11 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 11th December 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:
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IrishAero News
Air Astana Adds Irish-Registered Airbus A321neo to Support Fleet Renewal
Air Astana has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a new Airbus A321neo, registered EI-KDJ (msn 12738), delivered directly from Hamburg to the airline’s Almaty hub on 17 October. The aircraft joins the carrier’s growing cohort of next-generation narrowbodies, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and efficiency goals. The airline noted that, despite ongoing industry challenges, it remains committed to a steady fleet renewal programme. Air Astana Group aims to increase its fleet to 84 aircraft by 2029, positioning the addition of the Irish-registered A321neo as a key step in supporting future growth across its regional and international network.
FlyOne Adds Dublin to Its Expanding Bucharest Network for Summer 2026
Moldovan low-cost carrier FlyOne is set to broaden its footprint in Romania with the launch of seven new direct routes from its Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport base for the Summer 2026 season. Among the newly announced destinations is Dublin, joining Barcelona, Frankfurt Main, London Luton, Paris CDG and Madrid. The expansion marks a significant strengthening of FlyOne’s Western European connectivity and positions Dublin as a key addition to its fast-growing network. The airline’s move reflects rising demand for affordable travel options between Romania and major European hubs, with FlyOne continuing to scale its operations through strategic route development.
FlyUs Appointed GSA for Riyadh Air in Ireland
FlyUs Aviation Group has been appointed General Sales Agent (GSA) for Riyadh Air across the United Kingdom and Ireland, effective 26 October 2025. The partnership aligns with Riyadh Air’s launch of its first scheduled daily service into London Heathrow, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (HZ-RXX, msn 38892). As GSA, FlyUs will manage sales, customer support and capacity coordination in both markets, with all bookings handled through its local teams. The appointment strengthens Riyadh Air’s commercial presence as the carrier ramps up its international footprint ahead of wider network growth.
Aircraft Update
N817CM Airbus A330-343 Ferried to Shanghai for Future Deployment
An Airbus A330-343, registered N817CM (c/n 1269), was ferried by Cargo Aircraft Management to Shanghai on 28 October 2025 after operating previously as 2-STBB. The widebody’s repositioning reflects ongoing demand for long-haul cargo capacity, with the aircraft now poised for integration into future freight operations as carriers continue to optimize their widebody fleets.
OE-IKJ Airbus A321-251N Ferried to Sofia for AerCap
An Airbus A321-251N, now registered OE-IKJ (c/n 7945), has been ferried to Sofia on 2 December 2025 after previously operating as 9H-PED. The aircraft’s transition into the AerCap portfolio adds another next-generation narrowbody to its active inventory, positioning it for upcoming placement opportunities as demand for fuel-efficient A321neos remains strong across global operators.
Global Aviation News
Emirates Brings Manufacturing Expertise Closer to Home
Emirates is sharpening its long-term fleet strategy by pushing OEMs toward larger next-generation twin-engine widebodies while simultaneously managing an aging long-haul fleet. The airline has urged both Boeing and Airbus to consider stretched variants, backing its latest order for 65 additional 777Xs with a request for a feasibility study into an even larger 777-10. Emirates says it would support development if given conversion rights, signalling a clear appetite for higher-capacity aircraft and a desire to influence the direction of future widebody design.
Europe’s Aviation Market: Key Monthly Metrics from OAG
Fresh data from OAG’s Schedules Analyser offers a snapshot of how Europe’s aviation landscape is shaping up month by month. London Heathrow remains the region’s busiest airport, while Ryanair continues to dominate as Europe’s largest airline by capacity. Spain and the UK jointly hold the lead for most international airline capacity, reflecting strong outbound and inbound travel flows. Outside of Europe, the Middle East stands as the most-visited region, underscoring the influence of long-haul hubs and expanding Gulf networks. The dataset gives airlines, airports and planners a clear view of shifting travel demand and competitive positioning across the continent.
