12 Sep 2025

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 12th September 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

ASL Airlines Ireland Retires Final Boeing 737 Classics

ASL Airlines Ireland, part of ASL Aviation Holdings DAC, has retired its last four Boeing 737 Classic freighters, closing the chapter on decades of operations with the type. The remaining 737-400SF aircraft have now been moved into storage at facilities across Europe, according to Planespotters.net. The retirement underscores the carrier’s transition toward newer, more efficient aircraft as it modernises its fleet to meet evolving operational and environmental demands.

 

China Airlines Positions Airbus A330-300 to Ireland West Airport

Ireland West Airport welcomed a notable widebody visitor on 26 August 2025 with the arrival of a China Airlines Airbus A330-302, registered B-18302 (MSN 0607). The aircraft, in basic colours, touched down at 09:41 local time after routing Taipei–Bangkok–Vienna–Knock under callsign CAL077, according to Flightradar24. Reported by Knock Airport–Runwayside, the movement highlights the airport’s ongoing role in accommodating positioning and technical flights for international carriers.

 

Flydubai Takes Delivery of Eighth 737 MAX via Shannon

Flydubai has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its eighth Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQL (MSN 61021). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 21 August at 18:14 under flight number FDB9741 and arrived at Shannon Airport the following morning at 10:20 local time. The stop at Shannon underscores the airport’s continuing importance as a key technical hub for transatlantic ferry flights supporting global fleet deliveries.

 

Aircraft Update

VP-CAB Boeing 737-8HX c/n 36848 Aviation Capital Group Ferried to Mojave 22/08/25 ex LV-KGN

Aviation Capital Group has ferried a Boeing 737-8HX, registered VP-CAB (MSN 36848), to Mojave on 22 August 2025. Previously operating as LV-KGN, the aircraft’s repositioning suggests it is earmarked for storage, transition, or potential remarketing. The move reflects ongoing fleet management activity as lessors optimize asset deployment in line with market demand.

 

2-JDVM Airbus A330-302(F) c/n 1272 ASL Airlines Ireland Registered at Dublin 25/08/25

ASL Airlines Ireland has registered an Airbus A330-302F, bearing 2-JDVM (MSN 1272), in Dublin on 25 August 2025. The widebody freighter joins the carrier’s expanding long-haul cargo fleet, supporting its strategy to enhance global freight capabilities. This addition underscores ASL’s focus on meeting strong demand for efficient widebody operations across intercontinental markets.
 

Global Aviation News

CEO Interview: Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman

Breeze Airways CEO and founder David Neeleman shared insights on the carrier’s growth trajectory and strategic vision in a recent interview. Recognised for founding multiple successful airlines, Neeleman emphasised Breeze’s focus on underserved U.S. markets, affordable fares, and customer-friendly services. His comments underline how innovation and efficiency remain central to Breeze’s mission as it builds scale in the competitive U.S. domestic sector.

 

Corendon Airlines Signals UK Capacity Hike for Next Summer

Corendon Airlines plans a 20% capacity increase for summer 2026, with expanded frequencies from six UK airports. Daily services from Stansted to Antalya will be complemented by multiple weekly flights from Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle, alongside enhanced links to Heraklion, Crete. The leisure carrier, which already carries 10 million passengers annually, is doubling down on core markets in Greece and Turkey while strengthening its broader UK and European footprint.

 

Edelweiss Expands Short-Haul Fleet and Acquires Its First Airbus A320neo

Edelweiss is set to grow its short-haul fleet to 16 aircraft with the addition of two transfers from SWISS. An Airbus A320 (HB-JLQ) will join the airline in October 2025, followed by its first Airbus A320neo (HB-JDB) in April 2026. The move marks a milestone for Switzerland’s leading leisure carrier, boosting efficiency and sustainability while strengthening its network across Europe and nearby holiday destinations.

 

Edinburgh Airport Inaugurates Scotland’s First Airside Solar Farm

Edinburgh Airport has unveiled Scotland’s first airside solar farm, an 11-acre facility supplying around 27% of the airport’s energy needs, with some operations already running fully on solar power. Opened with £2.1 million in government backing, the project marks a major step in Scotland’s net zero ambitions. As the only Scottish airport accredited at Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation, Edinburgh further cements its leadership in sustainable airport operations.

