18 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 18th July 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: Track the latest shifts in China’s fast-evolving aviation landscape—from fleet expansion and policy updates to market trends and cross-border leasing activity.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-july-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter - India Aviation Newsletter: Dive into India’s dynamic aviation sector, with updates on airline orders, infrastructure investments, regulatory changes, and growth strategies.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-july-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Explore insights from the world’s leading aircraft leasing hub, featuring updates on leasing transactions, fund flows, asset trading, and industry shifts.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-july-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Catch up on the most recent movements, deliveries, and registrations involving Ireland-linked commercial aircraft, including lessor activity and operator fleet changes.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter - North American Aviation Newsletter: Gain perspective on the North American market, covering fleet transitions, traffic trends, regulatory headlines, and cross-border opportunities.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-2-july-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Expands North American Service
Aer Lingus has enhanced its transatlantic offering for the summer season, increasing frequencies to two major U.S. destinations. From 3 July to 24 October, flights from Dublin to Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) have risen from six weekly to daily service with the addition of Saturday operations. Meanwhile, the Dublin–Philadelphia route now operates daily, with added flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Acumen’s Take
The ramp-up reflects strong transatlantic demand and reinforces Dublin’s role as a key gateway between Europe and North America. For lessors and network planners, Aer Lingus’ expansion signals renewed confidence in long-haul travel recovery and the value of deploying widebodies efficiently on high-yield, VFR- and business-heavy routes.
Boeing 777 Retrofit Debuts on Emirates’ Dublin Route
On 7 July, Emirates introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-31H(ER) (A6-ENS, msn 41365) on the Dublin–Dubai route, offering passengers an elevated travel experience. The upgrade includes the airline’s new Premium Economy cabin, a refreshed Business Class, and enhanced interiors across all four classes, making Emirates the only airline to offer a four-class service from Dublin.
Acumen’s Take
This retrofit signals Emirates’ commitment to enhancing product consistency across its fleet while reinforcing Dublin’s value as a premium international departure point. For lessors and fleet strategists, such retrofitting investments highlight the growing importance of cabin innovation and passenger experience in driving competitive differentiation and long-haul yield.
Belfast International based 247 Aviation Expands Fleet with Pilatus PC-24
247 Aviation, headquartered at Belfast International Airport, has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Pilatus PC-24, registered G-SLVA (msn 541). The aircraft will operate under Silver Aviation, supporting both executive charter and aeromedical missions. This strategic addition enhances 247 Aviation’s capacity to deliver premium and specialised services across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Acumen’s Take
The introduction of the PC-24 reflects a growing emphasis on operational flexibility and regional accessibility in business aviation. For lessors and charter operators, this move underscores the value of multi-role light jets in meeting diverse demand profiles—from high-net-worth travel to urgent medical transport, particularly in regions with limited scheduled connectivity.
Neos Grows Fleet with Delivery of EI-RZH Boeing 737-8 MAX
Italian leisure airline Neos has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered EI-RZH (MSN 66468), as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The aircraft was delivered through leasing partner Aviation Capital Group (ACG) and represents the final unit in a three-aircraft agreement between the two parties.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery highlights Neos’ continued investment in next-generation narrowbodies to support fuel-efficient operations across its medium-haul leisure network. For lessors and asset managers, it reinforces the strong market appeal of the 737 MAX among European leisure carriers looking to optimize capacity, operating costs, and environmental performance.
Ryanair Group eyes A320 opportunities for Lauda Europe
Ryanair Group has confirmed plans to replace Lauda Europe’s current fleet of 27 leased Airbus aircraft as their leases expire in 2028 and 2029. The group is exploring the acquisition of additional Airbus aircraft—potentially through a new order—despite tight supply and rising lease rates amid OEM delivery backlogs and limited leasing availability.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s intent to stick with Airbus for Lauda signals a strategic shift from its otherwise Boeing-exclusive fleet philosophy, driven by operational needs and market realities. For lessors and OEMs, this presents an opportunity to engage with a typically Boeing-aligned operator, highlighting how supply constraints and fleet renewal timelines are influencing procurement decisions across the industry.
