17 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 17th June 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: Explore recent developments in airline strategies, OEM activity, and policy shifts.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-june-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: Catch up on airport infrastructure projects, fleet activity, and key regulatory updates.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-june-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Track lease transitions, asset activity, and strategic shifts in the global leasing hub.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-june-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Detailed aircraft movement updates involving Irish lessors and operators.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-june-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Insight into airline operations, fleet transactions, and regulatory news across North America.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-june-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
FlyArystan Adds A320neo EI-KFH
Kazakhstan-based Low Cost Carrier FlyArystan, a subsidiary of the Air Astana Group, announced the delivery of its 27th Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft will begin operating flights this month.
The aircraft delivered 29 May, Toulouse to Almaty International, registered EI-KFH Airbus A320-271N (msn 6614), named "Atlas" after the bright star in the Pleiades cluster, symbolising reliability, strength, and the pursuit of great heights.
Acumen’s Take:
FlyArystan’s continued fleet expansion reinforces its strong growth trajectory in Central Asia. The addition of the A320neo enhances operational efficiency and aligns with the airline’s strategy to strengthen its domestic and regional network using fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.
Ryanair Bases 4th Boeing 737 in Shannon
Ryanair has announced the addition of a fourth based aircraft at its Shannon Airport base — a new Boeing 737-8200 "Gamechanger". The expansion comes with the introduction of three new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, along with increased frequencies on six popular routes: Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław for the Winter 2025/26 season.This move is expected to deliver a 20% traffic boost, bringing total Ryanair passenger traffic at Shannon to 1.6 million per year and supporting over 1,500 local jobs.
Acumen’s Take:
Ryanair’s fleet expansion at Shannon reflects its long-term commitment to regional connectivity and economic growth in Ireland. The addition of the fuel-efficient 737-8200 and new winter routes enhances Shannon’s role as a key hub in Ryanair’s network strategy.
Turkish Airlines Expands Dublin–Istanbul Service
Turkish Airlines has increased its weekly flights between Dublin and Istanbul from 18 to 21, effective 9 June 2025, as part of its expanded UK and Ireland summer schedule. The additional frequencies will be operated using two-class 182-seat Airbus A321ceo and A321neo aircraft to accommodate growing passenger demand.
Acumen’s Take:
This capacity increase reaffirms Turkish Airlines’ strategic focus on strengthening Dublin as a key gateway to its global network. With growing year-round demand to Turkey and beyond, the move enhances connectivity for both leisure and business travellers, while positioning Istanbul as a vital international hub for Irish outbound traffic.
Aircraft Update
2-FWCD Airbus A321-271N Ferried to FWCAS
Airbus A321-271N (c/n 8937), registered as 2-FWCD, was ferried to Istanbul for FWCAS on 27 May 2025. The aircraft, previously registered as VN-A626, joins the Shannon-based lessor’s managed portfolio.
Acumen’s Take
The transition of 2-FWCD marks continued activity for Shannon-based lessors as they reposition assets in key markets. Ferry movements like these reflect the dynamic nature of mid-life aircraft placements and the ongoing demand for A321neo units globally.
2-TWDC Airbus A320-271N Ferried to DAE Capital
Airbus A320-271N (c/n 11130), registered as 2-TWDC, was ferried to Istanbul for DAE Capital on 7 May 2024. The aircraft was previously operated as VT-WDC.
Acumen’s Take
This ferry flight underlines Dubai-based DAE Capital’s ongoing efforts to reposition assets strategically across regions. With narrowbody demand holding strong, redeployments such as 2-TWDC highlight the active role of lessors in fleet optimisation.
Global Aviation News
Norwegian Air Group Summer Seat Sales Up 300,000
Norwegian Air Group has reported a significant increase in demand for the upcoming peak season, with 300,000 more summer seats sold compared to the same period last year. The group flew over 2.5 million passengers in May, with regional carrier Widerøe contributing nearly 350,000 of that total. Norwegian Air operated an average of 86 aircraft during the month, achieving a load factor of 83.6%, up 1.5 percentage points year-on-year.
Acumen’s Take:
This uptick in summer bookings underscores strong recovery momentum in the European leisure travel segment. Norwegian's improving load factors and fleet utilisation reflect growing consumer confidence and effective network planning heading into the high season.
Piedmont Airlines to Receive New Embraer-175 Aircraft
Piedmont Airlines has announced plans to introduce the Embraer 175 (E175) to its fleet starting in early 2028, marking a new phase of growth and modernisation. The 76-seat dual-class E175s will offer 12 Business Class and 64 Main Cabin seats, each equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi and in-seat power. This expansion, backed by parent company American Airlines Group, reinforces Piedmont’s focus on safety, operational excellence, and long-term stability.
Acumen’s Take:
The introduction of E175s positions Piedmont Airlines to serve high-demand regional routes with greater passenger comfort and efficiency. This strategic fleet upgrade also reflects broader trends in North American regional aviation, where dual-class configurations and enhanced onboard connectivity are becoming standard expectations.
