10 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 10th April 2025
Acumen Aviation Newsletters
Acumen Aviation’s newsletters offer deep dives into the most impactful trends and developments across the aviation sector. These resources are crafted to keep you informed about critical industry changes and provide actionable insights:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air China signs a major codeshare with Emirates. China Airlines adds an A321neo to its fleet. China Southern unveils new cargo routes to Central Asia and introduces the first A350 freighter.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-april-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: IndiGo launches direct flights to Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, and a new Delhi-Almaty route. Air India expands its training infrastructure. Bengaluru Airport hits 37.53 million passenger traffic milestone.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-april-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: DAE finishes six Boeing 737 MAX deliveries to Aeromexico. High Ridge Aviation leases A220s to Breeze Airways. Nordic Aviation Capital sells an E195. Stratos delivers a converted A330 freighter.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-april-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Covers key aircraft movements in Ireland, including A321 acquisitions by Almasria and deliveries to Turkish Airlines and VivaAerobus. Highlights leasing activity from FitzWalter Aviation and Icelease’s cargo conversion project.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-april-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Reports Air Lease Corporation’s new SVP & Treasurer. Avelo Airlines expands with 13 new routes. Aviation Capital Group completes 737 MAX deliveries to United Airlines via sale-leaseback.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-april-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Emirates Upgrades Dublin Service with Refurbished 777s
Emirates will begin operating its newly retrofitted Boeing 777s on the Dublin–Dubai route. These aircraft feature the airline’s latest cabin interiors, offering enhanced comfort across all classes and elevating the premium experience on this key long-haul connection.
Acumen’s Take
This deployment highlights Dublin’s growing importance in Emirates’ network. For the leasing market, it reinforces continued investment in premium product upgrades on legacy widebody fleets to meet evolving passenger expectations.
Norwegian Resumes Dublin–Copenhagen Service
Norwegian has relaunched its direct service between Dublin and Copenhagen, restoring a popular link for both business and leisure travel. The route had been suspended during the pandemic but returns with strong forward bookings.
Acumen’s Take
This reinstatement underlines Nordic–Irish connectivity recovery. It’s a welcome development for Irish outbound demand and could encourage further LCC frequency increases on intra-European city pairs.
Widerøe Signs Interline with Emerald on Donegal Route
Widerøe has entered an interline agreement with Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional), allowing passengers to connect via Dublin to Donegal. The deal offers smoother connectivity between Scandinavia and Ireland’s northwest.
Acumen’s Take
This partnership supports regional route viability and demonstrates the growing role of interline ties in sustaining thin domestic services. It also enhances Donegal’s accessibility to new international markets via Dublin.
Aircraft Update
VH-8JS Boeing 737-8SA Ferried to Jakarta by FGL Aircraft Ireland
Formerly registered as 9V-MGB, Boeing 737-8SA (c/n 44218) was ferried to Jakarta on 27th February 2025 by FGL Aircraft Ireland. The aircraft is expected to enter service in Southeast Asia following reconfiguration.
Acumen’s Take
This transfer illustrates Ireland’s continued role as a transitional hub for aircraft placement in Asia. The MAX remains in high demand across Southeast Asia, where LCC growth is accelerating.
XA-VVF Airbus A320neo Delivered to Volaris via Shannon
Volaris has taken delivery of A320-271N (c/n 8152), ferried from Shannon to Mexico City via Bangor on 1–2 April 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as VP-CSM and is part of Volaris’ ongoing fleet expansion.
Acumen’s Take
Volaris continues to build its all-A320neo fleet, reinforcing its position as a cost leader in the Americas. Irish leasing and handover routes remain a key part of the transatlantic aircraft movement cycle.
Global Aviation News
BOC Aviation Orders 50 New Boeing 737-8 Aircraft
BOC Aviation has placed an order for 50 Boeing 737-8s, reinforcing its commitment to fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft. The lessor plans to deploy the aircraft globally to meet rising airline demand for next-gen narrowbodies.
Acumen’s Take
This major order underscores sustained leasing confidence in the MAX platform. With delivery slots tightening, BOC’s move strengthens its positioning for future sale-leasebacks and forward placements across growth markets.
Emirates Adds Seven More Destinations to A350 Rollout
Emirates has announced the expansion of its Airbus A350 network to seven new destinations, including Osaka, Perth, and Seattle. The aircraft will progressively enter service on medium- to long-haul routes throughout 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The A350 rollout allows Emirates to offer enhanced fuel efficiency and cabin experience on key long-haul sectors. It signals the airline’s commitment to fleet modernisation while phasing in widebodies for network optimisation.
Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Hanoi Service in July 2025
Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new service between Addis Ababa and Hanoi, Vietnam starting July 2025. This route strengthens the airline’s growing Asia network and positions Hanoi as a new African-Asian gateway.
Acumen’s Take
This expansion reflects Ethiopian’s continued global ambition and efficient use of its widebody fleet. It also strengthens East Africa’s role in transcontinental connectivity between Asia and Africa.
IAI Explores China as Future Hub for Widebody Conversions
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is in talks to establish new widebody freighter conversion lines in China, eyeing the region’s growing cargo market and MRO capacity.
