Daily Briefing – Airfreight Insider | July 19, 2025
Good morning, aviation and logistics professionals! Here is your concise overview of today’s top stories shaping the airfreight and broader aviation industry.
Industry Headlines and Trends
AI and Digitalization: Air France-KLM Teams Up with Accenture and Google Cloud
Air France-KLM is accelerating its digital transformation by building a generative AI factory together with Accenture and Google Cloud. This cloud-based infrastructure aims to scale AI solutions rapidly and more effectively across the organization to enhance customer service and operational efficiency. This move underscores how airlines continue to lean on advanced technology to gain a competitive edge and improve passenger experience.
New Aircraft Deployments and Network Expansions
- Swiss Airlines will briefly deploy a Boeing 777 on its short domestic route between Zurich and Geneva from October 18, marking a rare usage of a widebody on a typically short hop.
- Emirates expands its Dubai-Dublin route with a third daily flight starting October 26, reflecting growing demand on this transcontinental connection.
- Pakistan International Airlines prepares to resume service to the UK after a five-year ban, initially focusing on Manchester. This signals renewed connectivity between South Asia and the European market.
- Lufthansa Group’s subsidiary Air Dolomiti will expand codeshare options with Lufthansa starting late October, increasing joint-marketed flights and enabling smoother travel within Europe.
- Air France launched its new First Class cabins on the Paris–Singapore Boeing 777-300ER route as of July 15, featuring enhanced suites with lie-flat seats and modular interiors, enhancing luxury long-haul offerings.
- Azul Airlines has completed installation of Bluetooth connectivity on all its Embraer E2 jets, enhancing passenger onboard experience on domestic Brazilian routes.
Airport Growth and Infrastructure
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport celebrated its best first half-year ever, handling 1.1 million passengers from January through June—up 5.5% compared to last year and over 13% above pre-pandemic levels. This growth cements Rotterdam as an increasingly important regional gateway in the Benelux area.
- The new Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is scheduled to open on September 9, replacing the nearly 70-year-old original airport. This state-of-the-art facility promises to support the region’s growing travel and cargo demands.
- Frankfurt Airport awarded security firm Securitas a four-year contract (with extension options) to handle passenger screening at the upcoming Terminal 3 opening in spring 2026, preparing to expand capacity at Germany’s busiest hub.
Tech & Innovation Spotlight: Solar Flight and Hydrogen Aviation Debates
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is advancing an ambitious project developing a solar-powered unmanned aircraft with a wingspan of 27 meters, designed to cruise at altitudes around 20,000 meters in the lower stratosphere. This effort aligns with broader interest in high-altitude platforms for communications and surveillance.
Meanwhile, the industry debate over hydrogen-powered aviation remains polarized as Airbus delays its ZEROe program by five to ten years. Advocates still view hydrogen as central to decarbonizing air travel, while skeptics raise doubts about its near-term viability. Clearly, the path to sustainable flying continues to be fiercely contested.
Fleet and Safety Updates
- Condor Airlines has placed orders for additional Airbus A330neos, supporting fleet modernization and long-haul growth plans.
- Recent discussions about the safety of fuel control switches have resurfaced following the Air India crash investigation, with industry bodies scrutinizing potential risks and recommending further measures.
- Meanwhile, the EU is contemplating retaliatory tariffs on Boeing jets amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., adding uncertainty to aircraft exports and airline procurement strategies.
- On July 10, the NTSB released its final report on a July 2024 incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (a Boeing 737 Max 9). Following the findings, legal actions against the airline have accelerated.
Political and Operational Challenges
Ghana’s presidential Dassault Falcon 900EX has been grounded in France for maintenance for four months, sparking political controversy at home over the protracted absence of the head of state aircraft. This case illustrates the complexities national governments face in maintaining specialized aviation assets abroad.
Financials and Market Realities
South African Airways, once seen as a turnaround success story, has disclosed a substantial financial loss for fiscal year 2023/24 due to an accounting error, dashing its growth narrative. The airline must now contend with the financial and reputational fallout as it seeks stability in a tough market.
Job Opportunities in Aviation
Looking for new career opportunities? Our partners at airliners.de list fresh openings for Customer Service Agents, Aircraft Mechanics, and Cybersecurity Managers across aviation companies. Check out the latest listings in the Luftfahrt-Stellenmarkt to advance your career in the airfreight and aviation sectors.
That’s your rundown for today. Stay tuned for the latest insights and updates in tomorrow’s briefing. Fly safe and keep innovating!
The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team