Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – December 2, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today’s briefing covers key developments shaping the air cargo and aviation industry—from strategic airline consolidations and network expansions to innovations in aircraft maintenance and the ongoing challenges faced by airports due to drone incursions. Let’s dive in.
Lufthansa Group Strengthens Cargo Collaboration and Boosts Sustainability Efforts
The Lufthansa Group continues to reinforce its cargo operations. Recent reports indicate a deeper integration between Lufthansa Cargo and Swiss WorldCargo, aiming to leverage operational synergies while maintaining both brands separately. According to multiple sources, this move is part of a broader strategy to unify processes and improve efficiency across the Group’s freight division.
Concurrently, Lufthansa Group has announced an acceleration of its Ops Sustainability program with a renewed focus on data-driven measures to reduce fuel consumption. Since 2022, over 90 initiatives have already saved approximately 54,000 tons of kerosene. This push underlines aviation’s urgent need to enhance environmental performance amid tightening regulations and rising costs.
Eurowings Ignites Growth at Berlin BER with New Routes and Fleet Expansion
Eurowings is turbocharging its presence at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) ahead of summer 2026. With six new destinations added—including London—and increased flight frequencies to popular leisure spots, the Lufthansa Group subsidiary is stationing nine aircraft at BER. This expansion is partly credited to supportive German government measures to strengthen the capital’s aviation hub.
Air Transat Expands South America Connectivity Through Gol Partnership
Canadian leisure airline Air Transat has inked a new interline agreement with Brazilian carrier Gol, significantly broadening its footprint in the South American market. This cooperation facilitates smoother connections and broader route options for passengers traveling between Canada and destinations like Rio de Janeiro, enhancing network flexibility and market reach.
Air China Launches New Passenger Services to Brussels
Air China is set to commence daily passenger flights between Beijing and Brussels from spring 2026, complementing its existing freight-only operations. In addition, three weekly flights from Chengdu to Brussels are planned, underscoring growing demand for passenger connectivity between China and Europe.
Innovations in Aircraft Maintenance: Drones and AI Cut Inspection Times Dramatically
Researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University are pioneering the use of drone technology combined with deep learning to revolutionize aircraft line maintenance. This tech promises to reduce aircraft inspection durations from several days to mere hours, enabling significant reductions in ground times and operational disruptions.
Aircraft Recycling Finds Creative New Uses
Out-of-service Airbus A340 fuselage panels have been repurposed into innovative sunshades for the Stade de la Meinau football stadium in Strasbourg, France. Nearly 200 panels covering 4,050 sqm now form the south stand’s roofing, giving a second life to retired aircraft parts and highlighting sustainability in aviation beyond fuel efficiency alone.
Fleet Update: Afriqiyah Airways’ Airbus A330 in Hamburg to Be Scrapped After Nine Years
The Airbus A330 from Afriqiyah Airways, stored in Hamburg since 2016 after damage related to conflict in Tripoli, is now slated for dismantling. The aircraft has remained grounded for almost a decade, representing both the operational challenges faced by carriers in unstable regions and the long-term implications for fleet management and asset recovery.
Industry Challenges: Drone Sightings Disrupt Air Traffic at Brussels and Liège Airports
Recent drone incursions over Brussels and Liège airports led to multiple closures and flight cancellations, causing major disruptions. These safety incidents highlight ongoing concerns around unauthorized UAV activity in controlled airspace, an issue increasingly impacting logistics and passenger flights in European hubs.
Other Industry Notes
- Ceva Logistics owned by CMA CGM faces continued restructuring with significant workforce reductions expected ahead of Christmas, reflecting the broader pressures on contract logistics providers.
- BBN Airlines, a former Smartlynx affiliate in Thailand, has commenced operations with a new ACMI contract flying Airbus A320 aircraft for Vietjet Thailand’s domestic routes.
- The ultra-long-haul travel segment continues to evolve, offering passengers extended nonstop flights but also presenting new operational and comfort challenges.
- The corporate aviation sector remains robust, with Flexjet expanding its fleet of more than 300 business jets and sustaining pilot employment amid changing industry dynamics.
That wraps up today’s Daily Briefing. Stay tuned for our YouTube video summarizing these stories in more detail. As always, we keep you updated on the fast-moving world of airfreight and aviation logistics.
— The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team