16 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 16th 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
Emirates Operates Inaugural Starlink-Equipped Boeing 777 Service to Dublin
Emirates has operated its first commercial Boeing 777 service equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, with Dublin selected as the launch destination. The aircraft, A6-EPF (msn 42325), operated its inaugural revenue flight on the Dubai–Dublin route on 22 November, following positioning flights within Dubai the previous day. The milestone forms part of Emirates’ wider plan, announced at the Dubai Airshow, to roll out Starlink connectivity across its entire in-service fleet over the next two years.
Qatar Airways Increases Dublin Capacity for Winter Schedule
Qatar Airways has confirmed an increase in frequencies on its Doha–Dublin route, expanding services from 14 to 17 flights per week from 2 December. The move forms part of the carrier’s wider winter schedule enhancements, which have added capacity across more than 15 key destinations from its Doha hub. The additional Dublin services introduce a new morning arrival into Doha, improving onward connectivity to long-haul markets including Melbourne and Sydney.
TAAG Receives Fourth Airbus A220-300 via Dublin
TAAG Angola Airlines has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAJ (msn 55362), with the aircraft routed via Dublin en route from Montréal to Luanda between 8 and 11 November. Configured with a three-class layout, the A220 supports TAAG’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing regional and international connectivity. The delivery underlines the airline’s focus on building a more competitive and customer-oriented operation.
Aircraft Update
9H-WAV Airbus A320-232 Ferried to Shannon
Wizz Air Malta has repositioned Airbus A320-232, registered 9H-WAV (c/n 8151), with the aircraft ferried to Shannon on 22 November. The movement forms part of routine fleet management activity, supporting ongoing maintenance, transition or deployment planning as the carrier continues to optimise utilisation across its narrowbody fleet.
9H-WZE Airbus A320-232 Ferried to Shannon
Wizz Air Malta ferried Airbus A320-232, registered 9H-WZE (c/n 6131), to Shannon on 8 December. The aircraft movement reflects standard fleet management activity, supporting maintenance planning or operational adjustments as the carrier continues to manage utilisation across its A320 fleet.
Global Aviation News
Boeing Extends Lead Over Airbus in November Aircraft Orders
Boeing strengthened its order momentum in November, recording 164 gross orders and 126 net after cancellations, compared with Airbus’s 75 gross orders with no cancellations reported. The figures confirm Boeing’s widening year-to-date lead, driven by major widebody commitments at the Dubai Airshow, including Emirates’ 65-unit 777X order and additional 777X, 787 and 737 MAX deals from China Airlines, Gulf Air, Uzbekistan Airways and Etihad Airways. The results underline renewed confidence in Boeing’s orderbook despite ongoing programme delays.
LEVEL Transitions to Own IATA Code Ahead of Winter Capacity Growth
LEVEL has begun operating all flights under its own LL IATA designator as of 1 December, completing its transition away from Iberia’s IB code following the award of an independent AOC last year. The move positions the IAG-owned carrier as a standalone operator with separate crews, operations and accounting, while Iberia continues to market its flights. The change comes as LEVEL prepares to increase capacity for winter 2025–26, supporting expansion across its long-haul network from Barcelona to the Americas.
Max Kownatzki Named CEO of Eurowings
Eurowings has appointed Max Kownatzki as its new Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board, effective 1 February 2026. The former SunExpress CEO will succeed Jens Bischof, who steps down after more than five years leading Germany’s largest leisure airline and a long career within the Lufthansa Group. The leadership transition comes as Eurowings continues to focus on strengthening its leisure model and competitive position across European markets.
Middle Eastern Airlines Lead Global Profitability, Says IATA
Middle Eastern carriers are forecast to remain the most profitable globally, as the airline industry posts a record net profit of US$41 billion in 2026 on revenues of US$1.053 trillion, according to IATA. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion with load factors at 83.8 percent, though margins remain tight at 3.9 percent and returns on invested capital continue to trail the cost of capital. Rising SAF costs and persistent aircraft supply constraints, with global backlogs exceeding 17,000 units, remain key structural challenges despite the strong earnings outlook.
Pegasus Airlines Agrees to Acquire Czech Airlines and Smartwings
Pegasus Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire Czech Airlines and its leisure subsidiary Smartwings in a €154 million transaction, subject to regulatory approval. The deal brings one of the world’s oldest airline brands and the Czech Republic’s leading leisure carrier under Pegasus ownership, strengthening its European footprint. The acquisition supports Pegasus’ broader international growth strategy as it looks to expand scale and market access across key European routes.
