Daily Briefing – Airfreight Insider | August 21, 2025
Good morning, airfreight professionals. Today’s briefing covers key developments shaping the air cargo and aviation landscape—from strategic fleet moves and trade breakthroughs to sustainability initiatives and labor tensions. Here’s your concise overview of what moves the market and your business today.
Industry Moves: Fleet & Partnerships
China Airlines continues to expand its narrowbody fleet with the delivery of two additional Airbus A321 Neo aircraft leased from Air Lease Corporation. These latest deliveries mark the 7th and 8th A321 Neos on long-term leases, reinforcing the airline’s focus on modern, fuel-efficient equipment for regional and medium-haul routes.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Cargo has unveiled an expanded winter schedule featuring increased capacity and new destinations, aiming to better capture growing ecommerce volumes between Asia and Europe. This move coincides with talks of a potential sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deal between Lufthansa and fast-fashion giant Shein, which could signal a longer-term collaboration supporting carbon footprint reduction in cargo operations.
Air Canada has broadened its codeshare agreement with Austrian Airlines, now offering flights between Vienna and Balkan destinations like Belgrade, Bucharest, and Pristina under Air Canada flight numbers—further strengthening transatlantic connectivity for both carriers.
Trade & Regulatory Developments
On the trade front, the US and EU have detailed their recently agreed framework easing tariffs on aircraft and aircraft parts. From September onward, most-favored-nation tariffs will apply, fostering smoother supply chains and potentially reducing costs across the aeronautics sector.
In China, negotiations between Boeing and Chinese authorities are progressing on a substantial order possibly totaling up to 500 aircraft. This deal is part of a broader easing in trade tensions and could be a significant boost for Boeing’s production pipeline and China’s aviation fleet renewal.
At Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands awaits a crucial decision by the Council of State (RvS) regarding the reinstatement of its nature permit amidst ongoing appeals. The ruling, expected on September 4, will affect airport capacity management and environmental compliance.
Infrastructure & Network Changes
The Swiss Federal Government has approved plans for a new air traffic control tower at Zurich Airport, recognizing that the existing facility has become outdated after 40 years. This upgrade aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency for one of Europe’s key hubs.
Sundair has launched a new seasonal charter route connecting Berlin to Trieste, Italy, operating once weekly through mid-October. This addition reflects ongoing growth in leisure travel demand to Mediterranean destinations from Germany.
Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines is reviewing the economic viability of its route from Linz to Frankfurt, which currently operates without government subsidies. The airline is considering discontinuation if the route cannot be made profitable.
Labor & Operational Challenges
Labor unrest looms in air cargo operations: Dutch union AVV, representing KLM Cargo pilots, has announced imminent strike action. Pilots are concerned about job security following KLM’s reduction of cargo aircraft from four to three, and fear further downsizing.
Across the Channel, British union Unite threatens a 10-day strike at Airbus in September, demanding better wages. This industrial action risks delaying aircraft production amid already complex supply chains.
Additionally, a safety incident involved a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-800 where parts of the left wing flaps detached mid-flight between Orlando and Austin. No injuries were reported, but the episode highlights ongoing maintenance and operational vigilance.
Sustainability & Innovation
On the sustainability front, Finnish start-up Liquid Sun is advancing a pilot project producing synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biogenic CO₂ emissions. This innovative technology uses industrial exhaust gases as feedstock, potentially offering a scalable solution for carbon reduction in air transport.
Industry Tidbits
- Wheels Up, the US business charter operator, has sold three non-core subsidiaries—including Baines Simmons and Kenyon International Emergency Services—for approximately $20 million, focusing back on its primary operations.
- Berlin promotes itself as an alternative tourist destination to overcrowded Southern European spots, with moderate visitor numbers avoiding mass tourism challenges.
- Etihad Airways CEO Antonaldo Neves outlined growth plans leveraging the versatile Airbus A321 LR, noting Hamburg as a strategic market for this aircraft type.
- Dutch government will raise its aviation tax by 2.9% starting January 1, 2026, incrementing the rate from €29.40 to €30.25 per flight.
- Markus Jegerlehner, President of Electrifly-In Switzerland, shared insights into his favorite travel experiences, balancing nostalgic reflections with first-class luxury.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube update where we dive deeper into these stories and provide expert analysis. Fly safe and freight smart!
— Your Editor in Chief, airfreightinsider.com