16 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 16th September 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
ASL Aviation Registers Airbus A330-300 Freighter in Dublin
ASL Aviation Holdings has registered an Airbus A330-302(P2F), MSN 1272, at Dublin Airport under Guernsey registration 2-JDVM. The aircraft, painted in full Saudia Cargo livery, was previously registered as N810CM in the U.S. It was ferried from Shannon to Dublin on 28 July after temporary storage and repainting, operated by Nomadic Aviation Group on behalf of Cargo Aircraft Management. The move reflects ASL’s continued expansion in widebody freighter operations.
Dublin Welcomes Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its 37th Boeing 737 MAX, a MAX 8 registered ET-BAM (MSN 64141), reinforcing its status as Africa’s largest carrier with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet. The aircraft arrived at Dublin Airport on 22 August 2025 from Boeing’s Everett facility, operating under callsign ETH9201. It continued the next day to Addis Ababa, highlighting Dublin’s role as a key stopover for international aircraft deliveries and ferry flights.
EI-HHW Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways
ITA Airways has taken delivery of its 14th Irish-registered Airbus A220-300, with the aircraft EI-HHW (MSN 55358) flying directly from Montréal-Mirabel to Rome Fiumicino on 6 June 2025. The A220-300 delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per passenger compared with earlier models, while being certified to operate on up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus plans full 100% SAF capability across its fleet by 2030, reinforcing the A220’s role in sustainable fleet modernisation.
Aircraft Update
HL8742 Airbus A320-216 c/n 3978 Parata Air Delivered to Seoul 06/09/25 ex 2-IDTJ
Parata Air has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-216, registered HL8742 (MSN 3978), which arrived in Seoul on 6 September 2025. Formerly operating as 2-IDTJ, the aircraft will support Parata Air’s scheduled services and expanding regional network. The delivery reflects the airline’s focus on enhancing operational efficiency and meeting rising passenger demand with reliable narrowbody capacity.
OE-IFR Airbus A320-232 c/n 2156 DVB Bank Ferried to Sofia 22/08/25 ex 9H-VDF
DVB Bank has ferried an Airbus A320-232, registered OE-IFR (MSN 2156), to Sofia on 22 August 2025. Previously operating as 9H-VDF, the aircraft’s repositioning reflects ongoing asset transition and management activity within the lessor’s portfolio. The move underlines DVB Bank’s continued role in facilitating fleet redeployment to meet evolving operator requirements.
Global Aviation News
Alaska Air Group Announces Leadership Transition
Alaska Air Group has announced key leadership changes across its portfolio. At Hawaiian Airlines, a transition in top management will guide the carrier through its next phase of growth and integration within the group. Simultaneously, Alaska Airlines has promoted a senior executive to further strengthen its leadership team. The moves reflect Alaska Air Group’s focus on stability, operational excellence, and positioning both airlines to capture new opportunities in an evolving marketplace.
Aspire Opens New Lounge in Domestic Terminal of Montreal-Trudeau
Aspire Executive Lounges, in partnership with American Express, has unveiled a new 344 sqm lounge in the domestic terminal of Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The facility offers 100 seats across multiple areas, including workstations, private call booths, and a dining section. Designed by Artesa, the lounge incorporates hardwood flooring, indoor greenery, and artwork by Nicolas Ruel, with expansive windows overlooking the ramp, enhancing both comfort and traveller experience.
Airside Automation Group Launched in UK
The Airside Automation Group has been established in the UK, bringing together key stakeholders including International Airlines Group (IAG), Heathrow Airport, Aer Lingus, and Fusion Processing. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the civil aviation sector and the connected and automated mobility (CAM) industry. By fostering joint innovation, the group seeks to advance automation technologies for airside operations, improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability across airports.
Avelo Airlines Announces Capital Raise to Fund Next Phase of Growth
Avelo Airlines has secured its largest investment since launch, closing a major round of growth capital to accelerate expansion across the U.S. and the Caribbean. The funding, provided by a new partner, reflects strong confidence in Avelo’s low-fare, convenience-focused business model. Proceeds will support network growth, targeted technology upgrades, and customer experience enhancements, positioning the airline to build on its momentum since its 2021 debut.
Bizav Leaders Urge Continued Pressure on Tariff Issue
At the JetNet IQ Summit in Washington, D.C., business aviation executives stressed the need for sustained advocacy to eliminate tariffs on aviation products. While recent progress has eased U.S. trade barriers for some nations, countries like Brazil and Switzerland continue to face high charges under current policies. Industry leaders emphasised that achieving zero-rated tariffs is critical to ensuring competitiveness, supporting supply chains, and promoting long-term growth in global business aviation.
Bombardier Added $7.4B to Canada’s GDP in 2024
A PwC Canada study has found that Bombardier contributed $7.4 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024, supporting nearly 48,500 jobs across the country and generating more than $1.2 billion in tax revenues. As Canada’s largest aerospace manufacturer, Bombardier accounts for around 25% of national aerospace output. The findings underscore the company’s critical role in driving economic activity, employment, and innovation within Canada’s aerospace sector.
Condor and JetBlue Expand Partnership with TrueBlue Loyalty Integration
Condor and JetBlue have deepened their long-standing partnership by integrating JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty programme with select Condor flights, including key transatlantic services. The move enables TrueBlue members to earn and redeem points on Condor routes, offering added value for frequent flyers.
Emirates Extends Premium Economy Offering to Sydney
Emirates is expanding its premium economy cabin to Sydney and three additional destinations from October 2025, giving Dublin travellers the option to book premium economy seats to Australia. The airline aims to offer two million premium economy seats by year-end, reflecting strong demand for the product. From 26 October, a four-class A380 will also serve the Dubai–Amman route, further broadening Emirates’ upgraded cabin offering.
