11 Sep 2025

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 11th September 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

ASL Airlines Ireland Retires Final Boeing 737 Classics

ASL Airlines Ireland, part of ASL Aviation Holdings DAC, has retired its last four Boeing 737 Classic freighters, closing the chapter on decades of operations with the type. The remaining 737-400SF aircraft have now been moved into storage at facilities across Europe, according to Planespotters.net. The retirement underscores the carrier’s transition toward newer, more efficient aircraft as it modernises its fleet to meet evolving operational and environmental demands.
 

China Airlines Positions Airbus A330-300 to Ireland West Airport

Ireland West Airport welcomed a notable widebody visitor on 26 August 2025 with the arrival of a China Airlines Airbus A330-302, registered B-18302 (MSN 0607). The aircraft, in basic colours, touched down at 09:41 local time after routing Taipei–Bangkok–Vienna–Knock under callsign CAL077, according to Flightradar24. Reported by Knock Airport–Runwayside, the movement highlights the airport’s ongoing role in accommodating positioning and technical flights for international carriers.

 

Flydubai Takes Delivery of Eighth 737 MAX via Shannon

Flydubai has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its eighth Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQL (MSN 61021). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 21 August at 18:14 under flight number FDB9741 and arrived at Shannon Airport the following morning at 10:20 local time. The stop at Shannon underscores the airport’s continuing importance as a key technical hub for transatlantic ferry flights supporting global fleet deliveries.

 

Aircraft Update

N435AG Boeing 737-86N c/n 41413 Safair Delivered to Johannesburg 03/09/25

Safair has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-86N, registered N435AG (MSN 41413), which arrived in Johannesburg on 3 September 2025. The aircraft will bolster the carrier’s operational capacity, supporting both its scheduled passenger services and charter operations across Africa. This delivery aligns with Safair’s strategy of expanding its fleet with efficient narrowbodies to meet rising regional travel and cargo demand.

 

SU-GFE Airbus A220-300 c/n 55074 Egyptair Ferried to Akron-Canton 26/08/25

Egyptair has ferried an Airbus A220-300, registered SU-GFE (MSN 55074), to Akron-Canton on 26 August 2025. The aircraft is expected to undergo maintenance and modification work before rejoining active service. The move highlights Egyptair’s ongoing focus on optimising its modern narrowbody fleet, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness across its regional and medium-haul network.
 

Global Aviation News

Atlas Air and Etihad Cargo Announce New Long-Term Partnership

Atlas Air has entered into a long-term agreement with Etihad Cargo to provide dedicated freighter capacity using a newly delivered Boeing 777F. The partnership, which commenced in August, will initially connect Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid, reinforcing Etihad Cargo’s global network. This collaboration underscores both carriers’ commitment to meeting rising air freight demand and enhancing connectivity across key trade lanes.

 

Avation Signed a New Lease with Sum Air

Avation PLC has finalised a lease agreement with South Korea’s SUM Air for a new ATR 72-600, marking the airline’s first aircraft. The turboprop, part of Avation’s 2024 order for ten ATR 72-600s, is scheduled for delivery in November 2025. The deal highlights Avation’s role in supporting emerging carriers, while providing SUM Air with a modern and efficient aircraft to launch its operations.

 

Boeing Scores in South Korea; MAX 10 Pressure Builds

Boeing has secured a significant order from South Korea, adding momentum to what is shaping up as a turnaround year for the manufacturer. The deal reinforces recovery in its commercial aircraft business after years of setbacks. However, the order also spotlights Boeing’s critical challenge, the delayed certification of the 737 MAX 10, a key variant central to the company’s competitiveness in the single-aisle market.

 

Bournemouth Airport Wins Planning Approval to Combine Terminals

Bournemouth Airport has secured approval for a £50 million redevelopment project that will merge its arrivals and departures facilities into a single modernised terminal. The phased scheme includes enhanced baggage, security, and passenger amenities, alongside a new transport interchange. Expected to create over 230 direct jobs, the project underlines the airport’s commitment to improving capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience while supporting regional economic growth.

 

Brussels Airlines Adds Five More A320neo Aircraft to Its Fleet

Brussels Airlines has approved the acquisition of five additional Airbus A320neo aircraft, expanding its fleet of the type to 13. The move forms part of the carrier’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy, focused on lowering emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and delivering greater passenger comfort. This investment reflects the airline’s long-term commitment to sustainable growth while strengthening its competitive position in the European market.

