13 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 13th February 2026
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
Aer Lingus Regional Connects Dublin and Tours
Aer Lingus Regional has announced a new seasonal route linking Dublin Airport with Tours, with services exclusively operated by Emerald Airlines. The route will run weekly on Saturdays from 6 June to 29 August 2026 using 72-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft. Tours, the largest city in France’s Centre–Val de Loire region, sits between the Cher and Loire rivers and serves a catchment of around two million people within a 90-minute drive. A historic university city and traditional gateway to the Loire Valley châteaux, Tours offers strong leisure appeal alongside cultural landmarks such as the Saint-Gatien Cathedral, reinforcing the route’s tourism-focused positioning.
AJet Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-8 MAX via Dublin
AJet has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered TC-OHT (MSN 67109), with the aircraft routing from Boeing Field to Dublin Airport on 17 January 2026 as flight THY6830 before continuing to Istanbul the following day. The handover represents the third of 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft allocated to AJet and its parent, Turkish Airlines, all of which are being leased from AerCap. The delivery underlines Dublin’s continued role as a key transit point for aircraft deliveries and supports AJet’s expanding short- and medium-haul network strategy using next-generation narrowbodies.
Ryanair to Boost Liverpool–Cork and Ireland West Airport Routes
Ryanair will increase capacity from its base at Liverpool John Lennon Airport to both Cork Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock for Summer 2026. Services to Cork will rise to daily operations, while Ireland West Airport will see up to ten weekly flights, including double-daily services on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The capacity increase follows Ryanair’s announcement of a sixth based aircraft at Liverpool for Summer 2026, which will add over 250,000 seats, introduce new routes to Marrakesh, Tirana, and Warsaw, and boost frequencies across 11 existing routes.
Aircraft Update
Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330 Repositioned to Lourdes
An Airbus A330-223, registered 9M-MTX (c/n 911), was ferried to Lourdes on 27 January 2026 following its transfer to Malaysia Airlines, having previously operated as EI-GFK. The movement highlights ongoing widebody fleet transition activity, with Lourdes continuing to serve as a key centre for storage, maintenance, and asset management as airlines and lessors adjust capacity and redeploy aircraft in line with evolving network and market conditions.
Safair Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-8AL
A Boeing 737-8AL, registered 2-LYRA (c/n 61774), was delivered to Safair in Johannesburg on 31 January 2026. The delivery supports Safair’s ongoing fleet expansion and renewal strategy, reinforcing narrowbody capacity as the airline continues to scale operations across domestic and regional markets with newer-generation aircraft offering improved efficiency and operating economics.
Global Aviation News
Air India Expands 737 MAX Orderbook
Air India has placed an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, comprising 20 737-8s and 10 737-10s, as it accelerates growth across domestic and regional markets. Announced in Hyderabad, the deal lifts Air India’s Boeing orderbook to nearly 200 aircraft across single-aisle and widebody types, reflecting sustained demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The purchases, exercised from existing options, underline the airline’s focus on fuel efficiency, capacity discipline, and network expansion as it scales operations to meet rising passenger demand.
A321XLR Drives Innovation at Airbus’ Hamburg Facility
Airbus is using the A321XLR programme to push both market and manufacturing innovation, targeting long-thin routes with widebody-like range at single-aisle operating economics. Final assembly of the extra-long-range variant in Hamburg has enabled Airbus to introduce more optimised production techniques, from systems integration to workflow sequencing. The approach comes as airframers face mounting pressure to raise output, positioning the A321XLR not just as a network disruptor for airlines, but also as a testbed for more efficient narrowbody manufacturing at scale.
Emirates Elevates Next Generation of Commercial Leaders
Emirates has announced a series of commercial leadership appointments across key global markets as part of its ongoing Outstation Programme, reinforcing its focus on developing Emirati talent for future senior roles. Effective 1 February, the changes include managerial rotations across Indonesia, Vietnam, Jeddah, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, giving UAE Nationals broader international exposure. The programme is a core element of Emirates’ Emiratisation strategy, designed to build a strong pipeline of commercial leaders through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience across the airline’s global network.
