12 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th 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-XLX Airbus A321-271NX
An Airbus A321-271NX, registered EI-XLX (c/n 12549), has been delivered to Aer Lingus following a ferry flight from Hamburg Finkenwerder to Dublin on 30 January 2026. The addition forms part of Aer Lingus’ ongoing fleet renewal programme, strengthening its narrowbody capacity with next-generation aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The A321neo will support both short-haul and longer European services as the airline continues to modernise its fleet and optimise operating economics.
SP-RNP Boeing 737-8AS
A Boeing 737-8AS, registered SP-RNP (c/n 40291), was registered to Buzz at Nuremberg Airport on 28 January 2026, having previously operated as EI-EVF. The re-registration reflects ongoing fleet and registry optimisation within the Ryanair Group, as aircraft continue to be allocated across operating units to align with network requirements, regulatory frameworks, and seasonal capacity planning.
Global Aviation News
Air Cambodia Places Largest Single-Aisle Order with Boeing
Air Cambodia has announced its largest ever single-aisle aircraft order, committing to up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets in a deal unveiled at the Singapore Airshow. The agreement includes a firm order for 10 737-8 aircraft finalised in December 2025, with options for a further 10, marking the first time a Cambodian airline will operate Boeing aircraft. The 737-8s will support fleet renewal and network expansion across high-demand regional routes, reflecting growing air travel demand in Southeast Asia and the continued appeal of fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft for emerging carriers.
Air India Converts 15 A321neo Orders to A321XLR
Air India has confirmed the conversion of 15 Airbus A321neo orders to the A321XLR, strengthening its narrowbody long-range capability as part of its wider fleet modernisation programme. Announced at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, the move forms part of Air India’s landmark Airbus orders placed in 2023 and expanded in 2024, covering 50 A350 widebodies and 300 A320 Family aircraft. The A321XLRs, due for delivery between 2029 and 2030, will offer extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, enabling Air India to open thinner long-haul and regional routes while enhancing passenger comfort and network flexibility.
AirX Signs Firm Order Agreement with Eve Air Mobility for Two eVTOL Aircraft
AirX has signed a firm order agreement with Eve Air Mobility for two electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a step into next-generation urban and regional air mobility. The order positions AirX to explore future electric operations focused on efficiency and reduced emissions. The agreement reflects growing operator confidence in advanced air mobility platforms as certification timelines progress and use cases begin to take shape.
AJW Group Expands B787 Portfolio
AJW Group has expanded its Boeing 787 portfolio with the acquisition of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft (MSN 36424), reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting operators across the Dreamliner market. The addition forms part of AJW’s disciplined asset investment strategy, focused on building scale and flexibility within the B787 ecosystem to meet evolving customer requirements. The group said each portfolio expansion is carefully assessed to ensure long-term value creation and the ability to respond effectively to demand across component support, repair, and supply chain solutions, with further details on utilisation to be confirmed in due course.
Avora Aviation Acquires MSN 5931 from Avia Quest Ltd
Avora Aviation has acquired aircraft MSN 5931 from Avia Quest Ltd, adding another asset to its growing managed and traded portfolio. The transaction further strengthens Avora’s growing narrowbody portfolio and supports the company’s strategy of building a high-quality, in-demand fleet to meet the needs of airline customers worldwide. The aircraft will be operated by Fly2Sky Airlines and is currently being prepared for entry into service.
DAE Announces Long-Term Lease of 13 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to Royal Air Maroc
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has agreed a long-term lease with Royal Air Maroc for 13 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled from 2027. The deal builds on an earlier agreement that saw two 737-8s delivered to the airline in 2025. The transaction supports Royal Air Maroc’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy as Morocco strengthens its position as a regional tourism and business hub. It also reinforces DAE’s role as a key lessor backing airline expansion with next-generation narrowbody aircraft.
De Havilland Canada Delivers OEM-Refurbished Dash 8-400 to TrueNoord
De Havilland Canada has delivered an OEM-refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft to regional lessor TrueNoord, reinforcing continued demand for modern turboprop capacity. The aircraft will be placed on lease with Nexus Airlines, supporting its expanding regional network in Australia. The delivery highlights ongoing investment in life-extended regional aircraft as operators prioritise efficiency, reliability, and right-sized capacity.
