16 Oct 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 16th October 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
Aer Lingus Takes Delivery of Fifth Airbus A321XLR
Aer Lingus, part of International Airlines Group (IAG), has received its fifth Airbus A321XLR, further strengthening its transatlantic network from Dublin. The aircraft, registered EI-XLW (MSN 12142) and named St Kealin / Caoilfhion, was delivered from Airbus’s Hamburg-Finkenwerder facility to Dublin Airport on 26 September 2025 under flight number EIN2395, arriving at 22:22 local time. The A321XLR fleet continues to play a pivotal role in Aer Lingus’s long-haul strategy, offering enhanced range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort while connecting Ireland to key North American destinations.
Boeing Delivers 200th 737 MAX to Ryanair Group.
Boeing has delivered its 200th Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger” to the Ryanair Group, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing fleet expansion. The aircraft, registered EI-ILK (MSN 67137), was handed over on 5 October 2025 and completed a non-stop delivery flight from Boeing Field (Seattle) to Dublin, touching down on runway 28L at 12:51 local time. The aircraft entered service the following day, operating its maiden commercial flight from Dublin to Paris Beauvais as RYR24. This delivery underscores Ryanair’s commitment to operating one of Europe’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets as part of its long-term sustainability and growth strategy.
CityJet Retires EI-FPT CRJ900 from Fleet
Skyliner Aviation reports that CityJet's Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered El-FPT (msn 15438), was ferried on 30 September & 1 October 2025 from Valencia (VLC), Spain, to Dayton International Airport (DAY) in Ohio, USA.
Aircraft Update
OE-IHK Airbus A321-271N c/n 8952 TFDAC Ireland Registered at Castellón 07/10/25 ex VT-IUG
An Airbus A321-271N, registered OE-IHK (MSN 8952) and managed by TFDAC Ireland, was registered at Castellón on 7 October 2025 after its previous operation under registration VT-IUG. The aircraft’s transition marks part of ongoing asset realignment within the narrowbody leasing market. The A321neo, renowned for its extended range and fuel efficiency, continues to be a preferred model among lessors and operators seeking to optimize fleet performance and reduce operating costs in competitive medium-haul markets.
VQ-CAC Embraer 175 c/n 1700339 Star Air Delivered to Bangalore 04/10/25
An Embraer 175, registered VQ-CAC (MSN 1700339), was delivered to Star Air on 4 October 2025, arriving in Bangalore to join the carrier’s expanding regional jet fleet. The addition supports Star Air’s strategy to strengthen connectivity across India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, enhancing route flexibility and operational efficiency. The E175’s proven performance, reliability, and lower operating costs make it an ideal fit for Star Air’s growing network and commitment to providing convenient regional air travel.
VQ-CAV Airbus A320-232 c/n 5731 VivaAerobus Delivered to Monterrey 02/10/25
An Airbus A320-232, registered VQ-CAV (MSN 5731), was delivered to VivaAerobus on 2 October 2025, arriving in Monterrey to expand the Mexican low-cost carrier’s fleet further. The aircraft’s induction supports VivaAerobus’s continued network growth and capacity enhancement ahead of the busy winter season. Known for its operational reliability and efficiency, the A320-200 remains a core component of the airline’s strategy to maintain one of the youngest and most cost-effective fleets in Latin America.
Global Aviation News
Air Canada Elevates Onboard Experience in Economy with Complimentary Beer, Wine and Snacks
Air Canada has enhanced its Economy Class service by introducing complimentary beer, wine, and snacks on all flights within North America and the Caribbean. The move forms part of the airline’s broader effort to elevate the customer experience and strengthen its premium value proposition across all cabins. This refreshed service offering aligns with Air Canada’s strategy to differentiate its product amid growing competition, reinforcing its focus on comfort, hospitality, and customer satisfaction across its short- and medium-haul network.
Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg Meets Rolls-Royce to Plan Replacement for B737 MAX
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has met with Rolls-Royce Holdings to discuss engine options and flight deck concepts for a new single-aisle aircraft intended to succeed the B737 MAX. The discussions mark a pivotal step toward defining Boeing’s next-generation narrowbody strategy, aimed at a post-2035 market entry. While the manufacturer continues to focus on delivering its 6,000-aircraft backlog and certifying the 737-7, 737-10, and 777-9, the prospective new jet underscores Boeing’s long-term vision to introduce a more advanced, fuel-efficient model to meet future airline and sustainability demands.
British Airways to Boost Connectivity Between the UK and India
British Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations in India during the UK Government’s “Britain Means Business” trade mission led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The airline plans to introduce a third daily flight between London Heathrow and Delhi in 2026, pending regulatory approval, further strengthening bilateral travel and trade links. Additionally, BA will reintroduce its First cabin on Mumbai services this month and roll out the latest Club Suite across all five Indian routes by the end of 2026, underscoring its strategy to enhance premium travel and connectivity between the two nations.
