Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – August 6, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals! Today’s briefing covers the latest strategic moves in passenger and cargo aviation, emerging innovations, and ongoing challenges shaping the industry landscape. Here’s what you need to know:
Transatlantic Expansion and Middle East Growth
Alaska Airlines is gearing up for a major step by launching two new routes to Europe in spring 2026, signaling their intent to grow their transatlantic footprint with more destinations to follow. Meanwhile, Eurowings is aggressively expanding its network in the Middle East, adding new routes from several German cities including Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Hannover, Berlin, and Nürnberg. Notably, Eurowings is increasing flights to Dubai, directly challenging Emirates on this lucrative route.
Airline Financial Health & Labor Developments
Getjet Airlines, the Lithuanian wet-lease operator, reported solid financials for 2024, with a net profit of €25.4 million on revenues of €184.3 million, highlighting resilience amid a fluctuating market.
In contrast, Air Canada faces growing labor tensions as over 10,000 flight attendants have voted in favor of strike actions amid stalled wage talks since July. On the European side, KLM and its pilots’ union have reached a tentative agreement to mitigate pilot shortages by increasing pilot workdays in the 2026 summer season, allowing KLM to operate more flights.
Sustainability on the Rise
Finnair and Hong Kong-based CN Logistics International Holdings (part of DP World) have joined forces to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage in air cargo. This partnership includes co-funding SAF volumes to lower emissions, underscoring growing industry commitments towards greener operations.
Technological Innovations and Future Mobility
In Japan, ANA and Joby Aviation are ramping up development of electric air taxis, planning a joint venture fleet exceeding 100 aircraft. The partnership advances the future of urban air mobility in Asia’s key markets.
Back in the US, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced intentions to examine the use of artificial intelligence for personalized airline ticket pricing. The move raises concerns among Democratic senators about potential fare increases targeting consumer willingness to pay.
Fleet and Network Adjustments
Russian aircraft production is set to scale up with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) pledging to commence serial deliveries of russified Yakovlev MS-21, Superjet 100, and Ilyushin Il-114-300 models in 2026, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities amid geopolitical pressures.
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific expanded its long-haul fleet by ordering 14 more Boeing 777-9s, despite Boeing’s ongoing challenges with the 777X program and delayed deliveries. Cathay Pacific also reported a slight increase in half-year profits, although decreasing ticket prices weigh on margins.
Volotea, on the other hand, is retreating from its only route to Comiso, Italy, ending weekly flights to Lille, France earlier than originally planned.
Passenger Trends and Airport Traffic
European airports handled over 4% more passengers in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, reflecting steady demand recovery. However, growth in Germany remains comparatively moderate.
Blue Islands plans special flights from the Channel Islands to Oostende-Brugge in December, focusing on holiday travelers visiting the famed Bruges Christmas markets. They also organize connecting bus transport to enhance traveler convenience.
Industry Controversies and Campaigns
Condor has launched a digital campaign criticizing Lufthansa’s business practices, calling for fair competition in Germany’s aviation market – a sign that tensions among carriers remain high despite the fragmented market environment.
Additional Highlights
- Vietnam Airlines tests onboard internet services with tiered pricing models on international flights.
- At Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), emphasis on workforce training increases, with the airport taking more responsibility for employee education to keep operations running smoothly.
- nicko cruises is innovating leisure travel with themed mystery crime cruises along the Rhine in 2026, blending entertainment and relaxation.
- Latest global rankings spotlight the world’s largest airlines, showing how economic shifts influence carrier prominence and market shares.
Stay tuned to airfreightinsider.com for continuous updates and expert insights shaping the air cargo and passenger aviation sectors worldwide.
Reported from multiple sources including aeroTELEGRAPH, Airliners.de, The Loadstar, and Luchtvaartnieuws.