10 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 10th February 2026
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:
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IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Regional Connects Dublin and Tours
Aer Lingus Regional has announced a new seasonal route linking Dublin Airport with Tours, with services exclusively operated by Emerald Airlines. The route will run weekly on Saturdays from 6 June to 29 August 2026 using 72-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft. Tours, the largest city in France’s Centre–Val de Loire region, sits between the Cher and Loire rivers and serves a catchment of around two million people within a 90-minute drive. A historic university city and traditional gateway to the Loire Valley châteaux, Tours offers strong leisure appeal alongside cultural landmarks such as the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, reinforcing the route’s tourism-focused positioning.
AJet Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-8 MAX via Dublin
AJet has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered TC-OHT (MSN 67109), with the aircraft routing from Boeing Field to Dublin Airport on 17 January 2026 as flight THY6830 before continuing to Istanbul the following day. The handover represents the third of 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft allocated to AJet and its parent, Turkish Airlines, all of which are being leased from AerCap. The delivery underlines Dublin’s continued role as a key transit point for aircraft deliveries and supports AJet’s expanding short- and medium-haul network strategy using next-generation narrowbodies.
Ryanair to Boost Liverpool–Cork and Ireland West Airport Routes
Ryanair will increase capacity from its base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport to both Cork Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock for Summer 2026. Services to Cork will rise to daily operations, while Ireland West Airport will see up to ten weekly flights, including double-daily services on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The capacity increase follows Ryanair’s announcement of a sixth based aircraft at Liverpool for Summer 2026, which will add over 250,000 seats, introduce new routes to Marrakesh, Tirana, and Warsaw, and boost frequencies across 11 existing routes.
Aircraft Update
EI-IRW Beech 200
A Beech 200 aircraft, registered EI-IRW (c/n BB752), has been delivered to the Irish Coast Guard, completing a ferry flight from Lasham to Shannon on 30 January 2026. The addition supports ongoing fleet activity within Ireland’s maritime and aerial surveillance operations, reinforcing the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing capability for patrol and support missions.
EI-ILT Boeing 737-8200
A Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-ILT (c/n 67131), has been delivered to Ryanair, arriving in Dublin from Boeing Field on 4 February 2026. The aircraft is Ryanair’s 207th delivery, continuing the airline’s steady fleet expansion with high-density MAX variants. The addition supports Ryanair’s cost-efficient growth strategy and reinforces its position as the largest operator of the 737-8200 globally.
Global Aviation News
AirBorneo Chooses ATR to Modernise Rural Air Service Fleet in East Malaysia
AirBorneo has selected ATR to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services fleet, placing a firm order for eight aircraft. The agreement includes five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with options for four additional units. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029. The move supports improved connectivity, reliability, and efficiency across East Malaysia’s regional and remote air networks.
Emirates Skywards Partners with Jet2.com to Offer Flight Rewards
Emirates Skywards has partnered with Jet2.com to expand flight reward options across more than 75 leisure destinations. The agreement strengthens Skywards’ UK footprint, giving members greater flexibility and choice when redeeming miles. The partnership reflects the continued importance of loyalty programmes in driving engagement and cross-market travel demand. It also highlights growing collaboration between global network carriers and regional leisure operators.
Etihad Guest Expands Rapidly Across India with New Loyalty Partners
Etihad Guest has significantly expanded its presence in India, adding five major new partners to its growing loyalty ecosystem. India is now the fastest-growing market for the programme, which has surpassed 13 million members globally and continues to add over 250,000 members each month. The expansion enhances everyday earning opportunities across shopping, dining, and travel for India-based members. The move underlines the strategic importance of loyalty partnerships in driving engagement in high-growth aviation markets.
Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Finalises 11 737 MAX Purchase
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have confirmed an order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, reinforcing the African carrier’s long-haul growth strategy amid rising global travel demand. The order, finalised in December 2025, complements Ethiopian’s previously announced purchase of 11 additional 737 MAX aircraft, bringing its latest Boeing commitments to 20 aircraft.
Eurowings Launches Cologne and Stuttgart Routes from London Gatwick
London Gatwick is strengthening its German connectivity as Eurowings launches new services to Cologne and Stuttgart in spring 2026. Flights to Cologne will begin on 29 March with 13 weekly services, followed by six weekly flights to Stuttgart from 13 April, with tickets already on sale.
Eve Air Mobility Secures Funding from Private Export Funding Corporation
Eve Air Mobility has secured financing support from the Private Export Funding Corporation, backed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The funding supports Eve’s development and commercialisation plans for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The transaction highlights growing institutional backing for advanced air mobility programmes. It also reflects increasing use of export credit structures to support next-generation aerospace technologies.
