18 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 18th 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
N321AV Airbus A321-231 c/n 2234 Avolon Ferried to Opa Locka 08/12/25 ex 9H-AME.
Avolon has ferried an Airbus A321-231, registered N321AV (MSN 2234), to Opa Locka on 8 December 2025 following its removal from Maltese registration 9H-AME. The repositioning suggests the aircraft has entered a transition phase, potentially for storage, maintenance checks, or remarketing. Moves to Opa Locka are commonly linked to lease events or preparation for onward placement, reflecting ongoing portfolio optimisation by the lessor.
SE-RGH Airbus A320-214 c/n 3508 Macquarie AirFinance Ferried to Shannon 11/12/25 ex EI-HKU.
Macquarie AirFinance has ferried an Airbus A320-214, registered SE-RGH (MSN 3508), to Shannon on 11 December 2025 following its transfer from Irish registration EI-HKU. The aircraft’s arrival at Shannon indicates a likely transition or inspection phase, with the airport continuing to serve as a key hub for lease returns and asset management activity. Such movements underline the lessor’s active approach to fleet oversight and remarketing in a dynamic narrowbody market.
Global Aviation News
Abra Group (Avianca) and Aerolíneas Argentinas deepen ties with new bilateral codeshare
Grupo Abra and Aerolíneas Argentinas have expanded their long-standing cooperation with a new bilateral codeshare that brings Avianca into an agreement previously limited to GOL. The deal significantly boosts connectivity between Colombia and Argentina, covering nine Colombian cities and twelve in Argentina, while also extending their interline partnership to 30 additional destinations across the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
Airbus and partners complete successful wake energy retrieval trials
Airbus, together with airline and air navigation partners, has completed a new phase of successful trials for its fello’fly wake energy retrieval programme. The initiative pairs aircraft in flight to harness aerodynamic uplift from the lead aircraft, enabling fuel savings of up to 5% on long-haul operations. The results highlight how coordinated flight operations and cross-industry collaboration could deliver meaningful efficiency gains and support aviation’s wider decarbonisation efforts.
Air Tahiti opens bookings for world’s first all-business-class ATR flights
Air Tahiti has begun selling tickets for its groundbreaking “100% Business Class” ATR 72-600 service, set to launch on December 8, 2026, to Bora Bora and Raiatea–Tahaa. The airline became the first in the world to operate an all-business-class ATR, featuring 26 individual seats in a 1-1 layout, each offering window and aisle access, generous recline, personal storage and USB power.
Alaska Airlines to launch daily Seattle–London Heathrow flights on Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2026
Alaska Airlines has confirmed the launch of a daily, year-round nonstop service between Seattle and London Heathrow starting 21 May 2026. The route will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a further step in the carrier’s long-haul expansion strategy. By adding Heathrow as its fifth intercontinental destination from Seattle, Alaska is strengthening its international footprint while leveraging modern widebody aircraft to compete in the transatlantic market.
Boeing completes acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems
Boeing has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, marking a significant step toward strengthening aircraft quality, production stability, and supply chain resilience. Under the new structure, Spirit’s commercial manufacturing operations will be integrated into Boeing Commercial Airplanes, while aftermarket activities move under Global Services, with defence programmes operating independently through the newly established Spirit Defense unit. The transaction signals Boeing’s intent to exert greater control over critical manufacturing capabilities while ensuring continuity for defence and space customers.
Condor partners with Southwest on transatlantic routes
Condor and Southwest Airlines have announced a new partnership enabling same-ticket connections on transatlantic itineraries from 19 January 2026. The agreement allows passengers to seamlessly connect across both networks at key U.S. gateways including Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas. By linking Southwest’s extensive domestic reach with Condor’s long-haul network from Frankfurt, the partnership expands connectivity options and highlights the growing role of interline-style cooperation in supporting transatlantic travel without formal alliance membership.
