Daily Briefing – December 16, 2025
Welcome to today’s airfreightinsider.com briefing, your go-to source for the latest developments in the air cargo and aviation logistics sector. Here’s what matters most for logistics professionals as we near the end of 2025.
Fleet Updates and Network Expansions Across Europe
KLM has added the last of its new Airbus A321neo aircraft for 2025, marking the twelfth delivery of this type this year and strengthening its short- and medium-haul capacity. Meanwhile, Air Baltic is significantly expanding its network in the German-speaking region for summer 2026 with new routes such as Tallinn to Hamburg and Vienna, as well as Vilnius to Zurich, boosting connectivity across Northern and Central Europe.
Austrian Airlines has abruptly ended its wet-lease contract with Swedish Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA), citing quality concerns after the insolvency of a BRA sister company. This brings a sudden halt to the ATR 72 operations flown by BRA for Austrian, despite the partnership expansion earlier this year.
On the other hand, Air Uniqon is gearing up to launch scheduled services from Friedrichshafen in January 2026, initially offering eleven weekly flights to three German destinations, indicating growing regional connectivity.
Government Support and Investments: Croatia Airlines Boosted
The Croatian government injected more than €150 million into its national carrier, Croatia Airlines, to modernize its fleet and expand its route network. This substantial capital commitment underscores the strategic importance of strengthening national carriers amidst competitive pressures in European aviation.
Connectivity Improvements: Starlink Meets Business Aviation
NetJets, the world’s largest business jet operator, has signed a deal with Starlink to equip 600 jets with high-speed WiFi by the end of 2026. This is a significant step in enhancing passenger experience and operational capabilities in the business aviation segment.
Innovations in Sustainability and Technology
A promising alliance between Kuehne+Nagel and Swiss International Air Lines aims at scaling up synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production with partner Synhelion. The collaboration, formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding, aligns closely with industry-wide efforts to decarbonize air cargo and passenger flights.
Moreover, advances in hybrid-electric propulsion systems continue to make waves: simulations shown by Lukas Schuchard from TU Dresden demonstrate how hybridization significantly reduces turbine temperatures and extends maintenance intervals—paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective MRO operations.
Air Cargo Market Steadies as Year-End Approaches
Global air cargo rates remain firm heading deeper into December, even as carriers cautiously adjust capacity. Data from TAC Index and corroborated by WorldACD reveal modest rate increases alongside signs of market stabilization, highlighting resilience despite softened demand on some major trade lanes.
Strategic Shifts in Global Air Cargo Routes
Central Asia is quietly emerging as a pivotal logistics corridor, reshaping global air cargo flows. Stretching from the Caspian Sea to China’s western borders, this landlocked region is transitioning from traditional surface transport reliance to becoming a vital hub linking several global markets—a development closely monitored by logistics strategists worldwide.
Passenger Traffic and Airport Developments
Hamburg Airport anticipates over 570,000 passengers during the Christmas holidays, with peak travel expected this Friday and Sunday. In northern Germany, Bremen Airport has unveiled its summer 2026 schedule featuring 22 destinations, including a new connection to Bodrum, Turkey—signaling steady passenger growth and expanding holiday travel options.
Trade Spotlight: India and US Negotiations Progress
Despite ongoing tariffs, India has held firm in its US export market, with November trade data showing a reduced trade deficit. Both nations appear to be making progress toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could have broad implications for cross-border airfreight flows in 2026.
Political and Industry Highlights
In Germany, Chancellor Merz conducted a cabinet meeting at the newly opened Terminal 3 of Frankfurt Airport, underscoring the airport’s critical role as a national and international transport hub. His visit marked the last stop in his nationwide tour of federal states—an event highlighting government focus on aviation infrastructure.
Competitive Dynamics in Caribbean Routes
Air Caraïbes has resumed service between Paris and Sint Maarten after years of absence, joining Air France and KLM as key European players on this lucrative Caribbean route. The renewed competition is expected to stimulate capacity and may impact cargo opportunities related to tourist flows.
That’s it for today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube update covering these stories and more insights into the ever-evolving world of airfreight.
— The airfreightinsider.com Team