17 Jun 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 17th June 2026
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IrishAero News
airBaltic Recommences Dublin-Riga Route
airBaltic has recommenced its direct Dublin to Riga service for the summer season, with the first flight departing on 3 June operated by Airbus A220-300 YL-ABG, MSN 55154. The twice-weekly service operates on Wednesdays and Sundays until 30 August, with an additional Friday frequency added during August to support peak summer demand. The route strengthens Dublin’s connectivity to Eastern Europe, while airBaltic’s onboard Skynet platform, powered by Starlink connectivity, supports an enhanced passenger experience on the sector.
EI-HXH Airbus A321LR Delivered To ITA Airways
ITA Airways has taken delivery of Airbus A321-271NXLR EI-HXH, c/n 12949, which was handed over at Hamburg-Finkenwerder and ferried to Rome Fiumicino on 12 May 2026 as flight AZA8021. The aircraft entered commercial service on 15 May, operating the Rome Fiumicino-Brussels rotation as AZA156/159. Configured with 165 seats across Business, Premium Economy and Economy, the aircraft supports ITA Airways’ medium-haul network strategy with improved range, cabin flexibility and narrowbody operating efficiency.
Ireland West Airport Aims For French Connectivity
Ireland West Airport welcomed French Ambassador to Ireland Céline P. Place as part of her official visit to the West and Northwest of Ireland. The airport outlined the demand for services between the West of Ireland and France, noting that more than 50 percent of French visitors to Ireland travel to the West and Northwest. Securing direct French access would support regional tourism, improve inbound connectivity and strengthen Ireland West Airport’s role in linking the west of Ireland with key European markets.
Aircraft Update
TF-IAT Airbus A320-232 Delivered to Icelandair
Icelandair Airbus A320-232 TF-IAT, c/n 6489, was delivered from Ostrava to Keflavik on 7 June 2026. The aircraft was previously registered VP-CEL. The update records the aircraft’s delivery movement to Icelandair and confirms its latest registration change.
9A-ICF Boeing 737-8FZ Delivered to ETF Airways
ETF Airways Boeing 737-8FZ 9A-ICF, c/n 29559, was delivered to Zagreb on 1 June 2026. The aircraft was previously registered LN-NIK. The update marks the aircraft’s latest delivery activity and confirms its transfer into ETF Airways’ fleet records.
Global Aviation News
Boeing Delivers Riyadh Air’s First Two 787 Dreamliners
Boeing and Riyadh Air have announced the delivery of the Saudi carrier’s first two 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which have arrived in Riyadh. The aircraft are part of Riyadh Air’s order for up to 72 787 Dreamliners. The airline plans to launch operations with the 787-9 on regional and long-haul routes as it prepares to begin commercial service.
Cessna SkyCourier Enters Service in the Philippines
The Cessna SkyCourier has entered service in the Philippines with the first delivery to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation. The aircraft is a 19-passenger variant equipped with an optional passenger-to-freighter conversion kit, allowing it to switch between passenger and cargo missions. The delivery supports passenger and cargo connectivity across the country’s island communities, with applications across domestic transport, tourism and logistics operations.
Cost Pressure Reduces easyJet H1 Margin
easyJet published its FY2026 H1 results for October to March on 21 May. Despite unit revenue growth, higher non-fuel expenses widened the airline’s H1 operating loss from £369 million last year to £533 million in FY26.
DHL eCommerce Signs Last-Mile Deal With USPS
DHL’s e-commerce division has signed a new multi-year agreement with the United States Postal Service for last-mile parcel delivery in the U.S. The deal is expected to be worth more than US$10 billion. It extends a relationship between the companies that has spanned more than twenty-five years and supports DHL’s expansion plans in the U.S. e-commerce market.
easyJet Chief Sees Improved Position for Mid-Term Profit Goals
easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis believes the carrier remains well positioned to deliver improved financial performance in future winter periods, despite wider losses for the six months to March 2026. The UK low-cost carrier’s first half, covering October to March, is traditionally loss-making. Reducing seasonal losses is a key part of easyJet’s medium-term target to exceed annual pre-tax profits of £1 billion.
EgyptAir Targets 125 Aircraft by 2030
EgyptAir is in the market for an additional 28 narrowbody and widebody aircraft for delivery by 2030. The airline is targeting a fleet size of 125 aircraft by the end of the decade, up from last year’s goal of 97 aircraft. The update was shared by Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company.
Emirates Promotes First Emirati Female Captains
Emirates has promoted Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri as its first Emirati female captains. Both pilots progressed through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme. Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme and advanced through the ranks with mentorship and support from the airline’s fleet management.
IAG Exercises Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX Options
International Airlines Group has exercised purchase options for 10 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft and 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The move continues IAG’s phased conversion of aircraft options agreed under major fleet deals signed with Airbus and Boeing in 2022. The aircraft will support IAG’s short- and medium-haul network across its European airline subsidiaries, with deliveries for the Boeing 737 MAX expected later in the decade.
Icelandair Speeds Up Boeing 757 Retirement
Icelandair is set to retire its remaining Boeing 757 fleet earlier than planned as elevated fuel prices accelerate the carrier’s fleet transition. Speaking at Routes Europe 2026 in Rimini, Italy, Icelandair Director of Network Planning and Scheduling Snorri Tomasson said the current fuel environment has directly affected the airline’s network and fleet decisions.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Plans Record Dublin Capacity
Aer Lingus plans 2.14 million one-way seats from Dublin in Q3 2026, covering July to September, according to Cirium schedule data. Dublin will account for 83 percent of the carrier’s capacity during the period. The airline’s Dublin capacity is at a record level, exceeding the previous Q3 2025 summer peak by 8 percent and passing two million outbound seats for the first time.
