12 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th June 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:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: This edition highlights recent developments in the Chinese aviation market, covering new airline routes, regulatory updates, and strategic fleet decisions.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-june-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: The latest issue outlines key changes within India's aviation ecosystem, including airport infrastructure projects, airline expansions, and policy shifts.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-june-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: This update details transactions, deliveries, and leadership changes across Ireland’s aircraft leasing companies.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-june-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: The report tracks aircraft movements, delivery updates, and operational changes involving commercial aircraft linked to Irish entities.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-june-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: This newsletter presents recent aircraft acquisitions, new service launches, and operational highlights from airlines and lessors across the North American region.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-june-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Ryanair Acquires Third Challenger 3500
Ryanair has added a third Bombardier Challenger 3500 to its corporate jet fleet, reinforcing its executive travel capabilities. The aircraft offers enhanced range and premium cabin features, complementing the airline’s growing business aviation portfolio.
Acumen’s Take
This acquisition marks Ryanair’s continued investment in the premium charter space. It signals broader diversification beyond its traditional low-cost model, a move that may support internal operations and executive travel demands.
SAS Connect Scales Up A320neo Fleet
SAS Connect has expanded its Airbus A320neo fleet, with recent deliveries supporting the airline’s strategy to modernise and decarbonise its short-haul network. The additional aircraft will enhance efficiency across key European routes.
Acumen’s Take
The fleet expansion underlines SAS Connect’s focus on sustainable growth. Acumen continues to monitor A320neo deliveries as airlines shift to newer-generation aircraft to meet emissions targets and improve operating economics.
Third Airbus A321XLR Joins Aer Lingus Fleet
Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its third Airbus A321XLR, bolstering its transatlantic narrowbody fleet. The aircraft will enable the airline to launch longer, thinner routes while maintaining cost-efficiency and passenger comfort.
Acumen’s Take
The A321XLR provides Aer Lingus with strategic flexibility to serve secondary North American markets. Its range and efficiency open up new network possibilities, supporting the carrier’s post-pandemic expansion strategy.
Aircraft Update
TC-LBC Airbus A321-231 Delivered to Turkish Airlines
Airbus A321-231 (c/n 6009), now registered as TC-LBC, has been delivered to Turkish Airlines. The aircraft was previously registered as OE-IZR and arrived in Istanbul on 21 May 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery highlights Turkish Airlines’ continued investment in single-aisle aircraft to support regional and mid-haul growth. A321s remain a core asset in fleet expansion strategies for high-density routes.
TC-LBU Airbus A320-232 Delivered to Turkish Airlines
Airbus A320-232 (c/n 5596), registered as TC-LBU, has been delivered to Turkish Airlines. The aircraft was previously operated as 9V-TRI and arrived in Istanbul on 30 May 2025.
Acumen’s Take
This A320 addition strengthens Turkish Airlines’ narrowbody operations, aligning with its ongoing network optimisation. The A320 family’s versatility continues to make it a preferred choice in fleet modernisation programmes.
Global Aviation News
Cebu Pacific and flyadeal Sign MOU to Explore Joint Commercial Initiatives
Cebu Pacific and Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier flyadeal have entered a strategic partnership through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement outlines cooperation on joint commercial initiatives, including maintenance and engineering support. As part of the initial collaboration, flyadeal will wet-lease two A320s from Cebu Pacific for its summer operations, while Cebu Pacific is exploring the option to wet-lease A320s from flyadeal during Southeast Asia’s peak winter season. Signed in Manila by flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway and Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs, the MOU also signals joint alignment in preparation for flyadeal’s planned A330 long-haul operations starting 2027.
Acumen’s Take
This cross-leasing arrangement reflects growing adaptability among low-cost carriers to meet seasonal demand spikes without long-term capital commitments. Acumen sees such partnerships as enablers of fleet flexibility and utilisation efficiency—core considerations in today’s cost-sensitive operating environment.
Emirates Reintroduces Damascus–Dubai Route After Thirteen-Year Hiatus
Emirates will resume flights to Damascus from 16 July 2025, marking a significant return after suspending the route in 2012. The reinstatement follows a detailed review conducted in coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Dubai-based carrier will initially operate three weekly services—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays—before scaling up to four weekly flights from 2 August, with daily operations scheduled to commence from 26 October.The route will be served by a 302-seat Boeing 777-200LR. Flight EK913 will depart Dubai at 1200hrs, arriving in Damascus at 1410hrs local time. The return leg, EK914, will leave Damascus at 1630hrs and land in Dubai at 2030hrs. Emirates emphasises that the reinstated service will enhance connectivity across its global network of nearly 150 destinations, while also aligning with the UAE’s broader strategy to reinforce bilateral ties and support Syria’s reconstruction and foreign investment ambitions.
Acumen’s Take
The resumption of flights into Damascus signals cautious optimism for regional stabilisation and renewed economic engagement. From a strategic standpoint, such re-entry into previously suspended markets demonstrates the growing importance of political risk assessment and network diversification in route planning. Acumen continues to monitor how these developments reshape regional connectivity and influence lessor and operator confidence in emerging Middle East markets.
