11 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 11th 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
OY-NZD ATR72-212A (600)
An ATR72-212A (600), registered OY-NZD (c/n 1482), owned by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Banjul on 3 February 2026. The movement reflects ongoing asset transition activity within the turboprop leasing market, as aircraft continue to be repositioned to support regional and emerging market operations.
OY-NZU ATR72-212A (600)
An ATR72-212A (600), registered OY-NZU (c/n 1482), owned by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Sofia on 21 January 2026. The transfer highlights continued fleet placement activity for modern turboprops, supporting regional operations across Europe.
Global Aviation News
Bain Capital Enters FBO Sector with Acquisition of APP Jet Center
Bain Capital has entered the fixed-base operator (FBO) sector through the acquisition of APP Jet Center, marking a strategic move into aviation services at supply-constrained U.S. airports. The platform, which will be led by former Signature Aviation CEO Mark Johnstone, operates five FBO locations across key markets including South Florida, Washington D.C., the San Francisco Bay Area, and Denver. Bain Capital indicated it plans to grow the business through further acquisitions, underscoring continued investor appetite for resilient, infrastructure-backed aviation assets.
German Airways Expands Fleet Ahead of Summer 2026
German Airways has confirmed plans to add an additional Embraer E190 to its fleet for the Summer 2026 schedule, continuing its steady growth strategy. The aircraft, registered D-ABKE, will be based in Germany and support the airline’s European charter and ACMI operations. The expansion strengthens German Airways’ operational footprint in its home market as demand for flexible capacity solutions remains strong across Europe.
Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines Formalise Joint Business Partnership
Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines have formally confirmed their joint business partnership following regulatory approvals in Malaysia and Singapore. The agreement allows both carriers to deepen commercial cooperation, with initiatives expected to include coordinated schedules, joint fare products, revenue sharing on selected routes, and aligned corporate travel offerings. The partnership is aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving flexibility for passengers travelling between the two countries, with further details to be announced as implementation progresses.
National Jet Express Welcomes Additional Q400 Aircraft
National Jet Express has added its 12th De Havilland Q400 to the fleet, with the aircraft entering service on 30 January 2026 following its arrival in Perth. Registered VH-8QD, the turboprop is already supporting mining, resources, and construction clients, adding capacity and operational resilience during peak demand and scheduled maintenance periods. The Q400 will operate alongside NJE’s fleet of eight Embraer E190 jets in Perth, reinforcing the airline’s growing role as a specialist provider of charter and FIFO services across Australia.
New Air Serbia Embraer Aircraft Arrives in Belgrade
Air Serbia has expanded its fleet with the arrival of an Embraer E195, registered YU-ATD, which has landed in Belgrade following a transatlantic ferry flight. Built in 2015 and configured with 118 seats, the aircraft will be deployed on the airline’s European network after completing entry-into-service procedures. The jet received Air Serbia’s new livery in San José, Costa Rica, before completing a three-day ferry via North America, Greenland, and Iceland, highlighting the logistical complexity involved in aircraft transitions.
Qantas and Japan Airlines Signal Strategic Transition for Jetstar Japan
Qantas and Japan Airlines have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to transition Jetstar Japan to a Japanese capital-led ownership structure. Subject to agreement and regulatory approvals, Qantas would divest its 33.32% minority stake, with a deal targeted for July 2026 and completion by June 2027. Until then, Jetstar Japan’s existing ownership and governance arrangements will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity during the proposed transition.
SkyWest Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings and Reinforces Long-Term Stability
SkyWest delivered a robust Q4 2025 performance, reporting $91 million in net income and closing the year with $428 million in full-year profits on the back of higher block hours and operating leverage. Multi-year contract extensions with United Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide revenue visibility through 2028, while a growing Embraer E175 fleet underpins future capacity plans. A strengthened balance sheet, rising free cash flow, and disciplined capital allocation position SkyWest well despite near-term maintenance and seasonality pressures.
Southwest Airlines Delivers Strong Q4 2025 Results as Transformation Gains Traction
Southwest Airlines closed Q4 2025 with EBIT of $386 million and full-year EBIT of $574 million, exceeding guidance despite FAA-related schedule disruptions. Management described 2025 as a pivotal transformation year, marked by major product and commercial shifts including assigned seating, extra legroom, loyalty programme changes, and expanded distribution. Early results from the new seating and ancillary model are tracking ahead of expectations, supporting a sharply improved 2026 outlook with adjusted EPS guidance of at least $4. While cost and fleet discipline remain central, Southwest’s focus has clearly shifted toward yield quality, corporate demand, and monetisation rather than pure capacity growth.
Irish Aviation News
Ryanair Holdings Continues to Excel – Davy Research
Ryanair Holdings continues to demonstrate strong operational and financial momentum, according to the latest analysis from Davy Research. The note highlights Ryanair’s disciplined cost control, resilient demand profile, and effective capacity deployment as key factors underpinning its outperformance versus European peers. Davy also points to Ryanair’s balance sheet strength and scale advantages as providing flexibility in a volatile regulatory and cost environment, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s best-placed airline groups heading into the next planning cycle.
Shannon Airliner Update
The latest Shannon Airliner Update highlights continued maintenance, storage, and ferry activity at Shannon Airport, reinforcing its role as a key European MRO and aircraft transition hub. Recent movements include the departure of a former Brussels Airlines Airbus A319 following an extended maintenance and testing programme, as well as an Airbus A320 previously operated by Braathens International that transited through multiple re-registrations before departing to new operating bases.
