13 Aug 2025

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 13th August 202

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

Buzz Adds 20th Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 "Gamechanger" to Fleet

Buzz, the Polish subsidiary of the Ryanair Group, has officially welcomed its 20th Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft, registered SP-RZT. The delivery marks the Group’s 182nd MAX overall, reinforcing Ryanair’s commitment to expanding its next-generation, fuel-efficient fleet. The 

aircraft completed its ferry flight from Boeing Field in Seattle to Dublin on 30 August, arriving at 13:27 local time. Branded as the “Gamechanger” for its superior fuel efficiency and increased seating capacity, the MAX 8-200 continues to play a pivotal role in Ryanair’s growth and sustainability strategy.

 

CityJet Flies Forward with CRJ900 Addition

Irish ACMI specialist CityJet has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-HSC (MSN 15088), delivered on 17 July 2025. The aircraft will operate under a wet lease agreement for SAS Scandinavian Airlines and is set to be based at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). This move strengthens CityJet’s partnership with SAS and reinforces its position as a key regional capacity provider in the Nordic market.

 

Discover Airlines Launches Frankfurt–Shannon Route in 2026 Summer Expansion

Discover Airlines has announced a significant summer 2026 network expansion, featuring 40 short- and medium-haul routes from Frankfurt and Munich operated by Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Among the highlights is the launch of direct services to Shannon Airport—the carrier’s first-ever Irish destination. The new Frankfurt–Shannon route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 4 April to 26 October 2026, boosting connectivity between western Ireland and mainland Europe just in time for the peak travel season.

 

EI-GEY Airbus A330-302 Ferried to Perpignan

Aer Lingus Airbus A330-302, registered EI-GEY (MSN 441) and named St. Benan / Beineón, was ferried from Dublin to Perpignan on 14 July 2025. Operating as flight EIN2512, the widebody aircraft touched down in France at 12:34 local time, as reported by Flightradar24. Before the ferry, EI-GEY was primarily active on the Dublin–Malaga route between 3–13 July, with a single rotation on the Dublin–Paris CDG sector on 4 July.

 

Aircraft Update

SP-RZR Boeing 737-8200 Buzz Delivered

Buzz, the Polish subsidiary of Ryanair, has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, registered SP-RZR, on 7 August 2025. The aircraft, painted in Ryanair colours, completed its delivery flight from Boeing Field to Dublin. This marks the Group’s 182nd 737-8200, reinforcing its commitment to operating a fuel-efficient, high-capacity fleet that supports both cost efficiency and sustainability goals across its European network.

 

TC-LBM Airbus A320-232 Turkish Airlines Delivered

Turkish Airlines has added an Airbus A320-232, registered TC-LBM (MSN 5604), to its fleet on 31 July 2025. Formerly operating as 9H-WBV, the aircraft was delivered to the carrier’s base in Istanbul. This addition supports Turkish Airlines’ short- and medium-haul operations, enhancing capacity and flexibility across its extensive regional and European route network.
 

Global Aviation News

Emirates Lands in Hangzhou, Expanding Chinese Mainland Network to Five Gateways

Emirates has launched a new daily service to Hangzhou, making it the airline’s fifth gateway in mainland China and its second new destination within a month, after Shenzhen. Flight EK310 arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on 30 July to a ceremonial welcome, including a water cannon salute and commemorative gifts for passengers. The inaugural service carried travellers from across Emirates’ global network, alongside a VIP delegation and media representatives, underscoring the carrier’s commitment to strengthening connectivity between China and its worldwide destinations.
 

flyvbird and flYellow Partner for Smart Regional Air Mobility

German AI-driven aviation start-up flyvbird has teamed up with Passau-based air operator flYellow to launch flexible, on-demand regional flight services in Germany. Set to commence next month, the service will utilise Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft operating under flYellow’s AOC. The partnership combines flyvbird’s technology-led approach to reshaping regional connectivity with flYellow’s operational expertise, aiming to deliver efficient, tailored travel solutions for underserved routes.
 

Frontier: ‘We Are Going To Be Last Man Standing In The Low-Cost Space’

Frontier Airlines is projecting stronger profitability prospects for the second half of 2025, citing recent improvements in sales and yields alongside a decline in competitive low-cost capacity. CEO Barry Biffle noted that capacity in Frontier’s markets is contracting faster than the industry average, driven by the withdrawal of certain carriers. Positioning itself for resilience, Frontier believes its cost structure and balance sheet will give it a unique advantage, enabling it to outlast rivals and strengthen its position in the low-cost segment by next year.

 

GA Telesis Announces the Closing of its First JOLCO Transaction

GA Telesis has completed its inaugural Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) transaction, marking a notable advancement in its financing capabilities. The deal involves leasing an IAE V2500 engine to a major US airline, backed by a Japanese equity investor, with Tokyo Century Corporation as arranger. Structured under GA Telesis’ LIFT Division, the transaction provides a long-term, tax-efficient funding solution while enhancing the company’s flexibility to deploy diverse financing models across its aviation portfolio.
 

