Daily Briefing – July 14, 2025
Dear readers,
Today’s briefing focuses on major developments shaping air freight logistics, with a particular spotlight on North American e-commerce, ongoing investigations into the tragic Air India 787 crash, and key industry milestones in aircraft manufacturing and alliances.
Transformations in North American E-commerce Logistics
North American e-commerce logistics is undergoing rapid change, driven by technological innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and ongoing trade tensions. These forces are reshaping the entire journey of goods from warehouse to doorstep — prompting carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to recalibrate their networks and capabilities. For detailed insights, check the latest analysis here.
Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Focus on Fuel Control Switches and Investigations
The aviation world remains focused on the investigation into Air India flight AI171’s deadly crash on July 12, which claimed 260 lives. Central to the probes are the aircraft’s fuel control switches, suspected of having been inadvertently set to cut off fuel supply to both engines shortly after takeoff.
Multiple reports, including from the FAA—which issued warnings about these switches in 2018 that were reportedly not followed on the accident flight—and leading Dutch experts, emphasize that such fuel cutoff cannot happen by mere accident. Speculation about the pilots’ actions is being discouraged by the cockpit crews’ union (VC), urging the media and public to await factual findings.
For comprehensive coverage, see Aerotelegraph or the detailed Dutch expert analysis.
Boeing Advances 777-8 Freighter Development
Boeing has reached a key manufacturing milestone on the new 777-8 Freighter, with wing spars now being fabricated using automated fiber placement technology. The 777-8F aims to set new standards for next-generation widebody cargo aircraft with extended range and payload capabilities, expected to enter service in the near future. More details are available here.
Labor Peace at Finnair: Upcoming Strikes Called Off
In a positive development for airline operations and cargo reliability, the Finnish aviation employer association Palta and the IAU union have agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement valid until January 2027. This deal has led to the cancellation of several planned strikes throughout July, ensuring smoother schedules for Finnair flights and their freight operations.
Air Serbia Hits Milestone on Shanghai Route
Launched earlier this year, Air Serbia’s direct route between Belgrade and Shanghai has already served over 20,000 passengers in just six months, underscoring growing demand for intercontinental connectivity between Europe and China. This route’s success opens up logistical opportunities for both passenger and cargo traffic between the regions.
EU Advances CO₂-Low Hydrogen Regulation
The European Commission has finalized a regulatory framework for assessing greenhouse gas emissions of low-CO₂ hydrogen and related fuels. This complements existing rules for renewable hydrogen and aims to foster investments and market confidence in cleaner aviation and transport fuels — a critical step towards decarbonizing air freight and mobility sectors.
SkyTeam Celebrates 25 Years of Global Alliance
Marking a quarter-century milestone, the SkyTeam alliance has evolved into one of aviation’s most influential collaborations, currently comprising 18 major carriers worldwide. While not the oldest or largest alliance, SkyTeam prides itself on delivering significant added value through coordinated networks and joint offerings — a factor that also benefits cargo logistics through expanded reach and seamless transfers.
Industry Snapshot: Safety, Innovation, and Staffing
- After a tailstrike incident in May, Eurowings’ Airbus A320 has returned to commercial operation, resuming flights safely between Palma de Mallorca and mainland Europe.
- Southwest Airlines is implementing new safety measures after several incidents of exploding canned beverages injured crew members in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in cabin safety.
- Aircraft maintenance, cabin crew, and certifying staff vacancies remain robust — if you are seeking new opportunities in aviation, our weekly featured jobs at airliners.de are worth a look.
- Personnel shifts include Lars Wagner’s move from MTU to Airbus, appointments at the FAA, and KLM pilots taking active roles in the Dutch air force — illustrating continued talent mobility in aerospace.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video updates and detailed stories tailored for logistics professionals worldwide.
Your airfreight insider team