12 Nov 2025

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th November 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

CityJet Phases Out EI-FPU CRJ900

CityJet has ferried its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPU (msn 15439) and named Svior Viking, from Valencia (VLC) to Dayton International Airport (DAY) between 28 and 30 October 2025. The aircraft, now bound for PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, will enter service in the U.S. as N616NN under the American Eagle brand. The repositioning flight routed via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto, marking another phase in CityJet’s gradual phase-out of its CRJ900 fleet. EI-FPU is one of eight former CityJet aircraft transitioning to PSA Airlines, strengthening its regional U.S. operations.

 

Flydubai Receives Latest 737 MAX via Shannon

Flydubai has taken delivery of its eleventh Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FPH (msn 61037), following its ferry flight from Boeing Field (BFI) to Shannon (SNN) on 29 October and onward to Dubai International (DXB) the next day. The delivery, routed through Shannon, highlights Ireland’s ongoing role in aircraft delivery logistics. Alongside the new addition to its fleet, Flydubai announced seven new interline partnerships, expanding its network reach to over 40 global partners. These agreements enhance connectivity across Europe through Aegean Airlines and ITA Airways, and to Asia via Myanmar Airways International, Air China, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines.

 

Stellaer Registers Ireland’s First Pilatus PC-24

Stellaer 212, based at Dublin Weston Airport, has achieved a notable milestone by registering Ireland’s first Pilatus PC-24, marking an exciting addition to the nation’s business aviation sector. The aircraft, registered EJ-MACK, completed its maiden flight on 21 October from the Pilatus production facility in Buochs, Switzerland, routing via Shannon before arriving at Dublin Weston Airport at 14:41 local time. Dubbed the “Super Versatile Jet,” the twin-engine PC-24 combines turboprop efficiency with light-jet performance, boasting a spacious cabin and the ability to operate from short and even unpaved runways, offering unparalleled flexibility for operators and clients across Europe..

 

Aircraft Update

LY-BSP Airbus A320-214 Ferried to Varna via Shannon

An Airbus A320-214, registered LY-BSP (msn 3014) and operated by Airline Component Services, was ferried from its previous registration N314FT to Varna, Bulgaria, via Shannon on 4 November 2025. The repositioning flight marks part of the aircraft’s transition process, likely linked to maintenance, modification, or remarketing activity. The routing through Shannon underscores Ireland’s continued role as a key transit and technical stop for aircraft movements across Europe.

 

N462CM Boeing 767-330 Ferried to Tel Aviv via Shannon

A Boeing 767-330 freighter, registered N462CM (msn 26985) and operated by Cargo Aircraft Management, was ferried to Tel Aviv on 31 October 2025, routing via Shannon. The transatlantic positioning highlights Shannon Airport’s continued importance as a strategic stop for widebody cargo aircraft transitions and delivery operations. The aircraft’s movement aligns with ongoing global freighter activity as demand for air cargo capacity remains strong across major logistics hubs.

 

Global Aviation News

Lufthansa Group Introduces ‘Culinary Journey’ for Personalised In-Flight Dining

Lufthansa Group has unveiled its new Culinary Journey concept, designed to offer passengers a more seamless and personalised dining experience across Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. The initiative allows travellers to pre-order meals and snacks, access a digital menu, and provide feedback all within one integrated system covering multiple airlines and flight segments. Tailored to each carrier and travel class, the Culinary Journey enhances passenger choice and convenience, reflecting the Group’s broader strategy to elevate premium service and digital engagement across its network.

 

Norwegian Group Reports 2.64 Million Passengers in October

The Norwegian Group, comprising Norwegian and Widerøe, carried 2.64 million passengers in October 2025, marking a 3% year-on-year increase. Norwegian accounted for 2.25 million passengers, while Widerøe served 389,000.October was a milestone month for the group, highlighted by the arrival of the first new Boeing 737 MAX 8 (SE-NAD) from Norwegian’s 80-aircraft order and the award of a new domestic route in Denmark, to be operated partly with sustainable aviation fuel.

