15 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 15th December 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:
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IrishAero News
Air Astana Adds Irish-Registered Airbus A321neo to Support Fleet Renewal
Air Astana has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a new Airbus A321neo, registered EI-KDJ (msn 12738), delivered directly from Hamburg to the airline’s Almaty hub on 17 October. The aircraft joins the carrier’s growing cohort of next-generation narrowbodies, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and efficiency goals. The airline noted that, despite ongoing industry challenges, it remains committed to a steady fleet renewal programme. Air Astana Group aims to increase its fleet to 84 aircraft by 2029, positioning the addition of the Irish-registered A321neo as a key step in supporting future growth across its regional and international network.
FlyOne Adds Dublin to Its Expanding Bucharest Network for Summer 2026
Moldovan low-cost carrier FlyOne is set to broaden its footprint in Romania with the launch of seven new direct routes from its Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport base for the Summer 2026 season. Among the newly announced destinations is Dublin, joining Barcelona, Frankfurt Main, London Luton, Paris CDG and Madrid. The expansion marks a significant strengthening of FlyOne’s Western European connectivity and positions Dublin as a key addition to its fast-growing network. The airline’s move reflects rising demand for affordable travel options between Romania and major European hubs, with FlyOne continuing to scale its operations through strategic route development.
FlyUs Appointed GSA for Riyadh Air in Ireland
FlyUs Aviation Group has been appointed General Sales Agent (GSA) for Riyadh Air across the United Kingdom and Ireland, effective 26 October 2025. The partnership aligns with Riyadh Air’s launch of its first scheduled daily service into London Heathrow, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (HZ-RXX, msn 38892). As GSA, FlyUs will manage sales, customer support and capacity coordination in both markets, with all bookings handled through its local teams. The appointment strengthens Riyadh Air’s commercial presence as the carrier ramps up its international footprint ahead of wider network growth.
Aircraft Update
XA-OTB Boeing 737-8 Registered to Aeromexico
Aeromexico completed the registration of a Boeing 737-8, XA-OTB (c/n 42389), at Mexico City on 26 November following its transition from former registration EI-GZB. The aircraft’s induction supports the airline’s continued fleet renewal programme, adding efficient narrowbody capacity to strengthen operations across its core domestic and regional network.
XA-OTC Boeing 737-8 Registered to Aeromexico
Aeromexico has registered another Boeing 737-8, XA-OTC (c/n 42481), at Mexico City on 26 November, completing its transition from former registration EI-GZC. The addition further advances the carrier’s narrowbody renewal strategy, enhancing efficiency and capacity deployment across high-demand domestic and regional routes as Aeromexico continues modernising its fleet.
Global Aviation News
Emirates Orders Eight Additional Airbus A350-900 Aircraft
Emirates has reinforced its long-haul fleet strategy with an order for eight more Airbus A350-900s at the Dubai Airshow 2025, lifting its total commitment for the type to 73 aircraft, with 13 already delivered. Valued at US$3.4 billion at list prices, the order is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines and forms part of a wider US$41.4 billion investment in new aircraft, including the recently announced Boeing 777-9 order. The move underlines Emirates’ focus on fleet modernisation, efficiency and long-term capacity planning.
Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines Eyes Fleet and Network Expansion
SCAT Airlines is preparing to expand both its fleet and route network over the coming years, with potential plans to introduce widebody aircraft alongside further narrowbody growth. The carrier showcased its latest Boeing 737-8 at the Dubai Airshow and has now taken delivery of seven aircraft from its current order stream, with five more still to follow. The strategy reflects SCAT’s ambition to strengthen regional and international connectivity as demand across Central Asia continues to build.
Loganair Wet-Leases ATR72-500 to Support Jersey and Scottish Operations
Loganair has wet-leased an ATR72-500 from Denmark’s DAT to maintain Scottish connectivity after redeploying one of its ATR72-600s to Jersey following the collapse of Blue Islands. The aircraft ferried from Copenhagen to Aberdeen on 17 November and entered service the next day, operating routes linking Aberdeen, Dublin and Sumburgh over a three-week period. The move supported continuity across the network as Loganair assumed the Channel Islands services under a €1.77 million local government funding arrangement.
Luxair Takes Delivery of Its First Embraer E195-E2
Luxair has marked a key milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the arrival of its first Embraer E195-E2 in Luxembourg, touching down at 14:00 CET and signalling the start of a new phase for the national carrier. The aircraft’s introduction supports Luxair’s long-term focus on efficiency, sustainability and growth, and was formally celebrated at the Luxair Maintenance Hangar in the presence of government and aviation representatives, with a ceremonial water salute marking the occasion.