Aircraft Update
VP-CFS Airbus A321-211 Delivered to Fly One
Airbus A321-211, manufacturer serial number 6376 and registered as VP-CFS, was delivered to Fly One on 27 June 2025 in Ostrava. The addition supports the Moldovan carrier’s expanding route network and reflects its continued investment in fleet growth to meet rising regional travel demand.
Acumen’s Take
Fly One’s latest fleet addition underscores the ongoing demand for A321ceos in short-to-medium-haul operations, particularly among value-focused carriers in Central and Eastern Europe. For lessors and asset managers, this delivery reflects the sustained utility of mid-life narrowbodies in high-density, cost-sensitive markets.
2-BTPO Boeing 737-86N(F) Ferried to Melbourne for ASL Airlines Australia
Boeing 737-86N(F), manufacturer serial number 28595 and registered as 2-BTPO, was ferried to Melbourne on 9 June 2025 for ASL Airlines Australia. The aircraft is expected to enter service in support of the carrier’s expanding freight operations across domestic and regional cargo routes.
Acumen’s Take
This ferry marks another step in ASL’s global freighter deployment strategy, with Australia becoming an increasingly important base for e-commerce-driven cargo demand. For lessors and logistics stakeholders, it highlights the ongoing value of converted 737NG freighters in supporting flexible, high-frequency networks across geographically dispersed markets like Australia.
Global Aviation News
AviaAM Leasing to Complete One of First B777-300ER P2F Conversions
AviaAM Leasing, part of Avia Solutions Group, is on track to complete the passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion of a Boeing 777-300ER by the end of 2025. The pioneering project, executed in collaboration with Mammoth Freighters LLC, is taking place in the United States and will be one of the first B777-300ER conversions of its kind globally.
Acumen’s Take
As global demand for widebody freighter capacity continues to rise, the conversion of legacy B777-300ERs presents a compelling solution. For lessors and cargo operators, it offers extended asset life and improved return on investment. This development underscores the growing role of P2F conversions in reshaping the future cargo fleet, particularly for high-volume, long-haul routes.
Avflight Gets Started on Their FBO Project at Detroit KDET
Avflight has officially broken ground on a new facility at Detroit’s Coleman A.. Young Municipal Airport (KDET), where it serves as the airport’s sole aviation services provider. The project marks a major step in revitalising the site, situated in the heart of Detroit’s Central Business District.
Acumen’s Take
This project highlights a growing trend in the FBO sector where service providers are investing not just in infrastructure, but also in talent pipelines and community integration. Repurposing legacy terminals for aviation education could set a precedent for regional airports aiming to boost both commercial and human capital.
Azure Flight Support Adds Salisbury Regional/KSBY to Its Network
Azure Flight Support is set to expand its footprint beyond Tennessee with the addition of its third location—Salisbury Regional Airport (KSBY) in Maryland. This marks Azure’s first foray outside its home state, as it takes over the lone FBO at KSBY next month following a successful RFP process.
Acumen’s Take
As smaller airports look to attract new business and improve customer experience, FBO transitions like this signal a shifting competitive dynamic in regional aviation support. Azure’s entry into KSBY not only strengthens its East Coast presence but also reflects broader consolidation trends within the FBO industry. For lessors and service providers, this suggests new opportunities for partnership and service alignment at secondary hubs.
BeauTech Acquires Twelve CF34-10E Engines from Alliance
Dallas-based BeauTech Power Systems LLC has announced the acquisition of twelve General Electric CF34-10E engines from Alliance Aviation Services Limited, Australia’s largest E190 operator. The deal reinforces BeauTech’s growing dominance in the CF34-10E leasing market, further solidifying its status as a global leader in the engine leasing space.
Acumen’s Take
This deal highlights continued momentum in the secondary engine leasing market, particularly for regional aircraft platforms like the E190. BeauTech’s acquisition aligns with the growing trend of operators and lessors shifting focus toward engine lifecycle value and aftermarket monetisation. For lessors and investors, this underscores the importance of engine-specific strategies, especially in a regional aviation sector poised for post-pandemic resurgence.