Etihad Airways advances launch of direct Abu Dhabi–Charlotte service
Etihad Airways has brought forward the launch of its new nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte, North Carolina, with flights now set to commence on 20 March 2026. The route opens direct access to one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., strengthening links for business, technology, and leisure travel. Passengers will also benefit from Abu Dhabi’s U.S. CBP Preclearance facility, enabling arrival into Charlotte as domestic travellers and reinforcing Etihad’s focus on premium long-haul connectivity and passenger convenience.
Lufthansa Group unveils new brand identity to signal a more unified airline group
The Lufthansa Group has introduced a comprehensive new brand identity designed to strengthen cohesion among its airlines and enhance customer recognition of Group-wide services. The refreshed visual system includes an updated crane logo, now presented without its traditional circle, a new typeface, and an expanded colour palette featuring six additional tones meant to evoke altitude and capture the diversity of the Group.
Irish Aviation News
Azorra sells two A330-300s to Xiamen Airlease
Dublin-based lessor Azorra has completed the sale of two Airbus A330-300 aircraft to China’s Xiamen Aircraft Leasing, marking its first transaction with the lessor. The aircraft, MSN 1432 and 1579, are both on lease to Sichuan Airlines, ensuring continuity of operations for the Chinese carrier. The deal underlines the ongoing strength of cross-border trading activity and highlights Ireland’s continued role as a centre for global aircraft leasing transactions, particularly in the Asia-Pacific market.
Belfast City Airport announces sponsorship of Belfast Giants star Jake Gaudet
Belfast City Airport has announced its sponsorship of Belfast Giants player Jake Gaudet for the 2025/26 season, continuing its long-standing support of local sport. The partnership reflects the airport’s commitment to community engagement and backing initiatives that bring people together. By aligning with a prominent athlete and one of Northern Ireland’s leading sports teams, the airport is reinforcing its role beyond aviation as an active supporter of regional culture and sport.
DAE signs long-term lease agreements with AJet for 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has signed long-term lease agreements with AJet and Turkish Airlines for 10 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled across 2026 and 2027. The transaction supports AJet’s fleet growth plans and reflects continued demand for new-technology, fuel-efficient narrowbodies in fast-expanding markets such as Türkiye. The deal also reinforces DAE’s strong position in the Boeing 737 MAX market and highlights Ireland-linked lessors’ ongoing role in global fleet financing and deployment.
Dublin Airport forecasts 110k passengers on December 19 & 115k on December 28
Dublin Airport is preparing for its busiest Christmas period on record in 2025, with passenger numbers forecast to exceed 110,000 on 19 December and 115,000 on 28 December. Airlines, including Ryanair, have added extra capacity to meet seasonal demand, reflecting strong year-end travel volumes across Ireland. The airport has highlighted improved security processing times and the rollout of new screening technology, aimed at ensuring a smoother passenger experience during peak holiday travel.
Dublin and Cork Airport operator’s carbon targets get global seal of approval
daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has secured validation of its emissions reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The approval confirms that daa’s climate goals are aligned with the Paris Agreement and recognised scientific standards, reinforcing its roadmap to net zero by 2050. The milestone highlights the growing emphasis on measurable sustainability commitments across Ireland’s aviation infrastructure as the sector advances its low-carbon transition.
Duty free rules costing NI economy £5m a year
Northern Ireland’s aviation sector is facing an estimated £5 million annual economic loss due to duty-free restrictions linked to the Windsor Framework. Passengers travelling through Northern Ireland’s airports are unable to access the same duty-free benefits available elsewhere in the UK and across the island of Ireland, creating a competitive imbalance. The issue has been raised with MPs by Belfast International Airport, highlighting broader concerns around passenger experience, airport revenues, and regional economic competitiveness.
Economy Minister and Invest NI CEO welcome Airbus & Boeing to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister and the CEO of Invest NI have welcomed the completion of Boeing and Airbus’ acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, describing it as a strong endorsement of the region’s aerospace capabilities. The development reinforces Northern Ireland’s reputation for engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. It also highlights the strategic importance of the region within the global aerospace supply chain, underpinned by a skilled workforce and a well-established industrial ecosystem.