Central Airlines Adds Another ex-Emirates 777F
China’s Central Airlines has expanded its freighter fleet with the addition of a used Boeing 777F (MSN 42230) on dry lease from DAE Capital. The 2013-built aircraft, formerly operated by Emirates until June 2025, arrived in Guangzhou on 28 September to begin service with the carrier. The acquisition supports Central Airlines’ continued cargo network expansion and growing role in regional and international freight operations, leveraging the 777F’s long-range capability and payload efficiency to strengthen its global logistics presence.
Doncaster Sheffield Return Could Be a Possibility, TUI Chief Suggests
TUI UK & Ireland Managing Director Neil Swanson has indicated that the company’s airline may consider returning to Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the future. Speaking at ABTA’s Travel Convention in Majorca, Swanson noted that the potential revival of the South Yorkshire airport, which closed in 2022 due to financial challenges, remains on the table should conditions become favourable. The comments reflect TUI’s openness to expanding regional UK operations and re-establishing connectivity from previously served airports as market demand and infrastructure opportunities evolve.
Emirates Empowers Customers with Accessibility Requirements Through Suite of New Services and Enhancements
Dubai, 7 October 2025 – Emirates has introduced a comprehensive range of new services and innovations to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for passengers with disabilities. Unveiled at the 7th AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai, the initiative includes the launch of an Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on emirates.com, offering tailored information and resources for travellers with specific needs. The airline also introduced new onboard sensory products, fidget toys, and improved ground and in-flight processes. These enhancements reaffirm Emirates’ commitment to creating a more inclusive travel experience and setting new standards for accessibility in global aviation.
Feedstock Availability Not a Barrier to Decarbonisation – IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that feedstock availability will not hinder aviation’s path to decarbonisation, reaffirming the industry’s ability to meet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand targets. According to ICAO and IATA projections, airlines will require 500 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2050, with 300 million tonnes coming from biomass and 200 million tonnes from power-to-liquid (PtL) sources. The association emphasised that the key challenges lie in improving feedstock logistics, scaling new production pathways, and ensuring access to renewable electricity and hydrogen, alongside stronger global policy coordination to accelerate SAF deployment.
HALO AirFinance Closes Eighth and Final Loan for Crestone Air Partners
Fort Lauderdale/Tokyo, 2 October 2025 – HALO AirFinance, a joint venture between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation, has completed its eighth and final senior loan for Crestone Air Partners and Blue Owl Capital investment vehicles. The financing supported the acquisition of a CFM56-7B engine currently on lease to a European carrier. This closing marks the completion of HALO’s portfolio of transactions with Crestone, reinforcing its position as a key provider of tailored financing solutions for aviation assets and further strengthening its global footprint in aircraft and engine finance.
Lufthansa Announces ‘Future Onboard Experience’ to Redefine Long-Haul Travel
As Lufthansa approaches the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the airline has unveiled its “Future Onboard Experience” (FOX) initiative, a comprehensive redesign of its long-haul travel experience. FOX aims to elevate Lufthansa’s premium positioning by integrating advanced cabin innovations, enhanced comfort features, and a more personalized digital passenger journey. The initiative underscores Lufthansa’s commitment to combining tradition with forward-looking design, setting a new benchmark for premium air travel as it enters its next century of operations.
Riyadh Air Elevates In-Flight Journey with New FlightPath3D Map Experience
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally native airline, is enhancing the passenger experience with the launch of an advanced in-flight map platform developed in partnership with FlightPath3D. Debuting on its upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, the immersive system blends real-time flight data, interactive visuals, and personalised storytelling to create a more engaging journey. Designed to complement the airline’s digital-first philosophy, the new map experience reflects Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation, passenger engagement, and redefining modern air travel.
United Adds Flights to New Cities in Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain Next Summer
Chicago, 9 October 2025 – United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, introducing new nonstop routes from Newark/New York to Split (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Glasgow (Scotland), and Santiago de Compostela (Spain). The expansion makes United the only U.S. carrier serving all four destinations, reinforcing its leadership in transatlantic connectivity. Additional highlights include new Washington Dulles–Reykjavik service, a year-round Newark–Seoul route, and increased flights to Tel Aviv. The move reflects United’s strategy to strengthen global reach and meet strong travel demand across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Irish Aviation News
AvCon 2025 Attracts 8,000 Students and Teachers to Baldonnel
AvCon 2025, held at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, welcomed over 8,000 students and teachers, with thousands more participating virtually through TYHub Live across Ireland and Europe. The event showcased aircraft displays, simulators, and interactive sessions, featuring more than 50 speakers from organisations including Aer Lingus, Kuehne + Nagel, and AFTA. Focused on inspiring future aviation and STEM professionals, the six-hour programme included a video address by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and opening remarks by Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, highlighting Ireland’s commitment to fostering the next generation of aviation talent.
