17 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 17th 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
VQ-CAR Airbus A320-214 Ferried to Tainan
Airbus A320-214, registered VQ-CAR (c/n 5691), owned by SMBC Aviation Capital, was ferried to Tainan on 3 November following its transition from former registration B-9941. The movement reflects routine asset repositioning activity as part of ongoing lease, maintenance or remarketing processes within the lessor’s A320 portfolio.
VQ-CBA Airbus A320-214 Ferried to Vilnius
Airbus A320-214, registered VQ-CBA (c/n 5759), was ferried to Vilnius on 5 December 2025. The aircraft is owned by SMBC Aviation Capital and was previously registered as B-9970. The ferry flight forms part of routine asset transition activity, supporting ongoing fleet placement or maintenance planning.
Global Aviation News
European Airports Maintain Strong Credit Profiles Despite Heavy Investment, Says S&P
S&P Global expects the credit metrics of rated European airports to remain resilient, even as operators increase capital expenditure and shareholder distributions. While airports such as Schiphol, daa and Zurich Airport are forecast to see some weakening in metrics due to large-scale maintenance and expansion programmes, S&P notes that these pressures are already factored into current ratings. The agency believes affected airports retain sufficient financial headroom to absorb elevated capex without undermining overall credit strength.
Eve Secures BNDES Funding to Advance eVTOL Certification Programme
Eve Air Mobility has secured US$40 million in debt financing from Brazil’s development bank BNDES to support the integration and testing phase of its eVTOL programme, strengthening its cash position as it moves toward certification. The funding follows Eve’s recent listing on Brazil’s B3 exchange, complementing its NYSE presence and broadening its investor base. Together, the financing and dual-market listing underline Eve’s strategy to reinforce capital access while progressing the next phase of urban air mobility development.
IATA Reports Accelerating Air Passenger Demand Growth in October
Global air travel demand continued to strengthen in October, with total passenger traffic rising 6.6% year-on-year, outpacing capacity growth of 5.8% and pushing load factors to 84.6%. International travel led the recovery with an 8.5% increase, while domestic demand grew 3.4%, reflecting steady underlying momentum across markets. IATA noted improving trends heading into year-end, supported by expanding seat capacity and resilient leisure and business travel demand despite broader economic uncertainty.
ITA Airways Launches First-Ever Rome–Houston Nonstop Service
ITA Airways has announced the introduction of a new direct intercontinental route linking Rome Fiumicino and Houston, marking the first historical nonstop connection between the two hubs. Set to commence on 1 May 2026 as part of the airline’s Summer 2026 schedule, the service strengthens ITA’s North American network and enhances connectivity between Italy and the southern United States. The new route reflects the carrier’s continued focus on long-haul growth and expanding its transatlantic footprint from Rome.
Jazeera Airways Wins Saudi Charter Carrier Tender
Jazeera Airways KSA has been awarded a national non-scheduled charter air carrier licence by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, authorising the airline to operate both domestic and international charter services from the Kingdom. The approval supports Jazeera’s wider growth strategy by expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and enabling new charter operations focused on Hajj and Umrah traffic, as well as group and leisure travel. The move strengthens regional connectivity and positions the airline to play a larger role in serving Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation and tourism markets.
KLM Cityhopper Upgrades Entire Embraer 195-E2 Fleet
KLM Cityhopper has begun a fleet-wide cabin upgrade of its Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, with the first modified jet entering service on 6 December operating to Porto. All 22 aircraft will be reconfigured to add four additional Economy Class seats, increasing capacity from 132 to 136 while reducing CO₂ emissions per passenger by around 3 percent. The conversion programme is scheduled for completion by June 2026, supporting higher revenue potential alongside improved environmental efficiency.