Qatar Airways Group Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as CEO
Qatar Airways Group has named Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 December 2025, succeeding Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Al-Khater joins the airline from Hamad International Airport, where he served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations, infrastructure expansion and passenger experience. The appointment signals continuity in operational focus as the Group advances its long-term growth and network strategy.
SAS Launches SAS Holidays as Integrated Leisure Travel Offering
SAS has introduced SAS Holidays, a new all-in-one travel product designed to capture growing demand for integrated leisure travel. The offering allows customers to book flights, accommodation, transfers and add-ons in a single platform, strengthening SAS’ presence in the holiday market. The launch reflects the airline’s broader strategy to expand beyond core air travel and build a more comprehensive leisure proposition.
Volotea Expands Quietly with a Focused Growth Strategy
Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea continues to scale its network with a deliberate point-to-point strategy, now serving around 420 routes that are largely underserved by larger airlines. While Spanish by origin, the airline is more active in France and Italy, reflecting its targeted regional approach rather than hub-centric expansion. Volotea’s measured growth, combined with its niche market focus, has allowed it to build scale with purpose while operating largely below the industry spotlight.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Cargo Delivers First Boeing 777-300ERSF to Fly Meta
AerCap Cargo has delivered the first of three Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to Hong Kong–based lessor Fly Meta, marking a key milestone for the 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter programme. Delivered on 21 November, the aircraft will be operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic under a CMI arrangement using the Hungary Air brand, with the remaining two units scheduled for delivery in 2026. The induction of the newly certified “Big Twin” highlights growing demand for high-capacity widebody freighters as global cargo operators seek efficient lift at scale.
AerFin Acquires and Begins Teardown of CFM56-5B PIP Engines
AerFin has acquired a package of CFM56-5B Performance Improvement Package engines from a major European customer and has commenced teardown activities at its expanded engine facility in South Wales. Featuring the latest hardware configuration, the engines will generate high-quality used serviceable material for operators, lessors and MROs. The transaction strengthens AerFin’s technical capabilities and supports continued demand for next-generation CFM56 components across the global fleet.
European ATC Delays More Than Double, Says IATA’s Willie Walsh
European air traffic control delays have increased by 114 percent between 2015 and 2024, excluding strike-related disruption, despite flight volumes rising by just 6.7 percent, according to IATA Director General Willie Walsh. Staffing and capacity shortages accounted for the majority of delays, with France and Germany responsible for more than half of the total impact. The inefficiencies, compounded by stalled Single European Sky reforms, are driving higher costs, operational disruption and an estimated 10–12 percent in avoidable CO₂ emissions across European aviation.
Willie Walsh Highlights Aviation as a Rewarding Career for All
IATA Director General Willie Walsh has emphasised that aviation offers a highly rewarding career path for women as well as men, calling for continued progress on diversity and inclusion across the sector. Speaking on the industry’s future workforce, Walsh highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities and attracting talent from a broader base to support aviation’s long-term growth and resilience.
Willie Walsh Criticises Effectiveness of Aviation Taxes
IATA Director General Willie Walsh has argued that aviation taxes consistently fail to achieve their stated objectives, often functioning as revenue-raising measures rather than genuine environmental tools. Citing the Netherlands’ 2008 departure tax, which led passengers to shift to neighbouring airports, Walsh highlighted how such policies distort travel behaviour without delivering environmental benefits. He added that governments tend to turn to aviation taxes during economic downturns, while recent reversals in the UK suggest growing political acknowledgement of their limited effectiveness.
Avolon Focuses on Long-Term Sustainable Aviation Investments
Avolon is actively assessing long-term eco-aviation investment opportunities as lessors continue to shape the future global fleet, with aircraft ordered today expected to remain in service well into the 2050s. With roughly half of the world’s commercial aircraft owned by leasing companies, Avolon is closely monitoring emerging technologies and sustainability incentives to ensure future portfolios align with evolving environmental, regulatory and operational requirements.
Dublin Airport Prepares for Record Christmas Passenger Volumes
Dublin Airport is gearing up for its busiest Christmas period on record, with around 1.8 million passengers expected to travel through the terminals between 18 December and 5 January, a 22 percent increase year-on-year. Average daily volumes are forecast at approximately 96,000 passengers, with the week leading up to Christmas particularly busy. The airport will support the peak with its largest festive entertainment programme to date, while continuing its tradition of closing on Christmas Day, maintaining only essential safety and security operations.