 

oneworld CEO Outlines Alliance’s Premium Strategy and Long-Term Vision

At the 2025 World Aviation Festival in Lisbon, oneworld CEO Nathaniel Pieper shared insights into the alliance’s strategic focus on premium service and network optimisation. Representing one of the world’s three major airline alliances alongside Star Alliance and SkyTeam, Pieper emphasised oneworld’s commitment to delivering seamless connectivity, elevated customer experiences, and enhanced digital integration across its member airlines. Drawing on his extensive industry background with carriers including Northwest, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and Alaska Airlines, Pieper highlighted how oneworld aims to strengthen its global presence through premium travel offerings, sustainability initiatives, and closer member collaboration.

 

MSC Air Cargo to Expand Fleet with Two Boeing 777Fs in 2026

MSC Air Cargo is set to strengthen its dedicated freighter operations with the addition of two new Boeing 777Fs, scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2026. Speaking at the Cargo Facts Symposium 2025 in Nashville, CEO Jannie Davel confirmed the expansion as part of the carrier’s long-term strategy to enhance capacity and operational reach. The aircraft are among 21 new 777Fs entering the global market, reinforcing MSC’s growing presence in the air cargo sector and its commitment to supporting the company’s broader logistics network.

 

Signature Aviation Expands South Florida Network with New Acquisition

Signature Aviation has announced the acquisition of Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Centre at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), further strengthening its footprint in one of the busiest private aviation regions in the United States. CEO Tony Lefebvre welcomed the addition, noting that the move aligns with Signature’s mission to enhance service quality and guest experience across its global FBO network. The acquisition expands Signature’s operational reach in South Florida, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of premium business aviation services.

 

Southwest Airlines Expands Rapid Rewards with New Debit Card Launch

Southwest Airlines has introduced the Rapid Rewards Debit Card, allowing customers to earn loyalty points on everyday purchases. Powered by Galileo and issued as a Visa debit card, the new product blends payment convenience with the benefits of the airline’s Rapid Rewards programme. Tony Roach, EVP and Chief Customer and Brand Officer, stated that with over 90% of Americans using debit cards, the expansion was a natural evolution of the programme. The initiative aims to make earning rewards more accessible for a broad range of customers, from students and families to frequent travellers, turning routine spending into opportunities for future travel.

 

Schiphol Sees Sharp Rise in Use of Quieter Aircraft

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has reported a significant increase in the use of quieter aircraft since implementing revised airport charges designed to incentivise noise reduction. In the latest quarter, 33% of aircraft operating at Schiphol fell into the quietest categories, up from 23% the previous year, marking a clear shift toward lower-noise operations, particularly during nighttime hours. CEO Pieter van Oord of Royal Schiphol Group praised the trend, noting it reflects airlines’ conscious move towards more environmentally balanced operations. The new tariff structure, introduced on 1 April 2025, rewards quieter and daytime operations with reduced fees, supporting the airport’s long-term goal of achieving a quieter, more sustainable operating environment.

 

Uzbekistan Airways Expands Fleet with Order for Eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Uzbekistan Airways has finalised an agreement with Boeing for eight additional 787 Dreamliners, strengthening its long-haul fleet and supporting the airline’s plans for international network growth. The order will bring greater efficiency and passenger comfort to the carrier’s operations, reinforcing its focus on sustainable expansion and modernisation. The 787’s advanced fuel efficiency and extended range will enable Uzbekistan Airways to open new long-distance routes while reducing operating costs and emissions, aligning with the airline’s long-term fleet renewal strategy.