Fort Wayne Aero Center and Smith Field Aero Center Join Avfuel
Avfuel has expanded its FBO Network with the addition of Fort Wayne Aero Center and Smith Field Aero Center in Indiana. Fort Wayne Aero Center operates at Fort Wayne International Airport, while Smith Field Aero Center is based at Smith Field, one of the oldest continuously operating aviation sites in the United States. The move strengthens Avfuel’s Midwest footprint and enhances service coverage for business and general aviation operators.
Global Air Cargo Demand Achieved Record Volume in 2025 – IATA
The International Air Transport Association reports that global air cargo demand reached a record high in 2025, with full-year volumes rising 3.4% year-on-year, driven largely by strong e-commerce activity. Capacity growth broadly tracked demand, while yields eased only marginally and remained well above pre-pandemic levels. IATA noted that air cargo adapted quickly to shifting trade patterns and geopolitical pressures, reinforcing its critical role in global supply chains. Growth in 2026 is expected to moderate, but demand resilience is set to continue.
Iberia’s Airbus A321XLR Integral to Long-Haul Fleet Expansion
Iberia continues to position the Airbus A321XLR as a core element of its long-haul growth strategy, having taken delivery of its seventh aircraft in early January 2026. The type’s extended range allows Iberia to deploy narrowbodies on long-haul missions, supporting network expansion on thinner transatlantic routes. The airline has outlined plans to grow its long-haul fleet to around 59 aircraft by 2030, with the A321XLR complementing a larger widebody base. The aircraft is already proving effective in opening new markets and increasing frequencies while maintaining cost efficiency.
Irish Aviation News
ABL Aviation Wins “Structured Finance Deal of the Year” at Airline Economics Dublin 2026
ABL Aviation has been awarded Structured Finance Deal of the Year at the Aviation 100 Global Leaders Awards 2026, held during Airline Economics Dublin. The award recognises ABL’s role in structuring a Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option for six Airbus A350-900 aircraft placed with Emirates. The transaction highlights ABL Aviation’s capability in delivering complex cross-border financing solutions for widebody fleets. It also reflects the firm’s growing influence across global capital markets and airline financing.
ARI North America Unveils Salon du Vin Retail Concept in Canada
ARI North America has launched a new wine-led retail concept, Salon du Vin, at Montréal Duty Free and Quebec City Duty Free. Designed as a lounge-style environment inspired by local speakeasy and wine bar culture, the concept blends premium presentation with a strong sense of place. Salon du Vin features a curated mix of international and Canadian wines, encouraging discovery and storytelling. The rollout reflects strong wine category performance and growing demand for experiential airport retail.
Brussels Enterprise Court Confirms Ryanair Baggage Policy
Ryanair has welcomed a ruling by the Brussels Enterprise Court confirming that its cabin baggage policy is fully compliant with EU law and established legal precedent. The court also dismissed challenges related to dynamic pricing, seat allocation, family seating, and baggage information, finding no infringement on consumer choice. Judges confirmed that Ryanair’s allowance of a free underseat bag is lawful and that airlines are not required to include larger cabin bags in base fares. The decision provides further legal clarity around ancillary pricing models used by low-cost carriers.
Protect Donegal Cancer Flights Campaign Calls for Safeguards on PSO Service
A public petition has been launched calling on the Irish Government to protect the Donegal–Dublin PSO air service, stressing its critical role in enabling same-day return travel for cancer patients and those with essential medical appointments. Campaigners argue that proposed timetable changes risk making day trips for treatment impractical, forcing overnight stays and added financial and emotional strain. The group has urged the Minister for Transport to formally guarantee same-day medical access as a non-negotiable requirement of the PSO. The issue highlights the wider social and healthcare importance of regional air connectivity in geographically isolated communities.
CPaT Announces New Training Contract with FLY4 Airlines
CPaT Global has secured a new training contract with Dublin-based FLY4 Airlines to support Boeing 737NG pilot and cabin crew training. The agreement includes aircraft systems, general subjects, and cabin crew safety training delivered through CPaT’s digital learning platform. Flexibility and content customisation were cited as key factors in the selection. The partnership reflects continued investment in modern, adaptable training solutions as airlines prioritise long-term workforce capability.
Crystal Ski Holidays Named Ski Tour Operator of the Year at 2026 ITAA Awards
Crystal Ski Holidays has been awarded Ski Tour Operator of the Year at the 2026 Irish Travel Agents Association Annual Irish Travel Industry Awards in Dublin. The recognition reflects Crystal Ski’s strong focus on customer experience, extensive resort choice, and consistent service quality for Irish travellers. The award underscores continued demand for well-supported winter travel products from the Irish market. It also highlights the role of specialist tour operators in sustaining outbound leisure travel growth.