Business Aircraft Flight Activity Sees Boost in June
Business aviation continued its upward trajectory in June 2025, with global flight activity rising 4.8% year-on-year (YoY), according to Argus International. North America saw a 3.7% YoY boost, while Europe registered a 2.4% increase. The momentum is expected to carry into July, with forecasted YoY gains of 1.8% in North America and 1.5% in Europe.
Acumen’s Take
June’s rebound in business aircraft operations is a positive signal for OEMs, operators, and service providers. While growth rates are moderating from post-pandemic highs, the sustained expansion reflects a structural shift toward private travel and point-to-point connectivity. This aligns with broader trends seen in fleet utilisation and aftermarket support demand, making it essential for stakeholders to enhance capacity planning and customer engagement strategies.
Irish Aviation News
Cork Airport named best in Europe for third time
Cork Airport has once again earned the title of Europe’s Best Airport (under five million passengers) at the ACI Europe Best Airport Awards 2025, held in Athens. This marks the third time the airport has received the prestigious accolade, having previously won in 2017 and 2019.
The award recognises Cork Airport’s outstanding performance across multiple areas, including operational efficiency, passenger experience, sustainability, innovation, and route development, further affirming its position as a standout regional gateway in Europe.
Acumen’s Take
Cork Airport’s consistent recognition by ACI underscores the growing importance of regional airports in easing hub congestion and enhancing connectivity. Its success serves as a benchmark for scalable excellence, combining customer satisfaction with strategic expansion. For stakeholders in the leasing and asset management sector, such accolades signal stability and growth opportunities tied to secondary hubs gaining traction in Europe’s air travel ecosystem.
Derry and Strabane District Council celebrates tourism growth amid NI wide downturn
Despite a broader tourism slowdown across Northern Ireland, the Derry City and Strabane District Council area has recorded notable growth in key tourism metrics. According to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), the region saw increases in overnight trips, bednights, and visitor spend for 2024.
Acumen’s Take
The tourism uplift in Derry and Strabane signals the growing appeal of regional destinations with targeted development strategies. For aviation stakeholders, it presents opportunities for expanding regional connectivity and supporting route development to emerging tourist hubs. It also reinforces the argument for bolstering services at City of Derry Airport as a key enabler of regional economic growth and inbound travel.
Flight plan for growth: Part two – Quadrupling the number of trained commercial pilots in Ireland
With European airlines requiring an estimated 5,000 new commercial pilots annually to meet growing operational demands and replace retiring staff, Ireland faces both a challenge and an opportunity. As the global commercial fleet is expected to expand by 80% over the next two decades, the pressure is mounting on countries like Ireland to scale their pilot training infrastructure significantly.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s rich aviation ecosystem, home to leading lessors and MRO facilities, is well-placed to anchor a European pilot training expansion. However, meeting this demand will depend on government support, regulatory alignment, and stronger ties between training academies and carriers. For lessors and operators, a larger pool of locally trained pilots also supports fleet deployment efficiency and reduces reliance on overseas talent pipelines.
Investec Aviation boosts global AELF partnership with Hawaiian Airlines deal
Investec Aviation has expanded its partnership with Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF) through a newly announced transaction involving Hawaiian Airlines.
Acumen’s Take
This deal signals increasing confidence in the long-haul market, especially as carriers like Hawaiian Airlines ramp up post-pandemic operations. For aviation financiers, partnerships like that of Investec and AELF offer a capital-efficient path to scaling operations, while airlines benefit from enhanced access to modern widebody assets amid ongoing delivery delays from OEMs.
Madagascar Airlines and ABELO extend leasing agreements for two ATR aircraft
Madagascar Airlines has signed lease extension agreements with lessor ABELO for two of its ATR turboprop aircraft. The ATR72-500 (5R-MJF, MSN 698) will remain in operation until January 2028, while the ATR72-600 (5R-EJB, MSN 1248) is confirmed for continued service through November 2029. These agreements secure the airline’s regional network stability as it strengthens domestic and nearby international routes.
