14 Aug 2025

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 14th 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

N346NC Embraer 190 c/n 19000146 Nordic Aviation Capital Ferried to Leipzig 28/06/25 ex XA-AEI

Nordic Aviation Capital has ferried an Embraer 190, registered N346NC (MSN 19000146), to Leipzig on 28 June 2025. Formerly operating as XA-AEI, the aircraft’s repositioning reflects ongoing fleet management activity within NAC’s portfolio. The move aligns with the lessor’s strategy to optimise asset placement and prepare aircraft for redeployment or transition to new operators.

 

VP-CBZ Embraer 190 c/n 19000524 Nordic Aviation Capital Ferried to Maastricht 31/07/25 ex OE-IQF

Nordic Aviation Capital has ferried an Embraer 190, registered VP-CBZ (MSN 19000524), to Maastricht on 31 July 2025. Previously operating as OE-IQF, the aircraft’s transfer is part of NAC’s active fleet transition programme, aimed at positioning assets for upcoming lease placements, maintenance, or modification work to meet future operator requirements.

 

Global Aviation News

How loyalty programmes are keeping America’s airlines aloft

A recent analysis highlights the growing financial significance of loyalty programmes for US carriers, with Delta Air Lines’ Q2 2025 results providing a striking example. Despite posting a $2.1bn operating profit, the airline would have recorded a loss without the revenue generated from its loyalty scheme.

 

Manchester Airport opens six new shops and food outlets in the redeveloped T2 departure lounge

Manchester Airport has unveiled six new retail and dining options in its redeveloped Terminal 2 departure lounge, including the airport’s first LEGO store, Rituals, and Pandora, alongside food outlets like Starbucks, Upper Crust, and Joe & The Juice. The additions form part of a £1.3bn transformation project launched in 2015, aimed at enhancing passenger experience through upgraded facilities, new check-in areas, and a refreshed terminal design. Future openings will include premium brands such as CHANEL and a Fever Tree bar, with décor touches inspired by the airport’s 1980s and 1990s heritage.

 

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking Underwrites Senior Secured Term Loan for Eleven Airbus A321 Ceos Aircraft for LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) has underwritten a Senior Secured Term Loan to finance eleven Airbus A321ceo aircraft for LATAM Airlines Group S.A. Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, LATAM is the largest airline group in Latin America, operating a network that spans domestic and international markets across six countries in the region. With a fleet exceeding 350 aircraft, the financing will support LATAM’s operational flexibility and reinforce its passenger and cargo services across its broad route network.

 

North American Flight Services opens new facility in Saratoga County

North American Flight Services (NAFS), the sole FBO at New York’s Saratoga County Airport (K5B2), has inaugurated a new $32 million facility. The 20,500-sq-ft, two-storey terminal showcases natural materials and features a bright atrium lobby, a 20-seat conference room, a pilot lounge with two snooze rooms, a business centre, and a second-floor balcony with panoramic airfield views. Later this year, the facility will also welcome “Alexi’s at the Airport,” a full-service restaurant, further enhancing amenities for travellers and crews.

 

Northern Air Cargo to stop flying 767s

Northern Air Cargo will retire its Boeing 767 freighter operations by October. The move is aimed at streamlining operations and concentrating resources on markets where the group holds strong competitive advantages.

 

NyxAir adds another Saab 340B freighter

Estonia-based NyxAir is set to expand its regional freighter operations with the addition of another Saab 340B freighter, bringing its fleet of the type to four. The 1991-built aircraft (MSN 340B-225, ex-RAF-Avia) marks a return to growth for the type within NyxAir’s cargo operations, after the carrier appeared to scale back its Saab 340B presence in 2023. This move reinforces NyxAir’s focus on niche regional cargo services across Europe.

