12 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th January 2026
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IrishAero News
Ryanair Group Takes Delivery of 34 Boeing 737s in 2025
Ryanair Group continued the expansion of its Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger” fleet through 2025, taking delivery of 34 aircraft during the calendar year and bringing the in-service total to 206 aircraft as of 31 December 2025. The majority of deliveries were allocated to Dublin-based Ryanair DAC, which received 26 aircraft, reinforcing its status as the group’s largest MAX operator. Polish subsidiary Buzz took delivery of seven aircraft, while Ryanair UK received its first 737 MAX 8-200, marking a notable milestone for the London Stansted-based AOC. The deliveries further underline the group’s commitment to fleet modernisation and unit-cost leadership using the high-density MAX platform supplied by Boeing.
LY-BQR Airbus A321-231 Departs Ireland West Airport
An Airbus A321-231, LY-BQR (MSN 0946), has departed Ireland after an extended storage period. Reported by Skyliner Aviation, the aircraft had been stored at Ireland West Airport since 2018 and departed on 22 December 2025, routing via Verona, Italy, to Varna, Bulgaria, for Electra Airways operations. Previously stored in all-white livery with former AnadoluJet titles, the aircraft was re-registered to Maverick Horizon Ltd on 25 August 2025, having earlier operated as 9H-SLG.
MIAT Wet-Leases EI-MGL Boeing 787-9 to Gulf Air
MIAT Mongolian Airlines has wet-leased a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, EI-MGL (MSN 60326), to Bahrain-based Gulf Air, which is operating the aircraft in full Gulf Air colours. The aircraft positioned from Ulaanbaatar to Bahrain on 12 December 2025 and entered service on 14 December, operating the daily Bahrain–Manila route as flights GFA154/155. The wet lease supports Gulf Air’s long-haul growth plans, following the airline’s November 2025 order for 15 Boeing 787s, with options for three more, as it continues to expand its widebody network across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Aircraft Update
EI-TEB Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways
An Airbus A220-300, registered EI-TEB (c/n 55407), has been delivered to ITA Airways. The aircraft was ferried from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino Airport on 13 December 2025, marking another addition to the airline’s growing A220 fleet as it continues to modernise its short- and medium-haul operations.
EI-TEC Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways
An Airbus A220-300, registered EI-TEC (c/n 55413), has been delivered to ITA Airways. The aircraft was ferried from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino Airport on 13 December 2025, further supporting the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal programme focused on efficient next-generation narrowbody aircraft.
EI-TED Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways
An Airbus A220-300, registered EI-TED (c/n 55419), has been delivered to ITA Airways. The aircraft was ferried from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino Airport on 05 January 2026, continuing the airline’s steady induction of A220 aircraft as part of its short- and medium-haul fleet modernisation programme.
Global Aviation News
American Airlines StrengthensDallas-Fortt Worth Hub
American Airlines is reshaping its operations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, reinforcing the airport’s role as the carrier’s largest and most strategic hub. The airline is introducing operational and customer-focused changes to improve connectivity, efficiency, and the overall travel experience. The move reflects America’s long-term commitment to DFW as a core pillar of its domestic and international network, with the upgrades expected to deliver tangible benefits for passengers while supporting future growth across key markets.
APOC Aviation Acquires CF34-10E Engine for Teardown
APOC Aviation has acquired a CF34-10E engine for teardown, expanding its inventory of used serviceable material (USM) available for sale or exchange. The engine, most recently operated by Kenya Airways, will be dismantled in Europe, with parts stored at APOC’s warehouse near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Commenting on the acquisition, Bruce Ansell, Technical Manager – Engine Division at APOC Aviation, noted that demand for high-quality USM is expected to grow into 2026, underlining continued strength in the aftermarket as operators and MROs seek cost-effective material solutions.
Aena Extends Incentives for Regional Airports
Aena has extended its incentive scheme aimed at supporting traffic growth and airline operations at regional airports across Spain. The programme is designed to encourage route development, improve connectivity, and stimulate passenger demand outside the country’s primary hubs.The extension reflects Aena’s continued focus on strengthening regional air services, particularly as airlines reassess network strategies and capacity deployment in response to evolving market conditions.
Arena Aviation Capital Acquires Ten Airbus A321-200 Aircraft
Arena Aviation Capital has completed the acquisition of a portfolio of ten Airbus A321-200 aircraft, marking a strong close to 2025. The aircraft are operated by Vietnam Airlines and were purchased from Vietnam Aircraft Leasing Joint Stock Company (VALC), representing Arena’s largest single transaction since its launch in 2013.Commenting on the transaction, Erik Dahmen, Chief Commercial Officer at Arena Aviation Capital, highlighted the complexity of executing the deal, noting that local presence and region-specific legal expertise were critical to navigating the cultural and structural challenges associated with the Southeast Asian market.