Alliance Aviation Group Expands from Dublin to Saudi Arabia
Ireland’s Alliance Aviation Group has announced the forthcoming handover of its new VIP general aviation terminal at Dublin Airport to daa, scheduled for February 2026, marking a major enhancement for business and VIP traffic in the Irish capital. At the same time, the Group has expanded internationally with the launch of Alliance Aviation Arabia, operating Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated general aviation hangar, underlining its growing footprint across Europe and the Middle East.
Kinsale Aviation Festival 2025 Highlights Future of Irish Aviation
The Kinsale Aviation Festival 2025 was held on 29 November at the Trident Hotel, bringing together industry leaders for an evening focused on “The Future of Irish Aviation.” Founded in 2021, the event has become a key fixture in Ireland’s aviation calendar, combining networking with forward-looking debate. This year’s programme featured in-depth discussions with Emerald Airlines Chairman Conor McCarthy and Wizz Air UK Managing Director Yvonne Moynihan, who shared insights on sustainability, innovation and Ireland’s evolving role in global aviation.
Ryanair Urges Expansion of Regional Airport Funding Threshold
Ryanair has called on Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to raise the passenger eligibility cap of Ireland’s Regional Airports Programme from 1 million to 3 million passengers per year. The airline argues that the current threshold penalises airports such as Shannon for growing traffic, as they lose access to Exchequer support once volumes exceed 1 million passengers.
Tweet Picks
@Acyn Trump: I left the Middle East bringing back $3 trillion and lots of Boeing airplanes like 300 and Boeing gave me the award for the greatest salesman in the history of Boeing which is a nice little award.
@AkasaAir Yet another milestone in our growth story! Our 31st aircraft VT-YBH joins the fleet, featuring state-of-the-art Safran Z200 seats for enhanced comfort & efficiency.
@AlaskaAir SEA nonstop to London is on sale now, with flights starting 5/21/26. Fly aboard our 787 Dreamliners w/ fully-enclosed suites, lie-flat seats, entertainment screens in all cabins & a @Filson and Salt & Stone amenity kit. Subject to government approval.
@Boeing Today, we welcome Spirit AeroSystems back to the Boeing family. This acquisition marks a significant step in our commitment to aviation safety and quality. We look forward to strengthening our production and supply chain stability together.
Video Picks
IndiGo Launches New Delhi–Guangzhou Route, Marking Resumption of India–China Direct Flights
In this video, IndiGo celebrates the launch of its New Delhi–Guangzhou service, a milestone that coincides with the broader resumption of direct air links between India and China. The segment highlights the strategic significance of reconnecting these major markets, enhancing business and leisure travel opportunities while supporting deeper economic ties. It also offers a look at the inaugural flight celebrations and the airline’s optimism about strengthening connectivity on this important international corridor.
New Direct Flights from Cardiff Airport to Toronto with WestJet
This video highlights WestJet’s launch of new nonstop services from Cardiff Airport to Toronto, marking a significant restoration of Cardiff’s transatlantic connectivity. It showcases the inaugural flight celebrations and underscores the expanded options now available for travellers between Wales and Canada. The service represents a vote of confidence in growing demand for intercontinental travel from regional UK airports and the broader post-pandemic recovery of long-haul routes.
Private Jets, Mega Airports & Record Growth: Gulf Aviation CEOs on Rewriting Travel
In this video, top Gulf aviation leaders share their perspectives on how the region is reshaping global travel through airport expansion, premium services and private aviation growth. The discussion touches on strategic investments in infrastructure, evolving passenger expectations and how Gulf carriers are leveraging scale and connectivity to drive future growth. It’s a snapshot of how ambition and innovation are redefining travel models beyond traditional hub operations.
Acumen’s Take
What this brief makes clear is that aviation is moving into a more complex, layered phase of growth. Airlines and lessors are expanding, modernising and consolidating at the same time, while infrastructure, regulation and supply chains struggle to keep pace. Connectivity is rising, but resilience and efficiency are now the real differentiators. The winners over the next cycle will be those who plan across the full asset lifecycle, balance ambition with discipline, and invest early in data, technology and sustainability. Growth is still there, but it’s no longer linear and it demands sharper execution than ever before.