 

Turkish Airlines moves to acquire Spain’s Air Europa as Lufthansa interest cools on deal

Turkish Airlines is making swift progress towards a potential stake in Spain’s Air Europa, jointly owned by Globalia and IAG, with an agreement reportedly close. Both Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa Group have been linked to a 25% acquisition that would inject €240 million into the Spanish carrier. While Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed ongoing talks, he also noted the complexities of securing a deal—suggesting Turkish Airlines may now be in a stronger position to advance the investment.

 

U.S. Travel Association Applauds Creation of White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics

The U.S. Travel Association has unveiled the America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC), bringing together sports, travel, and business leaders to prepare for major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Working alongside the newly formed White House Task Force, ASTMEC aims to ensure the U.S. has the policies, infrastructure, and security needed to host these global spectacles, which are projected to deliver a $100 billion economic boost over the next four years.

 

Werner Aero Acquires 12 Embraer E190-100 Aircraft from JetBlue

Werner Aero has acquired twelve Embraer E190-100 airframes and an equal number of CF34-10E6 engines from JetBlue Airways, reinforcing its presence in the growing E-Jet aftermarket sector. The assets will be delivered to Ascent Aviation’s Pinal Airpark facility in Marana, Arizona, between June 2025 and February 2026. This strategic move enhances Werner Aero’s ability to support operators worldwide with comprehensive solutions in the high-demand regional jet market.

 

Irish Aviation News

AerCap Reports 84 Deliveries in Record Q2 2025

AerCap has posted a record-breaking Q2 2025, achieving GAAP net income of $1.3 billion and earnings per share of $7.09, buoyed by strong asset demand and a major insurance case win in London. The lessor has completed 84 deliveries year-to-date and is deepening its investment in new LEAP engines, supported by a newly announced MRO partnership with Air France-KLM. Looking ahead, AerCap plans to invest a further $3 billion in new equipment by year-end and has authorised more than $800 million in share repurchases.

 

Aer Lingus Weighs Pittsburgh Flights

Aer Lingus is considering launching a Dublin–Pittsburgh service in 2026 as part of its continued North American expansion. The airline, which posted a €80 million profit for H1 2025 despite a €55 million operating loss in Q1, is operating its largest-ever transatlantic network this year, with Nashville and Indianapolis recently added. While the carrier has not confirmed its 2026 plans, industry sources suggest up to two new US destinations could be introduced next summer.

 

DAE Announces Purchase and Leaseback Deal with United for 10 Boeing 737-9s

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed a purchase and long-term leaseback agreement with United Airlines for 10 new Boeing 737-9 aircraft, scheduled for delivery between August 2025 and February 2026. The deal builds on DAE’s existing partnership with United, following the recent acquisition of an Airbus A321neo placed on lease to the carrier. DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore emphasised the company’s commitment to the North American market and its intention to further strengthen ties with United in the coming years.

 

“Do we want to sit back and let Amazon and Google take that prize?” – Manna Aero Founder Bobby Healy

Manna Aero founder Bobby Healy has been actively defending his drone delivery business amid local opposition in Dublin 15 and Dundrum, where concerns over noise and privacy have sparked debate. In a recent wave of nearly 50 media interviews, including an appearance on Newstalk, Healy questioned whether Ireland should allow global tech giants like Amazon and Google to dominate the drone delivery space. He maintains that Manna’s operations present an opportunity for Ireland to lead in a fast-growing sector, balancing innovation with community engagement.

 

Irish Travellers Flock to South Africa, Mexico Riviera and UAE for Winter Sun as Long-Haul Bookings Surge

New data from Travel Counsellors Ireland reveals a surge in long-haul winter bookings, with South Africa, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and the UAE topping the list for Irish holidaymakers in 2025/26. The trend reflects a growing appetite for swapping short-haul European getaways for more exotic, sunshine-rich destinations offering unique cultural and leisure experiences. This shift underscores evolving travel priorities as consumers seek premium, once-in-a-lifetime adventures over traditional winter escapes.