HALO AirFinance Closes Senior Loan for B777-300ER Operated by African Flag Carrier

HALO AirFinance, the joint venture between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation, has finalised a senior term loan facility to refinance a mature Boeing 777-300ER. The aircraft, operated by a leading African flag carrier, is owned by a partnership between Perilune Aviation and a fund managed by Blue Owl. This transaction underscores HALO’s capability to provide tailored financing solutions for widebody assets, supporting both operational stability and strategic fleet management for global airline operators.

 

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. (ICAGY) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

During its Q2 2025 earnings call, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) reported solid operational and financial performance, supported by strong summer travel demand and disciplined capacity management across its airline brands. The Group remains focused on maintaining cost discipline while capitalising on resilient demand in key long-haul and short-haul markets, positioning itself for continued profitability into the second half of the year.

 

ITA Airways Board of Directors Approves 2026–2030 Business Plan

ITA Airways’ Board has endorsed its 2026–2030 Business Plan, built on three strategic pillars: bolstering its competitive standing as Italy’s flagship carrier, expanding long-haul operations from Rome Fiumicino, and completing a comprehensive fleet renewal. The plan prioritises sustainability, with a focus on fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft and alignment with EU environmental regulations. Enhanced connectivity will be achieved through new intercontinental destinations and strengthened partnerships, including synergies with Lufthansa Group, aiming to position ITA Airways as a key player in both business and leisure travel markets.
 

Low-Cost, High Ambitions: Contrasting Tales of Europe’s Three Rival Budget Airlines

Europe’s top low-cost carriers—Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air—are pursuing ambitious growth trajectories while contending with supply chain delays and engine-related challenges. Ryanair leads with a 603-strong fleet, primarily Boeing 737s, and continues aggressive expansion. EasyJet, operating 190 all-Airbus narrowbodies, holds the largest order book of the trio, aiming for 250 aircraft by 2027 with a shift towards higher-capacity A321neos. Wizz Air, despite grounding 37 aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues, plans rapid growth from 216 aircraft today to 281 by March 2027 and 449 by 2030, with a strong focus on Eastern and Southern European markets.
 

Putzger Perspective: Freighter Shortage Ahead

The air cargo sector could face tightening capacity in the coming years as both production freighters and feedstock for passenger-to-freighter conversions become increasingly scarce. FedEx’s recent retirement of 12 freighters, including three MD-11s, underscores this trend—despite earlier delays to its MD-11 phase-out due to strong demand. While the removal of the US de minimis exemption for e-commerce imports from China triggered significant charter cancellations on the China–US lane, the anticipated market collapse did not occur. Instead, e-commerce operators adapted quickly, shifting volumes to alternative markets and routings, maintaining freight market resilience.
 

Irish Aviation News

Aer Lingus Plans US Codeshare with Qatar Airways

Aer Lingus has filed for US Department of Transportation approval to display Qatar Airways’ (QR) code on its transatlantic services, expanding their existing codeshare beyond short- and medium-haul routes. The move will make Aer Lingus the second IAG carrier, after Iberia, to carry the QR code on US flights, complementing Qatar Airways’ broader partnerships within the group, including a revenue-sharing deal with British Airways. This deepened cooperation reflects the strategic ties between IAG and Qatar Airways, underpinned by the latter’s 25% equity stake in the European airline group.
 

Planning Application Submitted for Pier 1 West Expansion at Dublin Airport

daa has lodged a planning application with Fingal County Council to expand Pier 1 West at Dublin Airport, adding a second storey and 1,080 square metres of additional space. The proposed development will introduce two new boarding gates, enhanced passenger facilities, improved seating, upgraded restrooms, and new food and beverage options. Designed to ease overcrowding and improve circulation, the project is a key element of daa’s long-term infrastructure strategy, supporting capacity growth, operational efficiency, and a more resilient passenger experience in line with Ireland’s expanding population and economy.
 

Qatar Airways to Add Second Evening Dublin–Doha Service from December

Qatar Airways will boost its Dublin–Doha schedule from 14 to 17 weekly flights starting 2 December 2025, introducing a new evening departure from Dublin at 21:15 (QR 46) and a 14:55 departure from Doha (QR 45). The added frequency will enable morning arrivals in Doha, improving onward connections to destinations such as Sydney and Melbourne. This expansion follows Qatar Airways’ recent recognition as ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the ninth time at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, alongside Hamad International Airport’s continued reign as ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years.
 

Record 527k Passengers Flew Between Dublin and North America in July

Dublin Airport recorded an all-time high of 527,000 passengers on North American routes in July 2023, marking a 13.6% rise over the same month in 2022. Year-to-date figures show a 4% increase, underscoring the airport’s pivotal role in transatlantic connectivity. The surge highlights strong demand recovery and growing travel links between Ireland and North America following recent industry disruptions.
 

