12 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th 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
XA-OTB Boeing 737-8 Registered to Aeromexico
Aeromexico has taken on a freshly registered Boeing 737-8, XA-OTB (c/n 42389), completing its transition from its former identity EI-GZB on 26 November at Mexico City. The aircraft’s induction supports the airline’s steady move toward newer, more efficient narrowbodies, bolstering fleet reliability and utilisation across high-density domestic and regional routes as Aeromexico continues strengthening its network and operational resilience.
XA-OTC Boeing 737-8 Registered to Aeromexico
Aeromexico has added another Boeing 737-8 to its fleet with the registration of XA-OTC (c/n 42481) in Mexico City on 26 November, transitioning from its previous mark EI-GZC. The aircraft’s arrival further consolidates the carrier’s ongoing fleet modernisation efforts, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting capacity growth on key domestic and regional routes as demand continues to strengthen heading into 2026.
Global Aviation News
Emirates Orders Eight Additional Airbus A350-900s
Emirates has expanded its widebody ambitions with a US$3.4 billion order for eight more Airbus A350-900s, placed during the Dubai Airshow 2025. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines, the top-up lifts the carrier’s total A350-900 commitment to 73 aircraft, complementing the 13 already delivered. The new units, scheduled to arrive from 2031, reinforce Emirates’ long-term fleet renewal strategy as it builds a more efficient backbone for future long-haul growth.
Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines Targets Fleet and Network Growth
SCAT Airlines is preparing for a significant expansion phase, outlining plans to broaden its route network and increase its fleet, including the potential addition of widebodies in the coming years. The carrier showcased its latest Boeing 737-8 at the Dubai Airshow, marking the seventh delivery from its current order stream, with five more still to come. This planned growth underlines SCAT’s ambition to strengthen regional connectivity and capture rising demand across Central Asia.
Loganair Wet-Leases ATR72-500 to Maintain Scottish Connectivity
Loganair has brought in an ATR72-500 from Denmark’s DAT to keep Scottish routes running after reallocating one of its ATR72-600s to Jersey following its takeover of former Blue Islands services. The aircraft ferried from Copenhagen to Aberdeen on 17 November and entered operation the next day, supporting links between Aberdeen, Dublin, and Sumburgh over a three-week period. The temporary arrangement ensured network continuity while enabling Loganair to stabilise its expanded Jersey schedule.
Luxair Receives Its First Embraer E195-E2, Launching Fleet Renewal
Luxair marked the beginning of a transformative fleet renewal with the arrival of its first Embraer E195-E2 in Luxembourg, touching down at 14:00 CET to a ceremonial water salute. The aircraft’s introduction signals a strategic move toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth as the national carrier modernises its operations. The milestone was commemorated at Luxair’s Maintenance Hangar in the presence of government officials and aviation leaders, underscoring the programme’s significance for Luxembourg’s future connectivity.
Macedonia and UK Sign New Air Service Agreement
Macedonia and the United Kingdom have concluded a new Air Service Agreement that replaces pre-Brexit arrangements and opens the door for expanded commercial flights between the two markets. The framework allows carriers to operate scheduled services with flexible fare and capacity setting based on demand, supporting aims to deepen mobility, trade, and tourism links. Officials in Skopje and London described the deal as a meaningful step in strengthening bilateral aviation ties, adding to the UK’s recent agreements with Serbia and Montenegro as regional connectivity continues to evolve.
Norse Reports Record Revenue but Weak Yields Limit Profitability
Norse Atlantic has delivered its strongest-ever third-quarter revenue and maintained load factors above 90% for a fourth consecutive quarter, yet the carrier remained loss-making as soft transatlantic fares and several one-off operational costs weighed on results. The long-haul LCC is continuing its pivot toward a blended ACMI and scheduled model, aiming to stabilise earnings and reduce exposure to volatile long-haul yields as it refines its strategy for 2026.