 

Irish Aviation News

Cork Airport Passenger Growth Outpaces Dublin in October

Cork Airport recorded more than 306,000 passengers in October 2025, marking an 18% year-on-year increase and outpacing growth at Dublin Airport, which rose 8% to 3.2 million passengers. The surge in traffic at Cork was driven by the bank holiday weekend, mid-term break, and the Cork Jazz Festival, supported by strong demand on routes to London, Malaga, Faro, and Manchester. Airport operations remained efficient, with nearly all passengers clearing security in under 20 minutes and average baggage return times of just 12 minutes. The figures highlight Cork Airport’s growing role as a key regional gateway amid Ireland’s continued aviation recovery.

 

Dublin Airport Unveils Winter Schedule Featuring 150 Destinations

Dublin Airport has announced its winter 2025/26 schedule, featuring over 150 destinations served by 40 airlines between late October and March 2026. Highlights include new Aer Lingus routes to Turin and Tromsø, catering to ski travellers and Northern Lights seekers, as well as SkyUp’s new service to Chișinău, Moldova. Ryanair will extend its Dublin–Rabat route into the winter season, while transatlantic capacity remains strong with 190 weekly flights to major North American cities such as Nashville, Indianapolis, and Cancun. Dublin Airport CEO Kenny Jacobs and Managing Director Gary McLean said the expanded schedule reflects growing passenger demand and the airport’s continued role as Ireland’s key international hub.

 

IBEC: Experience Economy Employs 330,000 and Contributes €4 Billion Annually

According to IBEC’s latest Experience Economy Ireland Confidence Survey, the sector, which spans tourism, hospitality, and leisure, employs more than 330,000 people and contributes €4 billion annually to the Irish economy. However, business confidence has weakened, with 49% of firms feeling less optimistic than six months ago, up from 28%. Nearly 80% of companies expect wage increases over the next half year amid rising pay pressures, while a similar proportion plan to invest in digital transformation to improve efficiency and customer engagement. 

 

VBRATA Visit Brasil Roadshow Showcases Brazil to Irish Travel Trade

ITTN’s Julia Labedz attended the VBRATA Visit Brasil Roadshow at the Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin, where travel agents gathered to network and learn about Brazil’s tourism opportunities. Hosted by Chris Fuzinatto, Chairman of the Visit Brasil Travel Association (VBRATA), the event highlighted the organisation’s mission to promote Brazil across Europe and the Americas. Established in London in 2011, VBRATA now operates in key global markets including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the USA, and South America. 

 

Kuehne+Nagel to Acquire Limerick-Based Aerospace Logistics Leader Eastway

Kuehne+Nagel has announced plans to acquire Eastway Global Forwarding Ltd., a Limerick-headquartered leader in aerospace logistics. The move will strengthen Kuehne+Nagel’s position in the rapidly expanding aviation and aerospace logistics sector. Eastway, a family-owned business with a global presence spanning 130 countries, specialises in time-critical aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support, aircraft engine logistics, aviation warehousing, and customs brokerage. The company also provides end-to-end lifecycle services for the aviation leasing industry, which owns over 50% of the world’s aircraft fleet and is projected to grow from USD 187.1 billion in 2024 to USD 565.1 billion by 2034. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Kuehne+Nagel as it continues to enhance its aerospace capabilities and service portfolio.

 

NI Government Seeks Views on UK Emissions Trading Scheme and Regional Aviation Connectivity

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) Authority, comprising the UK, Scottish, and Welsh Governments, along with Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, has launched a consultation to assess the potential impact of ending free emission allocations for aircraft operators in 2026. The consultation explores whether targeted interventions are necessary to protect regional aviation connectivity, particularly for isolated communities that rely on essential air services. 

 

Ryanair Expects Full Boeing 737-8-200 Fleet Ahead of Summer 2026

Ryanair has confirmed that the final six Boeing 737-8-200 aircraft from its 210-unit order are on track for delivery by early 2026, ensuring the airline operates a complete fleet ahead of the summer season. The carrier reported steady improvements in Boeing’s delivery pace, having received 23 new 737 MAX aircraft during the first half of its fiscal year (April–September 2025). The expanded fleet will enable Ryanair to meet strong travel demand across Europe and support its goal of carrying over 207 million passengers in FY26, reinforcing its position as the continent’s largest low-cost airline.