ELFC: No quick fixes for engine durability or supply chain
Engine Lease Finance Corporation (ELFC) has warned that next-generation narrowbody engines are unlikely to achieve the durability levels of earlier models in the near term. According to ELFC, constraints linked to life-limited parts and thermal stresses will continue to limit time-on-wing for GTF and LEAP engines over the next five years. Despite these challenges, demand for new-technology engines remains strong, driven by efficiency gains and long-term fleet modernisation priorities.
Former Shannon air traffic controller shares his aviation journey on Morning Focus
Former Shannon-based air traffic controller Mick Campbell has shared insights from his aviation career on Clare FM’s Morning Focus. Now based in Kilrush, Campbell runs Irish Skies Pod, a self-funded aviation channel on YouTube where he explores industry stories and personal experiences. His journey highlights the enduring connection between Ireland’s aviation professionals and the wider public, as well as the growing role of independent digital platforms in aviation storytelling and engagement.
Ryanair to cut 1 million passengers and five aircraft in Belgium after new tax hikes
Ryanair has announced significant capacity reductions in Belgium for Winter 2026/27, cutting one million seats, removing five based aircraft, and cancelling 20 routes from Brussels and Charleroi. The decision follows proposed increases in national and local passenger taxes, which the airline says undermine Belgium’s competitiveness as an aviation market. Ryanair has warned the move represents a substantial loss of investment and highlights the growing impact of fiscal policy on airline capacity decisions across Europe.
Tweet Picks
@davidshepardson Trump: “ I think I’ve sold 1,000 Boeing airplanes”.
@DublinAirport Christmas 2025 is going to be the busiest one ever at Dublin Airport!. An incredible 1.8 million passengers will pass through our doors over the peak festive period - that’s 22% more than last year. And we can’t wait to welcome everyone!.
@eoghancorry Ryanair passenger numbers in twelve months to November were 205.7m, unprecedented for a European airline, November total was 13.8m, growth back to 6pc, load factor back down to 92pc.
@IATA Airlines connect people & economies, driving nearly 4% of global GDP and 87M job, but margins remain tiny. Apple earns more on an iPhone cover than airlines make per passenger ($7.90).
@Jamie_Freed Boeing CFO expects higher 737, 787 jet deliveries next year.
Video Picks
Eoghan Corry & PJ Cuddy: Ryanair Prime closed down
This video features aviation commentators Eoghan Corry and PJ Cuddy analysing the reported closure of Ryanair Prime and what it signals about the airline’s evolving commercial strategy. The discussion looks at why the subscription-style offering may not have aligned with Ryanair’s core low-cost model and how pricing simplicity remains central to its approach. It also offers broader insight into the challenges airlines face when experimenting with loyalty and ancillary-led products in a highly price-sensitive market.
Europe’s Small Airlines: Why the Economics No Longer Add Up
This video examines the mounting financial pressures facing Europe’s smaller airlines as rising costs, regulatory burdens, and intense competition reshape the market. It explores why traditional regional and niche carrier models are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, with insights into fuel pricing, fleet economics, and network scale. The discussion provides useful context on why consolidation, restructuring, or market exit is becoming more common across Europe’s short-haul aviation sector.
The Inside Story of Europe’s First Budget Airline | easyJet Founder
This video offers a first-hand account from easyJet’s founder on how Europe’s first large-scale low-cost airline was built and scaled. It explores the early challenges of disrupting traditional airline models, the strategic decisions behind fleet simplicity and cost discipline, and how consumer behaviour reshaped short-haul air travel across Europe. The story provides a valuable perspective on the foundations of today’s low-cost sector and the lasting impact of early entrepreneurial leadership in aviation.
Acumen’s Take
This edition shows aviation moving from rebound to repeatable performance: strong demand, high utilisation, and networks being tightened to match where revenue actually sits. At the same time, the industry is still being forced to operate around constraints, whether that is infrastructure capacity, supply chain bottlenecks, or funding-heavy capex cycles. The common thread is discipline: optimising fleets, strengthening balance sheets, and building optionality through partnerships and new operating models. Innovation is progressing too, but the near-term winners will be those who can execute reliably at scale. The bigger shift is confidence with caution: growth is back, but it is being managed like an asset, not chased like a headline.