Emirates Nears Critical Decision on Deferred Boeing 787 Order
Emirates is approaching a long-awaited crossroads on its repeatedly reshaped Boeing 787 Dreamliner order, with Boeing now seeking firm commitments as it allocates production slots for the latter half of the decade. Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, COO Adel Al Redha admitted a decision is overdue but noted the airline is “not yet ready” to finalise its choice after years of variant reconsideration. For now, Emirates continues to keep its options open, reflecting the carrier’s cautious, long-term approach to fleet planning.
Saudi Arabia Signals Plans for Three Additional Airlines
Saudi Arabia is preparing to unveil three new carriers to complement Riyadh Air and Saudia, as part of its drive to build aviation capacity that matches its tourism and economic ambitions. According to the Saudi Tourism Authority’s chief executive, the expanded airline ecosystem is central to strengthening the country’s position as a global destination and supporting its broader Vision 2030 objectives. The move underscores the scale of Saudi Arabia’s long-term connectivity strategy as it reshapes its aviation landscape.
Supply Chain Pressures Drive Continued A320neo Teardowns
Supply chain constraints are prompting more early-life Airbus A320neo teardowns, with Eirtrade Aviation now acquiring two six-year-old PW1127-powered jets for part-out. The engines and APUs will be removed and remarketed, while the airframes undergo disassembly at Eirtrade’s Knock facility. The trend reflects ongoing demand for scarce new-generation components as operators and MROs navigate extended turnaround times for repairs and spares.
Croatia Airlines Set for State-Led Recapitalisation via Debt-to-Equity Swap
Croatia Airlines is poised for a government-backed recapitalisation as Zagreb prepares to convert outstanding state loans into equity to stabilise the carrier’s finances. The airline’s management is expected to approve a €43 million capital increase on 29 December, transforming €33.2 million from one loan and €9.8 million from another into newly issued shares taken up by the state. The move aims to reduce mounting debt and provide a more sustainable footing for the national carrier’s operations.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Launches First Direct Dublin–Tromsø Service
Aer Lingus has inaugurated its first-ever direct route to Norway with the launch of twice-weekly flights from Dublin to Tromsø, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays through 25 March 2026. The seasonal service, starting from €99 one way, marks a network milestone and strengthens transatlantic connectivity via the Dublin Hub. Aer Lingus and Avinor officials highlighted the route’s significance, opening access to Arctic attractions for Irish travellers while offering Norwegian passengers a direct link to Ireland’s capital.
Emirates Schedules Cabin Crew Recruitment Days in Dublin and Cork
Emirates has announced new cabin crew recruitment events in Dublin next Sunday and in Cork on 15 December, continuing its drive to attract talent from Ireland. Successful candidates will relocate to Dubai for eight weeks of training at the airline’s purpose-built academy, where they will undertake safety, service, hospitality, and emergency procedure instruction. The initiative reflects Emirates’ ongoing expansion and its long-standing interest in the Irish talent pool.
Irish Government Confirms €4 Million in Operational Funding for Regional Airports
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has allocated €4 million in operational funding to Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021–2025. The support, covering key functions such as air traffic control, fire services and security screening, comes alongside €7.8 million in capital funding announced earlier this year. Passenger traffic at these airports has risen 11 percent year-on-year, and the Government has committed to progressing a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030 to continue strengthening regional connectivity and resilience.
Passenger Growth Continues at Cork and Dublin Airports in November
Cork and Dublin airports recorded another strong month in November, handling more than 2.8 million passengers combined, an 11 percent increase on last year. Cork welcomed 214,790 travellers, up 7 percent, supported by expanded winter schedules including KLM’s move to three daily Amsterdam flights, Air France’s shift to year-round Paris service, and Aer Lingus’ new Prague route. Dublin also saw its busiest day of the month on 2 November, driven by returning mid-term travellers, reinforcing sustained demand across Ireland’s two busiest gateways.