Acumen’s Take
In a region where dependable turboprop connectivity is crucial, this lease extension provides both operational continuity and cost predictability for Madagascar Airlines. It also highlights the long-term value proposition of ATR aircraft in short-haul markets with limited infrastructure. For lessors like ABELO, it reflects a stable placement strategy amid shifting demand in secondary markets.
‘Shaking down tourists for a few bob’ – Eoghan Corry on tourism tax proposal
As debate around implementing a tourist tax resurfaces in Ireland, travel commentator Eoghan Corry has voiced concerns over the proposal, describing it as “shaking down tourists for a few bob.” While such levies have become commonplace in major European cities, Corry warns against adopting a similar approach without fully evaluating its long-term impact on visitor sentiment and the tourism economy, especially in cities like Dublin and Galway, where infrastructure and affordability are already under strain.
Acumen’s Take
Introducing a tourism tax might offer short-term revenue gains for local councils, but it risks eroding Ireland’s brand as a value-driven, welcoming destination, especially during a competitive recovery phase. As the aviation and hospitality sectors strive to maintain growth momentum, such policies must be approached with caution and a data-driven understanding of traveller behaviours and market sensitivities.
Tweet Picks
@adamgoldstein13 I joined @USDOT, @FAANews and industry peers today to announce an important next step for our industry — bringing together four of the key United States allies (UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) to streamline the certification and safe deployment of eVTOL aircraft globally.
@airwaysmagazine AirAsia signed an MoU with Airbus for up to 70 A321XLR aircraft—50 firm orders plus 20 options—valued at $12.25 billion. The new agreement, with deliveries from 2028 to 2032, adds to a previous order for 20 XLRs.
@AviationWeek .@wizzair #AbuDhabi will suspend or pause several routes, affecting services across Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus.
@emirates We’re noticing some exciting trends this summer! Vietnam tops the list with a 61% surge in searches, followed by Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Japan & France.
Video Picks
Aerospace Leaders Discuss Complex Supply-chain Challenges
In this insightful panel discussion, industry leaders from key aerospace and aviation companies delve into the multifaceted challenges facing today’s global supply chains. The conversation touches on the lingering effects of the pandemic, geopolitical disruptions, materials shortages, and the pressing need for greater visibility and resilience across the supply chain. Emphasis is also placed on innovation, collaboration, and leveraging digital tools to address bottlenecks and enhance long-term agility.
Acumen’s Take
Supply chain resilience has become a critical differentiator in aviation asset management and OEM production stability. For lessors and MRO stakeholders, delays in component availability or aircraft deliveries directly impact fleet planning and lease timelines. Acumen believes that strengthening digital integration and strategic supplier partnerships is essential to de-risk future disruptions and optimize lifecycle asset management.
Canadians' return trips from U.S. still down from last year: StatsCan
According to recent data from Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians returning from the United States remains below 2023 levels. While cross-border travel has been steadily rebounding post-pandemic, a full recovery is yet to be realised. Factors such as fluctuating currency exchange rates, higher travel costs, and changing consumer behaviour may be influencing travel decisions, keeping numbers suppressed.
Acumen’s Take
Lower-than-expected cross-border travel figures signal a shift in regional air traffic patterns and could influence future airline route planning and fleet utilisation across North America. For lessors and carriers, understanding these consumer trends is vital for optimising narrow-body aircraft deployment and assessing demand recovery trajectories for regional and transborder markets.
New Aircraft and Flight Booking Tech Could Reinvent Regional Air Services
Technological innovations are reshaping the future of regional aviation. As highlighted in a recent panel discussion, next-generation aircraft paired with advanced digital booking platforms are expected to revive underserved routes and boost connectivity in remote areas. These developments aim to address challenges such as low load factors and poor schedule alignment, making short-haul flights more viable and passenger-centric.
Acumen’s Take
The integration of modern aircraft and smarter booking ecosystems could redefine the regional aviation landscape, especially in Europe and North America. Lessors and operators should keep a close eye on these evolving models, as they could present new lease demand opportunities and fleet planning considerations for turboprops and smaller jets. Digital platforms enabling dynamic routing may also lead to data-driven fleet allocation strategies.
