Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – September 24, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Today’s briefing highlights key developments across air cargo, aviation, and global supply chains with a focus on challenges, expansions, and strategic shifts shaping our industry.
Severe Disruptions Hit East Asian Supply Chains amidst Super Typhoon Ragasa and Golden Week Holiday
East Asia’s supply chains face mounting pressure as Super Typhoon Ragasa causes widespread disruption, merging into the critical Golden Week holiday period in China. Cargo shipments leaving southern China are enduring notable delays, compounded by factory closures originally planned for the October 1-7 Golden Week. Industrial centers near the typhoon’s path are particularly impacted, signaling significant ripple effects for global manufacturers and logistics operators reliant on these hubs. As reported by The Loadstar, these weather-related interruptions threaten to extend lead times in an already sensitive supply chain environment ahead of Q4 peak season.
European Aviation: Ryanair Expands in Germany, Norwegian Boosts Hamburg Service
Ryanair continues its cautious but targeted growth in Germany despite earlier criticisms of the country’s high operating costs. Following its return to Lübeck, Ryanair will launch flights from Saarbrücken starting next spring, initially offering three routes from the regional airport. This marks a contrast to their previous stance on limiting German operations until cost conditions improve. Meanwhile, Norwegian Air Shuttle is intensifying its presence at Hamburg Airport with a new route to Stockholm launching May 2026, operating four times weekly, alongside increased frequencies overall. These network moves signal resilience and opportunistic growth among low-cost carriers in competitive European markets.
Strategic Partnerships and Integration Challenges in Air Cargo
Amid evolving global trade dynamics and tariff disruptions, industry leaders emphasized collaboration as the future of air cargo at the 10th Caspian Air Cargo Summit in Baku. Marco Bloeman, MD of Aevean, highlighted partnerships as essential to navigating uncertainties and enhancing service reliability.
At the same time, skepticism persists regarding the long-promised “integrated logistics” model bridging ocean shipping and 3PLs. According to a recent in-depth analysis by The Loadstar, recurrent attempts by container lines to vertically integrate logistics services repeatedly fall short due to fundamentally different operational mindsets and market drivers. The report suggests that integrated logistics as envisioned remains an elusive goal for now.
Airport Traffic Trends & Operational Updates in Germany
German airports recorded a 4.5% increase in overall passenger volume in August to nearly 23 million travelers. However, domestic air travel continues to shrink markedly, reflecting shifting traveler preferences and intermodal competition.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) faces ongoing operational challenges: passengers should brace for delays caused by persistent issues in IT systems managing check-in and baggage handling. The airport operator confirmed that disruptions are expected to last several more days.
On a more positive note, the Berlin Flughafen Express (FEX) gains operational improvements following the opening of the new Dresdner Bahn line. This enables more direct regional rail connections to BER, expanding accessibility beyond previous limitations.
Lufthansa Unveils “Fox” – A New Service Concept for Long-Haul Flights
Lufthansa is updating its long-haul passenger experience with Project Fox (“Future Onboard Experience”), set to launch next year. Early details confirm a refreshed approach to in-flight meal service aimed at better satisfying customers, although other enhancements remain under wraps. This initiative reflects Lufthansa’s pursuit of service differentiation amid intensified competition on international routes.
Significant Events Across Airlines and Aerospace
- United Airlines experienced a brief, nationwide ground stop in the U.S. overnight due to technical faults, suspending operations for about 30 minutes before normal flights resumed. This marks United’s second major operational disruption within two months.
- Edelweiss took delivery of its third Airbus A350 at Zurich, further modernizing its long-haul fleet.
- Condor established an interline agreement with Air Austral, allowing passengers seamless travel from Frankfurt to La Réunion via Mauritius up to four times weekly.
- American Airlines partners with acclaimed Champagne house Bollinger to offer premium beverages to passengers, reinforcing its onboard luxury credentials as a Oneworld member.
- Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac falls far short of its delivery targets for the C919 jetliner due to production slowdowns exacerbated by its dependence on American suppliers.
- Boeing projects aerospace supply chains will need to double in size over the next decade to meet growing manufacturing demand, signifying both opportunity and pressure on global logistics infrastructure.
- US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy criticized ICAO for focusing excessively on climate and social programs rather than aviation safety, warning of a potential reduction in U.S. support for the UN agency amid political tensions.
- Seven regional German airports face uncertainty as Lufthansa considers reallocating aircraft to more profitable hubs to contain rising operating costs, highlighting ongoing pressure on smaller regional facilities.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily YouTube video for deeper analysis and exclusive interviews. Have a productive day ahead!
Your Airfreight Insider Team