Macedonia and UK Sign New Air Service Agreement
Macedonia and the United Kingdom have formalised a new Air Service Agreement that replaces pre-Brexit arrangements and enables expanded commercial air services between the two countries. The framework allows airlines to operate scheduled flights with fares and capacity set by market demand, supporting stronger mobility, trade and tourism links. The agreement adds Macedonia to a growing list of regional states securing post-EU aviation accords with the UK.
Norse Delivers Record Revenue as Weak Yields Weigh on Profit
Norse Atlantic posted record third-quarter revenue and achieved load factors above 90 percent for a fourth consecutive quarter, yet remained loss-making due to soft transatlantic fares and one-off operational costs. The long-haul low-cost carrier is accelerating its shift to a dual ACMI and scheduled model, with CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen highlighting the airline’s 12 Boeing 787-9s as a strong foundation for balancing contracted flying with its own network as it works to stabilise earnings.
Emirates Nears Decision Point on Deferred Boeing 787 Order
Emirates is approaching a critical juncture on its long-delayed Boeing 787 Dreamliner order as Boeing seeks clarity to finalise production slots for the latter half of the decade. After years of reshaping and variant changes, the airline has yet to commit, with COO Adel Al Redha acknowledging at the Dubai Airshow that while a decision is overdue, Emirates is “not yet ready” to finalise its choice. For now, the carrier continues to keep its fleet options deliberately open.
Saudi Arabia Signals Plans for Three Additional Airlines
Saudi Arabia is preparing to announce three new carriers to operate alongside Riyadh Air and Saudia, further expanding its aviation ecosystem in support of broader economic ambitions. Speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin highlighted the role of strong national airlines in building destinations, linking the planned launches to the Kingdom’s giga-projects and diversification drive. The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s intent to modernise its aviation sector and position itself as a global connectivity and technology hub.
Supply Chain Disruptions Drive Continued A320neo Teardowns
Ongoing supply chain constraints are accelerating the teardown of relatively young Airbus A320neo aircraft, with Eirtrade Aviation acquiring two six-year-old PW1127 GTF-powered jets for part-out. The engines and APUs will be removed and remarketed, while airframe disassembly takes place at Eirtrade’s facility in Knock, Ireland. The trend highlights sustained demand for next-generation components as operators and MROs seek to offset prolonged repair and delivery timelines.
Croatia Airlines to Be Recapitalised Through Debt-to-Equity Conversion
The Croatian government is set to strengthen Croatia Airlines’ balance sheet by converting €43 million of outstanding state loans into equity, with approval expected on 29 December. The recapitalisation will see €33.2 million from one loan and €9.8 million from another transformed into new shares taken up by the state, reducing liabilities without injecting fresh cash. The move reflects a standard restructuring approach for state-owned carriers as Croatia Airlines continues to manage mounting losses and debt.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Launches First Direct Dublin–Tromsø Winter Service
Aer Lingus has inaugurated its first-ever direct service to Norway with the launch of a seasonal Dublin–Tromsø route operating twice weekly through 25 March 2026. With one-way fares starting from €99, the service strengthens winter leisure connectivity while also enhancing transatlantic links via the Dublin Hub. The launch marks a network milestone for the airline as it continues to broaden its European and long-haul offering.
Emirates Schedules Cabin Crew Recruitment Events in Dublin and Cork
Emirates has announced cabin crew recruitment days in Ireland, with events taking place in Dublin on 30 November and in Cork on 15 December. Successful applicants will relocate to Dubai to undertake eight weeks of training at the airline’s dedicated academy, covering safety, service, hospitality and emergency procedures. The recruitment drive reflects Emirates’ continued expansion and its ongoing engagement with the Irish talent market.
Government Confirms €4 Million in Operational Funding for Irish Regional Airports
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced €4 million in Exchequer operational funding for Ireland West, Kerry and Donegal airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021–2025. The support, allocated to core services including air traffic control, fire services and security screening, comes in addition to €7.8 million in capital funding approved earlier this year. Passenger traffic across the three airports is up 11 percent year-on-year, and the Government has confirmed plans to roll out a new Regional Airports Programme for 2026–2030.
