Daily Briefing – November 20, 2025
Dear Air Freight Professionals,
Today’s briefing brings you key updates from the airline consolidation race, innovative tech in inflight advertising, shifting cargo market dynamics, and strategic moves by major airlines and logistics players. Here is your sector snapshot for November 20, 2025.
Airline M&A: Lufthansa Enters Race for TAP Air Portugal
Lufthansa has officially declared its intent to bid for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, joining Air France-KLM in the competitive auction organized by Parpública, the Portuguese state holding company. This move underscores the ongoing consolidation in the European airline market, as flag carriers look to strengthen their positions amid rising competition. Industry watchers note that Lufthansa’s offer adds significant pressure on TAP to select a partner that can bolster its European footprint.
The airline is also leveraging its expanded portfolio following the full integration of ITA Airways, with Lufthansa Cargo benefiting from increased cargo volumes routed via the Rome hub under the Lufthansa brand. This Italy-Germany synergy signals Lufthansa’s broader strategy of maximizing network leverage across markets.
Market Shifts in Air Cargo Capacity and Regional Innovation
The charter freighter market is experiencing a tight squeeze on wide-body capacity, especially for perishables. The shift in e-commerce freight flows from the US to Europe—following the US removal of the de minimis threshold—has intensified demand for specialized cargo space. This development puts additional pressure on carriers and forwarders to source flexible capacity, particularly for time-sensitive goods.
Meanwhile, on the innovation front, Dutch logistics company e-Smart Group has placed a major order for 20 electric cargo aircraft from Beta Technologies, signaling a push towards sustainable regional airfreight solutions. This bold investment reflects the growing interest in zero-emission technologies tailored for short-haul and last-mile air logistics.
Network and Product Developments: New Routes and Terminals
Royal Jordanian has announced a strategic focus on Germany, designating it as its most important market globally. Starting spring 2026, the airline will fly to five German airports—more than any other country—part of a new tourism-focused growth strategy. Norwegian Air Shuttle also continues its expansion in Scandinavia by launching new routes connecting Basel with Stockholm and other European destinations starting summer 2026.
At Frankfurt Airport, Fraport’s new Terminal 3 is expected to boost flight punctuality and streamline airline operations. Airlines are gearing up for the terminal move in April, promising smoother passenger flows and operational efficiencies at one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
Technological Milestones and Changing Industry Roles
Qatar Airways has broken new ground by creating and uploading two full advertising spots during a 15-hour Doha-Atlanta flight, thanks to their Sky Studio Challenge. This unique use of inflight time and technology opens new marketing possibilities for airlines and partners alike.
In the MRO sector, Nayak—Germany’s largest independent MRO provider—distances itself from traditional airline MRO competitors. CEO Jörg Sauerland highlights that recent acquisitions (such as Altitude Paint Services) and a focus on workforce development position the company uniquely for the evolving maintenance landscape.
Regulatory and Workforce Dynamics
Calls for reform in aviation security are gaining momentum in Germany. Thomas Röwekamp, chair of the Bundestag’s defense committee, argues that distinctions between internal and external security are outdated, advocating for constitutional amendments beyond the current Luftsicherheitsgesetz reforms. However, industry and interest groups criticize aspects of this approach, highlighting the complex balance between security and operational freedom.
The labor market also shows demand for skilled aviation maintenance personnel: Aero-Dienst currently recruits qualified certifying staff mechanics with EASA Part 66 CAT B1 and/or B2 licenses, for positions supporting Pilatus and Challenger 650 fleets.
Exclusive Industry Leadership Update
On the logistics front, CMA CGM Group has appointed a new head for its Air & Ocean logistics division. This signals an ongoing commitment to the specialized and somewhat separated management of container shipping and airfreight operations—an approach aimed at maximizing client benefits through focused expertise in each mode.
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That’s all for today. Stay tuned for our YouTube video, where we dive deeper into these developments and what they mean for your business.
Best regards,
The airfreightinsider.com Editorial Team