austria’s permanent representative to the ICAO Council, stresses the need to move from theory to practical implementation of sustainable aviation fuels at the upcoming ICAO Assembly, underscoring their role in decarbonizing air transport by 2050.
Controversy Surrounds Air India Crash Investigation
The father of Air-India captain Sumeet Sabharwal publicly criticized Indian accident investigators for prematurely blaming his son in the recent fatal crash. Having served in aviation safety himself, he calls for a more thorough and unbiased inquiry.
What to Watch Next
- FAA’s contract award for air traffic control modernization by late October.
- Potential policy changes in Germany regarding the aviation tax and its impact on Lufthansa and the broader market.
- Market response to Eurowings’ integrated codeshare offering and Ryanair’s expansion in southern Europe.
- Implementation and progress of sustainable aviation fuel initiatives following ICAO discussions.
Stay tuned for our daily video update on YouTube for deeper insights.
Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team