RSA Launches Road Safety Campaign at Dublin Airport’s SkyBridge

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has taken over Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 SkyBridge for its annual Tourism Campaign, targeting both international visitors and domestic travellers. The dual-themed initiative highlights two key messages—reminding tourists to drive on the left and to watch their speed—using visuals inspired by the Irish flag. With nearly 100,000 kilometres of roads across Ireland, the campaign underscores the importance of safe driving, especially during the busy summer months when road use by international visitors peaks.
 

Ryanair Showcases Sarajevo’s Natural Beauty in New Campaign

Ryanair has unveiled a fresh promotional campaign highlighting the scenic landscapes of Sarajevo and its surrounding areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Featuring tranquil imagery of the Bosna River’s springs, lush greenery, and serene outdoor spaces, the campaign encourages travellers to “Discover the magic of Sarajevo’s nature” and embrace a slower pace. Shared via the airline’s official Instagram account, the post has attracted strong engagement, sparking enthusiasm for the destination and calls from followers for additional direct routes to the Bosnian capital.
 

Shannon Airliner Update – July 2025

The July 2025 Shannon Airliner Update reports a seasonal dip in overall activity, with fewer transiting and maintenance visitors noted across the airfield. Aircraft storage and parking levels remain steady, though movement volumes are lower compared to peak operational periods. A standout highlight this month is the presence of an Antonov AN-124 undergoing a full repaint with International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), underscoring Shannon’s continued role as a key facility for specialist heavy aircraft maintenance and refurbishment.

 

Shannon–Frankfurt Route Hailed as Potentially Transformative for Clare

The upcoming launch of Lufthansa’s Shannon–Frankfurt service is being welcomed as a potential game-changer for County Clare’s economy and tourism sector. Local representatives highlight that direct connectivity to one of Europe’s busiest hubs will open new opportunities for inbound tourism, business travel, and international investment. The route is expected to provide seamless onward links to global markets, positioning Shannon Airport as a stronger regional gateway and enhancing Clare’s appeal as both a tourism destination and a strategic business location.
 

Tweet Picks

@BoeingAirplanes Big thanks to @cathaypacific  for your order for 14 more 777-9s!. With a total of 35 jets on order, Cathay Pacific is now set to become the largest 777X operator in the Asia Pacific region.

@hjelnaes Embraer escapes frpm 50% US tariff, but will be hit by 10% tariff on everything produced/manufactured in Brazil.

@hjelnaes IAG is the shining star among Europe’s airlines. And, British Airways is back as IAG’s crown jewel, well done!. IAG H1/Q2 result is impressing and outlook H2 seems very good, FY25 heading towards the best ever for IAG.

@mattcawby 777-9 line 1723 for Singapore Airlines back from the B1 flight. Will be ferried to Marana on August 14 for high intensity radiated fields testing

 

Video Picks

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury on New Tariffs with the EU

In this video, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury addresses the implications of newly imposed tariffs between the EU and its trading partners, discussing potential impacts on the aviation sector’s supply chains, manufacturing costs, and global competitiveness. Faury emphasises the importance of maintaining open trade channels and collaborative relationships to safeguard industry stability, while outlining Airbus’s strategies to adapt to evolving geopolitical and economic conditions.

 

 

Etihad Airways – Our A321LR Inaugural to Phuket

In this video, Etihad Airways showcases the inaugural flight of its Airbus A321LR to Phuket, marking a milestone in the airline’s regional network expansion. The footage captures the celebratory send-off, onboard experience, and arrival ceremonies, highlighting the aircraft’s enhanced range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort. Etihad positions the A321LR as a versatile addition to its fleet, enabling direct connections to leisure destinations while supporting its strategic growth in high-demand markets across Asia.
 

 

Ethiopian Airlines Soars to $7.6 Billion Revenue

In this video, Ethiopian Airlines celebrates a record-breaking $7.6 billion in annual revenue, underscoring its position as Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier. Executives highlight the airline’s robust network expansion, modern fleet investments, and strategic diversification into cargo, training, and maintenance services. The discussion also touches on how strong operational performance, efficient cost management, and sustained demand for passenger and freight services have propelled growth despite global market challenges.
 

 

Acumen’s Take 

The latest developments across the aviation sector point to a market balancing robust growth ambitions with the realities of capacity constraints, cost pressures, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Airlines continue to push for fleet modernisation, expanded networks, and strategic partnerships, reflecting confidence in long-term demand. At the same time, access costs, supply chain challenges, and regulatory shifts are shaping operational strategies. Financing innovations and targeted route expansions highlight the industry’s adaptability, while infrastructure investments underscore a shared focus on resilience and passenger experience. The trajectory remains positive, but success will hinge on disciplined growth, efficiency gains, and agile responses to market headwinds.