 

Ryanair Passenger Numbers for July Hit Record 20.7m as Growth Slows to 2.5%

Ryanair carried a record 20.7 million passengers in July 2025, up 2.5% year-on-year and 40% above pre-pandemic levels, despite delivery delays from Boeing slowing growth momentum. Load factors remained at an industry-leading 96%, with the rolling annual total reaching 203.1 million, 7% higher than the previous year. The airline operated over 113,000 flights during the month, though 680 services were cancelled, primarily due to French air traffic control strikes.

 

Shannon Not Included in American Airlines’ Summer 2026 Transatlantic Expansion

American Airlines has announced five new transatlantic routes for summer 2026, each operating seven times weekly, but Shannon–Philadelphia—rumoured in some circles—was not among them. New services will include Dallas/Fort Worth to Athens and Zurich from 21 May 2026, Miami–Europe flights running year-round, Milan Malpensa from 29 March, and seasonal Philadelphia connections to Budapest and Prague starting 21 May. The absence of Shannon in this expansion marks a missed opportunity for enhanced US connectivity from the west of Ireland.
 

Tweet Picks

@CAPA_Aviation Aeroflot Group to add 108 Irkut MC-21 aircraft by 2030 and 92 more by 2032 for fleet renewal. Rossiya Airlines will transition to all MC-21 medium haul fleet with two-class configuration. First deliveries expected autumn 2026.
@CAPA_Aviation Board of Airline Representatives of Australia Executive Director, Stephen Pearse: "The EU air passenger rights scheme is the poster child of some of the things to avoid in a scheme and has a lot of unintended consequences."
@CAPA_Aviation Happening right now: @VirginAustralia CEO David Emerson: “Partnering with @qatarairways  for long-haul flights is the perfect way for us to explore, learn and refine.” “I see no signs of a decline in the desire to travel — if anything, it continues to grow.”
@CAPA_Aviation "We've been fixated on operational resilience for the last 12 months" - Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace reveals their focus on delivering what customers truly want despite major fleet investments
 

Video Picks

Leadership Lessons from Emirates: An Interview with Sir Tim Clark

In this interview, Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, reflects on his decades-long leadership journey and the strategies that have shaped the airline into a global powerhouse. He discusses the importance of long-term vision, adaptability in the face of market shifts, and the role of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage. Clark also emphasises the value of investing in people, building resilient teams, and fostering a culture of excellence that supports sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving aviation industry.

 

 

Willis Lease Finance Corp. CEO Reveals What is Behind Growth

In this video, Charles F. Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corp., shares the key drivers behind the company’s recent growth trajectory. He highlights the surge in demand for engine leasing and asset management services, fuelled by airlines seeking flexible solutions amid supply chain constraints. Willis also outlines the firm’s strategic focus on long-term partnerships, diversification across engine types, and investment in predictive analytics to optimise fleet performance. The discussion underscores how innovation, operational agility, and a customer-first approach are enabling sustained expansion in a competitive market.

 

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi on New Routes in Eastern Europe

In this video, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi discusses the airline’s latest expansion strategy, focusing on new routes across Eastern Europe. Váradi emphasises the region’s strong growth potential, driven by rising demand for affordable air travel and underserved markets. He outlines how Wizz Air is deploying capacity to connect emerging destinations with key European hubs, leveraging its young, fuel-efficient fleet to maintain cost leadership. The conversation also touches on strengthening regional connectivity, stimulating tourism, and supporting economic development through increased accessibility.

 

Acumen’s Take 

The latest developments highlight an industry balancing fleet modernisation, market expansion, and operational resilience against persistent challenges such as supply chain constraints and evolving customer expectations. Airlines and lessors are actively investing in next-generation aircraft, optimised asset placement, and diversified revenue streams to strengthen long-term competitiveness. Airports continue to prioritise passenger experience through infrastructure upgrades and enhanced retail offerings, while strategic partnerships are shaping future connectivity and service models. The steady momentum across regional, transatlantic, and emerging markets reflects both a sustained recovery and a proactive repositioning for future growth in a dynamic global aviation landscape.