 

Emirates Extends Premium Economy Offering to Sydney

Emirates will expand its premium economy product to Sydney and three additional cities from October 2025, enabling Dublin passengers to book premium economy seats for Australia. The airline targets 2 million premium economy seats by year-end, reflecting strong demand for its upgraded cabin. From 26 October, a four-class A380 will also operate between Dubai and Amman, further extending Emirates’ premium travel options.

 

Flightradar24 Sells 35% Stake to Sprints Capital to Boost Global Growth

Flightradar24 has sold a 35% stake to London-based Sprints Capital to accelerate its international expansion. The Swedish company, founded by Mikael Robertsson and Olov Lindberg, remains majority-owned by its founders and CEO Fredrik Lindahl, who retain 65% control. From hobby project to global leader, Flightradar24 now operates the world’s largest ADS-B receiver network, serving millions of users and providing critical data solutions for airlines, regulators, and industry professionals.

 

First Full Electric Flight Between Stavanger and Bergen Marks Key Milestone in Norway’s Zero-Emission Aviation Tests

Bristow has completed the first full test flight of BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA aircraft between Stavanger and Bergen, simulating a cargo service. Conducted under Norway’s international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation, the initiative involves Avinor, CAA Norway, BETA Technologies, and Bristow Norway. The milestone underscores Norway’s leadership in sustainable aviation, advancing efforts to integrate electric aircraft into future commercial operations.

 

JetBlue’s Top Priority is to Become No. 1 Somewhere

JetBlue is recalibrating its strategy with a sharper focus on profitability and strengthening its position in core markets. Under the leadership of CEO Joanna Geraghty and her team, the airline is retreating from less profitable routes, such as those in the Central U.S., to concentrate on premium leisure and VFR travel from the Northeast to Florida and the Caribbean. While scale remains a challenge for the nation’s sixth-largest carrier, JetBlue is working route by route to carve out a niche where it can achieve market leadership and secure a sustainable future.

 

Qantas to Extend Seasonal Perth–Rome Service by Eight Weeks in Summer 2026

Qantas will lengthen its seasonal nonstop Perth–Rome service by eight weeks, running from 3 May to 23 October 2026. Peak season frequencies will rise from three to four weekly flights, adding more than 40 services and nearly 10,000 seats. Since its 2022 launch, the route has carried over 70,000 passengers, cementing its role as Australia’s fastest link to Rome and a key driver of long-haul leisure travel.

 

TAP Air Portugal Warns of ‘Severe Border Control Constraints’ Hitting Summer Performance

TAP Air Portugal reported a net loss of over €70 million in the first half of 2025, despite passenger traffic rising 4.5% year-on-year to 4.4 million in Q2. The airline cited “severe border control constraints” as a key factor undermining summer operations, alongside wider operational pressures. While Q2 showed signs of recovery, TAP warned that these challenges are making 2025 one of the most difficult summer seasons in recent history.

 

Irish Aviation News

Dublin Airport’s T1 Lounge Closed for Six-Month Renovation

Dublin Airport has closed its Terminal 1 Lounge from 31 August for a six-month refurbishment and expansion project. The lounge is expected to reopen in early 2026 with upgraded facilities for passengers. In the meantime, the Liffey and Martello Lounges near Terminal 2 will operate with extended hours, while a temporary lounge adjacent to Gate 202 will serve travellers daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

 

Fantastic New Mural “The Wonder of Travel” Unveiled at Cork Airport

Cork Airport has unveiled a striking new mural, The Wonder of Travel, created by Ardú Street Art project artists Shane O’Driscoll and Peter Martin. Spanning more than 180 square metres on the southern facade of the airport’s multi-storey car park, the artwork celebrates the history and evolution of travel. Officially launched by Cork’s Lord Mayor, the mural blends vibrant colour with storytelling, symbolising the inspiration aviation brings to future generations.

 

Global Transport and Infrastructure Leaders Join Forces to Offer Dublin a Transformative Metro System

A consortium comprising FCC, Meridiam, John Laing, RATP Dev, and Alstom has signed an MoU to bid for Dublin’s MetroLink project. Spanning 18.8 km, largely underground, the fully automated driverless metro will link key destinations, major hubs, and Dublin Airport directly to the city centre for the first time. The initiative is set to ease congestion, boost connectivity, and enhance sustainability, marking a landmark development in Ireland’s transport infrastructure.

