17 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 17th April 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: BOC Aviation’s landmark order for 50 Boeing 737-8s highlights sustained leasing demand in Asia. China Eastern’s Geneva route strengthens Sino-European ties, while Lao Airlines becomes the first Southeast Asian operator of the COMAC C909, marking a significant win for China’s aircraft manufacturing ambitions
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-april-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air India Express expands its engine leasing partnership with Willis Lease, improving cost certainty and fleet uptime. Air India launches a new digital innovation hub in Kochi to drive customer-focused tech, while IndiGo adds direct flights to Seychelles, boosting regional tourism.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-april-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: DAE completes a six-aircraft Boeing 737 MAX delivery programme with Aeromexico, while High Ridge Aviation delivers its first A220 to Breeze Airways via PLB. NAC sells an E195 airframe to Avtrade, and Stratos leases an A330-300P2F to MNG Airlines, reflecting leasing diversity across regions and asset types.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-april-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Almasria, Turkish Airlines, and VivaAerobus expanded their fleets with A320 and A321 aircraft, while FitzWalter, CDB Aviation, and IndiGo repositioned or returned assets. Meanwhile, Aergo and Icelease advanced their cargo portfolios with widebody and narrowbody freighter conversions, reflecting market appetite for cargo flexibility.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-april-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Air Lease appoints Grant Newman as Treasurer to strengthen financial leadership, while Avelo Airlines launches 13 new routes including Nassau. ACG delivers its final 737-9 MAX to United Airlines, and BOC Aviation’s 50-aircraft Boeing order signals confidence in the narrowbody leasing market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-april-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
ASL Airlines Ireland Transfers A330-200 Freighter
ASL Airlines Ireland has transferred an Airbus A330-200F to a new operator. The move is part of the group’s broader fleet optimisation and freighter capacity balancing strategy.
Acumen’s Take
As demand fluctuates in the long-haul cargo segment, ASL’s strategic aircraft repositioning ensures better utilisation and long-term revenue alignment across its global ACMI operations.
Buzz Takes Delivery of Two New 737 MAX Aircraft
Buzz, the Polish subsidiary of Ryanair Group, has taken delivery of two more Boeing 737-8200 aircraft in Ryanair colours, supporting the group’s continued summer 2025 network expansion.
Acumen’s Take
These deliveries reinforce Ryanair Group’s centralised fleet strategy—driving efficiency, simplifying maintenance, and enabling rapid deployment across multiple EU bases.
Ex-JetBlue Embraer E190 Arrives at Ireland West Airport
An ex-JetBlue Embraer E190 has arrived at Ireland West Airport Knock for storage or future reconfiguration. The aircraft’s presence signals ongoing interest in regional asset redeployment and secondary market transitions.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland remains a key hub for asset management and remarketing. Regional jets like the E190 continue to hold value for operators seeking cost-effective lift for thin or emerging routes.
Aircraft Update
FlyArystan Ferries A320 from Shannon to Maastricht
HA-LYQ, an Airbus A320-232 (c/n 6614), was ferried from Shannon to Maastricht on 4th April 2025. The aircraft, formerly operated by Wizz Air, is being transitioned for continued service under FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland remains a key waypoint for aircraft in transition. FlyArystan’s fleet expansion reflects the growing role of LCCs in Central Asia, and Shannon’s utility in the global mid-life narrowbody market.
TVPX E190 Delivered to Ireland West Airport via Macron and Gander
N231JB, an Embraer 190 (c/n 19000033), was ferried from the U.S. via Macron and Gander, arriving at Ireland West Airport on 2–3 April. Managed by TVPX Aircraft Solutions, the jet is likely positioned for storage, lease reconfiguration, or onward sale.
Acumen’s Take
Regional jets like the E190 continue to see active remarketing. Ireland West’s growing involvement in aircraft logistics signals increased strategic relevance in asset management beyond the traditional leasing hubs.
Global Aviation News
EVA Air Confirms Order for Six Additional Airbus A350-1000s
EVA Air has finalised an order for six more Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing its long-haul fleet renewal strategy. The new aircraft will support expansion into high-demand transpacific and European markets while offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Acumen’s Take
EVA’s growing A350-1000 commitment signals its confidence in premium long-haul travel. The move also strengthens Airbus’s widebody market momentum amid increasing pressure on older twin-aisle aircraft to retire.
FedEx Delays MD-11F Retirement, Orders Additional Production Freighters
FedEx has postponed the retirement of its MD-11F fleet and placed new orders for production freighters, citing capacity needs and delivery uncertainties in the cargo market.
Acumen’s Take
This decision underlines the tightness in freighter availability. Operators are extending legacy aircraft life while waiting on newer widebody freighters, showing that demand for lift still outpaces supply in key lanes.
Over 50% of Americans Flew in 2024 — A New Milestone for U.S. Air Travel
According to Airlines for America (A4A), more than half of U.S. residents took at least one airline trip in 2024 — the highest proportion ever recorded. The report also notes a 70% satisfaction rate among passengers.
Acumen’s Take
This milestone confirms aviation’s recovery and deepening role in American mobility. It bodes well for domestic route growth, fleet utilisation, and investor confidence in U.S. carriers’ forward booking strength.
Premier Private Jets Acquires FBO at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (KCVG)
Premier Private Jets has acquired the FBO facility at KCVG, expanding its growing U.S. network. The acquisition enhances services for business aviation customers in the Ohio-Kentucky region.