Flydubai to Introduce Premium Economy on Incoming Boeing 787-9 Fleet
Flydubai is gearing up for a major shift in its product offering as it prepares to launch widebody operations with the Boeing 787-9. The airline has confirmed that its incoming fleet of 30 Dreamliners, ordered at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, will feature a premium economy cabin, its first time offering the class. Deliveries later this decade will give the carrier expanded range and capacity beyond what its 737 fleet can provide today. With the 787-9, flydubai aims to boost frequencies on high-demand routes, explore new long-haul markets and elevate its onboard experience as it moves into a more competitive segment of medium- and long-haul travel.
Royal Jordanian Turns the Embraer E2 into a Long-Range Narrowbody Workhorse
Royal Jordanian is redefining what a “regional jet” can do, pushing the Embraer E195-E2 far beyond its traditional role. While the aircraft is typically viewed as a short-haul 120-seat platform, the airline is using it to operate routes stretching up to five and a half hours, achieving high utilisation and delivering profitability on sectors that would be uneconomical for larger narrowbodies like the A320neo. For Royal Jordanian, the E2 isn’t just a right-sized aircraft, it’s a strategic asset underpinning the carrier’s pivot toward boutique service, rising inbound tourism and focused Levant connectivity. Its ability to open long, thin markets at a fraction of the operating cost gives the airline a flexible, efficient backbone for its renewed network vision.
Global Air Cargo Demand Hits New Record with Eighth Straight Month of Growth
IATA’s latest figures show global air cargo demand rose 4.1 percent in October 2025, setting a new monthly volume record and extending the sector’s growth streak to eight months. Capacity also expanded by just over five percent year-on-year, supporting stronger flows across several major trade lanes. While Asia–North America remained subdued, demand surged within Asia and on routes linking the Middle East and Europe, as well as Europe and Asia. IATA says these shifts highlight how air cargo is helping supply chains adjust to US tariff impacts, with the momentum arriving at an ideal time as the industry enters its peak fourth-quarter shipping season.
Iberia Adds Toronto Service as A321XLR Expansion Strengthens Americas Strategy
Iberia is set to further deepen its North American footprint with the launch of direct Madrid–Toronto flights beginning 13 June 2026. The service will operate five times weekly and be flown by the A321XLR, the long-range narrowbody for which Iberia was the launch customer and which now serves as the airline’s most efficient aircraft for transatlantic operations. The route adds to recent network growth in Orlando, Recife, Fortaleza and Monterrey, reinforcing Iberia’s Flight Plan 2030 goals of widening long-haul connectivity and strengthening its position as a key bridge between Europe and the Americas. With 37,000 seats planned for the summer season, the addition of Toronto opens new avenues for business and leisure travel across both markets.
Jet2 Anticipates Limited Capacity Growth for Summer 2026
Jet2’s chief executive has signalled that capacity increases across the UK market for summer 2026 are expected to remain “low,” prompting the airline and tour operator to ramp up marketing activity to stimulate earlier bookings. The update follows a record-performing six-month period for the group, despite what it describes as a “fast-moving” late booking environment. With supply expected to remain tight and demand patterns evolving, Jet2 is focusing on stronger forward sales and more proactive customer engagement to secure momentum heading into the 2026 season.
Irish Aviation News
From Dublin to AlUla: Alliance Aviation Group Expands Its Global Footprint
Alliance Aviation Group is entering a new phase of growth, announcing at the IBGAA Annual Conference that its new general aviation terminal at Dublin Airport will be handed over to daa in February 2026. The facility is set to elevate the experience for business and VIP travellers using the Irish capital as a key entry point. This update follows an equally significant move abroad, with the formation of Alliance Aviation Arabia and a strengthened presence in AlUla, signalling the group’s broader strategy to link Irish business aviation capabilities with expanding opportunities across the Gulf region.
