Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – October 30, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today’s briefing covers key developments across the aviation and airfreight sectors, from financing and fleet updates to regulatory challenges and operational disruptions. Let’s dive in.
Fleet and Network Expansion: Turkish Airlines and Russian Regional Carrier Invest
Turkish Airlines has secured a substantial financing package worth $412 million through a five-year loan from the Bank of China. This funding will primarily support the airline’s ambitious plans to expand its fleet and network—a strategic move to strengthen its position as a major global player. (source: aeroTELEGRAPH)
Meanwhile, in Siberia, regional airline AGAT is preparing to integrate ten new LMS-901 Baikal aircraft into its operations starting 2026. Initially aimed at forestry missions, these aircraft will eventually expand AGAT’s passenger services in the vast Krasnoyarsk region, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity in remote areas. (source: aeroTELEGRAPH)
Lufthansa Group: Mixed Financial Results and Operational Adjustments
The Lufthansa Group reported strong Q3 results overall, driven by a robust summer season and record revenues across its airline subsidiaries including Brussels Airlines, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. The group is on track for a notably more profitable fiscal year—good news after a challenging period. (source: luchtvaartnieuws)
However, Lufthansa Technik—the group’s maintenance arm—posted weaker profits despite nearly 12% revenue growth to €5.9 billion. Headwinds from tariffs and unfavorable currency movements weighed heavily on margins. Similarly, Brussels Airlines and Swiss reported declines in operating results and profits, with Swiss’s earnings dropping 19% in the first nine months, reflecting broader European aviation cost pressures. (sources: aeroTELEGRAPH, airliners.de)
On the fleet front, Lufthansa announced the Airbus A340-600 will remain in service throughout summer 2026 to meet strong demand in premium cabins, even as the group pushes forward with modernizing its aircraft roster. In contrast, Swiss has grounded all nine of its Airbus A220-100 due to persistent Pratt & Whitney engine issues, an operational challenge that disrupts schedule reliability for the Swiss subsidiary. (source: aeroTELEGRAPH)
In leadership news, Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof is set to leave the Lufthansa subsidiary at the end of the year, coinciding with his 60th birthday, confirmed by Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr. Eurowings itself reported transporting over 18 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 600,000 travelers. (source: airliners.de)
Industry-Wide Implementation of EU Standard Hand Luggage Dimensions
The airline association Airlines for Europe (A4E), including major European carriers, has officially adopted the EU’s standardized hand luggage size limit of 40×30×15 centimeters. This harmonization aims to reduce passenger confusion and streamline boarding processes across member airlines. The new standard applies from now on to all flights operated by A4E members, representing a step toward greater uniformity in passenger experience across Europe. (source: aeroTELEGRAPH)
Airport and Safety Updates: Stuttgart Revamps Security; Calls for Airspace Collision Prevention
Stuttgart Airport is beginning a major upgrade of its Terminal 3 passenger security controls on November 3rd. The works include expanding checkpoint lanes and preparing for the integration of state-of-the-art CT scanning technology. During construction, travelers will be redirected to Terminals 1 and 2. This modernization aims to enhance throughput and maintain high security standards amid growing passenger volumes. (sources: aeroTELEGRAPH, airliners.de)
In the Netherlands, the Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid) urges coordinated actions by Defense and Infrastructure ministries to prevent mid-air collisions between fast military jets and slower civilian aircraft. The call highlights the increasing congestion in shared airspace and the need for improved coordination and risk mitigation measures to ensure flight safety. (source: luchtvaartnieuws)
Air Cargo & Airline Sales Leadership Change
Air Logistics Group has named Assaad Sfeir as its new Vice President Airline Sales effective January 1, 2026. This appointment supports the company’s strategy to deepen partnerships with airlines and drive growth in global air cargo sales channels. (source: STAT Times)
Disruptions Due to Extreme Weather: Jamaica’s Montego Bay Airport
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has caused significant damage to Montego Bay Airport in Jamaica. As a result, airlines Condor and Edelweiss have canceled flights to the affected destination and are closely monitoring the situation to provide updated travel options for passengers. This underscores the ongoing impact of extreme weather events on Caribbean aviation infrastructure and connectivity. (source: aeroTELEGRAPH)
Supply Chain & Industry Commentary
In a thought-provoking guest article, an experienced regulator from Ireland critiques the economic regulation framework of airports. The piece argues that after decades of application, these regulations have led to inefficiencies and should be reevaluated to better balance market power and operational performance. This perspective invites industry stakeholders to reconsider how regulation can adapt to evolving market realities. (source: airliners.de)
CH Robinson’s Vision for the Future
CH Robinson management recently held an unusually long call with analysts, during which they outlined clear strategic priorities despite an 80-minute discussion. The company is positioning itself as a logistics leader that future generations will be proud to inherit, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. (source: The Loadstar)
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update on YouTube and continue to rely on airfreightinsider.com for your trusted logistics intelligence.
Your editor-in-chief,
Airfreight Insider Team