13 Nov 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 13th 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:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
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
PS-LHF Airbus A320-271N Delivered to LATAM Airlines Brasil
LATAM Airlines Brasil has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-271N, registered PS-LHF (msn 8905), which arrived in São Carlos on 18 October 2025. Previously registered as VT-IJC, the aircraft joins LATAM’s growing A320neo fleet as part of the airline’s ongoing modernisation and efficiency drive. The addition supports LATAM’s strategy to reduce fuel consumption, enhance operational performance, and expand capacity across its domestic and regional network in South America.
YL-LCK Airbus A320-232 Ferried to St Athan
An Airbus A320-232, registered YL-LCK (msn 2210) and operated by Heston Airlines, was ferried to St Athan on 4 November 2025 after previously operating under registration EI-EUA. The flight marks part of the aircraft’s transition and maintenance cycle, with St Athan serving as a key location for storage, refurbishment, or end-of-lease activities. The move reflects ongoing fleet management efforts within Europe’s active narrowbody leasing and maintenance sector.
Global Aviation News
Air Astana Expands Long-Haul Fleet with Up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Air Astana has announced a major expansion of its long-haul fleet with a new order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking the largest aircraft commitment in the airline’s history. The deal includes five firm orders, five options, and five purchase rights, supplementing three 787-9s already scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. With total commitments now reaching 18 aircraft valued at approximately US$7 billion, deliveries are set to occur between 2032 and 2035. The expanded fleet will enable Air Astana to enhance route connectivity, improve fuel efficiency, and strengthen its global competitiveness.
Emirates Rolls Out Facial Recognition Technology at Dubai International Airport
Emirates has invested AED 85 million to deploy over 200 biometric cameras across Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB), enhancing passenger flow through check-in, immigration, lounges, and boarding. Developed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), the system enables travellers to move through key airport checkpoints using only facial recognition after a quick registration via the Emirates app. The technology eliminates the need for passports or boarding passes at multiple touchpoints and significantly reduces processing time, reflecting Emirates’ continued investment in seamless, technology-driven travel experiences.
JetBlue and United Launch Cross-Earning and Redemption Under ‘Blue Sky’ Partnership
JetBlue and United Airlines have unveiled a key milestone in their Blue Sky collaboration, allowing loyalty members from both carriers to earn and redeem points or miles across each other’s networks. The integration delivers a more flexible and rewarding experience for travellers, enabling them to seamlessly book flights using their preferred loyalty currency on either the airline's website or mobile app. This development marks the first major customer-facing benefit of the partnership, expanding access to more destinations and reinforcing both airlines’ commitment to enhancing loyalty value and travel convenience.
Korean Air Partners with Condor to Restore German Domestic Connectivity
Korean Air has entered into a new Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with Condor Airlines, restoring smooth domestic connectivity across Germany for the first time in over a decade. Effective November 1, 2025, the partnership enables passengers travelling between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Frankfurt (FRA) to seamlessly connect to major German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Plans are underway to expand to more destinations in Condor’s network during the summer 2026 schedule.
TAP Air Portugal Adds Curitiba to Expanding Brazil Network
TAP Air Portugal has announced the launch of a new route linking Lisbon (LIS) to Curitiba (CWB), the capital of Paraná, Brazil, starting 2 July 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays as part of a triangular route Lisbon–Curitiba–Rio de Janeiro–Lisbon, using an Airbus A330-200 with 269 seats. Ticket sales open on 11 November 2025.
Vietjet Finalises Landmark Order for 100 Airbus A321neo Aircraft
Vietjet has firmed up its June Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus, signing a definitive agreement for 100 A321neo aircraft. The deal reinforces the Vietnamese carrier’s ambitious network expansion and fleet modernisation plans, taking its total A321neo orders to 280. This latest order comes shortly after Vietjet’s purchase of 20 A330neo widebody aircraft in May, further strengthening its long-term partnership with Airbus and positioning the airline for sustained growth across both domestic and international markets.