 

IATA’s Willie Walsh Urges Incentives Over Mandates for SAF Adoption

IATA Director General Willie Walsh has criticised current European and UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandates, arguing that incentive-based policies would be more effective in accelerating market development. Walsh stated that oil suppliers are “price gouging” airlines by passing on the costs of compliance, making SAF significantly more expensive than traditional jet fuel. He warned that such mandates risk discouraging investment and slowing progress toward aviation’s 2050 net-zero emissions target. Instead, Walsh called on regulators to replace mandates with targeted incentives that would lower costs, encourage production, and drive meaningful adoption of SAF across the global aviation industry.

Tweet Picks

@LuxuryTravelled WizzAir is looking to defer deliveries into the next decade. Another indication that the ‘world domination’ strategy hasn’t worked, focusing instead on CEE (evident from new base openings). Share price is continuing to slide.

@LuxuryTravelled Mr O'Leary has thrown his toys out of the pram again with Spain - this time announcing the closure of Asturias and reducing the summer schedule in 2026 to Regional Spain by 1.2m seats (roughly 10%).

@RollsRoyce Congratulations @Lufthansa on the delivery of your Boeing 787 Dreamliner (D-ABPT), the first new aircraft powered by our Trent 1000 XE - Engineered to deliver increased durability and longer time on wing.

@Schiphol Since the introduction of new airport charges at Schiphol, airlines are increasingly opting to use quieter aircraft for flights to and from the airport. The proportion of aircraft in the quietest categories rose from 23% last year to 33% in July to September.

 

Video Picks

Delta CEO Ed Bastian: “We Never Veered from the End Game”

In this interview, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reflects on the airline’s long-term strategy and resilience through periods of disruption. Bastian discusses how Delta maintained focus on its core objectives, operational excellence, customer loyalty, and sustainable profitability even amid market challenges. He highlights the importance of investing in technology, fleet modernisation, and workforce development as key pillars of Delta’s continued success. The conversation offers insights into the airline’s disciplined approach to growth and its vision for shaping the future of global aviation.

 

 

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on Vision, Ambition, and the Future of Aviation

In this feature, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths shares his forward-looking perspective on how innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability will shape the next era of global aviation. Griffiths discusses Dubai’s role as a key international hub and the strategic initiatives driving capacity expansion, operational efficiency, and passenger experience enhancement. He also highlights the importance of technology and collaboration in ensuring aviation’s sustainable growth. The interview offers a compelling look at how Dubai Airports continues to redefine global connectivity through visionary leadership and long-term planning.

 

 

Ireland’s Secret Weapon Against Illegal Fishing: The Airbus C295

This documentary-style video explores how Ireland is leveraging the Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft to combat illegal fishing and enhance coastal surveillance. Operated by the Irish Air Corps, the C295 plays a crucial role in safeguarding Ireland’s vast maritime territory by combining advanced radar systems, long-range sensors, and real-time data sharing capabilities. The feature highlights the aircraft’s versatility in performing both military and environmental missions from detecting unauthorised fishing vessels to supporting search-and-rescue and environmental monitoring efforts. It underscores Ireland’s growing commitment to protecting its marine resources through modern aviation technology.

 

 

Acumen’s Take 

The aviation industry continues to demonstrate steady momentum, balancing growth with sustainability and operational innovation. From airline fleet renewals and route expansions to airport modernisation and digital service enhancements, the sector is evolving with strategic precision. Demand remains strong across both passenger and cargo markets, underpinned by rising efficiency standards and renewed investor confidence. At the same time, environmental accountability and regulatory adaptation are shaping long-term strategies. The overall trajectory signals a maturing global aviation ecosystem focused on resilience, connectivity, and sustainable progress.