Delta Signals Upward Pressure on Main Cabin Airfares
Delta Air Lines president Glen Hauenstein has indicated that domestic main cabin fares are likely to rise as airlines reassess the economics of core ticket pricing. Speaking during Delta’s Q4 earnings call, he noted that many carriers are effectively losing money on the act of transporting passengers, with profitability increasingly driven by ancillary revenues such as co-branded credit cards. Main cabin-heavy networks face the greatest pressure, reinforcing the need for fare adjustments to restore balance.
easyJet Targets North Africa and Mid-Haul Routes for Growth
easyJet has identified North Africa and mid-haul markets as key growth areas, citing robust demand and shifting travel preferences among value-conscious passengers. The airline’s chief executive pointed to strong momentum at easyJet Holidays, which recorded its largest-ever January performance, underlining the growing role of packaged leisure travel in the group’s strategy. Expansion plans focus on affordable mid-haul destinations across the Mediterranean and beyond, alongside culturally rich and beach-led routes in North Africa. The approach supports broader network optimisation as easyJet looks to balance growth with competitiveness in a crowded short- and mid-haul market.
Emirates Secures Site for New Cabin Crew Village at Dubai Investments Park
Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park to acquire land for a new purpose-built Cabin Crew Village, marking a multi-billion-dirham investment in workforce infrastructure. The mixed-use residential development is designed to accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members and will form part of Emirates’ long-term growth and people strategy. The project reflects the airline’s continued expansion and its focus on providing modern, purpose-built living facilities to support operational resilience, crew wellbeing, and future network growth from Dubai.
Irish Aviation News
Dáil Debates Regulation of Drones Bill 2025
The Dáil debated the Regulation of Drones Bill 2025 at Second Stage, with the Bill’s sponsor arguing Ireland’s approach has leaned too heavily on aviation safety and air traffic control, without properly addressing public-interest issues such as noise, privacy, planning oversight, and environmental impacts, especially in areas experiencing high-frequency delivery operations. The Government introduced a timed amendment to delay the Bill for 12 months, saying it wants space to progress the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, examine legal and policy implications, and avoid overly prescriptive planning requirements or an impractical, complaints-driven noise route through the courts. Across contributions, the common thread was support for innovation alongside calls for clearer rules, enforceable safeguards, and a credible pathway for communities and local authorities to shape how drone activity scales.
Donegal Airport Raises Concerns Over Draft PSO Changes
Donegal Airport’s director has voiced concerns about proposed changes in a draft Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for the Donegal–Dublin route, warning that significantly altered flight times could disrupt access for passengers travelling to Dublin for essential medical appointments. The draft also indicates the aircraft would no longer overnight at Donegal Airport, a shift that has prompted further unease around reliability, early-day operational flexibility, and the wider knock-on impact for connectivity from the region.
Government of Ireland Takes Delivery of New Falcon 6X
The Government of Ireland has taken delivery of a factory-new Falcon 6X, marking a significant upgrade in the State’s strategic airlift capability. Supported by ALTEA, the aircraft replaces a Learjet 45 that had been in service for over two decades and is the first military-registered Falcon 6X delivered to a European state by Dassault. Set to enter service shortly with the Irish Air Corps, the jet will enhance government transport, medical evacuation, and overseas support missions with greater range, flexibility, and operational resilience.
IAA Establishes Passenger Advisory Group to Strengthen Consumer Voice
The Irish Aviation Authority has established a new Passenger Advisory Group (PAG) for the 2026–2030 period, following a public consultation on its remit, work plan, and membership. The group is designed to give passengers a more direct voice in aviation regulation, helping the IAA better reflect consumer priorities in its decision-making. A key focus will be assessing how passenger needs are addressed at Dublin Airport, including service quality, overall passenger experience, and the airport’s five-year capital investment programme. The PAG’s formation is particularly timely as the IAA prepares to set Dublin Airport charges for 2027–2031, with the group expected to play an active role during the 2026 Determination consultation process to test whether passenger expectations and priorities have evolved.
Ireland West Airport Knock at 40 – A Regional Gateway That Still Feels Human
As Ireland West Airport Knock marks its 40th anniversary in 2026, it stands out as a rare example of sustained growth without losing its sense of place. Passenger numbers reached a record 946,381 in 2025, making it Ireland’s fastest-growing airport and reinforcing its role as a vital connector for the west of Ireland. Managing Director Joe Gilmore points to a model built on steady expansion, reliable connectivity, and a travel experience that remains calm and accessible. Four decades on, the airport continues to support tourism, business, and social ties while staying closely rooted in the communities it serves.
Irish Travel Agents Industry Barometer Highlights Resilience Amid Cost Pressures
The Irish Travel Agents Association has published its latest Annual Industry Barometer, showing that Ireland’s travel sector remains resilient and profitable despite rising operating costs and ongoing economic uncertainty. Based on responses from ITAA member agencies across leisure, corporate, and specialist travel segments, the survey points to sustained demand and cautious optimism for 2026. While shifting consumer behaviour and higher cost bases continue to shape decision-making, strong underlying profitability is providing the sector with a stable platform to navigate near-term challenges and adapt to evolving market conditions.