WestJet commends House Committee’s recognition of Canada’s aviation cost challenges
WestJet has expressed strong support for the findings of Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, which released its report on the State of Airline Competition in Canada. The airline noted that the Committee’s conclusions align with its long-standing position that high fees, outdated regulations, and policy barriers are constraining competition and driving up travel costs. WestJet said the recommendations mark a pivotal opportunity to work with the government toward modernising Canada’s aviation framework, improving affordability, and fostering a more competitive air travel environment.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation Appoints Pascal Picano as SVP of Aircraft Leasing & Trading
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has announced the appointment of Pascal Picano as Senior Vice President, Aircraft Leasing & Trading, effective immediately. Reporting directly to CEO Austin C. Willis, Picano will collaborate with Marc Pierpoint, SVP and Head of Trading & Investments, to advance WLFC’s global leasing and trading strategy. The move reflects WLFC’s continued focus on portfolio expansion and strengthening its position as a leading provider of commercial aircraft engine leasing and aviation services worldwide.
Wizz Air Reschedules 88 Aircraft Deliveries and Adjusts Fleet Mix
Wizz Air has finalised a revised agreement with Airbus to defer the delivery of 88 aircraft by three years, shifting them from the 2030 to 2033 financial year. The move aligns with the airline’s strategy for more sustainable and profitable capacity growth. As part of the adjustment, Wizz Air has reduced its long-range A321XLR order from 47 to 11 aircraft, converting 36 of those commitments into A321neos. The carrier’s total order book remains at 273 aircraft, with plans to operate an all-neo fleet by 2029 a step expected to enhance fuel efficiency and strengthen its position as one of the most environmentally efficient airlines globally.
Irish Aviation News
AFG Aviation Ireland Acquires Boeing 737-300F from Central Airlines
AFG Aviation Ireland (AFG) has completed the acquisition of a Boeing 737-300F aircraft, bearing MSN 26854, from China’s Central Airlines. This transaction further strengthens AFG‘s presence and continued growth in the global freighter market.
Aer Lingus Operating Profit Rises 22% to €170 Million
Aer Lingus has reported a strong third-quarter operating profit of €170 million, marking a 22% year-on-year increase driven by robust revenues and favourable fuel pricing. Parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) highlighted that the airline’s performance represented a €31 million improvement over the same period in 2024. When adjusted for the effects of last year’s industrial action, Aer Lingus’ results were broadly in line with the previous year, underscoring the carrier’s continued operational resilience and financial stability within IAG’s portfolio.
Ryanair Moves to 100% Digital Boarding Passes from 12 November
Ryanair has announced that from 12 November, passengers will no longer be able to download or print physical boarding passes, completing the airline’s transition to fully digital check-in. The change affects around 20% of travellers who have yet to adopt digital passes, while the remaining 80% already use the feature via the ‘myRyanair’ app. Chief Marketing Officer Dara Brady described the move as a step toward a “faster, smarter, and greener” travel experience, offering passengers added convenience through app-based features such as live flight updates, disruption alerts, and in-flight service options.
Ryanair’s Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 Powers Its Busiest European Routes
Ryanair’s Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 fleet has become central to its European short-haul operations, serving the airline’s most frequented nonstop routes. With its enhanced fuel efficiency and higher seat capacity, the aircraft enables Ryanair to operate high-frequency services across major hubs including Dublin, London Stansted, and Faro. The type plays a key role in connecting popular leisure and business destinations across Europe, supporting Ryanair’s strategy to maximise efficiency while meeting growing travel demand across its expansive network.
SERE Holdings Acquires Woodgate Aviation, Forming Northern Ireland’s Sole Non-Scheduled Operator
SERE Holdings Ltd has expanded its aviation portfolio through the acquisition of Woodgate Aviation, a leading provider of air ambulance and patient transfer services in Northern Ireland. The move, following recent investments in 247 Aviation, establishes the newly formed SERE Aviation Group as Northern Ireland’s only non-scheduled aircraft operator and one of the UK’s largest specialist fleets. The acquisition secures the continuity of the region’s Fixed Wing Patient Transfer contract while strengthening SERE’s position in executive air charter, ground handling, and medical repatriation services.
Landmark Technologies Strengthens Cybersecurity for Inflight Dublin
Landmark Technologies has partnered with Inflight Dublin to enhance the security of its global in-flight entertainment operations through a customized cybersecurity solution. The collaboration focuses on protecting critical data, mitigating emerging cyber threats, and supporting the delivery of secure, innovative entertainment experiences for passengers. Inflight Dublin, headquartered in Ireland with offices across multiple continents, provides entertainment content to major airlines including Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, and Ethiopian Airlines. The partnership reinforces Ireland’s growing role in aviation technology and cybersecurity innovation.
