Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – September 29, 2025
Dear Readers,
Today’s briefing covers legal battles in the airfreight tech space, evolving geopolitical tensions impacting aviation, airline operational updates amidst financial and labor challenges, plus insights on fleet modernization and personnel strategies. Let’s dive in.
Legal Battle Escalates Between Flexport and Freightmate.ai
Tensions between logistics heavyweight Flexport and AI startup Freightmate.ai have intensified as both parties continue to clash over access to crucial documents, despite a judge’s order to resolve discovery issues. Flexport accuses Freightmate—founded by two former Flexport employees—of “brazenly” stealing trade secrets and proprietary data, fueling an ongoing legal dispute with significant implications for data security and innovation in freight tech.
Drone Activity Disrupts Flights in Scandinavia
Scandinavian airports remain on high alert after multiple drone sightings near critical flight paths. In Norway, reported drone activity has forced several flights to be diverted, following an ongoing drone alarm in Denmark. This wave of unauthorized drone incursions continues to challenge airport security protocols and airspace management across the region.
Sanctions and Geopolitical Pressures Reshape Aviation Markets
The European Union has reinstated sanctions on Iran following failed attempts to restore the nuclear agreement, impacting the aviation sector including air cargo operations. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed sanctions on the Mexican aviation industry after recent strategic moves involving freighter hub realignments. The U.S. Department of Transportation also signaled warnings to European regulators about potential retaliatory measures should access for American carriers be curtailed.
Labor and Operational Update: KLM Strike Averted, Lufthansa Faces Restructuring
Good news for travelers: The planned strike by KLM’s ground personnel next Wednesday has been called off after negotiations with labor unions FNV and CNV. A mediator will now be sought to break the ongoing deadlock, with strike activity paused at least until November 1.
Meanwhile, the Lufthansa Group is undertaking a major fleet and workforce overhaul. Starting immediately, six older long-haul aircraft types will be phased out, reducing fleet complexity from 13 to 9 types. This modernization aims to improve operational efficiency but also accompanies plans for deep administrative job cuts, which the labor union Verdi fiercely opposes.
Additional Airline News: Regional Services and Market Shifts
- Skyhub PAD, operating as a Lufthansa substitute between Paderborn and Munich, projects handling 90,000 passengers this year, bolstered by political and business support.
- PLAY, the Icelandic low-cost carrier, abruptly suspended all flights, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives and refunds.
- Delta Air Lines and Air France have formally notified KLM of their decision to end KLM ground handling services at Amsterdam-Schiphol, opting for new providers — marking a significant strategic shift in Schiphol’s airline partnerships.
- The Greek regional airline Lumiwings faces continuing financial difficulties, with an Italian investor considering a takeover to revive operations halted since September 27.
- The Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet Air announced plans to launch direct flights to the USA in the near future, marking a bold step into transpacific markets.
Security and Passenger Experience: Cyberattack and Airport Initiatives
A lingering cyberattack at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is causing ongoing flight delays and cancellations, as authorities scramble to contain operational disruptions and reinforce IT defenses.
On a lighter note, the Airport Bremen has introduced a new “Kiss & Fly” scheme, offering drivers up to 10 minutes of free parking right in front of the terminal. This convenient measure is designed to ease short-term drop-offs and goodbyes without parking fees.
In Court: Airbus and Air France Face Appeal Over 2009 Crash
In Paris, the appellate court hearing resumed in the high-profile lawsuit related to the tragic 2009 crash of flight AF447. Airbus and Air France are jointly defending against allegations tied to the Airbus A330 disaster between Rio de Janeiro and Paris, a case with lasting ramifications for aviation safety standards.
Workforce Strategies: Embracing Career Changers at Airports
As the industry’s talent demand remains high, companies are finding new avenues to fill roles by facilitating career changers entering airport operations. Experts from Gi Group Solutions emphasize how targeted recruitment and process outsourcing can help capture this valuable talent pool during challenging hiring cycles.
Looking Ahead
From legal showdowns over data to evolving geopolitical tensions and shifting airline strategies, the aviation and airfreight sectors continue to navigate complex transformations. Stay tuned as we track how these developments will shape the operational landscape and industry dynamics.
That’s all for today’s briefing. For in-depth analysis and video coverage, visit our YouTube channel and website.
Best regards,
Your Airfreight Insider Editorial Team