Irish Travel to Spain Hits Record High in 2025
Irish travel to Spain surpassed three million visits in 2025 for the first time, marking a milestone level of outbound demand and one of the highest visitation rates per head of population globally. Irish visits were up 11.8% year-on-year and 25.3% above pre-pandemic levels, with December alone recording 149,753 trips, a 77.3% increase versus pre-Covid figures. The surge aligns with Spain’s broader tourism performance, which saw the country welcome a record 96.8 million international visitors in 2025, reinforcing Spain’s continued appeal as a core leisure market for Irish travellers.
Passenger Numbers at Dublin Airport Jump 14% in January
Passenger traffic at Dublin Airport surged by 14% year-on-year in January, with a record 2.48 million passengers passing through the airport during what is typically a quieter winter month. The growth underlines sustained demand for air travel to and from Ireland’s main gateway, with three separate days exceeding the 100,000-passenger mark for the first time ever in January, including a peak of 112,227 passengers on Sunday, 4 January. Airport operator daa said the figures reinforce the case for the permanent removal of the passenger cap, noting that January marked the tenth consecutive month of year-on-year passenger growth at Dublin Airport.
Ryanair Posts €115m Q3 Profit on Rising Traffic and Fares
Ryanair reported a Q3 profit after tax of €115 million for the quarter ending 31 December, reflecting continued passenger growth and improving yields despite the impact of an exceptional regulatory charge. The airline carried 47.5 million passengers during the quarter, up 6% year-on-year, while average fares rose 4% to €44. Total revenue increased 9% to €3.21 billion, driven by a 10% uplift in scheduled revenue and a 7% rise in ancillary income, underlining Ryanair’s ability to convert strong demand into higher earnings even amid regulatory and cost pressures.
Waterford Coast Guard Base Transition Completes National Aviation Changeover
The transition of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter base at Waterford Airport to Bristow Ireland Limited marks the final stage of Ireland’s national Coast Guard aviation service changeover. Welcomed by Sean Canney, the move completes the replacement of the long-serving Sikorsky S-92 fleet with Bristow’s AW189 helicopters, now operating from Shannon, Sligo and Weston, alongside a new fixed-wing service based in Shannon. The transition also ensures continuity of expertise, with many former CHCI personnel moving across to Bristow Ireland as the new operating model beds in.
Tweet Picks
@flightradar24 The first line-fit Boeing 787-9 for @airindia is making its first revenue flight today on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route.
@ByERussell United executives on the airline's 4Q25 earnings call say they expect the first 787s with the airline's new Polaris Studio — an upgrade to its Polaris business class, just don't call it first class — in the next few weeks. $UAL.
@ByERussell United CEO Kirby says the airline is drawing a "line in the sand" in Chicago this year and won't let American win back any more gates at O'Hare. That means United will add flights whenever AA does; gate allocation at ORD is based on flight levels in the year prior.
@ByERussell United told pilots on Thursday that it expects delivery of its first 787-9 with the new Polaris Studio in February and entry-into-service in March.
Video Picks
JetBlue CEO: “2026 Is Going to Be JetBlue’s Year”
In this video, JetBlue CEO outlines why 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for JetBlue, pointing to improving financial performance, network optimisation, and a sharper focus on cost discipline and reliability. The discussion touches on how operational stability and a clearer strategic direction are expected to support stronger margins, as the airline looks to move past recent disruption and position itself more competitively in the U.S. market.
MSC Air Cargo Takes Delivery of New Boeing 777F
This video covers MSC Air Cargo taking delivery of a new Boeing 777F, marking another step in the carrier’s fleet expansion strategy. The addition of the long-range freighter strengthens MSC Air Cargo’s global cargo capabilities, supporting higher payloads, improved fuel efficiency, and growing demand across key long-haul freight markets as air cargo capacity continues to rebalance post-pandemic.
Ryanair Holdings plc Q3 2026 Earnings Call
This earnings call features Ryanair Holdings plc discussing its Q3 2026 performance, with management outlining traffic growth, fare trends, cost discipline, and outlook for the remainder of the financial year. The discussion provides insight into Ryanair’s demand resilience, operational strategy, and how the group is positioning itself amid regulatory, capacity, and cost pressures across the European aviation market.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reinforces how aviation is settling into a more structural phase of growth rather than a post-recovery surge. Demand remains resilient, but decisions across fleets, networks, funding, and regulation are becoming more deliberate and capital-intensive. Airlines and lessors alike are prioritising flexibility, efficiency, and long-term positioning over short-term expansion. What stands out is a clear shift toward disciplined execution as the defining differentiator in a tighter operating environment.