 

Canada–Mexico Air Travel Jumps 20% in 1H25 Amid US Tensions

Passenger traffic between Canada and Mexico rose 20.3% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to AFAC data. The surge is driven by Canadian airlines expanding services and travellers increasingly opting for Mexico over U.S. destinations amid ongoing political and trade frictions. The trend highlights Mexico’s strengthening position as a preferred market for Canadian leisure and business travel.

 

Cargojet Navigates Tariff Turbulence, Maintains Revenue Growth

Cargojet reported a 7% year-on-year increase in core transportation revenue for Q2 2025, driven by its domestic overnight network, contract carriage, and charter operations. The growth comes despite rising U.S.-related trade barriers and broader global market uncertainty. Management remains cautiously optimistic, noting that consistent demand and operational resilience should help sustain volumes in the near to medium term, even amid tariff-driven headwinds.

 

Ethiopian Opens First of Five New Airports at Yabelo

Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated Yabelo Airport in southern Oromia, the first of five planned new airports aimed at reshaping Ethiopia’s aviation landscape. Opened on 31 August 2025, the facility was launched in the presence of senior government officials and airline leaders, underscoring its strategic importance. The project is expected to drive regional socio-economic growth, enhance connectivity, and support the country’s wider ambition to expand its aviation infrastructure.
 

First Dreamliner with Lufthansa Allegris Lands in Frankfurt

Lufthansa has welcomed its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with the new Allegris cabin, which landed in Frankfurt from Seattle. The aircraft will debut on scheduled services to Toronto from mid-October, offering a refreshed passenger experience across all classes. Lufthansa plans to add up to nine more 787-9s to its Frankfurt hub by year-end, marking a major step in fleet modernisation and enhancing the airline’s long-haul product offering.

 

Irish Aviation News

Avolon Announces $1.25 Billion Unsecured Bond Offering

Avolon has priced a US$1.25 billion private offering of 4.950% senior unsecured notes due 2032 through its subsidiary Avolon Holdings Funding Limited. The notes, guaranteed by Avolon and select subsidiaries, are expected to close around 11 September 2025. Proceeds will primarily fund repurchases of existing debt under ongoing tender offers, with any surplus allocated to general corporate purposes, including potential future debt repayments.

 

Ryanair Reports Record 21m Passengers in August, Up 2.4% on 2024 & 40.9% on Pre-Pandemic

Ryanair carried a record 21 million passengers in August 2025, marking a 2.4% increase on 2024 levels and 40.9% above pre-pandemic figures. The airline’s rolling annual total reached 203.6 million, up 6%, though growth was constrained by Boeing delivery delays for its remaining 737-8 orders. With a load factor of 96%two points higher than last year, Ryanair continues to lead the industry in efficiency and demand resilience.

 

Shannon Airport Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Transatlantic Flights with Giveaway of 80 Flights

Shannon Airport is marking 80 years of transatlantic services with its “Ready, Jet, Go” campaign, giving away 80 flights throughout September. The competition will see 40 pairs of return tickets offered daily to popular destinations across the EU, UK, and US, including New York, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, and Frankfurt. The initiative highlights Shannon’s historic role in transatlantic travel while engaging passengers with a high-profile celebration.

 

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield to Acquire Air Lease Corporation in 100% Cash Transaction

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds, and Brookfield have agreed to acquire Air Lease Corporation in a full cash transaction. The deal will see Air Lease, founded by Steven Udvar-Házy and John Plueger, rebranded as Sumisho Air Lease upon closing. With a portfolio focused on new technology aircraft, the acquisition reflects a major consolidation move in the leasing sector, backed by significant capital commitments from Apollo and Brookfield.

 

Spain Received Record 364k Visits from Ireland in July, +15.7% on 2024 & +27% on Pre-Pandemic

Spain welcomed 363,869 Irish visitors in July 2025, a 15.7% rise on 2024 and 27.1% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The rolling annual figure reached 2.87 million, with year-to-date arrivals up 9.5% at 1.77 million. With 400 weekly flights linking Ireland and Spain during the summer, demand remains robust, contributing to Spain’s wider tourism growth, which surpassed 55.5 million international visitors between January and July.