Passenger Numbers Rise at Cork and Dublin Airports in November
Cork and Dublin airports recorded another strong month in November, handling more than 2.8 million passengers combined, an 11 percent increase year-on-year. Cork welcomed 214,790 passengers, up 7 percent, supported by expanded winter services to key European hubs, while Dublin saw traffic climb 11 percent to over 2.6 million, with ten days exceeding 100,000 passengers. The figures highlight sustained demand across Ireland’s main gateways as winter schedules gain momentum.
Titan Aviation Leasing Delivers First A330-200P2F to JD Airlines
Titan Aviation Leasing has delivered the first of two Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft to JD Airlines, marking the start of a new commercial partnership with the Chinese cargo carrier. The freighter, MSN 832, has been placed under a long-term operating lease and will support JD Airlines’ expanding express and cross-border logistics network. The delivery strengthens JD’s widebody cargo capacity as e-commerce demand across Asia continues to grow.
Irish Travel to Spain Tops Three Million Over Twelve Months
Irish travel to Spain has surpassed three million visits in the twelve months to October, reflecting continued strength in outbound demand. October alone recorded 285,493 trips, up 4.6 percent year-on-year and more than 45 percent above pre-pandemic levels, with year-to-date travel reaching 2.48 million. Catalonia remained the most popular destination, followed by the Balearic Islands and Andalucía, underlining Spain’s sustained appeal for Irish travellers.
Tourism Ireland Launches Irish Whiskey Way in Kilbeggan
Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh highlighted the growing importance of whiskey tourism at the launch of the Irish Whiskey Way in Kilbeggan, noting that distillery experiences welcomed one million visitors last year, a year-on-year increase of more than 20 percent. She emphasised whiskey’s role as an authentic and powerful storytelling asset for Ireland overseas, linking heritage, place and people to tourism growth. The new trail is designed to strengthen Ireland’s cultural tourism offering while supporting regional visitor economies.
IBGAA Annual Conference Highlights the Strength of the Global Irish
The Irish Business and General Aviation Association hosted its annual conference at the K Club, bringing together industry leaders for a full day of expert panels and keynote discussions. The event underscored the influence of the global Irish aviation community, blending strategic dialogue with cultural celebration through a gala dinner and traditional music. The gathering reinforced IBGAA’s role as a key platform for collaboration and advocacy across business and general aviation.
Tweet Picks
@BoeingAirplanes We're partnering with @flydubai to provide Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs in support of the airline's fleet operations. #DAS25. CBTA programs use competency and data-informed scenarios to build a more resilient and safety-focused workforce.
@business Ryanair has scrapped its subscription service eight months into the plan after finding it was costing the budget airline too much money.
@ByERussell The intercontinental debut of @FlySWISS ' first A350 and new Swiss Senses product was the culmination of years of work — and delay — for the airline. It's a refined luxury without the ostentation of some other carriers, in short: very Swiss.
@ClimbingFast Canada has officially certified its first all-electric aircraft! Pipistrel’s Velis Electro has become the first all-electric aircraft certified in the country, following its earlier European and UK certifications.
Video Picks
Dubai Airshow 2025 – A380 from Emirates
This video captures Emirates’ flagship A380 on display at the Dubai Airshow 2025, highlighting the aircraft’s scale, presence and continued relevance in the airline’s long-haul strategy. It offers a close-up look at the superjumbo as Emirates reinforces its commitment to premium capacity, operational refinement and the A380’s role as a core pillar of its global network.
It’s Not the Dubai Airshow Without Hearing from the DXB Boss
In this interview, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths talks about the role of Dubai International in the global aviation landscape and how the airport is preparing for future growth. He discusses capacity planning, operational resilience and enhancements to the passenger experience that support DXB’s position as one of the world’s busiest hubs. Griffiths also reflects on the broader themes emerging from the Dubai Airshow and the airport’s strategic priorities.
‘It’s Not a Straight Line’ – Etihad CEO on Supply Shocks
In this discussion with CNBC, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves breaks down how ongoing supply chain disruptions and delivery challenges are shaping airline strategies and fleet planning, stressing that recovery isn’t linear. He explains how Etihad is adapting with disciplined capacity management and strong partnerships to navigate volatility while maintaining growth momentum. The conversation offers insight into how a leading Gulf carrier balances near-term pressures with long-term network and operational resilience.
Acumen’s Take
Mid-December activity points to an industry balancing ambition with pragmatism. Fleet modernisation, capacity expansion and connectivity gains continue, but they sit alongside supply chain pressure, financing restructures and cautious decision-making on major orders. The message is consistent across regions: growth is back, but it’s being pursued with tighter capital discipline, flexible operating models and a sharper focus on resilience as airlines position for 2026 and beyond.