Etihad Opens Calgary as Canada–UAE Skies Liberalize
Etihad Airways has announced a new nonstop service between Calgary International Airport and Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport, following the recent expansion of the air transport agreement between Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Launching on 2 November 2026, the four-times-weekly route will be operated by a Boeing 787-9, with departures from Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays and same-day returns from Calgary. The move underscores Etihad’s intent to capitalise on newly liberalised bilateral capacity, strengthening Canada–Gulf connectivity while positioning Calgary as a key Western Canada gateway for long-haul growth.
Fiji Airways Calls for United Action on Tourism Growth
Fiji Airways has urged stronger collaboration across government, industry, and communities to support the next phase of tourism growth, positioning air connectivity as a strategic pillar rather than a simple transport link. Speaking at the Third Fiji Tourism Convention, Executive Manager Kameli Batiweti highlighted that reliable and well-planned air access underpins economic resilience, market diversification, and inclusive growth, particularly for island economies. The message reinforces aviation’s central role in sustaining tourism momentum while ensuring long-term benefits are spread more broadly across Fiji’s economy.
Southwest Signals Financial Upside from Business Model Overhaul
Southwest Airlines has signalled a sharp improvement in financial performance following the rollout of wide-ranging changes to its long-standing operating model. Speaking during its Q4 earnings call, the airline said the move to assigned seating, which began on 27 January, marks the final major step in its transformation programme to date. Management now expects these changes to drive a significant uplift in profitability, forecasting minimum earnings per share of $4 for 2026, up from $0.93 last year on an adjusted basis, as cost actions and commercial initiatives begin to flow through to results.
Chicago Rivalry Between United and American Set to Benefit Passengers
An intensifying capacity battle at Chicago O’Hare between United Airlines and American Airlines is expected to pressure near-term profitability for both carriers, but could deliver clear benefits for consumers. As both airlines ramp up flying to defend and rebuild market share, competition is driving greater seat availability and sharper pricing, a dynamic that historically leads to cheaper fares and more choice for passengers. American’s push to return to pre-pandemic volumes after rebuilding more slowly than United has further escalated the contest, reinforcing how airline rivalry remains one of the strongest forces shaping fare levels in major hub markets.
Vietjet Expands GTF Commitment with Pratt & Whitney Deal
Vietjet Air has selected Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, to power 44 additional Airbus A320neo family aircraft, deepening its commitment to geared turbofan (GTF) technology as it accelerates growth. The order covers 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs, taking Vietjet’s total GTF-powered fleet to 137 aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in July 2026. Alongside the engine selection, Pratt & Whitney will provide a 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive maintenance agreement, reinforcing long-term cost visibility and operational support as Vietjet expands its regional and longer-range single-aisle network.
What Global Forwarders Expect from India in 2026
As global trade adapts to geopolitical shifts, higher costs, and changing policy priorities, international freight forwarders are looking to India less for rapid expansion and more for dependable execution. The emphasis has moved toward building a logistics ecosystem that consistently supports time-sensitive and high-value cargo, with reliability now outweighing sheer capacity growth. Forwarders are calling for smoother processes, predictable transit times, stronger infrastructure integration, and policy stability, arguing that India’s next phase of logistics competitiveness will be defined by operational consistency and outcome certainty rather than headline scale alone.
Werner Aero Acquires Airbus A319 Airframe MSN 3790
Werner Aero has announced the purchase of an Airbus A319 airframe, MSN 3790, strengthening its growing inventory of commercial aircraft assets. The acquisition supports Werner Aero’s strategy of expanding its aftermarket platform, enabling the company to provide a wider range of high-quality material solutions to airlines, MROs, and leasing partners worldwide. The deal reflects continued demand for well-positioned narrowbody assets in the aftermarket as operators and support providers focus on cost efficiency, availability, and lifecycle optimisation.
Wizz Air Reaffirms Focus on Central and Eastern Europe
Wizz Air has reiterated its confidence in Central and Eastern Europe as the core of its long-term growth strategy, despite ending Q3 FY26 with a loss as cost increases outpaced revenue growth. Speaking during the earnings call, management outlined progress on the strategic reset first detailed with its Q1 results, positioning CEE as a structurally attractive market where demand fundamentals, cost advantages, and network depth continue to favour the ultra-low-cost model. Executives also pointed to optionality around a future return to Ukraine and defended the group’s regional focus amid competitive noise, underlining that Wizz Air sees CEE not as a fallback, but as a durable growth engine once cost pressures and capacity dynamics normalise.
