Daily Briefing – September 6, 2025
Welcome to your daily overview of the most important developments in air cargo and aviation logistics. Today, we cover a mix of preservation efforts, fleet updates, market dynamics, and innovative tech testing that shape our industry.
Historic Boeing 727 Faces Demise, Fans Mobilize for Preservation
The aviation community in Belgrade mourns the recent scrapping of Europe’s last Boeing 737-300 and is now rallying to save a historic JAT Boeing 727 from a similar fate. Enthusiasts have launched a campaign to preserve this iconic aircraft, highlighting a wider trend to protect aviation heritage amid increasing pressure to scrap aging planes.
Fleet Moves: AeroLogic Expands, Chorus Aviation Sells
German cargo carrier AeroLogic has added a new Boeing 777F to its fleet, bringing it to a total of 27 aircraft. This marks a continued investment in main deck freighters, which experts say are mission-critical to managing peak season pressures and maintaining resilient global supply chains.
In a contrasting move, Canadian leasing company Chorus Aviation announced the planned sale of three De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft by the end of 2025, tied to capacity agreements between Jazz Aviation and Air Canada.
China Pushes Comac in Southeast Asia as Boeing 787s Hit the Market
China is accelerating efforts to boost its domestic aircraft programs abroad. Officials recently hosted a two-week training event in Beijing aimed at deepening ties with eight ASEAN states and promoting homegrown models like the Comac C919 and the new C909 regional jet.
Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines is auctioning off its entire Boeing 787-8 fleet in an online sale offering the planes in ten-aircraft lots until September 25. This move underscores shifting fleet strategies in the region amidst evolving market demands.
Airlines and Routes: Aeroflot Returns to Popular Vacation Spots, Frontier Broadens U.S. and Latin America Links
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot is reinstating flights to the Seychelles and Sri Lanka for the upcoming winter season, operating Airbus A350s from Moscow to Mahé starting September 27, with Sri Lanka routes following shortly after.
U.S. low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines announced an ambitious expansion, launching 22 new routes within the United States as well as to destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The new services will commence in November and December.
Innovation and Operations: Joby Aviation Trials Autonomous Pacific Flight, Service Upgrades at Alaska Airlines
Joby Aviation tested its “Superpilot” autonomous control system for the first time on a real long-haul mission, using a Cessna 208 aircraft during a U.S. Pacific military exercise. This milestone moves the industry closer to operational autonomous air mobility for logistics and defense applications.
On the passenger side, Alaska Airlines announced a service refresh starting September 24, featuring redesigned serviceware inspired by the Pacific Northwest and enhanced in-flight catering in their business class, now called First Class.
Industry Challenges and Developments
- EFW is Under Pressure: The decline in demand for freighter conversions is squeezing engineering firm EFW, while Wizz Air is reportedly in talks with Pratt & Whitney over engine options. Airbus remains committed to its 2025 production and delivery targets despite ongoing industry headwinds.
- Peak Season Demand Highlights Main Deck Freighters: As noted by MSC Shipping, main deck freighters are essential to handling the ripple effects of holiday season demand spikes, helping avoid bottlenecks in global supply chains.
- Ramp Exercise in Curaçao: Curaçao Airport is conducting a large-scale simulation of an aircraft accident tomorrow to enhance emergency preparedness in collaboration with local crisis teams.
- European Air Traffic Shows Improvement: EUROCONTROL reports a 3% increase in traffic over summer 2025, paired with a remarkable 34% drop in en-route delays, signaling ongoing improvements in efficiency.
Quick Hits
- Thailand receives two new Let L-410 NG aircraft from Czech manufacturer LET for royal rainmaking and agricultural missions.
- Zoll authorities at Munich Airport seized dried monitor lizard meat from a passenger arriving from Nigeria, highlighting ongoing challenges in wildlife trafficking controls.
- Fischer Air plans a third relaunch later this year, targeting regional airports in Germany after positive responses from local stakeholders.
- Avatar Airlines, known for its jumbo jet obsession, controversially sells a CEO position for $250,000 with promised profit-sharing participation.
- Exciting jobs in aircraft loading supervision, tourism management, and engineering open up each week in our Luftfahrt-Stellenmarkt.
Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow, and don’t miss our daily YouTube video briefing for in-depth analysis and interviews.
Your airfreightinsider.com editorial team