IATA Policy Shortcomings Put SAF Production at Risk
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has flagged concerns over the sluggish pace of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) scale-up, projecting SAF production to reach only 2 million tonnes (approximately 2.5 billion litres) in 2025—equating to just 0.7% of total airline fuel consumption. Despite this representing a doubling of output, IATA warns it falls far short of what is required to meet industry decarbonisation goals.Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, highlighted the financial burden tied to the limited SAF supply, noting this marginal volume will still result in an additional global fuel cost of $4.4 billion. He called for urgent acceleration in SAF production, efficiency improvements, and policy reform to reduce costs and support the sector’s transition.
Acumen’s Take
SAF remains a cornerstone of aviation’s decarbonisation strategy, yet production bottlenecks and high costs hinder its viability at scale. As regulatory gaps persist, the industry requires greater collaboration between governments, fuel producers, and financiers to unlock investments and streamline pathways for SAF deployment. Acumen is closely observing how these dynamics affect fleet planning, route economics, and sustainability-linked leasing models.
Icelandair and Air India Announce Codeshare Partnership to Enhance Connectivity
Icelandair and Air India have entered into a new codeshare partnership aimed at strengthening travel links between India and Iceland. The agreement will allow passengers to benefit from seamless connections across 15 destinations in Europe and India, improving access and convenience for international travellers. The deal was formalised during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, marking a strategic move to broaden network reach and cooperation between the two carriers.
Acumen’s Take
Codeshare partnerships like this play a vital role in expanding global connectivity without additional fleet deployment. For flag carriers like Air India and Icelandair, strategic alliances are key to accessing underserved markets and enhancing passenger value. Acumen views this as part of a broader trend in bilateral cooperation, particularly between regions with rising outbound and inbound travel demand.
IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM Group and Virgin Atlantic Announce Major Partnership
IndiGo has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic to forge a multilateral partnership linking India with Europe and North America. Announced during the IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, this strategic alliance is designed to deliver enhanced connectivity and a more seamless travel experience across the transatlantic corridor. The partnership leverages IndiGo’s extensive domestic footprint in India alongside the long-haul capabilities of its Western counterparts to link multiple cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and India.
Acumen’s Take
This multi-carrier alliance represents a pivotal shift in intercontinental air travel strategy. For IndiGo, it provides a foothold in key transatlantic markets, while Delta and its partners benefit from access to one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation sectors. Acumen recognises this as a model of future collaboration where joint ventures go beyond bilateral codeshares, offering expanded commercial reach and operational synergies across continents.
‘Member States Have Diluted the Original Proposal and Introduced More Complexity’ – EU261 Confusion
EU transport ministers have agreed to revise Regulation (EC) No. 261, the cornerstone legislation that protects air passenger rights across the European Union. The changes, decided at a Council summit in Luxembourg, significantly alter compensation eligibility criteria. Notably, the threshold for delays has increased from three to four hours for flights under 3,500 kilometres, and to six hours for longer journeys—potentially reducing compensation-eligible flights by up to 85%.
Acumen’s Take
The revision of EU261 reflects growing pressure from airlines to ease operational and financial burdens, but it also risks diminishing consumer protection. Acumen views this shift as a regulatory recalibration that could create discrepancies in how delays are compensated, requiring carriers and lessors to revisit liability clauses and contractual obligations.
Irish Aviation News
‘It’s Been a Great Adventure’ – Peter Bellew Leaves Riyadh Air Role After Almost Three Years
Peter Bellew, Chief Operations Officer at Riyadh Air, is stepping down from his role at the Saudi start-up carrier. Bellew has been with the airline for nearly three years, playing a pivotal role in its formation and operational planning. His departure comes just ahead of the airline’s scheduled commercial launch later this year.
Acumen’s Take
Peter Bellew’s exit marks a significant leadership shift at a critical phase for Riyadh Air. As the carrier approaches operational launch, leadership stability is key. For Irish aviation professionals, Bellew’s international contributions underscore the continued influence of Irish talent in shaping global aviation ventures.
Qatar Airways Adds Aer Lingus France Codeshare in 2Q25
Qatar Airways is set to expand its codeshare agreement with Aer Lingus in Q2 2025, further strengthening its European network. The expanded partnership will now include Aer Lingus-operated services from Dublin to four French destinations: Brest, Nantes, Perpignan, and Rennes.
Acumen’s Take
This enhanced codeshare underscores the growing strategic alignment between Gulf and European carriers. For Aer Lingus, such alliances provide broader market reach, while Qatar Airways continues to deepen its connectivity across Europe via Dublin—a key western gateway.
Ryanair Solidifies EX-YU Dominance Despite Wizz Air’s Recovery
Ryanair has reinforced its status as the leading low-cost carrier in the former Yugoslavia (EX-YU) region for a second consecutive summer, surpassing Wizz Air in overall market capacity. Operating in four of the seven EX-YU markets, Ryanair has scheduled 5,020,450 seats this summer—an increase of 12.7% or 567,616 additional seats over last year.