Irish Aviation News
Airlines for America Urges Faster Action on Dublin Passenger Cap
Airlines for America has criticised the Irish government for what it described as a lack of leadership in addressing Dublin Airport’s 32-million passenger cap, despite preparations for legislative removal already being underway. The lobby group, which represents major U.S. carriers including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, has called for swift action ahead of 12 February 2026, warning that continued delays risk slot losses and potential breaches of the EU-US Open Skies Agreement. The intervention follows a year in which Dublin Airport handled 36.4 million passengers, prompting Fingal County Council to issue an infringement notice to daa, and adding further urgency to the debate around capacity constraints at Ireland’s main aviation gateway.
Lower Fuel Costs Set to Repair Airline Balance Sheets – Avolon
Avolon has forecast that sustained lower fuel prices in 2026 will play a central role in repairing airline balance sheets, with global airline net profits projected to reach approximately €37.8 billion, marking a fourth consecutive profitable year for the sector. The lessor expects growth to be led by India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where expanding middle-class demand and strong connectivity models continue to drive traffic, while Europe is forecast to remain the most profitable region overall. Avolon highlighted that airlines in these growth markets collectively hold orders for around 3,000 aircraft, with roughly 900 deliveries expected over the next three years, although manufacturer backlogs and supply shortages remain a key constraint. While lower fuel costs provide meaningful relief, the outlook is tempered by rising labour and maintenance expenses, alongside continued pressure to reduce carbon intensity through investment in newer, more efficient aircraft technology.
Minister O’Brien Visits Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility
Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, has visited the Trinity College Dublin Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Facility located at SMBC Aviation Capital’s headquarters in Dublin, highlighting Ireland’s growing focus on sustainable aviation and decarbonisation. Based at Fitzwilliam 28, the facility represents a collaborative effort between Trinity College Dublin and the aircraft leasing sector to address one of aviation’s most complex challenges. As the industry works toward net-zero emissions by 2050, the initiative reinforces the role of SAF as the most credible near-term solution for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint, while positioning Ireland as an active contributor to global sustainability research and policy development.
Dublin–London Remains Europe’s Busiest Air Route
New data from OAG confirms that the Dublin–London corridor continues to rank as Europe’s busiest city pair, with an average of 91 daily flights. High-frequency services are led by Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and British Airways, reflecting sustained business and leisure demand between the two capitals. Fares remain highly competitive, with low-cost tickets available from around €25, while full-service options to Heathrow typically range between €90 and €100 depending on timing and airport.
PwC Ireland Global Aviation Outlook 2026
The PwC Ireland Global Aviation Outlook 2026 highlights a sector that has moved firmly into its next phase of recovery, where demand strength is now being shaped by cost discipline, capacity constraints, and long-term sustainability pressures. The report points to resilient passenger growth alongside persistent challenges such as aircraft supply delays, rising labour and maintenance costs, and the need for accelerated decarbonisation. For airlines and lessors, the outlook emphasises balance sheet repair, smarter capital allocation, and operational efficiency as the defining priorities heading into 2026, rather than rapid capacity expansion alone.
Regional Airports Funding Raised in Dáil Éireann
The issue of regional airport connectivity was debated in Dáil Éireann on 20 January 2026, with Deputy Michael Cahill calling for a dedicated fund to support route development at airports such as Kerry and counter what he described as an over-centralisation of growth at Dublin Airport. In response, the Government reiterated its commitment to balanced regional access, highlighting the role of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland in driving demand through regional gateways. A key tool is the Regional Co-operative Marketing Access Programme, which supports joint campaigns with airlines and sea carriers and has received €4 million under Budget 2026 via the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund.
Willie Walsh Calls for Structural Fix to Aircraft Supply Chain
Willie Walsh has warned that the global aircraft industry needs a “real solution” to persistent supply chain disruptions, arguing that airlines have been forced into short-term workarounds rather than sustainable fixes. Speaking on the issue, Walsh said carriers effectively applied a “band-aid” in 2025 by keeping older aircraft in service for longer to offset delivery delays and production shortfalls. While this approach helped airlines maintain capacity in the near term, he cautioned that it is not a long-term answer, underscoring the need for manufacturers and the wider supply ecosystem to restore reliability and throughput as demand for new, more efficient aircraft continues to outpace supply.
