Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – August 11, 2025
Good morning, air cargo and logistics professionals. Today’s briefing covers key developments shaping the aviation and airfreight industry—from route expansions and fleet shifts to infrastructure financing and regulatory updates. Let’s dive in.
Delta Boosts Flight Capacity for CES 2026 in Las Vegas
Delta Airlines is significantly increasing its flight offerings for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next January. Between January 3–5 and 8–10, Delta will operate around 700 flights to and from Las Vegas, surpassing last year’s seat capacity. The expansion includes new international options to better serve the tech event’s global attendees.
Fleet Reductions Amid Rising Costs and Political Strains
European carriers continue to reduce their presence in Germany, with a sharp decline in the number of aircraft stationed there—from 190 down to 130 in six years. Industry experts point to soaring government fees and taxes as key drivers of this trend, warning it risks stagnating the country’s aviation sector. Similarly, Russian aircraft remain grounded at German airports due to sanctions linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, effectively becoming “permanent guests.”
Airlines Expand European and African Network
Several carriers are launching new long-haul and regional routes:
- Malaysia’s AirAsia X will start service to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport from Kuala Lumpur in mid-November, marking a tentative return to Europe.
- Romanian low-cost Flyone plans three weekly flights from Bucharest to Munich beginning late October.
- Lufthansa resumes flights from Munich to Riyadh, re-establishing a key Middle East connection.
Meanwhile, Kenya is actively seeking international funding—particularly from development banks—for a $2 billion expansion of Nairobi’s main airport, aimed at boosting capacity and regional connectivity.
DHL Deepens Partnership with Cargojet Airways
DHL Express has extended its strategic collaboration with Canadian cargo airline Cargojet until 2033, with options to prolong the partnership through 2037. In a related move, DHL has secured additional options to acquire further shares in Cargojet, underscoring its commitment to expanding airfreight capabilities in North America.
Innovations and Environmental Initiatives in Airport Operations
The solar park operator at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has proposed an alternative solution to the mandated removal of 78,000 solar panels required by October over pilot glare concerns. This move could allow green energy generation to continue while addressing safety.
In Norway, Beta Technologies launches test flights of its all-electric Alia CX300 aircraft, partnering with local helicopter operator Bristow Norway and the state airport operator Avinor, signaling growing momentum in zero-emission aviation technologies.
Labor and Regulatory Headlines
Labour tensions continue to simmer as Air Canada flight attendants plan protests across four airports, demanding broader improvements beyond wage increases. In Germany, union Vereinigung Cockpit criticizes stalled negotiations with Lufthansa over retirement benefits; talks are set to resume at the end of August.
On the regulatory front, the German federal government remains noncommittal on a proposed initiative—supported by Bavaria—to mandate ID checks on Schengen flights, with industry raising concerns over the potential operational impact.
Safety and Weather Disruptions
Following several near-collisions and concerns over incomplete military aircraft tracking, the U.S. Department of Transportation has opened an investigation into the Federal Aviation Administration’s airspace management at Washington National Airport.
Heavy rain forced the closure of Mexico City International Airport for several hours last night, affecting flights due to impaired visibility, highlighting ongoing weather-related operational risks.
That’s all for today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update and further insights throughout the week.
— The Airfreight Insider Editorial Team