Daily Briefing – November 14, 2025
Welcome to today’s airfreightinsider.com briefing, offering you the latest insights and developments shaping the air cargo and aviation sectors worldwide.
EU to End De Minimis Exemptions for Ecommerce Imports by 2028
The European Union has voted to phase out the de minimis exemptions on imports valued below €150, with full implementation expected by 2028 when the EU customs data hub becomes operational. This change means that many low-value ecommerce shipments will become subject to customs duties, closing a long-standing loophole. However, the EU is simultaneously exploring temporary measures to ease the transition for businesses and consumers, acknowledging the impact this may have on cross-border ecommerce flows. As reported by The Loadstar, this move aims to balance fair tax collection with supporting digital trade growth.
US Air Cargo Operations Largely Unaffected by Government Shutdown
Despite the unprecedented length of the recent US government shutdown, airfreight services have been relatively spared from major disruptions. Industry analysts, including Judah Levine from Freightos, expect normalcy to return imminently, with scheduled flights stabilizing over the weekend. US airlines have also managed to keep flight cancellations well below the 6% cut mandated by the FAA for certain days. This resilience bodes well for the peak season logistics demand and underlines the robustness of the US air cargo supply chain.
Fleet Developments and Expansion: Airbus, Deutsche Aircraft, and More
- Lufthansa Technik has launched an upgrade program for the Airbus A318 Business Jet (ACJ318 Elite), offering a range of bespoke improvements to the cabin and avionics – a significant enhancement for corporate aviation clients. (aeroTELEGRAPH)
- Air China Cargo has finalized an order for six Airbus A350F freighters, becoming the first operator of the new A350F model in Mainland China. This marks a strategic fleet modernization toward more fuel-efficient, long-range aircraft. (aeroTELEGRAPH)
- Deutsche Aircraft celebrated the topping-out ceremony of its new final assembly line in Leipzig/Halle airport, preparing to produce the eco-friendly D328 turboprop starting early 2026, strengthening regional aircraft manufacturing and creating 350 jobs.
- Lufthansa continues to phase out Airbus A340-300s, sending two units to the Teruel “aircraft boneyard” and repurposing them as parts donors, accelerating fleet renewal processes ahead of 2027.
- Comac is making its first market push outside Asia with the C919 aircraft, targeting regions like the Middle East and Africa. Although certification is years away, this signals increasing competition for Boeing and Airbus in global commercial aviation.
New Routes and Network Expansion
- Condor is adding London-Gatwick to its route network, with thrice-daily flights from Frankfurt launching April 2026. Tickets are available for booking now, tapping into the lucrative Frankfurt–London leisure and business market.
- Turkish Airlines’ subsidiary Ajet expands its footprint in the Turkish Aegean region, stationing two aircraft in Bodrum from summer 2026. Strategic partnership with travel giant Tui supports new connections to Basel, Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Hannover, Leipzig/Halle, Nürnberg, and Vienna.
- Etihad Airways will significantly increase service frequency between Abu Dhabi and Vienna from May 2, 2026, raising flights from daily to eleven weekly. The Airbus A321LR will be deployed on select flights, catering to growing passenger and cargo demand. Etihad also reported a robust 26% earnings growth through the first nine months of 2025.
- Air Zeta, formerly Air Incheon, targets Vienna as its new European freight hub, solidifying the city’s importance in cargo transshipment and handling through new long-term agreements.
- Avelo Airlines prepares upcoming route launches in the US market, including flights to Chicago, Detroit-Central Florida, and reinstating connections to Atlanta, signaling continued expansion for the low-cost carrier.
Policy and Infrastructure Updates
- The German federal government and coalition partners have agreed to mitigate planned increases in rail track access charges (Schienenmaut). With €105 million earmarked for subsidies this year and €265 million for 2026, the support is aimed to benefit both passenger and freight rail sectors, attempting to balance infrastructure financing with cost pressure relief.
- Separate but related to aviation infrastructure, the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee confirmed continuing federal coverage of air traffic control costs for smaller airports in 2026, allocating €50 million to prevent competitive distortions and ensure operational viability.
- In the US, the FAA extended the flight ban on MD-11 aircraft following last week’s fatal UPS freighter crash, keeping these triclass jets out of service pending safety reassessments.
- Meanwhile, Wizz Air faces a €500,000 fine from the Italian competition authority over misleading advertising of its “Wizz All You Can Fly” subscription, highlighting regulatory scrutiny on airline marketing practices.
In Brief
- New aircraft naming traditions continue to hold symbolic value, as highlighted by recent ceremonies such as the Airbus A321 XLR’s naming by a European prince, reflecting aviation’s cultural significance.
- US domestic airlines are currently cancelling fewer flights than FAA-mandated thresholds post-government shutdown, indicating improving operational stability.
That’s it for today’s briefing. For in-depth analysis and the latest video reports, visit airfreightinsider.com.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update and safe flights!