LEVEL Begins Independent Operations Under Its Own IATA Code
LEVEL has formally launched operations as a fully independent airline within the IAG portfolio, beginning flights under its own two-letter IATA code, LL, from 1 December. The move completes the carrier’s transition from operating as an Iberia division following the award of its own Air Operator Certificate in December 2024. With regulatory approvals secured across key long-haul markets and IOSA certification in place, the Barcelona-based airline is now positioned to grow as an autonomous low-cost long-haul operator while remaining part of the wider IAG group.
Turkish Airlines and South African Airways Sign Codeshare Agreement
Turkish Airlines and South African Airways have entered into a new codeshare partnership, set to take effect from 1 March 2026, aimed at strengthening connectivity between Africa and Türkiye. Under the agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its TK code on SAA services across key Southern African and Indian Ocean destinations, while SAA will add its SA code to Turkish Airlines’ long-haul routes linking Istanbul with major African and European cities. The collaboration enhances network reach for both carriers and supports deeper ties in tourism, trade and long-term aviation cooperation between the two regions.
Irish Aviation News
SMBC Aviation Capital Finances 20 Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft for United Airlines
SMBC Aviation Capital has announced a purchase-and-leaseback agreement with United Airlines covering twenty Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft scheduled for delivery across 2025 and 2026. The transaction marks the third major deal between the two companies, following earlier agreements involving Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The financing supports United’s ongoing fleet modernisation strategy while reinforcing SMBC Aviation Capital’s role as a long-term leasing partner to the US carrier.
SSP to Upgrade Food and Beverage Offering at Belfast International Airport
SSP Group is set to significantly enhance the food and beverage experience at Belfast International Airport under a new ten-year agreement, as part of the airport’s wider £100 million transformation programme. The redevelopment will see SSP expand and refresh its operations to nine outlets, introducing a broader and more diverse range of dining options for passengers. The investment aligns with the airport’s ongoing efforts to modernise facilities and improve the overall passenger journey, building on recent upgrades such as the new security hall.
Titan Aviation Leasing Delivers First A330-200P2F to JD Airlines
Titan Aviation Leasing has delivered the first of two Airbus A330-200P2F freighters to JD Airlines, marking the start of a new long-term operating lease partnership with the Chinese cargo carrier. The aircraft, MSN 832, strengthens JD Airlines’ widebody freighter fleet and supports growing express and cross-border logistics demand driven by e-commerce across Asia. The delivery underlines continued appetite for converted widebody freighters as cargo operators seek efficient, flexible capacity at scale.
Topflight for Schools Launches 2027 Ski Programme from City of Derry Airport
Topflight for Schools has confirmed the return of its school ski charter programme from City of Derry Airport to Verona in 2027, marking the fourth consecutive year of operations from the Northwest. The initiative will once again serve secondary school students across the region, reflecting strong and consistent demand for direct charter services from the airport. The programme highlights the growing role of City of Derry Airport in supporting regional travel, education-focused tourism and sustained community connectivity.
AirNav Ireland Expands Air Traffic Control Training Investment
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed AirNav Ireland’s investment in a strengthened air traffic control training programme at its Ballycasey Training Centre in Shannon. The initiative will see up to 64 student air traffic controllers trained in 2026, supporting the long-term resilience and safety of Ireland’s airspace management system. The programme underlines AirNav Ireland’s commitment to building specialist capability and reinforcing its role as a key pillar of national aviation safety and connectivity.
Turkish Airlines Marks Nearly Two Decades of Service at Dublin Airport
Turkish Airlines is celebrating almost 20 years of operations at Dublin Airport, highlighting its long-term commitment to the Irish market and growing connectivity for travellers. Since launching with twice-weekly flights in 2006, the carrier has expanded the route to three daily services between Dublin and Istanbul, offering Irish passengers access to its global network spanning more than 130 countries. The milestone reflects sustained demand for both point-to-point travel to Türkiye and onward long-haul connections via Istanbul.
IBGAA Annual Conference Showcases the Strength of the Global Irish Aviation Community
The Irish Business and General Aviation Association hosted its annual conference at The K Club, bringing together industry leaders for a full day of expert panels, keynote discussions and networking. The event highlighted the influence and reach of the global Irish aviation community, combining strategic dialogue with cultural celebration through a gala dinner and traditional Irish music. The gathering reinforced IBGAA’s role as a key platform for collaboration, advocacy and thought leadership across business and general aviation.