Irish Aviation News
Flying Through the Summer: Ryanair and the 737 MAX
Ryanair has cemented its role as Europe’s leading operator of the Boeing 737 MAX, seamlessly integrating the aircraft into its busy summer 2025 schedule. With more than one in four flights now operated by the type, the MAX has become central to Ryanair’s high-frequency model, delivering both efficiency and reliability. Michael O’Leary’s pragmatic approach to fleet acquisition, focusing purely on cost and operational value, has positioned the carrier to maximise the MAX’s advantages.
Further Details Revealed of Spain Talks on November 13 in Dublin
Spain Talks 2025 will take place on 13 November at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin, with this year’s focus on innovation in tourism and sustainability. Industry professionals are encouraged to submit nominations for the Media, Ambassador, Experience, and Business Awards before the 12 October deadline. The event, hosted by Travel Extra’s Eoghan Corry, will bring together key voices in the tourism sector to discuss future opportunities and celebrate achievements.
Galway Chamber President Stresses that Regional Air Connectivity is Vital to the West’s Competitiveness
Galway Chamber President Cait Noone has emphasised the importance of regional air connectivity for the West of Ireland’s economic competitiveness. Addressing business leaders and community stakeholders, she urged the Government to include Shannon Airport in the next Regional Airports Programme. Noone highlighted that strong connectivity is essential to attract investment, support tourism, and ensure balanced regional development.
GA Telesis Arranges the Acquisition and Continued Servicing of a Sixteen-Aircraft Portfolio from Merx Aviation
GA Telesis, in partnership with InterVest Capital Partners, has arranged and will continue servicing the acquisition of a 16-aircraft portfolio from Merx Aviation subsidiaries. The aircraft are on lease to airlines across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The deal highlights GA Telesis’ expanding role in global asset management and reinforces Ireland’s position as a key hub for aviation leasing and portfolio servicing.
Here Are the Spanish Routes That Ryanair Is Shutting Down for Winter
Ryanair will cut one million passenger seats from its Spanish winter 2025/26 schedule, affecting regional airports across both the mainland and Canary Islands. The reduction includes 600,000 seats from mainland regional airports and 400,000 from the Canaries. The move reflects Ryanair’s strategy to adjust capacity in response to market conditions, with significant implications for connectivity in Spain’s regional markets.
IAA Launches Public Consultation on Aviation Safeguarding Framework
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has opened a public consultation on its proposed National Aviation Safeguarding Framework, inviting input from stakeholders and the public. The initiative aligns with the IAA’s Statement of Strategy on Stakeholder Engagement, ensuring policy development is shaped by those with a vested interest in aviation safety, infrastructure, and planning. This structured consultation underscores the Authority’s commitment to transparency and collaborative decision-making.
Ryanair's O’Leary Calls for Action on Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has criticised the Government for failing to act on lifting the 36 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Speaking at the airline’s AGM, O’Leary noted that the coalition had pledged to scrap the limit in its Programme for Government but said “nine months later, nothing’s happening.” He warned that inaction risks constraining growth and undermining Dublin’s role as Ireland’s primary international gateway.
WSOC 2025 to Lay Foundations for an Even Safer Future – IATA DG Willie Walsh
IATA has confirmed that the 2025 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) will be held from 14–16 October in Xiamen, China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the event will provide a vital platform for industry leaders to strengthen aviation safety and operational standards. The conference aims to build on global collaboration and best practices, laying the groundwork for an even safer future in aviation.
Tweet Picks
@davidshepardson Delta CEO: "The machines already run pricing".
@davidshepardson But Delta CEO Ed Bastian reiterted the airline will not use AI to set individual prices: "We don't have the capability to do personalized pricing".
@davidshepardson .@SouthwestAir CEO Bob Jordan says he will not announce lounges or European flights today but hints at possibility: "We're going to continue to offer our customers what they want"
@davidshepardson Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said today he expects @FAANews will certify Boeing 737 MAX 7 in Q1 next year.
Video Picks
David Neeleman of Breeze Airways on the Oyster Aero PearlCast!
In this episode of Oyster Aero’s PearlCast, Breeze Airways founder David Neeleman shares insights on his latest venture and his broader philosophy on building successful airlines. Reflecting on Breeze’s strategy of serving underserved U.S. markets with affordable fares and efficient operations, Neeleman highlights the importance of innovation, adaptability, and customer focus. The discussion also touches on his wider industry experience, offering a candid look into the mindset of one of aviation’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Exclusive Interview with the CEO of Coulson Aviation
This exclusive interview with the CEO of Coulson Aviation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s leading aerial firefighting companies. The discussion covers the challenges of operating large aircraft in extreme environments, the innovation driving Coulson’s fleet conversions, and the crucial role aviation plays in global wildfire suppression. The CEO also shares insights on future strategy, sustainability, and how the company is preparing to meet rising demand for aerial firefighting services worldwide.
First Response in Flight
This feature explores the vital role of aviation in emergency medical response, highlighting how air ambulances and specially equipped aircraft deliver life-saving care while in the air. The video showcases the coordination between medical teams and flight crews, the technology onboard that enables treatment mid-flight, and the growing importance of rapid-response aviation in critical situations. It underlines how innovation and preparedness are transforming the way urgent healthcare is delivered globally.
Acumen’s Take
This edition highlights the interconnected forces shaping global aviation—growth, regulation, technology, and sustainability. From airline expansion strategies and capital raises to evolving policy frameworks and operational safeguards, the sector continues to balance rapid demand recovery with long-term resilience. Infrastructure, digital innovation, and efficiency remain central to competitiveness, while safety and environmental goals drive collaboration across borders. Taken together, these developments reflect an industry that is adapting with agility while laying stronger foundations for sustainable, profitable growth.
