Daily Briefing – July 13, 2025
Welcome to your daily industry update from airfreightinsider.com, bringing you the latest and most relevant news across aviation, air cargo, and logistics. Today’s briefing covers critical safety investigations, evolving fleet and technology moves, market performance, and emerging trends impacting the air freight sector.
Safety Concerns & Investigations: Air India 787 Crash’s Fuel Supply Cut Confirmed
The spotlight remains on the preliminary investigations into the tragic Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 260 lives. Multiple independent sources including the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), luchtvaartnieuws.nl, and airliners.de confirm that both engines’ fuel supply was deliberately cut off just seconds after takeoff. The investigation suggests the fuel shutoff occurred three seconds after liftoff, with cockpit voice recordings revealing pilot confusion over the switch activation.
Experts from the Netherlands highlight that such a fuel cutoff cannot happen accidentally, intensifying questions about procedural or technical failures. Despite attempts to restore fuel flow, it was too late to prevent the crash. This incident not only raises crucial safety concerns but will prompt close scrutiny of crew training and aircraft system redundancies worldwide.
Fleet Update: Lufthansa Retires Another Airbus A340-600; Boeing Advances 777-8 Freighter Production
In line with ongoing fleet modernization and downsizing of older long-haul aircraft, Lufthansa has ferried a further Airbus A340-600 (registration D-AIHP) to the storage facility near Teruel, Spain. The almost two-decade-old quadjet has flown its likely last journey, signaling the continuing phase-out of less efficient widebodies.
Meanwhile, Boeing and suppliers have started manufacturing critical components — including wing sections and fuselage parts — for the new 777-8 Freighter. This marks a significant milestone as the program prepares for prototype assembly and subsequent testing and certification flights, reinforcing cargo demand-driven priorities.
Market & Business Highlights: Air Cargo Stocks Soar Following Delta’s Positive Earnings
Airline stocks enjoyed a strong week, boosted predominantly by better-than-expected earnings reported by Delta Air Lines, whose share price surged 12%. Partner Air France-KLM also recorded nearly 10% gains, with other major carriers including IAG and Lufthansa benefiting from the positive industry sentiment. This buoyant market mood reflects optimism for sustained air freight volumes despite inflationary pressures.
In related logistics news, FedEx secured the world’s first ATR 72-600 turboprop converted freighter, further diversifying its regional air cargo fleet with this versatile aircraft type. The conversion, carried out by ACIA Aero Leasing, emphasizes the growth in niche equipment tailored for feeder and express cargo services.
Airport Operations & Passenger Experience: Schiphol Handles Busy Peak Smoothly
Schiphol Airport reported efficient passenger flow on a notably busy Saturday morning during peak vacation travel. Despite high volumes, security wait times averaged just five minutes, and operations maintained strong throughput. This points to successful adjustments in staffing and process management, crucial for avoiding bottlenecks during high season.
Industry Innovations & Future Concepts: Nurflügel and Drone Cargo on the Horizon?
Looking to the future of air cargo transport, discussion intensifies around the “Blended Wing Body” (BWB) aircraft designs. While primarily challenged in passenger applications due to cabin layout constraints, these fuel-efficient integrated wing-fuselage configurations may find their first real commercial use in freighter versions. Complementing this, growing acceptance and regulatory progress for drones in logistics point to a paradigm shift in last-mile and specialized cargo solutions.
Furthermore, a recent airliners.de technical briefing highlighted upcoming leadership transitions at Airbus and MTU, alongside solid new orders, especially from Southeast Asia — underlining ongoing momentum in aerospace industrial strategy.
Additional Updates
- Southwest Airlines is implementing new safety protocols after multiple incidents of exploding cola cans onboard last summer caused injuries to over 20 cabin crew members, a rare but urgent operational hazard.
- Lufthansa’s Embraer E190 fleet operated by Aeromexico has been fitted with high-speed Ka-band satellite internet, enabling robust in-flight streaming capabilities.
- Libya prepares to launch Libyan Oil Wings, a niche airline focused on servicing the oil industry via a joint venture structure, marking strategic growth in specialized regional air transport.
- Russia’s UAC continues test flights of its Superjets equipped with domestically-produced Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines, advancing import substitution and certification pathways.
- ANVR reports Dutch travelers are booking holidays later and less frequently this year amid inflation and global uncertainties, a trend worth noting for cargo volumes associated with seasonal passenger flows.
- Job openings spotlight: The aviation sector continues to seek skilled staff including flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, and certifying staff — details available in our aviation job market.
Why It Matters to Air Cargo Professionals
The Air India crash investigation underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety systems and human factors in air cargo and passenger operations alike. Fleet evolution towards modernized, fuel-efficient freighters coupled with expanding digital connectivity enhances capacity, reliability, and customer experience. Market optimism bolsters investment and operational confidence in a complex global environment.
Meanwhile, emerging aircraft designs and drone logistics innovations highlight the sector’s drive to reduce environmental impact and optimize last-mile deliveries — shaping how our industry will evolve in the coming decade.
Stay tuned tomorrow for more insights and a new video deep dive into the future of air cargo technology here on airfreightinsider.com.
Sources: aerotelegraph.com, luchtvaartnieuws.nl, airliners.de, stattimes.com, airfreightinsider.com archives