Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – November 15, 2025
Good morning, logistics professionals! Here’s your daily overview of the most relevant airfreight and aviation news shaping the industry today.
Boeing Gears Up for 777X Showcase at Dubai Airshow
Boeing is meticulously preparing its flagship 777X for a major spotlight at the Dubai Airshow. The company’s comprehensive efforts behind the scenes aim to ensure a flawless flying debut on the global stage. This high-profile presence reflects Boeing’s commitment to affirming the 777X’s role in the future of long-haul, widebody air travel.
Safety Close Call at Melbourne Airport Highlights Operational Risks
Two passenger jets, a Boeing 787 and an Airbus A330, narrowly avoided disaster during takeoff at Melbourne Airport. Operating on a shortened runway, both aircraft flew merely meters above construction workers on an adjacent site. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released visualizations underscoring how dangerously close the flights came to an accident. This incident sharpens focus on operational safety management during infrastructure upgrades at busy airports.
Airlines Tasked to Deliver Amidst German Tax Relief Measures
The German government has implemented tax cuts to provide relief for the aviation sector. In the latest episode of the Gedankenflüge podcast, industry analysts David and Alexander discuss the implications of these measures and emphasize the pressure on airlines to convert financial support into tangible improvements in service and efficiency.
Condor Expands European Network with New Frankfurt–London Service
German leisure carrier Condor continues its business network expansion by launching a new scheduled route between Frankfurt and London next spring. CEO Peter Gerber calls this move a clear signal of Condor’s growing footprint in the European market. The announcement was reported consistently by several Dutch aviation news outlets.
Flight Compensation in the US Stalled as Trump Administration Blocks Passenger Payouts
Unlike the European Union, where passengers benefit from financial compensation for delayed flights, US travelers remain excluded from such rights. Plans for mandatory compensation, developed during the Biden administration, have been definitively shelved under President Trump’s tenure, effectively leaving US passengers without financial recourse for delays. Multiple sources confirm the rollback, stressing the transatlantic divergence on passenger protection policies.
Middle East Airlines Announces Launch of Low-Cost Carrier Fly Beirut by 2027
MEA’s Chairman Mohammad El Hout confirmed the airline’s intention to enter the budget segment with a new low-cost subsidiary, “Fly Beirut,” expected to start operations in 2027. This strategic move aims to capture growing price-sensitive travel demand across the Middle East region.
ILA 2026 Sees Record Exhibitor Demand; Fleet Moves by Leav Aviation and EasyJet
The upcoming ILA Berlin Airshow 2026 is on track for record exhibitor participation, reflecting soaring interest in sustainable aviation technologies. Meanwhile, Leav Aviation is expanding its Airbus A320 fleet by adding a third aircraft, signaling growth ambitions. In contrast, EasyJet will retire its Airbus A319s as part of fleet modernization efforts—all highlighting shifting fleet dynamics in the European market.
Flydubai Introduces Free Minor Name Corrections Policy
Flydubai has announced a customer-friendly update allowing passengers and sales partners to make up to three minor corrections (such as title, spaces, or letter changes) in passenger names free of charge. This policy aims to improve booking accuracy and enhance customer experience.
Air Nostrum Boosts Holiday Season Capacity
For Christmas 2025, Air Nostrum, Iberia’s regional franchise partner, will significantly increase seat capacity on its routes to meet rising holiday travel demand. The seasonal upscaling signals confidence in the growth potential of regional connections during peak travel periods.
Ceva Logistics Faces Leadership Turmoil Amidst Shipping Pressure
In yet another executive shake-up, Ceva Logistics has lost a senior leader amidst mounting challenges for the container shipping sector. As global shipping capacity rises and demand softens, industry insiders foresee a tough year ahead for logistics providers balancing expanding fleets with recalibrated market volumes.
Unusual Wildlife Disruption at Japanese Regional Airport
On November 12, a young bear caused a temporary shutdown at Hanamaki Airport north-east of Tokyo. The animal’s movements across runways forced a precautionary closure for nearly two hours, an extraordinary example of wildlife interference with airport operations.
‘Fake Pilot’ Scandal Sparks Multinational Aviation Investigations
The case of an unqualified pilot who had operated flights at Avion Express has caused waves across European aviation authorities. The individual has resigned, but authorities are conducting thorough cross-border reviews to prevent similar breaches. This incident raises urgent questions about crew vetting and regulatory oversight.
FAA Extends Grounding of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 – Industry Response Sought
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its grounding order for the MD-11 fleet due to unresolved technical issues. Operators are being invited to submit comments on a potential long-term fix. The ongoing standstill impacts cargo operations relying on the type, notably UPS and other freight carriers.
Mongolian Government to Partially Privatize Miat Airlines
As part of its new five-year strategic plan, Mongolia aims to partially privatize its national carrier Miat Mongolian Airlines, proposing the sale of a 10 to 51 percent stake. This move is intended to improve operational efficiency and attract investment amid competitive regional markets.
United Airlines Breaks Customer Satisfaction Records During US Shutdown
Despite nationwide air traffic disruptions due to a government shutdown, United Airlines reported record-high customer satisfaction scores. The carrier’s ability to maintain service levels during a stressful operational environment stands out as a notable achievement according to recent industry analysis.
Switzerland and USA Agree on Reduced Tariffs to Benefit Aviation Sector
Switzerland, along with Liechtenstein, and the United States have reached a non-binding understanding to cut country-specific additional tariffs to 15 percent. This agreement bodes well for manufacturers like Pilatus and partners relying on transatlantic trade relationships.
FACC Launches New Safety Center to Strengthen Corporate Safety Culture
Austrian aerospace supplier FACC has inaugurated a dedicated Safety Center within its company academy, aiming to enhance safety awareness and training. This initiative underscores the growing importance of embedding safety culture more deeply along the aerospace supply chain.
That wraps up today’s briefing. Stay tuned for the daily video update on our YouTube channel, and have a productive day ahead!