 

Survey Shows Ireland’s Landscape the Big Draw for International Visitors

A Tourism Ireland survey of 8,000 potential holidaymakers across eight key markets found that Ireland’s landscapes remain its most powerful attraction. Respondents also highlighted the nation’s rich history, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality as compelling reasons to visit. The findings reaffirm Ireland’s enduring appeal as a destination where natural beauty and cultural depth combine to shape visitor interest and travel decisions.

 

Summer Sun, Sport and Music Ensure Record-Breaking August at Dublin and Cork Airports

Dublin and Cork airports handled a combined 4.16 million passengers in August 2025, continuing a record-breaking summer season. Cork Airport posted its busiest-ever August with 376,709 passengers, up 10% year-on-year, while year-to-date traffic rose 15%. Across June to August, Cork welcomed 1.1 million travellers, cementing its position as Ireland’s fastest-growing airport amid strong demand driven by leisure travel, sporting events, and music festivals.

 

Titan Aviation Leasing, Bain Capital and Atlas Air Worldwide Launch Second Freighter Aircraft Investment Platform

Titan Aviation Leasing, Bain Capital, and Atlas Air Worldwide have launched Titan Aircraft Investments II with a $410 million capital commitment. Building on the success of the original platform, the new venture aims to expand global freighter leasing capacity and provide flexible solutions to meet rising demand. Headquartered in Dublin, the initiative reinforces Ireland’s central role in aviation finance and the growing importance of dedicated cargo investment platforms.

 

'We Aren't Going to Stand for It' – Ryanair on 200% Increase in Unruly Behaviour on Flights.

Ryanair has pledged a tougher stance on disruptive passenger behaviour after incidents more than trebled over the past year, according to the Irish Aviation Authority. Director of Communications Jade Kirwan attributed the rise to airlines more actively reporting cases to regulators, ensuring accountability for offenders. The airline emphasised that protecting crew and passengers remains a priority as the industry collectively addresses unruly behaviour in the skies.

 

Tweet Picks

@realBobbyHealy In just 18 months, @MannaAero has already replaced about half a million kilometres of road-based deliveries in Dublin 15 alone. And we are still growing. Imagine the impact when we expand that everywhere...

@RiyadhAir We’re proud to join forces with @RedSeaGlobal to elevate the future of Saudi tourism and position the Kingdom among premier destinations on the global stage.

@RollsRoyce Blazing speed, record-breaking range, and game-changing efficiency: The #Pearl700- powered @GulfstreamAero #G800 just entered into service. It’s the fourth application for our Pearl engine family, positioning us for sustainable and profitable future growth.

@simonasbartkus New departure and arrival areas already open in expanded Kaunas Airport terminal.Kaunas Airport is getting more than 1.5x extra space to be ready to serve 2M annual traffic.

 

Video Picks

Mark Sutch, Head International Development and CCO – Cargo, IndiGo

In this interview, IndiGo’s Mark Sutch outlines the airline’s cargo growth strategy and its role in expanding international connectivity. He highlights how IndiGo Cargo is leveraging its scale, fleet flexibility, and partnerships to tap into rising demand across regional and global trade lanes. The discussion also touches on innovation and customer-focused solutions, reinforcing IndiGo’s ambitions to become a leading player in the air freight sector.

 

 

MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle on the Challenges in Vegas, U.S. Travel

MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle discusses the current challenges facing Las Vegas and the broader U.S. travel sector. He points to shifting consumer spending, the impact of global economic pressures, and the need for ongoing investment in experiences to keep destinations competitive. The conversation underscores how resilience, innovation, and adaptability are key to sustaining momentum in the hospitality and travel industries.

 

 

Shaping the Future of Helicopter Leasing with Milestone Aviation

This feature spotlights Milestone Aviation’s role in driving innovation within the helicopter leasing sector. Executives share insights on how the company is adapting to evolving market needs, from offshore energy and emergency medical services to search-and-rescue operations. The discussion highlights the importance of flexible leasing solutions, sustainability considerations, and long-term partnerships in shaping the future of rotary aviation.

 

 

Acumen’s Take 

This edition reflects an aviation industry balancing growth with transformation. Airlines and lessors continue to expand fleets, modernise assets, and explore new financing structures, while airports invest in infrastructure to meet future demand. Cargo operations remain a cornerstone of resilience, with partnerships and dedicated platforms gaining traction. Tourism flows highlight the sector’s recovery, while sustainability and innovation are increasingly embedded in long-term strategies. Overall, the industry demonstrates adaptability and forward-looking investment, positioning itself for sustained momentum in a competitive global market.