Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – July 10, 2025
Welcome to your daily update on the latest trends and headlines shaping the airfreight and broader logistics industry. Here’s your quick, curated overview to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
Trade Lane Shifts: Intra-Americas Airfreight Volume Drops
Airfreight volumes flowing from Central and South America to North America have experienced a notable decline in recent weeks. According to World ACD data, chargeable weight dropped by 5% in the two weeks ending July 4, accelerating from a previous modest 1% decline. This signals ongoing softness in this key intra-Americas trade lane, affecting carriers and forwarders aligned with these markets.
DHL Commits £550M to UK & Ireland Automation Expansion
DHL Supply Chain is ramping up automation with a £550 million (€637 million) investment to accelerate robotics deployment across its UK and Irish operations, focusing on e-commerce and life sciences sectors. This fresh injection complements an earlier €1 billion investment cycle, underscoring DHL’s strategic bet on technology-driven efficiency gains amidst surging demand.
Airline Market Moves: Play Takeover Abandoned, AirAsia Seeking Capital
Plans to acquire Icelandic low-cost carrier Play have been officially shelved by the would-be buyers, BBL 212, ending speculation of a near €13 million takeover. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s AirAsia is closing in on a strategic capital raise of around 200 million euros (1 billion Ringgit), aiming to bolster its financial position as it seeks to expand fleet and network.
Green Tech in Airports: Hamburg Trials Hydrogen-Powered Baggage Tug
The Hamburg Airport is testing a hydrogen-powered baggage tug converted from an existing natural gas model by HTM Hydro Technology Motors. This pilot in regular airport operations is a step toward decarbonizing ground handling equipment and aligning with broader sustainability goals in airport logistics.
New GSSA Partnership: Globe Air Cargo Switzerland & Thai Airways
Globe Air Cargo Switzerland, a subsidiary of ECS Group, will assume general sales and service agent (GSSA) responsibilities for Thai Airways’ cargo operations from Zurich starting August 1. This deal covers daily flights connecting Zurich and Bangkok via Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, expanding ECS Group’s footprint across Europe.
US-EU Trade Talks Near Breakthrough: Airbus Relief Expected
The European Commission is reportedly close to a preliminary trade agreement with the United States that would ease tariffs impacting commercial aviation. Airbus stands to benefit significantly from this deal, which could mark a de-escalation in one of the longest-running trade disputes affecting the aerospace sector, as reported by Bloomberg sources.
Airport & Flight Operations Updates
- Berlin Brandenburg (BER): Travelers can now book bus and train connections directly via BER’s official website, providing enhanced multimodal transport options for airport access.
- Marseille Airport: Fully resumed flight operations as of July 10 morning, though some delays and cancellations may persist as the airport recovers from recent disruptions.
- Lufthansa: A 747-8 flight diverted to São Paulo after two failed attempts to land in Buenos Aires, eventually issuing a Mayday before safely touching down in Brazil due to adverse weather conditions.
- Air Traffic Fees in Spain: Aena plans a 6.5% increase in airline fees for 2026 to fund infrastructure investments, which could impact airline operating costs and route economics.
Industry Legal & Regulatory News
Condor has filed a legal challenge before the European Court against the EU’s approval of the Lufthansa-ITA merger, contesting the approval on several grounds and potentially affecting competitive dynamics in European aviation.
On a geopolitical level, the European Court of Human Rights ruled Russia responsible for violating human rights through the downing of flight MH17, reinforcing accountability issues with broader implications for the aviation community.
Market Performance & Fleet Updates
Jet2 reported a strong financial year with a 12% pre-tax profit increase to £593.2 million (~€689 million), reflecting continued resilience in leisure travel markets.
Airbus has delivered 306 aircraft in the first half of 2025, a 5.6% drop compared to the same period last year. The manufacturer logged 494 gross orders, with net figures impacted by cancellations, highlighting a moderate slowdown amid market uncertainties.
Digital Innovations: GEODIS Launches New Sales Platform
Logistics provider GEODIS unveiled a fully digital sales channel aimed at SME customers in France, streamlining the procurement of logistics services through an easy-to-use online platform available directly on their website.
That wraps up today’s briefing. For in-depth analyses and exclusive interviews, check out our daily video on Airfreight Insider’s YouTube channel.
Your partner in navigating the skies and supply chains,
The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team