Knock Airport Chief Calls for Stronger Investment in the West
Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Knock, has urged the government to take a braver approach to investing in the west of Ireland, particularly in rail and road connectivity that he says the region “deserves.” Speaking ahead of the airport’s 40th anniversary, Gilmore argued that infrastructure investment in the west has not kept pace with development on the east coast, despite Knock Airport’s growing role in regional connectivity, tourism, and economic activity. He said improved surface transport links are essential to fully unlock the airport’s potential, support balanced regional growth, and ensure communities in the west can benefit equally from national aviation and transport strategies.
Tourist Numbers and Spend Surge in December
Peter Burke has confirmed a strong year-end rebound for Irish tourism, with CSO figures showing overseas visitor numbers rising 34% in December compared to last year, alongside a 30% increase in spend to an estimated €427 million. More than 524,000 international visitors travelled to Ireland during the month, staying an average of 9.1 nights, underscoring the high value of inbound tourism. While early 2025 was affected by global economic uncertainty and the Dublin Airport passenger cap, momentum strengthened in the second half of the year, driven by demand from Great Britain and North America. Looking ahead, the outlook for 2026 is positive, supported by a planned 12% increase in air connectivity and expanded transatlantic services.
TrueNoord Leases Two ATR 72-600s to FLY91
TrueNoord has expanded its Indian footprint with the delivery of two ATR 72-600 aircraft on long-term operating leases to FLY91. The first aircraft, MSN 1233, was delivered in late December 2025 and is already in service, while the second, MSN 1236, arrived in mid-January and is set to enter operations shortly. The placements underline continued demand for modern turboprops in India’s regional market, supporting connectivity on thinner routes as domestic air travel growth remains strong.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek #StarluxAirlines reports strong demand for its premium products as it prepares to increase the proportion of business-class seating on its incoming A350-1000s.@AviationWeek.
@IATA Our SVP External Affairs Thomas Reynaert on the @EP_Parliament vote on EU261: "Air passengers above all want lower fares & more flexibility, & the Parliament's proposals put that at risk. It's now up to the @EUCouncil to defend choice & enhance competition on behalf of consumers"
@SMurphyTV Michael O'Learys says @ryanair have been in discussions for 12 months with Starlink which is "a terrific system" - but says the economics don't work.
@SMurphyTV The airline doesn't believe its customer base will not pay for the service on short-haul flights, and the the cost is "prohibitive". Doesn't know why @elonmusk took such umbrage.
Video Picks
Ryanair Lifts Fare Growth Guidance After Public Feud with Elon Musk
Ryanair has raised its fare growth guidance following renewed confidence in demand and pricing power, with management commentary drawing added attention after a very public exchange involving Elon Musk. The video explores how Ryanair is positioning itself amid strong booking trends, cost discipline, and ongoing debates around technology costs and value alignment, offering insight into how the airline balances headline noise with core commercial strategy.
The Secrets Behind Air Canada’s Industry-Leading App
Air Canada offers a behind-the-scenes look at how its mobile app has evolved into one of the most advanced digital platforms in commercial aviation. The video explores how customer data, intuitive design, and real-time operational integration are being used to improve the passenger journey, reduce friction during disruption, and create measurable commercial value. It’s a useful case study in how airlines are using digital tools not as add-ons, but as core operational infrastructure.
United Seeing Strength “Across the Board,” CEO Kirby Says
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby discusses broad-based strength across the airline’s network, pointing to resilient demand in both premium and core segments alongside improving operational performance. The conversation highlights how capacity discipline, product investment, and network optimisation are supporting margins, even as cost and competitive pressures persist across the U.S. market.
Acumen’s Take
Across the sector, the signal is clear: demand is no longer the constraint, execution is. Airlines, lessors, and airports are shifting focus from headline growth to fleet availability, capital discipline, and operational resilience. Capacity decisions are being shaped as much by supply chains and infrastructure limits as by market appetite. The next advantage will come from those who can align funding, assets, and networks without overextending in a still-tight operating environment.