How Aer Lingus and NATS Are Cutting Fuel Burn and CO₂ over the North Atlantic
Aer Lingus and NATS have demonstrated measurable fuel and CO₂ savings by operating flights outside the traditional North Atlantic Organised Track Structure. A two-week trial tested so-called user-preferred random routes, challenging long-established operational habits. The results showed that more direct routings can deliver efficiency gains without compromising safety or predictability. The collaboration highlights how data-driven planning and closer airline–ANSP coordination can unlock meaningful environmental benefits.
HSA to Deploy Drones in Serious Workplace Investigations under AirNav Ireland Agreement
The Health and Safety Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AirNav Ireland enabling the use of drones in controlled airspace during serious and fatal workplace investigations. The agreement allows HSA drone operations at major airports including Dublin, Shannon, and Cork, supported by short-notice flight approvals. Aerial imagery will assist inspectors in safely capturing evidence at complex or hazardous sites. The move highlights the growing role of regulated drone operations in enforcement and investigation activities.
Inbound Tourism December 2025 – Central Statistics Office
Central Statistics Office data shows a strong rebound in inbound travel in December 2025, with foreign visitor numbers up 34% year-on-year to 524,100. For the full year, overseas arrivals totalled 6.4 million, slightly down on 2024, with Great Britain remaining the largest source market. Visitor spending reached an estimated €5.5 billion in 2025, underscoring the continued economic importance of inbound tourism. Holiday and leisure travel accounted for the largest share of overnight visits, supporting sustained demand for air connectivity into Ireland.
Ryanair Cuts Capacity in Austria’s Summer 2026 Schedule over Air Travel Taxes
Ryanair has confirmed plans to remove five aircraft and cut around one million seats from its Austrian network for Summer 2026, cancelling nine routes and reducing operations in Vienna. The airline cited Austria’s €12 air traffic tax and a sharp rise in airport charges as key factors behind the decision. Ryanair contrasted Austria’s approach with other EU states that have reduced aviation taxes to stimulate growth. The move highlights the growing sensitivity of airline capacity decisions to national tax and cost structures.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek After a few years of relative stability, several long-term #Ryanair collective labor agreements are up for renewal in 2026-2027, creating a high likelihood of industrial action this summer.
@AviationWeek #Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary is anticipating his first #Boeing 737-10s in early February 2027, with the final four 737- 8-200 deliveries currently tracking ahead of schedule.
@AviationWeek Serial airline entrepreneur and @BreezeAirways founder David Neeleman is adding two #Learjet 45 midsize business jets to Breeze's fleet for an important purpose.
@AviationWeek The #UAE is eyeing major #SAF export opportunities to other markets such as the European Union, which is struggling to scale up its own SAF production.
Video Picks
Delta Forecasts 20% Jump in 2026 Profits, Orders First Boeing Dreamliners
Delta Air Lines outlines an upbeat outlook for 2026 in this video segment, forecasting a 20% increase in profits as demand and operational performance continue to improve. The update also confirms Delta’s first-ever order for Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, marking a significant shift in its long-haul fleet strategy. The move signals confidence in widebody demand recovery and long-term international growth.
Eoghan Corry on RTÉ Nationwide: What’s Happening in Irish Tourism in 2026
Eoghan Corry discusses the outlook for Irish tourism in 2026 on RTÉ Nationwide, covering travel demand trends, pricing dynamics, and how Ireland is positioned for the year ahead. The segment provides insight into inbound tourism, aviation connectivity, and the broader travel market as the sector adjusts to post-pandemic normalisation.
GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp: Revenues Set to Rise by Double Digits
Larry Culp shares an optimistic outlook for GE Aerospace, forecasting double-digit revenue growth driven by strong demand across commercial aviation and defence markets. In the segment, Culp points to sustained engine deliveries, aftermarket strength, and improved operational execution as key contributors to the outlook. The comments underline growing confidence in aerospace fundamentals as global flying activity continues to normalise.
Acumen’s Take
What stands out this week is a sector that has clearly moved beyond recovery and into a phase defined by discipline and selectivity. Airlines and lessors are prioritising efficiency, flexibility, and resilience rather than headline growth alone. Capital is flowing, fleets are modernising, and networks are being shaped with sharper intent. The winners in this cycle will be those that balance operational execution with financial strength, while staying agile in the face of regulatory, environmental, and geopolitical pressure.
