15 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 15th 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
Carlyle Aviation Ferries B737-800 VP-BLI to Jakarta
VP-BLI (c/n 42805), a Boeing 737-85R formerly registered as VH-MFM, was ferried to Jakarta on 16th April 2025 under Carlyle Aviation Partners.
Acumen’s Take
The repositioning of VP-BLI suggests upcoming reactivation or lease transition in Southeast Asia—a region showing steady LCC and ACMI demand. Acumen tracks such movements to support mid-life asset redeployment planning.
CCB Financial Leasing Ferries A320neo VP-CIQ to Toulouse-Francazal
VP-CIQ (c/n 9375), an Airbus A320-271N formerly registered as VT-WJQ, was ferried to Toulouse-Francazal on 23rd April 2025 by CCB Financial Leasing.
Acumen’s Take
This movement likely indicates storage, redelivery, or technical transition. Acumen supports lessors with end-of-lease inspections, asset value tracking, and remarketing advisory across new-generation narrowbodies.
Global Aviation News
Azorra Delivers Mongolia’s First Embraer E195-E2 to Hunnu Air
Azorra has delivered the first Embraer E195-E2 to Hunnu Air, marking a milestone for Mongolia’s aviation sector with its first next-gen regional jet.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery opens up new regional connectivity opportunities in Central Asia. Acumen supports lessors and operators with entry-into-service planning for emerging market fleets.
Azul Secures Additional Funding from Existing Bondholders
Azul has successfully obtained new funding from its existing bondholders, strengthening its capital position amid ongoing financial restructuring.
Acumen’s Take
Continued financial support from investors reflects confidence in Azul’s recovery path. Acumen uses such indicators to guide lease risk modelling and credit exposure strategies.
CALC Signs Lease Deal with THAI for Nine A321neo Aircraft
CALC has signed an agreement to lease nine Airbus A321neo aircraft to THAI Airways, expanding the carrier’s narrowbody fleet.
Acumen’s Take
The deal reinforces the A321neo’s position as a narrowbody workhorse in Asia. Acumen provides end-to-end support for lease structuring, asset tracking, and utilisation benchmarking.
China Airlines Orders Boeing 777X Passenger and Freighter Variants
China Airlines has placed a new order for Boeing 777X aircraft, covering both passenger and freighter versions to support long-haul and cargo operations.
Acumen’s Take
The dual-purpose order signals strategic fleet consolidation. Acumen monitors 777X developments to inform widebody replacement strategies and future lease forecasting.
Norse Atlantic Finalises IndiGo Wet-Lease Agreement with Two More Aircraft
Norse Atlantic Airways has completed a wet-lease agreement with IndiGo, delivering two additional aircraft as part of a growing seasonal partnership.
Acumen’s Take
Wet-lease activity between long-haul and low-cost operators is on the rise. Acumen supports clients with ACMI market insights, contract advisory, and asset allocation modelling.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Narrows Q1 Losses to €55 Million
Aer Lingus reported a €55 million loss for Q1 2025, an improvement from last year, driven by growing passenger volumes and tighter cost controls.
Acumen’s Take
Improved financial performance supports renewed fleet investment potential. Acumen tracks quarterly results to inform lease renewal strategies and credit risk models.
Delta Air Lines Launches Dublin–Detroit Service with Four-Class A330
Delta has officially launched its new Dublin–Detroit route, operated with a four-class Airbus A330, expanding U.S.–Ireland connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
Transatlantic route additions enhance widebody demand signals. Acumen monitors such developments for their impact on long-haul fleet utilisation and lease opportunities.
Dublin Airport Progresses Plans for Aircraft Viewing Platform
Dublin Airport is advancing plans for an aircraft-viewing platform, following feedback from Fingal County Council.
Acumen’s Take
Public engagement infrastructure like this boosts community support for airport expansion. Acumen factors such upgrades into long-term operational planning and airport investment assessments.
Shannon Airport Calls for Aviation Policy Shift via Oireachtas Committee
Shannon Airport leadership is seeking a national policy reset through engagement with the Oireachtas Transport Committee to address regional connectivity gaps.
Acumen’s Take
Policy changes could influence regional traffic flows and fleet mix. Acumen supports stakeholders with scenario modelling and regional demand impact analysis.
Tourism Chief Warns Against Overdependence on U.S. Visitors
Tourism leaders urge Ireland to diversify its inbound tourism base, noting the risks of overreliance on the U.S. market amid global uncertainty.
Acumen’s Take
Diversified source markets can influence airline route strategies and network resilience. Acumen helps clients align fleet deployment with evolving inbound travel patterns.
TUI Launches New Shannon–Palma Route
TUI has inaugurated a new service from Shannon Airport to Palma, enhancing leisure travel options for the West of Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
Seasonal leisure routes continue to drive demand for mid-life narrowbodies. Acumen supports ACMI and charter operators with route-based fleet planning insights.
Tweet Picks
@CAPA_Aviation "Climate change is influenced by science and not politics" – Jonathon Counsell, IAG Group Sustainability Officer. At #AIT25, Jonathon cuts through rhetoric with a clear message: climate action must be driven by scientific evidence, not political agendas.
@CAPA_Aviation .@IATA DG Willie Walsh: "Net zero by 2050 is a target that is achievable, but I don’t see interim targets being achievable unless there is a significant change in approach" #CAPASummit.
@CAPA_Aviation “If you want to join an alliance, you need to think about what you will contribute—rather than what you will take.” – Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO, AEGEAN Airlines.
@CAPA_Aviation "We are focusing on efficiency and lower fuel burn" – Ali Uzun, General Counsel & Sustainability Director, Pegasus Airlines. At #AIT25, Ali outlines Pegasus's path to a greener future—where operational excellence meets environmental responsibility.
Video Picks
Does Lower Fuel Price Result in Cheaper Air Tickets?
This explainer unpacks whether declining fuel prices actually lead to lower airfares, considering factors like hedging, demand, and airline pricing strategies.
Acumen’s Take
Fuel price trends don’t always translate to fare reductions. Acumen helps lessors and operators factor in cost volatility when modelling route profitability and lease rate adjustments.
Keynote Interview with Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal
flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway discusses the airline’s ultra-low-cost model, fleet strategy, and the competitive dynamics shaping the Middle East aviation market.
Acumen’s Take
flyadeal’s approach highlights the growing sophistication of LCCs in the region. Acumen supports such operators with fleet planning, narrowbody asset evaluation, and ACMI market insights.
Qatar Airways CEO on Fleet, Orders & Strategy
Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker shares insights on fleet expansion, aircraft deliveries, and long-term strategy, including diversification across freighter and passenger segments.
Acumen’s Take
Qatar Airways’ fleet decisions influence global widebody demand. Acumen tracks OEM order flows and delivery timelines to inform future lease market dynamics and investment outlooks.
