Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – September 4, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today’s briefing covers key developments shaping the air cargo and aviation industries, from operational challenges and fleet updates to sustainability initiatives and labor disputes. Let’s dive in.
Operational Challenges and Airport Congestion Impact Air Cargo Reliability
The latest Cargo IQ data reveals a worrying dip in on-time performance among the 22 major airlines in July, attributed largely to congested airports and aging infrastructure. This decline not only affects passengers but also creates a “significant and direct” impact on freight forwarders striving to meet tight delivery schedules. As industry congestion continues to climb, calls are growing louder for urgent airport infrastructure modernization, particularly at access and security points, such as outdated analog-based entry control systems at many German airports highlighted by industry experts.
Safety Incident at Münster/Osnabrück Airport Amid Heavy Rain
An unusual ground incident occurred when a Boeing 737-800 rolled beyond the regular runway boundary at Münster/Osnabrück Airport, damaging runway lighting equipment in the process. The event took place during heavy rain conditions, complicating the aircraft’s landing. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident raises renewed attention on operational safety during adverse weather.
Fleet Renewal Moves and Delivery Boosts
Finnair is pressing ahead with urgent plans to modernize its narrowbody Airbus fleet, considering an order of 25 to 30 aircraft by year-end, according to CEO Turkka Kuusisto. This fleet update comes as Airbus reports a 30% increase in aircraft deliveries in August, delivering 61 aircraft and pushing its year-to-date total to 434. However, Airbus will need to accelerate further to meet its ambitious annual targets.
Airlines Adjust Cargo and Passenger Handling Partnerships
In significant ground handling news, Singapore Airlines Cargo will switch its operations at Amsterdam Schiphol from dnata to Swissport starting September 8, ending a partnership that lasted over 50 years. Meanwhile, airline Ryanair is enhancing passenger convenience by introducing larger hand luggage allowances across its 235-airport network, allowing a free carry-on up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm starting today.
Green Initiatives: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project at Düsseldorf
In sustainability, Eurowings and start-up Greenlyte are partnering to establish a real-world test environment for sustainable aviation fuel production and development at Düsseldorf Airport. The project, running through 2028, aims to fast-track the implementation of green jet fuels, supporting airlines’ carbon reduction targets.
Labour Tensions at KLM Escalate
The Netherlands sees escalating labor disputes at KLM, as two major unions, CNV and FNV, threaten to paralyze airline operations following a secretive wage agreement with other unions for ground staff. The unions call it a “concession agreement” that pleases no one and promise coordinated industrial action, which could disrupt operations in coming weeks.
Regulatory and Legal Spotlight
On the legal front, a U.S. judge is reviewing a proposed settlement between Boeing and federal prosecutors over the fatal 737 MAX crashes, a critical step toward closure in a saga that has shadowed the manufacturer for years. Separately, the White House has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to fast-track former President Trump’s appeal concerning tariff rulings, seeking to have the case heard as early as November.
Industry and Airline News
- Singapore Airlines announced a return of First Class service on its Schiphol route from next summer, switching to Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to offer more premium seats.
- Eurowings and Cologne/Bonn Airport kicked off their third joint location campaign to promote holiday travel, featuring extensive advertising across Cologne.
- Blinde Passagier alert: A stowaway was found hiding in the lavatory aboard an Edelweiss Airbus A320 en route from Zurich to Gran Canaria, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
- Russian authorities deny EU accusations that they interfered with GPS signals on the aircraft carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling the claims “paranoia.”
- Jet2 has downgraded its profit forecasts and cut winter seat capacity, dragging down airline stocks amid ongoing market uncertainty.
- IT specialist SITA unveiled Connect Fly, a new managed service based on SD-WAN technology designed to streamline and secure passenger processing at airports.
- Ethiopian Airlines continues to operate its vital domestic route between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, providing an important alternative following cuts in Tanzanian domestic services.
In Focus: Industry Views and Human Stories
In a lighter note, Stephan Roemer, CEO of Asia specialist Tourasia, shares personal insights on his favorite destinations and the joys of flying – reminding us of the human and cultural connections underpinning the global air transport industry.
Stay tuned for today’s video briefing expanding on these stories and how they impact your airfreight operations.
Your Airfreight Insider Team