Cork Airport Strikes the Right Notes with Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Partnership
Cork Airport has renewed its partnership with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, one of Ireland’s most iconic cultural events, as part of its 2025 Community Fund initiative. Now in its 47th year, the festival contributes an estimated €45 million to the local economy and draws visitors from across Ireland and abroad. The 2025 line-up features international acts such as Cymande, JP Cooper, and Maverick Sabre, alongside Irish performers including Tolü Makay, The Tumbling Paddies, and Cork’s own The Sultans of Ping. The collaboration underscores Cork Airport’s commitment to supporting community and cultural engagement in the region.
Clover Aviation Capital Renews $500 Million with Mizuho Bank and Upsizes to $150 Million with BNP Paribas.
Clover Aviation Capital has strengthened its financing position through two major unsecured revolving credit agreements. The company renewed its US$500 million bilateral unsecured facility with Mizuho Bank, its principal stakeholder. It expanded its facility with BNP Paribas from US$125 million to US$150 million, extending its maturity by one year. These developments reinforce Clover’s strong banking relationships and financial flexibility, supporting the lessor’s continued portfolio growth and long-term strategic objectives in the global aviation finance market.
Daa Signs €265 Million Contract to Construct Airfield Tunnel with Joint Venture
Daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, has awarded a €265 million contract to a joint venture between Sacyr Ireland Ltd and Wills Bros Ltd for the construction of the new West Apron Vehicle Underpass. The 1.1 km twin-cell tunnel will connect Pier 3 to the West Apron, improving ground operations and airside connectivity. Scheduled for completion by August 2030, the project forms part of daa’s long-term infrastructure development strategy, enhancing efficiency and supporting the airport’s future growth as passenger and aircraft movements continue to rise.
Dublin Airport Unveils Winter 2025/26 Schedule
Dublin Airport has announced its Winter 2025/26 schedule, offering passengers over 150 destinations served by 40 airlines between October 2025 and March 2026. The season introduces new routes, including Aer Lingus’ flights to Turin, Italy, and Tromsø, Norway, catering to ski and Northern Lights travellers, along with SkyUp’s new service to Chișinău, Moldova. Ryanair will extend its Dublin–Rabat route into winter, while Aer Lingus will launch a much-anticipated service to Cancun in January 2026. With 190 weekly transatlantic flights, Dublin Airport continues to strengthen its global connectivity, particularly to major U.S. cities.
Michael O’Leary’s ‘Confident’ Air Fares for Summer 2025 Are Back Up 7% to 2023 Levels.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has expressed confidence that the airline will recover its 7% fare decline from 2024, forecasting a full-year increase of around 7% in 2025. Speaking in Madrid, O’Leary noted that passenger traffic continues to exceed expectations, with summer fares returning to 2023 levels. However, he highlighted that overall financial performance will depend on pricing during the crucial third and fourth quarters covering the Christmas and late-winter travel periods, where market visibility remains limited.
Ryanair Takes Aim at Wizz Air and Predicts Competitor’s Collapse
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has sharply criticised rival airlines, forecasting further bankruptcies in Europe and claiming that Wizz Air “has no future” amid mounting competition in the low-cost sector. Speaking about the market landscape, O’Leary argued that several carriers operate under unsustainable cost structures, predicting financial distress for smaller players by year-end. While Wizz Air has resumed expansion across the Balkans following two years of contraction, O’Leary suggested its long-term viability remains doubtful, reinforcing Ryanair’s confidence in its dominant cost leadership and market position across Europe.
Ryanair to Launch New Route from Brussels South Charleroi to Newcastle
Ryanair has announced the launch of a new route connecting Brussels South Charleroi Airport with Newcastle, commencing on 26 October 2025. The service will operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, providing greater travel options between Belgium and northeast England. The addition reflects Ryanair’s ongoing network expansion across Europe, aimed at strengthening connectivity between key regional markets and supporting both leisure and business travel demand.
Shannon Airport’s Declan Power Marks Historic Milestone with 30 Consecutive World Routes Events
Declan Power, Head of Aviation Development at Shannon Airport, has achieved a remarkable industry milestone by attending 30 consecutive World Routes events since the inaugural conference in Cannes in 1995, plus the virtual 2020 edition. This record-setting achievement underscores his enduring commitment to global aviation development and Shannon Airport’s proactive role in international route networking. Power’s consistent participation has been instrumental in strengthening Shannon’s relationships with airlines and partners worldwide, enhancing the airport’s profile within the global aviation community.