Stellaer 212 Launches PC-24 Jet Operations from Weston Airport
Stellaer 212 has introduced executive jet services from Dublin Weston Airport with the Pilatus PC-24, registered EI-PC24. The twin-engine aircraft, seating six passengers, will operate charter flights across Europe with hourly rates starting at €4,000. The PC-24 joins Stellaer 212’s existing fleet of two Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops, marking a key expansion in the company’s premium charter offerings. The first commercial flight is set for London City Airport, signalling a strong start for the operator’s jet operations.
Shannon Airport Group Seals 2025 Time Capsule to Mark 80 Years of Transatlantic Flight
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight in 1945, The Shannon Airport Group has buried a commemorative time capsule capturing life in 2025. The “Time, Sealed and Delivered” project invited submissions from schools across Clare, Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary, featuring creative reflections, letters, and futuristic predictions ranging from AI portraits to driverless cars. The initiative symbolises Shannon’s enduring legacy in aviation history and its connection to future generations of innovators and travellers.
Worldchoice’s Carol Anne O’Neill Commends Professionalism of Irish Travel Agents
At the 2025 Worldchoice conference held at Johnstown Estate, Carol Anne O’Neill praised travel agents for their professionalism and composure in managing crises. In her address, she emphasised that growth in the travel industry stems from openness to change, learning, and collaboration. O’Neill highlighted how Worldchoice members uphold high standards through expert product knowledge, round-the-clock support, and strong customer relationships. The conference reaffirmed the vital role of travel agents as trusted professionals dedicated to service excellence and continuous improvement.
Tweet Picks
@skift From Tanks to TikTok: Inside Ryanair’s ‘Cheeky’ Marketing Strategy. "Over the course of more than two decades at Ryanair, Dara Brady has helped shape a brand voice that’s often irreverent and sometimes controversial. "
@skift The tourism leaders of Spain and the U.S. explain why they’re having very different years: Spain has seen a record-high 66.8 million international tourists so far while the U.S. inbound travel this year is expected to fall for the first time since 2020.
@skift Travelers today expect both personalization and convenience - and FinTech is making it possible. Booking’s SVP of FinTech, Daniel Marovitz, joins Skift Global Forum East to explore how tech + finance are reshaping travel.
@skift What India’s New Fixed Fare Scheme Means For Travelers. "India on Monday launched a fixed fare scheme for government-owned Alliance Air in a trial phase, introducing fixed ticket prices on select routes between October 13 and December 31."
Video Picks
PTW World Interview: Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports
In this interview with PTW World, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths shares insights into managing one of the world’s busiest international airports and his vision for the future of global air travel. Griffiths discusses how Dubai continues to lead through innovation, passenger experience, and operational excellence, highlighting the airport’s strategic role in connecting global markets. The conversation also touches on sustainability, infrastructure development, and the technologies shaping the next generation of aviation hubs.
Reimagining the Future of Air Travel with David Neeleman
In this engaging conversation, aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman — founder of airlines such as JetBlue, Azul, and Breeze Airways — discusses his vision for the future of commercial aviation. Neeleman shares insights on how technology, customer-centric design, and efficiency can redefine the flying experience. From streamlining operations to enhancing passenger comfort, he outlines how innovation and adaptability remain central to shaping the next era of air travel.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Slams UK Government Over Economic Policies
In this candid interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticises the UK government’s approach to aviation and economic growth, calling recent decisions “dumb” and questioning Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ ability to deliver sustainable progress. O’Leary argues that excessive taxation, lack of infrastructure investment, and poor policy direction are holding back the aviation sector’s recovery and competitiveness. Known for his outspoken style, he also outlines what the UK must do to restore business confidence and support airlines driving post-pandemic growth.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to show strong signs of renewal, with strategic fleet expansions, digital transformation, and cross-border collaborations defining this phase of recovery. Airlines are prioritising efficiency, sustainability, and technology to navigate evolving passenger expectations and market pressures. Ireland’s aviation ecosystem also remains vibrant, balancing innovation in business aviation with broader infrastructural growth. As the industry moves toward 2026, operational adaptability and data-driven decision-making will be key to sustaining profitability and resilience across both global and regional markets.