Redesign of UK Airspace Will Start with London Airports
The UK government has confirmed that the newly formed UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) will spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of British airspace, beginning with London’s major airports. Announced by the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, UKADS will modernise outdated air traffic routes—many of which date back to the 1950s—in a bid to improve efficiency and reduce both carbon emissions and noise pollution. The agency is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with formal consultations on route changes set to begin in September.
Acumen’s Take:
Modernising UK airspace is long overdue and represents a significant step toward achieving both sustainability and operational efficiency. For London airports, where congestion and environmental scrutiny are high, UKADS’ redesign could unlock new slot optimisation opportunities and pave the way for smarter traffic flow management. This reform will likely set a precedent for similar efforts across Europe.
Skyway to Grow 737-400F Fleet with World Star
Skyway Airlines has announced plans to expand its freighter operations by leasing two additional Boeing 737-400F aircraft from World Star Aviation. The move will triple Skyway’s 737 Classic freighter fleet. The agreement includes a 1994-vintage 737-400BDSF (MSN 27256) and a 1997-vintage 737-400SF (MSN 25773). Deliveries are expected to begin in July, according to the Philippines-based airline.
Acumen’s Take:
This fleet expansion reflects Skyway’s strategic push to capture more of the growing regional cargo market. By scaling up its 737-400F operations, the carrier enhances its short-to-medium haul logistics capability. For lessors like World Star Aviation, demand for mid-life freighters continues to demonstrate resilience in an evolving air freight environment.
Smartwings Expands Winter Operations from Prague
Smartwings will enhance its winter 2025 schedule from Prague with the addition of five new routes: Brussels, Barcelona, Porto, Bucharest, and Rome. The carrier will also increase frequencies on existing routes to Paris and Málaga, aiming to boost connectivity and meet seasonal travel demand.
Acumen’s Take:
Smartwings' expanded footprint from Prague reflects rising intra-European travel demand during the winter season. The addition of high-traffic leisure and business destinations aligns with broader market trends, and supports Prague’s positioning as a key Central European hub.
Irish Aviation News
Minister Archibald Pledges Continued Support for City of Derry Airport
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, has reaffirmed her department’s commitment to funding City of Derry Airport, citing its strategic role in driving economic development across the North West. In response to West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan at the Assembly, she welcomed the possibility of a new Derry–Dublin air service but clarified that Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) decisions lie with authorities in Dublin and London.
Acumen’s Take:
Sustained governmental backing for regional airports like City of Derry underscores their significance in regional development and connectivity. For lessors and service providers, such support ensures continued viability of routes and infrastructure in underserved yet strategically important regions.
Aviation Report Aligns with Tri-Region Chambers’ Call for All-Island Connectivity
The Chambers of Commerce for Cork, Dublin, and Northern Ireland have welcomed the release of A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation, noting its alignment with their shared objectives under the Tri-Region Partnership. The report strongly echoes the Chambers’ calls for enhanced all-island connectivity and supports the restoration of vital intra-island air routes—such as Dublin–Derry and Belfast–Cork—and the removal of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
Acumen’s Take:
The push for enhanced regional connectivity and infrastructure investment across the island aligns with long-term aviation growth trends. It reinforces the need for strategic planning in route development and airport capacity, which in turn supports asset deployment, lease valuations, and long-term network stability for operators and financiers alike.
Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Deputy Pa Daly raised the plight of a primary school in Drogheda, urging inclusion in the Pathfinder energy retrofit programme. The school, needing major works—from roofing and insulation to renewable energy installations—meets all selection criteria but lacks funding. Minister of State Michael Moynihan confirmed that the school is already liaising with the emergency works team and encouraged further engagement to address urgent repair needs oireachtas.
Acumen’s Take
This exchange highlights how aviation-related decarbonisation initiatives—like the schools’ Pathfinder programme—can ripple into broader community sustainability efforts. As aviation focuses increasingly on green credentials, funding models and programme design for aircraft-sector sustainability tools might expand to support local infrastructure projects, reinforcing shared environmental goals.
Connemara Airstrips Now Under Rural Development Department Control
The Department of Community and Rural Development has officially taken full responsibility for the airstrips located on Inishbofin and at Cloonlaghtanabba near Cleggan. This follows the resolution of land ownership matters by Galway County Council. Despite the transfer of control, there are currently no plans to initiate air services between the mainland and Inishbofin Island. The change is largely administrative and does not impact the long-standing objective to eventually establish such services—a goal which has yet to materialise.
Acumen’s Take
While this transition of responsibility marks administrative progress, the absence of operational air services limits the potential socio-economic uplift for Inishbofin. As regional connectivity remains a vital aspect of Ireland's broader transport strategy, such infrastructure must eventually align with viable service models to generate real impact.