Croatia remains Ryanair’s largest EX-YU market, accounting for over 80% of its regional capacity with just over four million seats—an 8.2% rise from 2024. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, capacity has jumped to 597,332 seats, marking a 236,376 seat increase. Serbia has also seen growth, with 31,506 extra seats added to Niš operations. However, Montenegro is the outlier, where Ryanair has reduced its seat offering by 17.4%, totalling 209,688 seats for the season.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s regional strategy is a case study in targeted market dominance—leveraging strongholds like Croatia while selectively scaling back in underperforming markets. As LCCs continue to jostle for position in Eastern Europe, such shifts offer valuable insight for investors and operators watching the evolving low-cost landscape.
Shannon Airliner Update
The latest update from Shannon highlights continued aircraft movements, maintenance visitors, and stored aircraft around the airfield.
Two Airbus A321-211 aircraft operated by Shannon-based leasing company FWCAS have arrived and are currently parked in basic Vietjet Air colours:
2-FWCA (MSN 8577), ex VN-A627, arrived on 15 October 2024 from Ho Chi Minh City, routing via Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Muscat, and Athens.
2-FWCB (MSN 8592), ex VN-A628, followed on 19 October 2024 on the same ferry route.
Both aircraft are now stationed at Shannon, contributing to the airfield's active leasing and maintenance landscape.
Acumen’s Take
Shannon’s strategic role as a hub for aircraft leasing and storage continues to grow, underpinned by the activity of home-based firms like FWCAS. Movements like these underline the airport’s importance in global aircraft transitions and its alignment with Ireland’s leadership in aviation asset management.
‘Support for CORSIA is weakening’ – Willie Walsh expresses concern for sustainability initiative at IATA Congress
Speaking at the IATA Congress 2025, Director General Willie Walsh voiced concerns over diminishing global support for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Highlighting the initiative's role in achieving the sector’s net-zero goals, Walsh warned that waning commitment from certain states could undermine the aviation industry’s unified approach to environmental responsibility.
Acumen’s Take
CORSIA has been a cornerstone in aviation’s sustainability roadmap. Any weakening in global alignment threatens to fragment progress and complicate the industry’s carbon reduction objectives. Continued support and transparency from member states will be critical in ensuring CORSIA remains effective and globally relevant.
‘Total madness’ – Willie Walsh criticises Dublin Airport passenger cap at IATA Congress in Delhi
At the IATA Congress 2025 held in Delhi, Willie Walsh strongly criticised the 32 million passenger cap imposed at Dublin Airport, calling it “total madness.” Walsh, a former Aer Lingus and IAG CEO, argued that the cap jeopardises Ireland’s connectivity and competitiveness on the global stage. He stressed that the artificial restriction hampers growth potential just as post-pandemic recovery gains momentum.
Acumen’s Take
Passenger caps at major hubs like Dublin run counter to the needs of a growing aviation market and the national economy’s broader connectivity objectives. Sustainable growth strategies, rather than arbitrary limitations, are essential to support Ireland’s aviation sector and its long-term global relevance.
Tweet Picks
@emirates Our Southeast Asia network just expanded. Now flying to Da Nang and Siem Reap with seamless connections via Bangkok.
@FutureFlightAIN Saudi Arabia's Abdul Latif Jameel group has committed to being a local distributor for Joby’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. The agreement calls for the delivery of up 200 of the vehicles and related services that Joby said could be worth $1 billion in total.
@IndiGo6E IndiGo and Adani Airports come together to fuel aviation growth in India, as IndiGo becomes the first airline to commence flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport.
@realBobbyHealy Our mission in Ireland is a template for our worldwide strategy: to make lightning-fast delivery, affordable green and safe for every small business and large business alike. Friction-free movement of goods at scale in an affordable way will empower local economies to thrive.
Video Picks
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark – Exclusive Interview with N18V
In this candid conversation, Sir Tim Clark shares insights into Emirates’ strategic direction, the evolving global aviation market, and his vision for long-haul operations amid shifting economic and geopolitical dynamics.
Acumen’s Take
Sir Tim’s remarks reflect a continued focus on premium international connectivity and fleet modernisation. As one of the sector’s most influential leaders, his perspectives shape long-haul strategy discussions industry-wide.
How Airbus Surpassed Boeing to Become the World’s Top Plane Maker
This in-depth documentary examines how Airbus leveraged strategic decisions, innovation, and operational efficiency to overtake Boeing in aircraft deliveries, particularly in the narrowbody segment.
Acumen’s Take
Airbus’s ascent highlights the importance of agile production systems and strong regulatory alignment. It also underscores how OEM strategies influence lessor preferences, order backlogs, and global fleet composition.
Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) Q4 2025 Earnings – Full Coverage
This earnings recap breaks down Ryanair’s financial performance in Q4 FY25, with commentary on load factors, fare trends, fuel hedging, and the airline’s fleet expansion plans.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s earnings performance reaffirms its resilience in high-volume, low-cost operations. For lessors and financiers, its consistent growth trajectory strengthens investor confidence in the budget carrier segment.
