Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – August 9, 2025
Welcome to today’s Daily Briefing, your concise update on the most pressing developments and trends shaping the airfreight and aviation industry. From fleet reshuffles and network expansions to infrastructure upgrades and tech advances, here’s what logistics professionals need to know.
Air France-KLM Adjusts Airbus A350 Order, Favoring Smaller Models
In a notable shift, Air France-KLM has amended its outstanding order for 50 Airbus A350 aircraft, choosing to reduce the number of larger A350-1000s in favor of more A350-900s. This move reflects strategic adjustments to fleet capacity and route planning amid evolving market demands. The airline group now plans to operate fewer A350-1000s while ramping up its A350-900 fleet, a development reported consistently by aeroTELEGRAPH and Luchtvaartnieuws.
Fleet Developments and Network Moves Across Airlines
- South African Airlink has finalized a deal to acquire ten Embraer E195-E2 jets, with deliveries scheduled to start before year-end, marking a significant fleet expansion for regional operations.
- Discover Airlines is reportedly evaluating its fleet options, while Austrian Airlines plans to phase out its Embraer fleet. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific has placed a new order for the Boeing 777X, signaling long-term commitment to widebody renewal.
- Fly Safair, the South African low-cost carrier, continues its growth by adding two former Hainan Airlines Boeing 737s to its fleet, bolstering short-haul capacity.
- Fly Meta announced plans to deploy its first converted Boeing 777-300ERS Freighter (IAI Big Twin conversion) with Air Atlanta Europe before the end of 2025 — an important milestone for cargo aircraft conversions.
New and Reactivated Routes
- Royal Air Maroc is set to relaunch four previously suspended routes between Marrakesh and French cities starting this October, aiming to capture growing demand in Franco-Moroccan travel corridors.
- Saudia will commence a new direct service from Riyadh to Moscow Sheremetyevo on October 10, slightly postponing the initial planned launch but expanding reach into Russia’s capital.
Airport Infrastructure & Operational Challenges
At the São Paulo-Congonhas airport, a significant upgrade doubled the size of its remote boarding hall to 3,300 square meters. The expanded space aims to improve passenger comfort without increasing gate capacity, supporting São Paulo’s high domestic traffic demand.
Meanwhile, Antwerp Airport reported a net loss of €658,000 last year, primarily linked to passenger declines exacerbated by operational setbacks with Embraer E195-E2 aircraft affecting key carrier TUI’s flight schedules.
At Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, operational tensions persist as management continues to demand the removal of glare-inducing solar panels near the Polderbaan runway. Patricia Vitalis, Schiphol’s COO, underscored that the safety risks outweigh financial concerns, warning that failure to act may force flight diversions or cancellations.
Market Trends: Growing Appetite for Premium Travel
Data from IATA highlight a robust rebound in luxury air travel demand. Booking volumes for Business and First Class seats surged last year faster than economy class sales, especially in Western markets where premium travel comfort is regaining popularity.
Heritage and Airline Highlights
- Lufthansa celebrated aviation history by unveiling a stunning 1950s livery on its iconic Lockheed L-1649A “Super Star” aircraft, which will soon take its place at Frankfurt Airport’s visitor and conference center as a historical exhibit.
- A detailed review of Oman Air’s Business Class service to Muscat praises the carrier’s product as a top-tier experience, a nice read for those following premium long-haul offerings.
Industry Technology & Development
Reliable Robotics, in partnership with NASA, advances trials for unmanned aerial vehicles operating within the national airspace system, focusing on cargo missions. This collaboration aims to overcome regulatory and technical barriers for autonomous flight, a key development in advanced air mobility.
In supplier news, Spirit Aerosystems has agreed to sell its Malaysia facility in Subang to Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) for approximately $95 million, streamlining its global footprint.
Aircraft Usage and Market Position
Airbus and Boeing continue to dominate the skies with their blockbuster single-aisle models, the A320 family and 737 series, respectively. They remain the preferred workhorses for airlines worldwide, with data showing which model leads in flight operations available from leading aviation news sources.
Jobs & Careers
The aviation sector actively seeks skilled professionals such as aircraft mechanics, aviation security officers, and tourism experts. Our Aviation Job Market lists the latest opportunities for those ready to take off in their career.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update on our YouTube channel and don’t miss tomorrow’s summary of the most relevant airfreight and aviation news.
— Your editor-in-chief, airfreightinsider.com