Waterford Airport Takes Key Step Toward Runway Extension
Waterford Airport has moved closer to delivering its long-planned runway extension after shareholders voted overwhelmingly to dissolve their shares at an Emergency General Meeting held on 8 December. Nearly 99% of shareholders in attendance approved the proposal, comfortably exceeding the 75% threshold required, clearing the way for the transfer of ownership to a new investor. The decision marks a significant milestone for the airport, enabling progress on infrastructure development aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and long-term operational viability.
World Star Aviation Completes A319 Refinancing and Lease Extensions with Brussels Airlines
World Star Aviation has successfully completed the refinancing and four-year lease extensions of two Airbus A319-111 aircraft operated by Brussels Airlines, migrating both assets into a new ownership structure while delivering replacement engines as part of the transaction. The deal reinforces the long-standing partnership between the two companies and allows Brussels Airlines to extend the operational life of the A319s, supporting fleet consistency, lifecycle optimisation and continued flexibility across its European network.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek .@beautechaero says a looming #CF34 engine capacity crunch as regional jet fleets approach a major maintenance cycle will strain the #MRO ecosystem.
@AviationWeek New generation narrowbody engines are unlikely to match the durability of their predecessors within the next five years, engine lessor #ELFC's COO says.
@AviationWeek Preparing to take delivery of its first @Embraer #E195-E2 in 2026 and first @Airbus #A321XLR in 2027, #LATAM Airlines Group expects the new fleet types will align well with a continued focus on premium.
@AviationWeek Swiss startup #Jekta has completed its second 1:9-scale prototype amphibious seaplane and is preparing to launch into a flight test campaign beginning in January.
@AviationWeek The world’s airlines are expected to see record-high load factors in 2026, although profit margins will remain dismally thin compared with most industries.
Video Picks
Aircraft Leasing Ireland Summit 2025
This video captures highlights from the Aircraft Leasing Ireland Summit 2025, bringing together leaders from leasing, finance and airline sectors to discuss trends shaping global fleet strategy and capital markets. Speakers explore how lessors are managing growth, sustainability transitions and risk in a shifting demand landscape, with insights on technology, financing structures and regulatory dynamics. It’s a concise look at how Ireland’s leasing community continues to influence the broader aviation ecosystem.
Airlines Set for Another Good Year in 2026, IATA DG Willie Walsh Says
In this video, IATA Director General Willie Walsh lays out his outlook for the airline industry in 2026, explaining why fundamentals remain strong despite economic uncertainties. He highlights resilient passenger demand, improving profitability trends and the importance of strategic planning in areas like capacity, sustainability and cost control. The discussion offers a forward-looking view on how airlines can navigate the year ahead with confidence while managing ongoing operational and market challenges.
How Can We Empower People with Disabilities to Access Public Transport?
This video explores practical ways to improve accessibility on public transport for people with disabilities, focusing on design, infrastructure and user-centred solutions that make travel more inclusive. It highlights real-world challenges and innovations—from clearer wayfinding and assistive technology to better staff training—that can reduce barriers and enhance independence for all passengers. The discussion offers thoughtful perspectives on how transport systems can evolve to serve diverse needs effectively.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects an industry that is firmly in execution mode rather than recovery mode. Capacity, capital, and connectivity are being added with intent, while resilience is being built quietly through financing discipline, fleet optimisation, and infrastructure investment. The balance between growth and control is becoming sharper, especially as margins remain thin and complexity rises. Lessors, airports, and airlines are all thinking longer-term, not just about scale, but about durability, efficiency, and adaptability. What this really signals is a sector maturing into its next cycle, where smart deployment matters more than rapid expansion. The winners will be those who treat data, assets, and partnerships as long-term levers, not short-term fixes.