Dublin Airport Enhances Family Experience Ahead of Record Summer Travel
Dublin Airport Managing Director Gary McLean has unveiled a series of upgrades aimed at improving the passenger experience, particularly for families, ahead of what is expected to be a record-breaking summer with over 10 million travellers passing through the airport. Enhancements include 420 additional seats at boarding gates, 350 more in pre-security zones, and the launch of family-focused entertainment options such as a teen gaming zone. To further ease the journey, C3 scanners are being rolled out at security checkpoints, allowing laptops and liquids to remain in bags — with full deployment expected by October.
Acumen’s Take
Dublin Airport's proactive focus on comfort and convenience, especially for families, reflects a strategic shift towards more holistic passenger experience management. As airports globally evolve beyond transit hubs into service-oriented spaces, such investments are not only timely but essential for maintaining competitive edge and ensuring smooth operations amid rising travel volumes.
Ryanair Urges Portuguese Government to Resolve Airport Delays
Ryanair has called on the Portuguese government to urgently address staffing shortages at border control checkpoints, citing widespread passenger disruption. According to the airline, delays of up to 2.5 hours have become common at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto airports, particularly during morning peak hours. In just two weeks between 26 May and 9 June, over 270 passengers missed their flights due to excessive wait times. The airline emphasised that many affected travellers were families with young children and labelled the situation “completely unacceptable.”
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s demand highlights an increasingly critical issue facing European aviation hubs: infrastructure readiness in the face of growing passenger numbers. Delays at border control not only impact airline schedules and customer satisfaction but also risk undermining recovery momentum in post-pandemic air travel. Proactive government engagement and resource planning are essential to maintain operational efficiency across high-traffic airports.
Tweet Picks
@AeroLatinNews We are seeing actions that we have not seen for many years: market opening, elimination of monopolies, greater transparency and collaboration between key players," said Peter Cerdá, vp of @IATA for the Americas, on the Argentine airline market.
@flySEA We’re saying ciao to something exciting! @AlaskaAir is launching nonstop service from SEA to Rome in 2026! This marks their third widebody international route from SEA, following Tokyo (now flying) and Seoul (coming this September).
@RollsRoyce Our Orpheus engine demonstrator is enabling us to rapidly test & advance many new capabilities. Discover how in a bold recycling project – Tornado 2 Tempest - a new engine component was successfully tested, manufactured from used Tornado engine blades.
@simonasbartkus Last year, @airBaltic carried 12,000 passengers non-stop between Vilnius and Dubai. The total market size exceeded 28,000, with the most popular connecting points being Istanbul, Warsaw, and Riga. I expect to see ~45% of passengers travelling on @flydubai connecting beyond.
Video Picks
EgyptAir Expects Delivery of 50 New Aircraft from December 2025
EgyptAir has confirmed it will begin receiving 50 new aircraft starting December 2025, as part of its broader fleet modernisation programme. The announcement, made during an interview with EgyptAir Chairman Yehia Zakaria, reflects the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and enhancing passenger experience through next-generation aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
EgyptAir’s upcoming fleet additions mark a major strategic move to reinforce its regional and international competitiveness. For lessors and MROs, this signals potential upcoming demand for technical records review, delivery support, and maintenance planning services—an area Acumen Aviation continues to support with data-driven solutions and expertise.
Flyadeal CEO on Cebu Pacific Wet Lease & Syria Launch
In a recent interview, Flyadeal CEO Steven Greenway shared insights into the airline’s wet leasing arrangement with Cebu Pacific, which will see the Saudi carrier operate two of Cebu’s A320s during the peak summer travel season. He also confirmed plans to commence services to Syria, aligning with Flyadeal’s growth strategy in underserved regional markets.
Acumen’s Take
Flyadeal’s leasing strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to seasonal fleet management and network expansion. The wet lease from Cebu Pacific underlines a growing trend in inter-regional cooperation among LCCs. Meanwhile, launching services to Syria indicates confidence in emerging routes post-political normalisation—offering opportunities for asset utilisation and mid-life aircraft deployment analysis, which are key domains supported by Acumen's aviation advisory and analytics.
Irish Skies Pod – The First Year
The Irish Skies Pod celebrates its first anniversary with a special episode reflecting on standout interviews and aviation stories from the past year. Hosted by Mark Dwyer, the podcast has featured prominent guests across the Irish and international aviation landscape—ranging from aircraft leasing veterans to airline executives—offering listeners a unique window into the industry’s evolution.
Acumen’s Take
The success of Irish Skies Pod underscores a growing appetite for aviation-centric media that blends industry insight with accessibility. Podcasts like this are valuable not only for aviation professionals but also for enthusiasts and stakeholders looking to understand fleet trends, leasing strategies, and regulatory developments. Acumen recognises the importance of such platforms in shaping industry discourse and remains committed to data-driven storytelling across the sector.
