13 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 13th May 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: Covers the latest on China’s aircraft orders, OEM partnerships, and regulatory shifts amid a rebound in domestic and international traffic.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-may-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: Highlights include airline performance, traffic growth data, and regional fleet expansion supported by government-backed connectivity schemes.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-may-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Focuses on portfolio movements, SPV updates, and new leasing mandates from Dublin-based lessors managing global assets.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-may-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Provides data on aircraft deliveries, lease transitions, and commercial operator activity involving Irish-registered aircraft.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-may-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Covers fleet renewal trends, airline earnings, regulatory changes, and cargo dynamics in the US and Canada.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-may-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Deploys A321XLR on Emerald Airlines’ DUB–EDI Route
Aer Lingus has operated an A321XLR on Emerald Airlines’ Dublin–Edinburgh service, marking a unique upgauge for the typically regional route.
Acumen’s Take
While likely a one-off or positioning move, this highlights fleet flexibility and operational integration within the Aer Lingus Group. Acumen tracks such upgauge events to assess utilisation strategy across asset classes.
EgyptAir to Increase Cairo–Dublin Flights
EgyptAir is set to boost capacity on the Cairo–Dublin route, following growing passenger demand and strong load factors.
Acumen’s Take
Cairo–Dublin expansion reflects deepening MENA-Ireland connectivity. Acumen supports lessors in assessing long-haul market demand shifts that may drive future widebody lease requirements.
Pegasus Airlines Enhances Istanbul–Dublin Service
Pegasus Airlines will increase frequencies on the Istanbul–Dublin route, signalling growing low-cost demand between Ireland and Türkiye.
Acumen’s Take
Expanded LCC presence reinforces Dublin’s positioning as a key European gateway. Acumen closely watches LCC fleet movements to inform remarketing strategies and route-based lease planning.
Aircraft Update
EgyptAir Receives A330-200 SU-GGD in Cairo
SU-GGD (c/n 874), an Airbus A330-223 formerly registered as 9H-HFK, was ferried to Cairo on 25th April 2025 for integration into EgyptAir’s widebody fleet.
Acumen’s Take
The return of A330s to active fleets reflects continued demand for versatile twin-aisles across medium- and long-haul routes. Acumen tracks these reactivations to support residual value assessments and redeployment strategies.
Safair Takes Delivery of B737-800 VQ-CAE in Johannesburg
VQ-CAE (c/n 60963), a Boeing 737-8KN, was delivered to Safair in Johannesburg on 25th April 2025, supporting the airline’s expanding regional low-cost operations.
Acumen’s Take
Safair’s fleet growth demonstrates stable LCC demand in Southern Africa. Acumen monitors such deliveries to support market entry strategies and short-to-mid-term lease opportunity analysis for narrowbodies.
Global Aviation News
Air Canada Unveils Largest-Ever Latin America Expansion for Winter 2025–26
Air Canada has announced a significant expansion of its Latin American network, adding new destinations and increasing frequencies across multiple routes.
Acumen’s Take
The move reflects rising demand for North–South travel corridors. Acumen tracks such strategic expansions to inform narrowbody and widebody lease planning in high-growth markets.
Lufthansa Lands A380 in Denver for the First Time
Lufthansa operated its first Airbus A380 service to Denver, signalling confidence in long-haul premium demand and airport readiness for superjumbo operations.
Acumen’s Take
A380 reactivations show targeted deployment opportunities. Acumen supports clients in evaluating high-capacity asset positioning and seasonal route pair economics.
Qatar Airways Cargo Named Launch Customer of 777-200LRMF
Qatar Airways Cargo has been announced as the launch customer for Mammoth Freighters’ 777-200LRMF conversion programme.
Acumen’s Take
This highlights sustained widebody freighter demand. Acumen provides detailed valuation, redelivery, and P2F market modelling for investment in next-gen cargo assets.
SKY Leasing Acquires JetBlue Ventures
SKY Leasing has acquired JetBlue Ventures, marking a strategic expansion into aviation technology and innovation-driven asset portfolios.
Acumen’s Take
This acquisition blends leasing and startup ecosystems. Acumen supports such hybrid strategies through portfolio analysis and digital asset planning frameworks.