Avion Express Brasil Expands Fleet with Second Aircraft
Avion Express Brasil has expanded its fleet to two Airbus A320 family aircraft, marking a strong start to the year. The second aircraft was registered in Brazil in December 2025, strengthening the carrier’s operational capacity and enabling the launch of its first long-term ACMI programme.
The fleet expansion represents a key milestone for the Brazilian ACMI operator, which plans to grow to five aircraft in 2026. The move reflects rising demand for flexible capacity solutions in Brazil’s growing aviation market and underscores Avion Express Brasil’s commitment to establishing a long-term presence in the region.
Avation PLC Delivers ATR 72-600 to SUM Air
Avation PLC has delivered a new ATR 72-600 aircraft to South Korean carrier SUM Air, marking the first ATR aircraft to join the airline’s fleet. The aircraft was delivered on 29 December 2025 and is placed on a 12-year lease, following Avation’s announcement on 3 September 2025.
The delivery forms part of Avation’s broader ATR growth strategy, with the aircraft drawn from an order of ten ATR 72-600s placed in 2024 through the exercise of purchase rights with ATR.
British Airways Reportedly Considers Direct Flights to Red Sea Airport
British Airways is reported to have held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport regarding the potential launch of direct services from London. If confirmed, the move would establish the first non-stop UK connection to the airport, which serves The Red Sea luxury tourism development along the country’s western coastline.At present, UK travellers must route via hubs such as Dubai or Doha, or connect domestically through Jeddah or Riyadh. A direct London service would significantly improve access to the emerging destination and underline growing airline interest in Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism market.
Emirates Reiterates Interest in Berlin Services
Emirates has once again expressed interest in launching flights to Berlin, a route the carrier has sought to operate since at least 2004. Progress has been constrained by the existing bilateral air services agreement between Germany and the United Arab Emirates, under which Emirates has already reached the maximum number of permitted destinations.As Germany’s capital, Berlin represents a strategically important market for Emirates, offering a strong mix of leisure and corporate demand. A Berlin service would also enhance the airline’s global connectivity, strengthening onward connections via Dubai to long-haul destinations, including Australia, should bilateral capacity limits be expanded.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus NS26 Network Additions
Aer Lingus has announced further Northern Summer 2026 (NS26) network expansion, adding five European routes and one new transatlantic service. From Cork, services to Nice (from 02 May 2026, resuming after 2019) and Santiago de Compostela (from 01 June 2026) will operate twice weekly with A320s. From Dublin, new A320 services to Asturias, Montpellier (resuming after 2019), and Oslo will launch from early May 2026.Long-haul growth includes a new Dublin–Pittsburgh route from 25 May 2026, operating four times weekly with A321LR/XLR aircraft, alongside the previously announced Dublin–Raleigh/Durham service starting 13 April 2026.
CSO Aviation Statistics Q3 2025
Central Statistics Office Ireland has published its Aviation Statistics for Q3 2025, showing continued growth across Ireland’s main airports. During the quarter, 13.1 million passengers travelled through the five principal airports, up by over 700,000 passengers compared with Q3 2024. In the first nine months of 2025, total passenger numbers reached 33.4 million, an increase of 1.5 million year-on-year.Operational activity also rose, with over 85,000 flights handled in Q3 2025, led by Dublin Airport, which accounted for 83% of all flights. Freight performance strengthened, with air cargo tonnage up 8% year-on-year, while seasonally adjusted passenger volumes remained flat between Q2 and Q3 2025.
Donegal County Council Pledges Continued Tourism Support in 2026
Donegal County Council has confirmed that supporting tourism will remain a key priority in 2026, building on the momentum generated by the TBEX conference held in Letterkenny in September 2025. The council also highlighted the continued international exposure for the county through ongoing recognition by Lonely Planet, which continues to promote Donegal as a leading Irish destination.As part of its 2026 budget, Donegal County Council stated it will continue working with local stakeholders to support the camping and campervan sector, following earlier funding allocations for facilities, pilot signage projects, and a review of existing camping service points across the county.
Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service Partners with First Responder Charity
Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service has announced a partnership with first responder charity CRITICAL to expand volunteer emergency response coverage across Leinster. The collaboration will see trained DAFRS personnel, including advanced paramedics, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and first responders, volunteering their skills within local communities.An initial team of 20 responders has signed up, comprising eight advanced paramedics and 13 paramedics, with a further five responders expected to join in the coming months. The initiative aims to strengthen rapid emergency response capabilities beyond the airport environment and support life-saving interventions at community level.