MACH OE Aircraft Investment Fund Completes First Closing
Mercuria Investment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mercuria Holdings Co., Ltd., and Ireland-based aircraft asset management company Airborne Capital Limited have jointly established and managed the new open-ended aircraft fund MACH OE. Development Bank of Japan Inc. has participated in the fund as an anchor investor. The first closing was successfully completed on 30 April.
Azorra Delivers Embraer E190-E1 to One Airways
Azorra has delivered the first of two Embraer E190-E1 aircraft to One Airways, a Spanish aviation company. The delivery marks a new airline partnership for Azorra and expands the lessor’s customer base in Europe. The aircraft is powered by GE CF34-10E engines and will be supported under Azorra’s Engine Program, providing engine maintenance support and asset management solutions.
Denver Showcases Dublin Route to Irish Travel Trade
Representatives from Denver International Airport, Aer Lingus and the Irish travel trade attended a celebratory dinner in Dublin marking the success of the direct Dublin to Denver route. The event also recognised Colorado’s 150th birthday this year. The evening showcased Denver’s tourism offering, including skiing, outdoor adventures, arts, culture, sports and its culinary scene.
IAT Leasing Acquires Two Boeing 737 Aircraft on Lease to WestJet
Dublin-based IAT Leasing has announced the acquisition of two 2009-vintage Boeing 737 aircraft on lease to WestJet. The aircraft comprise one Boeing 737-800, MSN 36690, and one Boeing 737-700, MSN 36691, acquired from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise on behalf of funds managed by two existing US investors. IAT will provide ongoing lease administration and asset management services for the aircraft.
IATA DG Willie Walsh Opens AGM With Final Major Speech
IATA Director General Willie Walsh opened the association’s AGM in Rio de Janeiro with what may be his last major speech in the role. Walsh used the address to challenge those he sees as standing in the way of airline success and profitability. The speech reflected his signature style as he addressed several issues facing the industry.
Ireland Outbound Travel Records First Dip Since Pandemic
Ireland outbound travel reached 1,178,200 in April, down 5.8 percent on April 2025 and up 58.1 percent on pre-pandemic levels. The rolling annual figure was 12,518,600, down 1.7 percent on the twelve months to April 2025. The decline marks the first dip in outbound travel since the pandemic, partly attributed to the timing of Easter and consumer sentiment following the Gulf war.
Ireland West Airport Marks 40th Anniversary
Ireland West Airport marked its 40th anniversary on Thursday, 28 May, with a special celebration night in the airport terminal. Hundreds of guests gathered for the event, which honoured four decades of connecting the west of Ireland with the world.
Killick Buys Spirit A320neos for Part-Out
More ex-Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neos are entering the part-out market following the purchase of three aircraft by Dublin-based Killick Aerospace. Speaking to Aviation Week, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said lessors had told him they would mostly strip the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines from around 40 A320neos returned from Spirit and place them into the spare engine market.
Portugal Records April Growth From Ireland
Ireland sent 56,413 visitors to Portugal in April, up 3.3 percent on April 2025 and 55.5 percent on pre-pandemic levels. The rolling annual figure was 573,064, up 3 percent on the twelve months to April 2025. In April 2026, Portugal’s tourist accommodation establishments recorded 2.9 million guests and 7.2 million overnight stays.
Tweet Picks
@business Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, said it’s able to secure earlier delivery slots for some new aircraft purchases from Boeing Co. and Airbus SE as other airlines drop orders.
@business European carriers that benefited from the temporary absence of their formidable Middle Eastern rivals in recent months are preparing for their ensuing booking boom to fade again as the Gulf carriers begin staging a comeback.
@business United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said affluent travelers continue to spend on air travel despite a sharp rise in fares, supporting his confidence that demand for premium products can withstand higher prices.
@DXBMediaOffice Emirates confirms readiness to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, committing more than 100 million EUR each year in operational expenses, staff, airport charges, fuel and other expenditures, subject to the approval of the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
Video Picks
How Boeing Is Ramping Up 737 Production
This video covers Boeing’s efforts to ramp up 737 production. It is relevant to aircraft supply, manufacturing output and delivery planning.
IAG CEO on Asia Demand, Consolidation and Fuel Prices
This video features IAG’s CEO discussing Asia demand, consolidation and fuel prices. It is relevant to airline strategy, market demand and operating cost pressures.
Inside Riyadh Air: CEO Tony Douglas Reveals Pricing, Fleet and Future Plans
This video features Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas discussing pricing, fleet and future plans. It is relevant to the carrier’s commercial planning, fleet strategy and market positioning.
Acumen’s Take
The latest developments reflect an aviation market shaped by capacity growth, fleet transition, cost pressure and evolving demand patterns. Airlines and aviation stakeholders continue to focus on aircraft availability, network planning, maintenance capability and financial discipline. Irish aviation activity remains closely linked to outbound travel, leasing, regional connectivity and airport development. Overall, the sector continues to balance growth ambitions with operational, fuel and market pressures.