Stratos Agrees on the Sale of A380-800 with Emirates
Monaco, 8 October 2025 – Aircraft investment specialist Stratos has finalised an agreement to sell its managed Airbus A380-800 (MSN 190) to Emirates at the end of the aircraft’s lease term in 2027. The transaction, completed on behalf of a consortium of Asia-based institutional investors, stems from a long-term lease originally structured by Stratos in 2015. The deal highlights Stratos’ expertise in managing high-value aviation assets and executing complex end-of-lease arrangements, while supporting Emirates’ long-term fleet strategy and operational planning.
Tao Climate Nominated for Two Irish Aviation Industry Awards for FlyGuiltFree.com
Dublin, Ireland – Tao Climate has earned dual nominations at the 2025 Irish Aviation Industry Awards for its innovative sustainability platform, FlyGuiltFree.com. Recognised in the Green Impact Award and Emerging Technology Award categories, the nominations highlight Tao Climate’s pioneering approach to integrating real carbon removal into the air travel ecosystem. FlyGuiltFree.com allows travellers to calculate and offset their flight emissions through verified industrial hemp-based carbon removal projects, providing airlines and airports with a sustainable revenue stream while empowering passengers to contribute to meaningful climate action.
Tánaiste and Chief of Staff Welcome New Aircraft for Air Corps
On 7 October 2025, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, welcomed the arrival of the third Airbus C-295 aircraft at Casement Aerodrome, marking a key milestone in the ongoing modernisation of Ireland’s Air Corps fleet. The event was attended by Department of Defence Secretary General Jacqui McCrum, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, and members of the joint Air Corps and Department of Defence project team. The new C-295 enhances the Air Corps’ operational capabilities, supporting a wide range of missions including transport, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian response.
Tweet Picks
@CaraHunterMLA Derry-Dublin flights are back! A vital link for business, education, tourism, @CaraHunterMLA Derry-Dublin flights are back! A vital link for business, education, tourism, and families. The North West has too long been overlooked this route brings the opportunities our communities deserve.
@DFO_IFO 1st time in history: @CBP Preclearance Dublin surpassed 2 million passengers this year! Preclearance in Ireland is critical to CBP’s extended border strategy, enhancing national security & streamlining travel while interdicting potential threats. #OFOProud🇺🇸 #KeepingAmericaSafe
@embraer NEWS | LATAM group announces plan to boost connectivity in South America with the Embraer E195-E2.
@eoghancorry Ryanair passenger numbers in September were 19.4m, a record for the month, but monthly growth has fallen to a 12 year low (pandemic months excepted).
Video Picks
Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman Talks About the Airline’s Future in Rhode Island
In this interview, Breeze Airways founder and CEO David Neeleman discusses the airline’s long-term vision and strategic growth plans in Rhode Island. Neeleman highlights the carrier’s focus on expanding affordable, high-quality service from smaller U.S. airports while maintaining operational efficiency and strong community ties. The conversation also touches on fleet expansion, network development, and Breeze’s commitment to innovation in the low-cost travel segment.
British Airways Announces New Non-stop Flight Between St. Louis and London
This video highlights British Airways’ announcement of a new non-stop service connecting St. Louis and London Heathrow, the only direct link between the UK and Missouri. The new route expands British Airways’ U.S. network to 27 destinations, enhancing transatlantic connectivity for both business and leisure travellers. The launch aligns with the centenary of Route 66, symbolising a blend of heritage and modern travel convenience, while reinforcing BA’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between the UK and the American Midwest.
Clare Tourism Chair Says No Dublin Cap Will Boost Shannon and Visitors
In this interview, Clare Tourism Chair outlines how removing the passenger cap at Dublin Airport could have a positive ripple effect for regional tourism, particularly through Shannon Airport. The discussion emphasises the importance of balanced aviation policy in driving visitor growth across Ireland’s regions, easing pressure on Dublin, and promoting sustainable tourism development. By enhancing connectivity through Shannon, the move is expected to attract more international travellers to the west of Ireland, supporting local economies and expanding Ireland’s overall tourism offering.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and forward momentum, with strategic investments, operational adjustments, and evolving fleet dynamics shaping the months ahead. Across airlines, lessors, and manufacturers, there is a clear emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and technological advancement as key drivers of recovery and competitiveness. Market confidence remains robust despite economic and regulatory challenges, underscoring aviation’s critical role in global connectivity and trade. As activity intensifies across regions, collaboration and innovation will remain central to ensuring long-term, sustainable industry growth.