Dublin Handles 69% of Passenger Traffic in 2025
Dublin Airport handled an estimated 68.9% of all passenger traffic travelling on and off the island of Ireland in 2025, reflecting a slight increase compared with 68.8% in 2024, though marginally below the 70.1% recorded in 2023. The figures are based on the latest available monthly data for 2025.While Dublin continues to dominate overall traffic flows, regional airports showed stronger growth momentum. Cork, Knock, and Derry are all expected to record double-digit passenger growth in 2025, highlighting continued recovery and expanding demand outside the capital.
Flight Sales and New Routes to Explore in 2026
Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra, has highlighted emerging flight sales and new airline routes for 2026 in a recent discussion on RTÉ Radio 1. The commentary focused on how airlines are shaping their 2026 networks, with expanded route options and competitive fares expected to feature prominently as carriers respond to sustained travel demand.The discussion offers insight into evolving airline strategies and the destinations likely to benefit from new or enhanced air services in the year ahead.
HRA Purchases A330 P2F from CDB Aviation
High Ridge Aviation has completed the acquisition of an Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft (MSN 958) from CDB Aviation, marking the first transaction between the two parties. The aircraft, registered 9H-VDC, is on lease to Mexico-based cargo operator MasAir.The deal represents a milestone for High Ridge Aviation, establishing MasAir as a new customer and introducing the first P2F aircraft into HRA’s portfolio, as the lessor continues to expand its presence in the widebody freighter market.
IATA’s Walsh Voices Doubts Over Heathrow Third Runway Timeline
Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association, has expressed “zero confidence” that plans to deliver a third runway at Heathrow Airport by 2035 will be completed on schedule. Speaking in Geneva, Walsh cited the scale and complexity of the project, including extensive tunnelling works, as key factors underpinning his scepticism.
The comments reflect long-standing airline concerns around infrastructure delivery timelines at Europe’s busiest airports and add further uncertainty to Heathrow’s long-term capacity expansion plans.
Ryanair Boss Criticises Taoiseach Over Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Delay
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has criticised the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, over delays in removing the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The cap was due to be addressed under the Programme for Government, now approaching its first anniversary.Although the Transport Minister initiated steps in September to draft legislation to lift the limit, recent reports suggest the process is encountering resistance from senior civil servants. O’Leary has urged the government to prioritise domestic aviation constraints, warning that continued delays could hinder capacity growth and connectivity at Ireland’s main international gateway.
Tweet Picks
@FirdausAirways American Airlines ramps up premium upgrades to regain ground on Delta, United.
@FirdausAirways Boeing seeks FAA emissions waiver to sell 35 additional 777F freighters. @FirdausAirways Municipal government entity to take 20% of Shenzhen Airlines under equity financing plan.
@FirdausAirways Passenger Jets Are Japan’s Newest Tool to Track Climate Change.
Video Picks
How the New PIT Terminal Delivers on the Promise of the Renderings
This video offers a detailed look at the newly completed terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, examining how closely the finished facility aligns with its original architectural renderings. It highlights key design elements, passenger flow improvements, and the practical execution of concepts that were first showcased during the planning phase.
Inside SATS – The Airport Logistics Leader Feeding and Moving the World
This video provides an inside look at SATS and its role as a global leader in airport logistics, highlighting how the company supports airlines through ground handling, cargo operations, and inflight catering across international hubs. It offers useful insight into the scale and complexity behind keeping global aviation supply chains moving efficiently.
IATA–UPU–ICAO Webinar | Strengthening Global Partnerships
This webinar brings together IATA, UPU, and ICAO to discuss how closer cooperation between aviation and postal stakeholders can strengthen global logistics, resilience, and regulatory alignment. The session explores shared challenges and opportunities across air transport, mail, and cargo networks, with a focus on improving efficiency and cross-border coordination.
Acumen’s Take
The January 2026 brief reinforces a clear theme across the market: scale, flexibility, and infrastructure alignment are becoming decisive advantages. Fleet expansion at Ryanair and ITA Airways, alongside active trading and leasing transactions, underline continued confidence in narrowbody and widebody assets with strong operational economics. At the same time, wet leases, USM demand, and freighter portfolio growth point to persistent supply tightness and pragmatic capacity management. However, infrastructure constraints and regulatory delays, particularly in Dublin and Heathrow, remain a structural risk that could cap growth if not addressed. For lessors, operators, and investors, 2026 is shaping up as a year where execution discipline matters as much as market opportunity.