Skyborne to Train Ryanair Cadets Amid Pilot Demand
Skyborne Airline Academy has agreed a new partnership with Ryanair to train pilots as air travel demand continues to grow. The academy will welcome its first Ryanair cadets in March, following an agreement reached last year, with training delivered across Skyborne’s UK and US campuses. Cadets are pre-selected by Ryanair, complete an 18-month programme, and then join the airline as second officers. Skyborne Airline Academy has also signalled interest in recruiting candidates from Ireland.
SMBC Aviation Capital Completes Landmark A320neo Sale-and-Leaseback with Lufthansa
SMBC Aviation Capital has completed a landmark sale-and-leaseback transaction covering six Airbus A320neo aircraft with Lufthansa, marking a notable expansion in the structure of transactions between the two groups. The deal introduces a new layer to an already established relationship that has historically included leased aircraft placements and JOLCO financing, and reflects a shared focus on long-term strategic collaboration. SMBC said the transaction aligns with its broader strategy to diversify deal types while deepening partnerships with leading global airline groups.
Strong 2025 Passenger Demand Masks Ongoing Capacity Constraints – IATA
International Air Transport Association Director General Willie Walsh said global air travel demand grew 5.3% in 2025, with international traffic up 7.1% and domestic demand rising 2.4%, bringing growth back in line with long-term historical trends after the post-pandemic surge. While the rebound underscores aviation’s resilience and continued appetite for connectivity, Walsh cautioned that capacity constraints remain a structural challenge, alongside the urgent need to decarbonise. He stressed that long-term growth will depend on supportive government policy, particularly to accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel production and ease ongoing supply-chain pressures.
TrueNoord Successfully Amends and Extends US$600m Revolving Facility
TrueNoord has successfully amended and extended its US$600 million revolving warehouse facility, strengthening its long-term funding platform and liquidity position. The transaction enhances flexibility and visibility to support continued portfolio growth, while reinforcing relationships with a broad lender group. Two new lenders have joined the facility, underlining continued confidence in TrueNoord’s regional leasing strategy and credit profile.
Virgin Atlantic Raises Manchester Capacity to Offset Aer Lingus Long-Haul Exit
Virgin Atlantic is increasing long-haul capacity from Manchester as it moves to fill the gap left by Aer Lingus’ withdrawal from the northern hub. The airline will raise Manchester–Orlando capacity by 12% during the summer 2026 peak, with bookings opening from early February, and by 17% in winter 2026 through the deployment of a larger Airbus A350-1000. Virgin Atlantic has also recruited former Aer Lingus pilots and is working with the carrier to re-protect affected passengers, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Manchester and transatlantic connectivity from the region.
Waterford Coast Guard Helicopter Base Completes National Aviation Transition
Irish Coast Guard’s helicopter base at Waterford Airport has completed its transition to Bristow Ireland Limited, marking the final phase of the national aviation service changeover. Waterford becomes the fourth and last base to move under the new contract, bringing an end to more than two decades of Sikorsky S-92 operations in Irish search and rescue. The transition represents a full reset of Coast Guard aviation capability under a new operating model.
‘We need billions and billions of dollars’: SMBC’s Peter Barrett on Aircraft Leasing’s Big Opportunity
SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett says the scale of opportunity in aircraft leasing now demands unprecedented levels of capital, driven by fleet renewal and sustained airline demand. His comments follow SMBC’s landmark US$7.4 billion acquisition of Air Lease Corporation alongside shareholder Sumitomo Corporation and private credit partners. The deal has intensified investor interest in the sector, underlining leasing’s central role in funding global fleet growth.
Tweet Picks
@skift “American Airlines is positioned for significant upside in 2026 and beyond,” said American CEO Robert Isom in a statement. As part of its plan, it is continuing its premium push as part of an effort to chase the record profits at rivals Delta and United.
@skift Delta was first to recognize that premium demand would become the industry’s profit engine. But United has been aggressive at expanding premium capacity — and is closing the gap quickly.
@skift Following a very public clash with Elon Musk, Michael O’Leary acknowledges that onboard Wi-Fi will soon be ubiquitous, but Ryanair won’t absorb the cost until the tech aligns with the economics
@skift Southwest is forecasting a profitable 2026 after ripping up its business model to implement assigned seating and baggage fees. “We also outperformed our cost reduction goals,” said CEO Bob Jordan in a statement.
Video Picks
How Boeing Turned Things Around After Years of Decline
This video looks at how Boeing stabilised its business after a prolonged period of operational, financial, and reputational pressure, focusing on leadership changes, production discipline, and a reset of priorities across its commercial programmes. It offers useful context on how large aerospace manufacturers navigate recovery cycles under intense regulatory and market scrutiny.
Inside IAG’s Sustainability Journey with Jonathon Counsell
In this video, Jonathon Counsell, Group Sustainability Officer at IAG, outlines how the airline group is approaching decarbonisation across its operations, from fleet renewal and SAF adoption to policy engagement and long-term net-zero planning. The discussion provides a practical view of how sustainability strategy is being translated into measurable action within a complex, multi-airline group.
IndiGo Q3 Profit Down 77%, Disruptions Cost ₹577 Cr
This video breaks down IndiGo’s Q3 performance, where profits fell sharply due to operational disruptions that collectively cost the airline ₹577 crore. The discussion highlights how supply chain constraints, aircraft groundings, and operational challenges continue to weigh on airline financials, even as demand remains resilient across key markets.
Acumen’s Take
Across the market, the underlying theme is one of momentum paired with restraint. Demand remains strong, but growth decisions are increasingly shaped by capital discipline, operational reliability, and long-term flexibility rather than speed alone. Airlines, lessors, and service providers are aligning more closely around efficiency, funding resilience, and smarter network choices. The next phase will reward those who can execute consistently while adapting to regulatory, sustainability, and supply-side realities without overreaching.