Lift off for NEG8 Carbon in sustainable aviation fuel
Irish direct air capture firm NEG8 Carbon has taken a meaningful step forward in sustainable aviation fuel development after signing a contract for Phase 1 of a major U.K. project aimed at producing eSAF at scale. The initiative will leverage low-carbon energy to enable economically viable synthetic fuel production, a core requirement for long-term aviation decarbonisation. By pushing this technology toward commercial feasibility, NEG8 Carbon is positioning itself as a key contributor to the future SAF ecosystem and strengthening Ireland’s role in emerging climate-focused aviation solutions.
Minister O'Brien secures Cabinet approval for €24.3 billion Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport 2026-2030
Ireland’s transport network is set for a major step change after Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien secured Cabinet approval for a €24.3 billion Sectoral Investment Plan for 2026–2030. Framed within the updated National Development Plan, the funding represents one of the largest infrastructure commitments in the State’s history, aimed at modernising critical water, energy and transport systems. For aviation, the plan signals continued long-term support for connectivity, capacity planning and sustainable mobility as Ireland strengthens the backbone infrastructure that underpins broader economic growth.
Next Level Aviation Expands Credit Capacity to Support USM Growth
Next Level Aviation has strengthened its financial footing with a significant increase to its revolving credit facility from PNC Bank, raising the U.S. parent company’s limit from $50 million to $75 million and securing an additional $5 million facility for its Irish subsidiary. The enhanced credit capacity will support the company’s continued expansion in the global used serviceable materials (USM) market across Boeing and Airbus platforms. With both facilities designed to scale further as operations grow, the move reinforces NLA’s position as a key supplier of aftermarket components and deepens Ireland’s role within its international footprint.
Remembering Ron McPartland, Ireland’s Only Air Corps Ejectee
Ireland’s aviation community is marking the passing of Ron McPartland, the only member of the Irish Air Corps ever to eject from an aircraft. In tribute, Flying in Ireland has republished historian Michael Traynor’s 2011 article recounting the remarkable incident, which marked its 50th anniversary at the time. McPartland, a cadet from Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim, was instructed to eject on 5 May 1961 after a training flight went away, an event that became a singular moment in Irish military aviation history. His passing closes a chapter that has long stood as a testament to the risks, discipline and resilience inherent in pilot training.
SunExpress Reports 22% Surge in UK–Ireland Traffic to Turkey
SunExpress has recorded a strong uptick in demand from the UK and Ireland, reporting a 22 percent rise in summer passengers travelling to Turkey. The Lufthansa–Turkish Airlines joint venture carried more than 1.5 million travellers from both markets, supported by what the airline describes as an “upward trend” in early bookings for the seasons ahead. The performance underscores Turkey’s continued appeal as a leisure destination and highlights the growing role of SunExpress in connecting UK and Irish holidaymakers with key Turkish resorts.
Ireland Showcases Tourism Offering to Swedish Travel Trade
Tourism Ireland, joined by three tourism partners from across the island, participated in the Travel News Market in Stockholm to strengthen Ireland’s presence in the Swedish outbound travel sector. The one-day B2B event brought together key tour operators, travel agents and MICE buyers seeking fresh destination ideas for their clients. Through pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, the Irish delegation promoted new experiences, negotiated future contracts and worked to secure business for 2026 and beyond, reinforcing Sweden’s importance as a growing source market for Irish tourism.
Acumen’s Take
The latest developments show an industry pressing ahead with renewal, network expansion and long-term infrastructure planning, even as competitive and regulatory pressures evolve. Airlines are doubling down on efficient fleets, refined market positioning and stronger customer propositions, while airports and governments are investing to secure future capacity and connectivity. Lessors continue to play a pivotal role in enabling this momentum, supporting operators with next-generation assets and flexible deployment strategies. Across markets, the emphasis is shifting toward resilience, sustainability and smarter operational models. For stakeholders, navigating this landscape demands clear visibility and disciplined, data-led decision-making, areas where Acumen remains a trusted partner.
