Airfreight Insider Daily Briefing – November 21, 2025
Good morning logistics professionals,
here is your concise overview of today’s most important developments shaping the airfreight and aviation landscape.
UPS Crash Investigation Reveals Preventable Causes
New insights into the tragic UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11F crash in Louisville on November 4th are emerging. According to federal investigators and as reported by multiple sources including The Loadstar and Luchtvaartnieuws, preliminary findings highlight cracks in the engine pylon as the primary cause, pointing to critical mechanical failures. Veteran aviation attorney Robert Clifford described the accident as “completely preventable,” focusing sharp attention on UPS’s aircraft maintenance practices and raising questions about oversight and safety protocols.
Indian Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Airshow
The Dubai Airshow was overshadowed by a fatal accident involving an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet. During a demonstration flight, the aircraft crashed, resulting in the pilot’s death. Multiple outlets including AeroTelegraph and Luchtvaartnieuws confirm that the flight display was immediately halted, and investigations are underway. This incident has reverberated strongly through the global aerospace community, underscoring the risks associated with live demonstration flights at major aviation events.
Expansion and Modernization in Airline Fleets
Several airlines are making significant moves to update and grow their fleets:
- Swiss has introduced the Airbus A350 on its long-haul route to Boston, debuting its new “Swiss Senses” onboard concept, aiming to enhance passenger experience on key transatlantic connections.
- Air Astana is broadening its fleet with a substantial order for up to 50 Airbus A321 Long Range aircraft, signaling ambitions to penetrate both medium- and long-haul markets. This sizable investment strengthens Airbus’s position in Central Asia.
- On the military front, the Royal New Zealand Air Force is leasing Airbus A321XLR aircraft as replacements for its aging Boeing 757s. This six-year lease-to-buy deal, brokered via Air Lease Corporation, reflects a strategic shift toward more modern, fuel-efficient jets.
Industry Rivalry Heats Up: Joby Aviation vs. Archer
The eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) sector is witnessing intense legal battles. Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against its competitor Archer Aviation alleging economic espionage. Joby claims a former employee unlawfully transferred confidential documents before moving to Archer. This conflict could have wide implications for intellectual property protection in the fast-growing urban air mobility market, as highlighted by AeroTelegraph and Airliners.de.
Airports in Focus: Schiphol Expansion Sparks Concerns
In Amsterdam, city councilor Hester van Buren expressed serious concerns over Schiphol Airport’s current expansion plans. The airport intends to enlarge its terminal facilities to accommodate rising passenger numbers, but local officials fear this could covertly lead to increased flight capacities, raising environmental and community impact questions. Reports in Luchtvaartnieuws and CargoMagazine highlight the political and public sensitivities involved in airport development amid sustainability debates.
MTU Aero Engines Scores Big at Dubai Airshow
MTU Aero Engines is celebrating a successful Dubai Airshow with orders exceeding $400 million, including a major contract from Emirates. However, their geared turbofan engines for short- and medium-haul jets saw limited orders, indicating mixed market reception. This contract win further cements MTU’s role as a key player in aircraft engine technology and aftermarket services.
Airline Partnerships Strengthen Intercontinental Connectivity
Codeshare cooperation between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Vietnam Airlines is deepening ahead of the launch of a new nonstop flight between Copenhagen and Ho Chi Minh City on December 15, 2025. The expansion of their alliance aims to facilitate better connections for passengers and enhance network reach in Asia-Europe markets.
Spotlight on the Boeing 777: The World’s Largest Twinjet
Marking 30 years since its introduction, the Boeing 777 continues to dominate as the world’s largest twin-engine widebody aircraft. Aviation expert Andreas Spaeth recounts key milestones and the aircraft’s enduring legacy, emphasizing its ongoing role as a workhorse for global airlines.
That wraps up today’s Daily Briefing. Stay tuned for the latest video analysis on airfreightinsider.com and have a productive day!
Your editorial team at airfreightinsider.com