Daily Briefing – October 23, 2025
Welcome to today’s airfreightinsider.com Daily Briefing, your concise overview of the key developments shaping the air cargo and aviation sectors. From fleet updates and network expansions to regulatory shifts, here’s what logistics professionals need to know.
Network Expansions and Route Developments
TUI is broadening its summer 2026 network from Schiphol Airport with two new destinations: Brindisi (Italy) and Tivat (Montenegro). The airline is also increasing frequencies on existing routes to meet growing demand in the European leisure market.
Meanwhile, Smartwings, the largest Czech carrier, is expanding its European footprint significantly for the upcoming winter season. Seven new destinations—including Brussels, Barcelona, Porto, Bucharest, Bilbao, and Toulouse—will be added to its route map, enhancing connectivity across the region.
In the Middle East, Ryanair unveils an ambitious plan to nearly triple its presence in Amman, Jordan. From 18 to 50 routes, the low-cost giant is ramping up connectivity between Amman and 12 EU countries, including Germany, offering over 300,000 seats in the winter season.
Adding a new dimension to the Middle Eastern aviation landscape, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air is gearing up for a soft launch on October 26 with a closed-membership flight program for employees and partners, postponing commercial operations until its Boeing 787 fleet is fully ready. This novel approach reflects a cautious entry into the highly competitive airline industry.
Fleet and Freighter Market Updates
AEI (Aeronautical Engineers, Inc.) announces a new freighter conversion program for Boeing 737-900ER passenger aircraft, offering airlines a way to repurpose aging narrowbodies into cargo jets despite a challenging outlook for narrowbody freight markets. This strategic move is set to provide sustainable second lives for retired passenger 737-900ERs, aligning with evolving freighter demand.
On the widebody front, Airbus remains committed to introducing the A350F freighter by the second half of 2027, despite concerns from some customers anticipating delays to 2028 due to tougher certification processes following the Boeing 737 Max crisis.
In a related note, Aegean Airlines confirms that its recently acquired Airbus A321XLR aircraft were originally destined for JetBlue in the U.S. The regional carrier is adopting the premium “Mint Suite” cabins, enhancing passenger experience with top-tier configurations inherited from the U.S. carrier.
Airport and Infrastructure News
The Irish planning authorities have greenlit Dublin Airport’s new Metrolink connection project. This fully automated metro line will link the airport directly to Dublin’s city center, significantly improving passenger access and easing congestion once operational.
On a different note, ongoing operations at Hong Kong International Airport face disruption due to the recovery efforts of an Air ACT Boeing 747 that veered off the runway and into the sea. The North runway was temporarily closed early Thursday morning, with recovery expected to take several days.
Meanwhile, Munich Airport kicks off its winter schedule on October 26, offering flights to 184 destinations across 68 countries with 81 airlines operating. The Bavarian hub maintains a strong mix of domestic, European, and intercontinental connections, underscoring its role as a major European air logistics node.
Industry Trends and Corporate Moves
Reliability in the airline sector shows a slight improvement in August but remains in the “mediocre” range according to the latest Cargo IQ data. Celebi Aviation’s CEO Dave Dorner highlights that causes often extend beyond carrier control, including weather and infrastructure constraints, which continue to challenge seamless operations.
ATR, manufacturer of regional turboprops, is urging EU policymakers to tailor climate regulations to the unique needs of regional aviation. The company warns excessive rules could disproportionately impact smaller regional operators, potentially stifling connectivity in less-served areas.
In corporate restructuring, KLM announces a reduction of its executive board from five to four members to cut costs, resulting in the departure of Chief Experience Officer Barry ter Voert by year-end.
Air France-KLM has finalized its stake acquisition in Canadian partner WestJet, joining Delta Air Lines and Korean Air in partial ownership, with Onex Partners retaining majority control. This move strengthens transatlantic alliances and network synergies.
Avia Solutions Group streamlines its operational footprint by consolidating multiple European Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) into three consolidated brands, aiming to improve efficiency and market responsiveness.
Other Noteworthy Updates
- Storm Benjamin causes dozens of flight cancellations at Schiphol Airport, with restricted runway capacity impacting operations late Thursday evening.
- Brussels Airlines’ premium lounge, The Loft, at Brussels Airport will close for extensive renovations starting January 1, 2026, aiming to elevate the passenger experience through a comprehensive redesign.
- Aviation industry commentary highlights a growing introspection around Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and its comparative quietness as local football teams perform, symbolizing broader challenges and reflections for the Dutch aviation hub.
- The popular airliners.de calendar for 2026 is now available as a loyalty gift for annual “airliners+ Privat” subscribers—perfect timing for holiday gifting!
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube video update covering these and other trends impacting air cargo logistics worldwide.
Your editorial team at airfreightinsider.com