Daily Briefing – Air Cargo & Aviation Industry Update | October 18, 2025
Welcome to today’s Daily Briefing on the latest developments shaping the airfreight and aviation sectors. From fleet expansions to sustainable initiatives and geopolitical quirks, here is a concise overview for logistics professionals keeping a finger on the pulse.
Fleet and Network Expansions Accelerate in Passenger and Cargo Airlines
Air Serbia is expanding its winter and summer operations by leasing Airbus A220-300 aircraft from airBaltic. These 148-seat jets will reinforce existing routes and support network growth across the Balkans and Europe. Meanwhile, Indian LCC IndiGo, under former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers, has finalized a large order for 30 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, confirming plans announced earlier this year at the IATA summit in Delhi. The deal marks a significant move for IndiGo in intensifying its long-haul and widebody capabilities.
On the cargo side, Kenyan freight operator Astral Aviation is transitioning towards a scheduled network model and is seriously evaluating the induction of Boeing 777F freighters to support this strategic shift, a sign of growing demand and market maturation in African air cargo.
Complementing these developments, Discover Airlines is preparing to introduce four Airbus A350s into its fleet, with a focus on efficiency and expanded long-haul services. Notably, aviation industry leader Willie Walsh (IATA) has criticized unfair surcharges imposed on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), highlighting ongoing tensions between airlines and suppliers over the cost of decarbonization efforts.
Production and Connectivity Updates
Boeing received regulatory approval from the FAA to increase its 737 MAX monthly production rate from 38 to 42 units. This uptick follows the resolution of prior safety concerns after a door panel incident and underscores steady demand for the narrowbody aircraft.
Back in Europe, Turkish Airlines’ subsidiary AJet is reinstating direct flights from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to Istanbul after a decade-long hiatus. Four weekly flights will compete directly with Pegasus Airlines, restoring a vital connection for the region.
Meanwhile, Gulf carriers are eager to increase their presence at Amsterdam Schiphol, eyeing additional slots to meet growing tourist and business travel demand to Asia, Africa, and Australia. However, slot scarcity means they are either on waiting lists or compelled to relinquish cargo slots to expand services to the Dutch hub.
Industry Reflections and Sustainable Moves
As Transavia marks its anniversary year, outgoing CEO Marcel de Nooijer reflects on the sector’s need for greater recognition, especially amid ongoing sustainability challenges. In line with this ethos, Transavia is piloting practical CO₂ reduction measures such as encouraging lighter packing by passengers and crew on select flights in the Netherlands as part of the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2025.
Geopolitics and Security in Focus
The upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump in Hungary faces diplomatic hurdles. Due to an international arrest warrant, Putin’s travel to Budapest involves complex airspace and landing rights considerations, illustrating how geopolitical tensions continue to complicate aviation operations.
In other security news, customs officials at Munich Airport recently intercepted seven live Tunisian land tortoises covertly transported in passengers’ carry-on baggage without access to water or food, underscoring ongoing concerns over wildlife smuggling at major hubs.
Interesting Tidbits from the Skies
- American Airlines is already gearing up for its 100th anniversary next year by unveiling a retro-themed Boeing 777-300ER starting November, celebrating its rich heritage and milestones.
- Some of the world’s shortest international flights continue to intrigue aviation enthusiasts — for example, St. Barth Commuter operates a mere ~31-kilometer hop from St. Barthelemy to nearby Saint Martin, showcasing the niche yet vital role of ultra-short flights.
- The certification of Russia’s domestically sourced Yakovlev MS-21 has been pushed back but remains on track for late 2026, as reported by Russian aviation authorities, reflecting continued import substitution efforts in the aerospace industry.
- Spain’s Iberia celebrates 80 years of flights to Argentina by expanding its South American schedule to up to 23 weekly flights between Buenos Aires and Madrid from summer 2026—highlighting enduring transatlantic airfreight and passenger demand.
Job Opportunities and Industry Moves
Looking to advance your career in aviation logistics? This week’s job highlights include openings for dispatchers, security managers, and dock chiefs. Check out the latest listings in the [Luftfahrt Job Market](https://www.airliners.de/karriere) to find your next opportunity.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for our daily video update coming up shortly. Until then, keep your operations efficient and your eyes on the skies!
Your Editor-in-Chief at airfreightinsider.com