Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – July 11, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals. Today’s briefing covers key developments in air cargo infrastructure, airline network expansions, leadership changes in aerospace, technological innovation, and more.
US Air Cargo Infrastructure: Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Falls Short
Forwarders have welcomed the recent passage of President Trump’s so-called “big beautiful bill” aimed at modernizing US aviation infrastructure. However, industry voices caution that the legislation stops short of fully addressing critical gaps in air cargo capacity and infrastructure. While the law marks a legislative milestone, there is consensus that further investment and regulatory attention are urgently needed to future-proof the US air cargo sector, especially amid growing demand. (Source: The Loadstar)
Aviation Leadership Changes: Airbus and MTU Realign Executives
In a major industry reshuffle, Lars Wagner, currently CEO of MTU Aero Engines, will join the Airbus board on January 1, 2026, taking over as head of the commercial aircraft division from Christian Scherer. His successor at MTU, Johannes Bussmann, will step into the CEO role on September 1, 2025, after joining the board this July. These moves indicate strategic positioning ahead of industry recovery and new aircraft program demands. (As reported by Airliners and Aero Telegraph)
Airline Network Expansion: European Carriers Step Up Winter Schedules
- British Airways: Introducing an 11-times-weekly service between London City and Madrid starting December 1, 2025, and launching direct flights from London-Gatwick to Rabat from November 5.
- Eurowings: Expanding its presence in Salzburg by extending the Barcelona route through November 10 and adding additional destinations for the autumn and winter season 2025/26.
- Wizz Air: Returning to Cologne/Bonn Airport after a hiatus since last winter, resuming a decade-long relationship with the airport starting this fall.
- Air France: Boosting frequency with a third daily flight from Nuremberg to Paris Charles de Gaulle beginning October 26, aimed at improving connections for business and cargo customers alike.
These network adjustments highlight the strategic efforts of European carriers to capture growing passenger and cargo demand during the upcoming high season. (Sources: Aero Telegraph, Airliners)
Investments in Maintenance and Training Facilities
EasyJet is set to open a new maintenance center at London-Luton Airport as part of an £11.5 million redevelopment of former Monarch hangars. The facility will include an advanced training academy offering apprenticeships for up to 40 young engineers annually and creating 30+ new jobs. This investment reflects the airline’s commitment to fleet reliability and workforce development going forward.
Avianca Cargo’s Dual Expansion Strategy
In South America, Avianca Cargo is growing its operational footprint through adding two Airbus A330 freighters to its owned fleet, while simultaneously leveraging the cargo capacity of other carriers’ freighters via partnerships. Both aircraft have been delivered and are being prepared to enter service shortly, positioning Avianca to capitalize on rising demand in the region and strengthen intercontinental connectivity. (Source: The Loadstar)
Technology & Innovation: Lufthansa Group Leverages Artificial Intelligence
The Lufthansa Group continues to integrate AI across its operations, with ongoing pilots aimed at optimizing weather forecasting, catering logistics, and aircraft maintenance. Notably, the airline has deployed AI-driven measures to reduce food waste at two locations, with plans to extend these efficiencies to other operational areas. This move underlines the growing importance of digital transformation in improving sustainability and operational resilience.
Regulatory Developments & Industry Challenges
- German Federal Administrative Court ruling: Airports must ensure “technical or structural” security measures at passenger screening points when the Federal Police do not staff these checkpoints. The ruling impacts operational security planning at airports nationwide.
- Solidarity Tax on Air Travel Rejected: ACI Europe and A4E, the main airport and airline associations, oppose proposals for a global solidarity levy on flights aimed at funding international development aid. Their argument highlights potential economic drawbacks and risks to climate efforts. France and Spain have already introduced similar plans, stirring debate.
- Strike Disruptions in Italy: Ground staff strikes at Italian airports and easyJet crew walkouts are causing significant disturbance in flight operations, underscoring ongoing labor tensions in Europe’s aviation sector.
Miscellaneous
- Air-India Crash Investigation Update: Flight data recorders from the recent crash were recovered intact and are providing usable data to investigators, aiding the probe into this tragic accident.
- Deutsche Bahn Extends Corridor Renovations: The German rail operator has extended its corridor renovation timeline from 2031 to 2036, aiming to reduce the number of simultaneous construction projects starting in 2028.
- Wildlife Takes Priority at Düsseldorf Airport: Maintenance work on a 45-meter lighting mast was postponed due to a nesting pair of kestrels, reflecting the growing impact of environmental considerations at infrastructure sites.
- Air Cargo Forum India 2025: The annual conclave is scheduled for July 11 at the Taj Palace, Delhi, with over 500 delegates expected and a keynote from India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
That’s all for today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube update for deeper insights. Have a productive day!