 

High Fees Slow Air Traffic: Ryanair Criticises Germany’s Recovery

Ryanair has strongly criticised Germany’s slow aviation recovery, noting traffic has only reached 89% of pre-pandemic levels. The airline blames high taxes and access costs, which it argues are stifling growth and limiting passenger demand. CEO Eddie Wilson has called on the German government to cut fees to accelerate recovery, putting the cost framework for air travel firmly into the spotlight of public debate.

 

IAA Publishes Volume II: SPAS Actions – 2025 Update

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has released the 2025 update to Volume II of the State Plan for Aviation Safety (SPAS) 2023–2025. The document details safety objectives and actions supporting the strategic priorities set in Volume I, with a focus on strengthening performance across all areas of civil aviation. The update underscores the IAA’s ongoing commitment to advancing safety standards and regulatory oversight in Ireland’s aviation sector.

 

Kerry Airport to Hit Record Passenger Numbers with New Facilities

Kerry Airport is on track to achieve record passenger figures in 2025, according to updates shared at its AGM in Tralee. The airport reported an operating profit of €1.37 million for 2024, up from €1.19 million the previous year, though operations remain reliant on government Opex subsidies for regional airports. With continued investment in facilities and infrastructure, Kerry Airport is positioning itself as a stronger regional hub while supporting local connectivity and tourism.

 

Record-Breaking August at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport handled nearly 3.8 million passengers in August 2025, up 4.1% on the same month last year, marking another record-breaking milestone. Daily traffic exceeded 110,000 passengers throughout the month, with more than 120,000 on 21 days. On 10 August, the airport welcomed 130,427 travellers, the first time in its 85-year history that daily passenger numbers surpassed 130,000. The figures highlight sustained demand and the airport’s growing operational capacity.

 

Ryanair Completes Rollout of Larger Carry-On Bag Sizers Across Europe

Ryanair has introduced larger carry-on bag sizers at all 235 airports it serves in Europe, standardising its updated baggage policy. From 4 September, passengers may carry a free personal bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm, a 33% increase on the previous limit. The change is designed to improve passenger convenience and ensure a consistent travel experience across the airline’s network.

 

Tweet Picks

@Gatwick_Airport Aviation has come a long way, especially when it comes to noise and disruption. And thanks to modern aircraft and smarter operations, the industry is getting quieter.London Gatwick is now one third quieter than it was 20 years ago and we're committed to continue reducing noise.  With our Northern Runway plans, we're keeping that momentum going– more flights without more noise.

@RollsRoyce After 20 years of pioneering service in aviation innovation, we are retiring our Boeing 747-200 Flying Test Bed, N787RR. 

@theaircurrent Alaska confirms 787-10s incoming for international expansion.

@theaircurrent Seeking scale, SMBC to acquire Air Lease Corporation.

 

Video Picks

There is Huge Demand for Aircraft Globally and That Gives Us Some Pricing Power: BOC Aviation CEO

In this interview, the CEO of BOC Aviation discusses the strong global demand for aircraft and its impact on leasing dynamics. He highlights how constrained supply and rising airline requirements are providing lessors with greater pricing power. The conversation also touches on fleet modernisation, financing trends, and the company’s outlook, underscoring the strategic role of leasing in today’s aviation market.

 

 

WestJet Buys 67 Boeing Planes, Order is Largest Boeing Deal in Canadian History

This segment covers WestJet’s landmark purchase of 67 Boeing aircraft, marking the biggest Boeing order ever placed by a Canadian airline. The deal underscores WestJet’s long-term growth strategy, expanding fleet capacity while modernising operations. The discussion highlights how the order positions the carrier to strengthen competitiveness, enhance connectivity, and deliver greater value to Canadian travellers in the years ahead.
 

 

Why Are Private Jet Flights Booming in 2025?

This feature explores the surge in private jet demand throughout 2025, driven by growing interest from high-net-worth individuals and corporate travellers seeking flexibility, privacy, and efficiency. Industry analysts point to shifting travel habits, with many passengers prioritising time savings and tailored services over commercial options. The discussion also examines how new aircraft technologies and evolving leasing models are making private aviation more accessible, fuelling its continued expansion.

 

 

Acumen’s Take 

This edition highlights the aviation sector’s continued momentum, with airlines, lessors, and airports all investing in growth, sustainability, and customer experience. Fleet modernisation, infrastructure upgrades, and innovative financing remain central to long-term competitiveness. At the same time, regulatory pressures, environmental goals, and shifting passenger expectations are driving strategic change. The industry is showing resilience and adaptability, positioning itself to capture future opportunities while addressing structural challenges.