Daily Briefing – December 14, 2025
Welcome to today’s edition of airfreightinsider.com. As always, we bring you the most relevant updates and trends from the aviation and airfreight sectors to keep logistics professionals well informed.
Safety & Incidents: Boeing 737 Max 10 and Aerosucre Landing Incident
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently reviewing Boeing’s proposed upgraded warning system for the 737 Max 10, as Reuters reported last Friday. This move underlines the ongoing efforts to enhance flight safety after past challenges with the Max family.
In a separate incident, a Boeing 727 freighter operated by Colombian carrier Aerosucre made an emergency landing at Barranquilla airport with a damaged left main landing gear. The aircraft, en route to Bogotá, landed safely despite the technical failure, avoiding any casualties. Both reports come from aeroTELEGRAPH, underscoring ongoing operational risks in cargo aviation.
Near-Miss Incident over Curaçao: JetBlue and US Military Tanker
A serious safety concern emerged Friday evening over Curaçao, where a JetBlue Airbus narrowly avoided a collision with a US military tanker aircraft loaded with jet fuel during ascent. According to the JetBlue pilots, evasive maneuvers were necessary to prevent a potentially catastrophic airspace conflict. The event is being closely monitored by aviation safety authorities and publicly reported by multiple sources including CargoMagazine.nl and Luchtvaartnieuws.nl.
US Air Force One Program Delayed Until 2028
The delivery of the new Air Force One Boeing 747-8 presidential aircraft has been postponed further, with the first plane now expected no earlier than mid-2028. The US Air Force cited program complexities and modernization challenges as reasons for the delay, extending a timeline that has already seen multiple pushes. More details are available from aeroTELEGRAPH.
European Airport and Infrastructure Updates
- Frankfurt Airport introduces a new Sunflower Program to support travelers with invisible disabilities, such as chronic pain, psychological conditions, or sensory sensitivities. This initiative aims to improve passenger experience and security screening for those with non-apparent impairments.
- Meanwhile, Schiphol Airport’s CEO Pieter van Oord confirmed that plans to relocate Schiphol airport offshore into the sea are economically unfeasible for the foreseeable future. The significant investment and logistical challenges effectively rule out this ambitious concept for now, according to CargoMagazine and Luchtvaartnieuws.
- In Bulgaria, Plovdiv Airport, historically famous for once hosting film shootings with stars like Chuck Norris and Bruce Willis, faces slow recovery in scheduled air traffic despite having modern facilities. A new flight route is poised to offer some relief, though challenges remain.
- Also, the newly granted operating certificate for Italian charter airline Alpine Wings means they are cleared to start services using their Beechcraft King Air B200.
Industry & Workforce News
Hiring remains a key focus as the aviation sector looks to tackle shortages. Pilots, air traffic service trainees, and aircraft mechanics are in high demand, with many exciting opportunities highlighted weekly in the Airliners.de career market.
Looking ahead, the AIS Flight Academy is confirmed to participate in the Career Experience event on January 10, 2026, in Utrecht. This event promises extensive networking and educational opportunities for future aviation talent.
Security & Customs: Massive Diamond Smuggling Bust at Frankfurt
Customs and federal police at Frankfurt Airport discovered over 11,000 undeclared raw diamonds hidden in hand luggage during a security check. The precious stones originated from Angola and were smuggled using sophisticated concealment techniques. This seizure highlights ongoing challenges in securing freight and passenger baggage from illicit goods trafficking.
Aviation Taxation & Policy Update
The Dutch Parliament recently debated the 2026 tax plan introducing a differentiated air travel tax: €47 for medium-haul flights and €70 for long-haul flights beyond 5,500 km. European air travel within Schengen is exempt from this new levy. The policy aims to influence travel behavior and raise funds for sustainable aviation initiatives.
Historical Highlight: Transavia’s Colorful Journey
As a lighter note, aviation enthusiasts may appreciate an article recounting the colorful history of Transavia, the Dutch airline known for its distinct liveries and resilient climb from underdog to successful player. The story highlights the evolution of their fleet, including their unique operation of the Sud Aviation Caravelle, the only Dutch airline to do so.
That’s it for today. Stay tuned for our daily video on YouTube, where we dive deeper into these topics and more.
Your editor,
The airfreightinsider.com team