TUI Airways to Base Fourth Aircraft at Cardiff Airport
TUI Airways will base a fourth aircraft at Cardiff Airport, enabling new routes for Summer 2026 and expanding leisure network reach.
Acumen’s Take
Regional base growth signals stable seasonal demand for mid-life narrowbodies. Acumen advises lessors and airlines on ACMI and summer utilisation strategies.
Irish Aviation News
Datalex Launches DLX Pay with Air Transat as First Customer
Irish travel tech company Datalex has launched DLX Pay, a new payment orchestration platform, with Air Transat as its inaugural airline partner.
Acumen’s Take
DLX Pay strengthens Ireland’s reputation in aviation tech innovation. Acumen continues to explore partnerships that blend digital transformation with airline revenue optimisation.
Maples Group Advises Altavair on $582M Aircraft ABS Transaction
The Maples Group advised Altavair on its debut $582 million aircraft ABS deal, underscoring Ireland’s ongoing leadership in aviation finance law.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s legal and structuring expertise is central to global aircraft securitisation. Acumen supports ABS-linked SPVs through technical asset due diligence and lease risk analysis.
Belfast International Airport Unveils £100M Investment Plan
Northern Ireland ministers launched the first phase of a £100 million upgrade to Belfast International Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and infrastructure.
Acumen’s Take
This investment is key to increasing airport competitiveness in the UK–Ireland region. Acumen monitors such developments to assess regional route viability and fleet mix evolution.
Expansion of US Pre-Clearance Facility at Dublin Airport Approved
Planners have approved the expansion of the US pre-clearance facility at Dublin Airport, enhancing transatlantic passenger processing capacity.
Acumen’s Take
Expanded pre-clearance will bolster Dublin’s role as a transatlantic hub. Acumen tracks infrastructural enhancements to guide long-haul route planning and aircraft placement decisions.
Ryanair Signs Booking Partnership with OTA Aggregator Atlas
Ryanair has entered a sales and booking partnership with OTA platform Atlas, aiming to regain control over third-party bookings while expanding distribution.
Acumen’s Take
Direct-OTA partnerships mark a shift in airline distribution strategy. Acumen incorporates such commercial decisions into airline business model evaluation and route profitability forecasting.
Ireland’s Global Aviation Influence in the Spotlight
A new feature highlights Ireland’s outsized role in global aviation, from aircraft leasing dominance to tech and legal expertise.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s ecosystem continues to punch above its weight. Acumen, as a key player in this landscape, brings integrated asset management, digital solutions, and advisory depth to the global stage.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek United Rotorcraft hopes to gain Transport Canada certification for its Airbus Super Puma firefighting modification package this summer.
@BoeingAirplanes From first flight to 1 billion passengers, today, the 787 Dreamliner makes history. Thank you to every customer, teammate, supplier, crew member and passenger who made this possible.
@cmacgm The CMA CGM Group accelerates its development in air freight with the acquisition of @AirBelgium. #CMACGMAIRCARGO and Air Belgium will offer a complementary service. Two strong brands, one shared ambition: To develop solutions tailored to the needs of our customers.
@emirates Australia, our A350 is coming down under! With the arrival of our first long-range A350 on the horizon, we've just announced its first destination - Adelaide!.
Video Picks
Mallow Racecourse Emergency Landing – 18 April 1983
This documentary revisits the extraordinary emergency landing of a Gulfstream II at Mallow Racecourse in 1983—one of Irish aviation’s most remarkable stories.
Acumen’s Take
Beyond the drama, the event underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in aviation. Such historic incidents remain part of Ireland’s rich aviation heritage, which Acumen proudly supports through industry engagement.
New Aer Lingus Nonstop Flights Could Be Economic Gamechanger
Aer Lingus’ planned nonstop long-haul routes are being hailed as potential economic catalysts for the regions they serve, boosting connectivity and trade.
Acumen’s Take
New nonstop routes signal confidence in transatlantic demand and regional uplift. Acumen uses such developments to assess fleet demand and route viability for next-gen narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
No Tariff-Driven Travel Impact Yet, Says MakeMyTrip CEO
MakeMyTrip’s CEO reports no major disruption in travel demand despite rising global tariff tensions, citing resilience in international bookings.
Acumen’s Take
While resilient now, geopolitical shifts can quickly affect network strategy. Acumen monitors macro trends to help lessors and airlines stay ahead of market volatility.