Acumen’s Take
This move reflects the continued expansion of premium GA infrastructure. Secondary hubs like KCVG are gaining value as business travel rebounds and FBO operators aim to strengthen regional footprints.
Vietnam Airlines Secures $560M Investment Through Citibank MOU
Vietnam Airlines has signed an MoU with Citibank, N.A. for over US$560 million in strategic investment, supporting fleet development and international expansion goals.
Acumen’s Take
Vietnam Airlines’ capital infusion highlights renewed confidence in Southeast Asian aviation. As recovery accelerates in the region, strategic funding partnerships will be key to enabling widebody acquisitions and market competitiveness.
Irish Aviation News
Stripe’s John Collison Eyes Ambitious Plans for Weston Airport
Stripe co-founder John Collison is investing in the future of Weston Airport, signalling a personal and strategic interest in reshaping the role of the general aviation hub west of Dublin. His vision includes aviation training, sustainability, and infrastructure upgrades.
Acumen’s Take
Collison’s involvement in Weston is a notable intersection of tech capital and Irish aviation infrastructure. If successful, it could reframe Weston’s relevance in GA, pilot training, and innovation-led development in Irish airspace.
IAA Publishes Draft Decision on Dublin Airport Winter Slot Capacity
The Irish Aviation Authority has released a draft decision regarding winter slot allocation at Dublin Airport. The update considers infrastructure limitations and demand management, aiming to ensure fair and optimal slot distribution.
Acumen’s Take
Slot management will be central to Dublin’s operational effectiveness heading into the winter season. Transparent regulatory steps like this give airlines and lessors clearer visibility for scheduling and fleet planning.
Willie Walsh Reflects on India’s Aviation Boom
IATA DG Willie Walsh shared his views on India’s rapidly growing aviation sector, praising infrastructure expansion while urging continued regulatory reform and better airspace management to support long-term sustainability.
Acumen’s Take
India’s aviation surge presents opportunities for Irish lessors and OEM stakeholders. Walsh’s endorsement strengthens the case for strategic partnerships and aircraft placements across this high-growth market.
Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group Re-Established with Crowe as Chair
The Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group has been reconvened, chaired by Cathal Crowe. The cross-party group will focus on policy support, route development, and future-proofing the airport’s growth.
Acumen’s Take
Reinstating political support for Shannon signals renewed commitment to balanced regional aviation. This group could play a crucial role in elevating Shannon’s status in national transport strategy.
Tennessee Tourism Launches Dublin Sales Mission to Celebrate Aer Lingus Route
To mark the launch of Aer Lingus’ Dublin–Nashville service, Tennessee Tourism is hosting a sales mission in Dublin to engage the Irish travel trade and promote cultural and leisure offerings.
Acumen’s Take
Destination-backed route launches are key to long-term route viability. Initiatives like this strengthen the transatlantic network and drive two-way traffic, supporting Aer Lingus’ U.S. route diversification.
Podcast: DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs on Dublin Airport’s Future
In a Newstalk interview, DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs outlines the airport’s long-term vision, covering passenger growth, infrastructure, sustainability goals, and stakeholder engagement amid ongoing policy challenges.
Acumen’s Take
Jacobs’ remarks underline the scale of transformation needed at Dublin Airport. For airlines, lessors, and investors, infrastructure certainty will remain critical to unlocking the next phase of capacity and connectivity.
Tweet Picks
@SimonCalder Two rules apply for a UK passport for a trip to EU (except Ireland): No more than 10 years old on day of departure; look at the issue date for this one. At least three months remaining on the intended day of return; look at the expiry date for that one.
@SimonCalder UK inbound tourism slumping compared with EU. More barriers to visitors every week. The promotional budget has just been cut by 42%. Now the chair of VisitBritain, Nick de Bois, tells me: “Government and in particular the Treasury just doesn’t get tourism”
@SimonCalder Tourism Alliance @tourismsvoice says: "We are poor as far as cost competitiveness is concerned: the World Economic Forum ranks the UK as 113th out of 118 countries for the price competitiveness of our tourism offer. The recent ETA and visa fee increases just compound the problem.
@SimonCalder Gvt spokesperson: “The UK is one of the most visited countries in the world. International tourism drives billions into our economy. We are supporting the continued growth of this industry to help meet our ambition to welcome 50mn international visitors a year to the UK by 2030.”
Video Picks
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Growth, Fleet & Global Strategy
IndiGo’s CEO discussed the carrier’s aggressive expansion plans, including widebody fleet considerations, enhanced international connectivity, and continued domestic dominance.
Acumen’s Take
IndiGo’s rise is emblematic of India’s aviation boom. As it eyes long-haul growth, lessors and OEMs will find growing opportunities in narrow- and widebody placements across this high-volume market.
Michael O’Leary: EU Airline Deregulation Faced French & German Opposition
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, speaking candidly on European aviation history, claimed deregulation wouldn’t have happened if France and Germany had prevailed—stressing how liberalisation unlocked growth and consumer benefits.
Acumen’s Take
O’Leary’s reflections underscore the enduring importance of open skies and deregulated markets. His comments also signal ongoing tensions between market liberalism and national aviation interests within the EU.
Pádraig Ó Céidigh Shares His Aviation Story on ‘Aran Island Discs’
The Aer Arann founder offers a personal look at his journey through Irish aviation, entrepreneurship, and regional airline development, blending insights from politics, aviation, and community service.
Acumen’s Take
Ó Céidigh’s story remains a powerful reminder of the impact regional airlines can have on connectivity and economic resilience. His legacy continues to inspire new entrants in underserved markets.