Acumen’s Take
With widebody feedstock gaining interest for long-haul e-commerce and express cargo, China’s emergence as a P2F hub is logical. It offers cost advantages, market proximity, and a steady stream of aircraft needing second-life roles.
Iberia Expands Long-Haul Network with Three New Routes
Iberia has confirmed new long-haul services to Orlando (USA), Recife and Fortaleza (Brazil), expanding its reach in both North and South America. These routes will launch as part of its 2025–26 winter schedule.
Acumen’s Take
Iberia’s new destinations tap into under-served leisure and diaspora markets. The move enhances fleet utilisation in low-season months and supports strategic growth across the Atlantic corridor.
Irish Aviation News
Magma Aviation CEO Peter Kerins Talks Cargo, Growth & Innovation
In a wide-ranging interview, Magma Aviation CEO Peter Kerins reflects on the company’s growth, the importance of flexibility in freighter operations, and the unique challenges of managing cargo across multiple continents.
Acumen’s Take
With leadership rooted in Ireland and a growing global footprint, Magma’s evolution reinforces the country’s ongoing influence in the specialised cargo leasing and ACMI space—an often overlooked pillar of Irish aviation success.
Prof. Marina Efthymiou on Shaping the Future of Air Traffic Management
Dublin City University’s Prof. Marina Efthymiou shares her views on the evolving needs of ATM (Air Traffic Management) education, emphasising sustainability, digital skills, and international collaboration for next-gen aviation professionals.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s role in shaping future ATM talent reflects its broader contribution to aviation education. Bridging academia and industry is vital as technology transforms airspace operations and regulatory frameworks.
Drones Deliver Medicine to Remote Mayo Island in Landmark Project
In a pioneering healthcare initiative, drones are now transporting urgent medical supplies to Clare Island, off the coast of Mayo. The service is seen as a game-changer for rural and island communities in need of rapid access to care.
Acumen’s Take
This pilot underscores the potential of UAVs in delivering critical services. Ireland’s drone innovation ecosystem is maturing fast, with applications in logistics, health, and beyond that could shape future regional connectivity.
LOT Leases Two Boeing 787s from Dublin-Based DP Aircraft I
LOT Polish Airlines has secured two Boeing 787 Dreamliners on lease from DP Aircraft I, an Irish-managed leasing platform. The aircraft will support the carrier’s long-haul network expansion.
Acumen’s Take
This deal highlights Dublin’s continued prominence in widebody leasing. As airlines rebuild intercontinental capacity, Irish lessors remain integral to enabling cost-effective fleet modernisation.
Ljubljana Airport in Talks with Ryanair for Potential Entry
Slovenia’s Ljubljana Airport has confirmed it is in active discussions with Ryanair, which could lead to new routes from the Irish low-cost giant. Talks focus on infrastructure incentives and market viability.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s network decisions are driven by market incentives and airport agility. A Ljubljana partnership would enhance its Central European presence and offer additional deployment opportunities for its expanding MAX fleet.
Tweet Picks
@ATRaircraft Rise Air, Canada's launch customer for the ATR 72-600 is boosting northern connectivity with three new aircraft, providing "passenger, cargo and medevac services in places where aviation is the only feasible option."| By @howard_hardee via @FlightGlobal.
@RAeSTimR Hint of one possible concept being studied for a @Airbus future next-gen single aisle from #AirbusSummit - featuring open-rotor engines - targeting 20-30% leap in fuel efficiency #avgeek.
@SimonCalder Air passengers’ rights rules cost add £7 to each plane ticket, due to the duty of care they impose on airlines, says Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary. EU commissioner: “We need to balance financial stability for airlines with strong protections for passengers”
@united The FAA has approved our first aircraft equipped with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. That green light means we expect to install Starlink on 40+ planes a month, with our entire regional fleet being outfitted by the end of year.
Video Picks
Boeing CEO Faces Senate Over Safety Failings
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun testified before the U.S. Senate regarding recent safety lapses, including manufacturing issues and internal culture. Lawmakers pressed for accountability and regulatory reform across aviation safety.
Acumen’s Take
The hearing adds further pressure on Boeing’s corporate governance and aircraft delivery timelines. Operators and lessors will be closely watching any resulting changes to certification or production oversight.
Emirates Skywards Loyalty Strategy Breaks New Ground
Emirates Skywards has transformed its loyalty programme into a high-engagement platform, driving repeat travel and cross-brand partnerships that extend beyond flights.
Acumen’s Take
Airlines are increasingly leveraging loyalty programmes as full-scale revenue engines. Emirates’ success showcases how data-driven personalisation and diversified rewards ecosystems can build retention and ancillary income.
Capital A CEO Bullish on Asian Aviation Recovery
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A (parent company of AirAsia), shared strong optimism about Asia’s travel rebound, citing low-cost growth, rising disposable income, and new fleet integration as key drivers.
Acumen’s Take
Fernandes’ confidence reflects the region’s swift aviation recovery. For OEMs and leasing platforms, Asia-Pacific continues to be a high-growth area—especially for narrowbody demand and LCC partnerships.