Titan Aviation Leasing Delivers First A330-200P2F to JD Airlines
Titan Aviation Leasing has delivered the first of two Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft to JD Airlines, the cargo arm of JD.com and one of China’s largest retail and supply chain operators. The A330 freighter, MSN 832, is being placed under a long-term operating lease and will support JD Airlines’ expanding logistics network. The second aircraft is set to follow, marking a meaningful step in Titan’s growing presence in the Asia-Pacific cargo market.
Irish Visits to Spain Top Three Million Over Twelve Months
Travel between Ireland and Spain continues to surge, with 285,493 Irish visits recorded in October, up 4.6 percent year-on-year and 45 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Year-to-date travel has reached 2.48 million trips, while the rolling annual total has surpassed three million, marking a 9.8 percent increase. Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Andalucía remained the top destinations, reflecting Spain’s sustained appeal for Irish leisure travellers.
Tourism Ireland Launches the Irish Whiskey Way in Kilbeggan
Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh highlighted the powerful link between tourism and Ireland’s whiskey heritage at the launch of the Irish Whiskey Way in Kilbeggan, noting that distillery experiences welcomed one million visitors last year, up more than 20 percent. She emphasised whiskey’s role as an authentic national story that strengthened Ireland’s global appeal, with visitors drawn not only to tastings but to the history, culture and regional identities behind each distillery. The new trail aims to further elevate Ireland’s whiskey tourism offering as a driver of international marketing and visitor growth.
IBGAA Annual Conference Celebrates the Strength of the Global Irish
The Irish Business and General Aviation Association hosted its annual conference at the K Club, delivering a full day of expert panels, industry insights and high-profile speakers in an atmosphere that underscored the influence of the global Irish aviation community. The event concluded with a gala dinner, traditional music and dancing, capturing the blend of professionalism and culture that defines the gathering. Organisers highlighted the conference’s growing significance as a platform for collaboration, advocacy and sector-wide engagement.
Tweet Picks
@BoeingAirplanes We're partnering with @flydubai to provide Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs in support of the airline's fleet operations. #DAS25. CBTA programs use competency and data-informed scenarios to build a more resilient and safety-focused workforce.
@business Ryanair has scrapped its subscription service eight months into the plan after finding it was costing the budget airline too much money.
@ByERussell The intercontinental debut of @FlySWISS ' first A350 and new Swiss Senses product was the culmination of years of work — and delay — for the airline. It's a refined luxury without the ostentation of some other carriers, in short: very Swiss.
@ClimbingFast Canada has officially certified its first all-electric aircraft! Pipistrel’s Velis Electro has become the first all-electric aircraft certified in the country, following its earlier European and UK certifications.
Video Picks
Dubai Airshow 2025:Emirates A380 Showcase
This segment offers an inside look at Emirates’ A380 as it takes centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2025, highlighting the aircraft’s refreshed cabin features, upgraded premium products and the operational refinements supporting its extended service life. The video underscores the superjumbo’s continued role in Emirates’ long-haul strategy, demonstrating how the carrier is leveraging its flagship to enhance passenger experience and maintain its competitive edge across global markets.
It’s Not the Dubai Airshow Without Hearing from the DXB Boss
In this interview, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths shares his perspective on the airshow’s role in shaping aviation strategy for the region’s busiest hub. He reflects on capacity planning, passenger experience innovation and the long-term infrastructure priorities needed to sustain growth at DXB. Griffiths also outlines how Dubai is positioning itself for future demand while maintaining its reputation for operational resilience and service excellence.
‘It’s Not a Straight Line’: Etihad CEO on Supply Shocks
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves speaks to CNBC about the uneven recovery trajectory facing global aviation, explaining how supply chain disruptions, delivery delays and maintenance constraints continue to shape airline planning. He outlines Etihad’s approach to navigating these pressures while sustaining growth momentum, emphasising disciplined capacity management, fleet strategy and the importance of long-term partnerships across the value chain.
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.
