Daily Briefing – November 19, 2025
Welcome to today’s airfreightinsider.com Daily Briefing, your trusted source for key updates and trends shaping the aviation and air cargo industry. From major fleet expansions and strategic partnerships to regulatory developments, here’s what logistics professionals need to know today.
Westjet Expands Long-Haul Network with Boeing 737 Max 8
Westjet is leveraging the extended range of the Boeing 737 Max 8 to broaden its long-haul footprint from Eastern Canada. Starting spring 2026, Toronto will be connected to four new destinations, including Medellín, Cardiff, and Ponta Delgada in the Azores. This move signals Westjet’s ambition to tap into new markets with a more fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.
Flydubai and Marabu Boost Fleet with Mixed Airbus and Boeing Orders
Flydubai made headlines with back-to-back aircraft orders at the Dubai Airshow, placing a massive order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX jets while simultaneously acquiring Airbus A321neos, marking their first Airbus deal. Flydubai CEO Ghaith al Ghaith highlighted the performance and efficiency benefits of Airbus’ A321neo as key drivers for diversification.
Meanwhile, Germany-based Marabu is significantly expanding its fleet to 12 Airbus A320neos, supported by a lease deal with CDB Aviation to strengthen its route network from Germany.
Significant A350 Orders from Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines
Dubai’s Emirates continues to bet big on the Airbus A350-900, adding eight aircraft to their existing 73-plane order book, with deliveries planned through the next decade. The order is valued at approximately €3.2 billion, underscoring Emirates’ long-term growth plans amid evolving market demands.
Similarly, Ethiopian Airlines announced a purchase of six A350-900s geared towards fleet expansion, enhancing their widebody capabilities for both passenger and cargo operations.
New Leasing and Purchase Deals Highlight Growing Demand for Narrowbodies
Uzbekistan Airways plans to enlarge its medium-haul capacity by leasing four Airbus A321neos configured in two classes for delivery between 2027 and 2028. In addition, Libya’s Buraq Air signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase ten A320neos, marking a notable expansion for the private airline.
Riyadh Air and Lufthansa Technik Deepen Maintenance Collaboration
Riyadh Air has sealed a ten-year Total Component Support agreement with Lufthansa Technik, securing 24/7 component availability to service their Boeing 787 fleet. This strategic partnership was highlighted at the Dubai Airshow and represents a growing trend of airlines outsourcing long-term maintenance solutions to established MRO providers.
Airline Leadership and Partnership Moves
Air Europa named Richard Clark as its new CEO following the early exit of Jesús Nuño de la Rosa, signaling a fresh leadership phase as the airline repays its state-backed COVID loans.
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines launched a new codeshare agreement, enabling coordinated flight offerings with shared EY and VN flight codes, broadening network synergy between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Royal Jordanian Airlines is strategizing to promote Jordan’s tourism potential heavily in Germany, with CCO Karim Makhlouf emphasizing the German market as a priority.
Air France-KLM Bids for Stake in TAP Air Portugal
Air France-KLM has officially expressed interest in acquiring a stake in TAP Air Portugal. The move comes amid competition from other European carriers and represents a strategic push to strengthen presence within Southern Europe’s aviation market.
Regulatory Alert: U.S. Tariff Enforcement Tightens
Importers and logistics providers face increased legal risks as the U.S. Department of Justice and Customs and Border Protection intensify enforcement under the False Claims Act (FCA), particularly concerning tariff compliance. This development requires heightened vigilance and compliance rigor to avoid costly penalties.
Boeing Progressing on 737 Max Certification
Boeing is reportedly close to advancing key certification steps for the delayed 737-7 and 737-10 models, focusing on the approval of a new wing anti-ice system. Negotiations with the FAA on the certification plan are ongoing, signaling potential progress after a prolonged regulatory process.
Highlights from the Dubai Airshow: Spectacular Flight Demonstrations and Deals
Beyond the multi-billion-dollar orders, the Dubai Airshow 2025 featured breathtaking flight demonstrations. The Boeing 777X stole the show with impressive maneuvers exhibiting its climb and agility, alongside sharp displays by fighter jets and formation helicopters, underscoring the blend of technology and skill driving industry innovation.
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