19 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 19th January 2026
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IrishAero News
Airbus A330neo EI-TYG Joins ITA Airways
ITA Airways has taken delivery of its latest Airbus A330-941, registered EI-TYG (msn 2117), on 31 December, as it continues to build out its long-haul fleet in line with its 2026–2030 business plan. The aircraft, named Lella Lombardi, is configured with 291 seats across a three-class layout and was ferried from Toulouse to Rome Fiumicino. The delivery supports ITA’s strategy to expand intercontinental operations, with planned new routes linking Rome to key markets across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa, reflecting the carrier’s focus on long-haul growth and an increasingly global customer base.
Emirates Reports Record Irish Growth
Emirates has reported a record year of growth in the Irish market, with 2025 shaping up as one of its strongest performances to date driven by robust passenger demand, solid cargo volumes across diversified product categories, and strong uptake of its new Premium Economy offering. Based on year-end forecasts, Emirates carried approximately 275,000 passengers from Dublin through its Dubai hub between January and December 2025, while total passenger traffic between Dublin and Dubai, including inbound and outbound travel, is expected to exceed 453,000 for the first time, underlining Ireland’s growing importance within the airline’s global network.
ITA Airways Receives Three Irish-Registered A220s
ITA Airways has taken delivery of three Irish-registered Airbus A220-300 aircraft, all ferried directly from Montréal–Mirabel to Rome Fiumicino, continuing the airline’s fleet renewal programme. Two aircraft, EI-TEB (c/n 55407) and EI-TEC (c/n 55413), were delivered on 13 December 2025, followed by EI-TED (c/n 55419) on 5 January 2026, strengthening ITA Airways’ short- and medium-haul operations with the latest-generation A220 platform.
Aircraft Update
SP-RNO Boeing 737-8AS Registered to Buzz
A Boeing 737-8AS, registered SP-RNO (c/n 35015), was registered to Buzz at Nuremberg on 11 January 2026. The aircraft was previously registered as EI-EFC and now joins Buzz’s narrowbody fleet, supporting the Ryanair Group carrier’s continued fleet standardisation and operational deployment across its European network.
SX-LWD Embraer 190 Ferried to Exeter
An Embraer 190, registered SX-LWD (c/n 19000391), operated by Lumiwings, was ferried to Exeter on 30 October 2025. The movement reflects routine fleet positioning activity, with the aircraft transiting to the UK as part of Lumiwings’ ongoing operational and deployment planning.
Global Aviation News
IATA Warns EU and UK SAF Mandates Are Not Driving Production Growth
The International Air Transport Association has warned that Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandates in the EU and UK are failing to stimulate sufficient new production capacity, despite rising output forecasts. IATA estimates SAF production will reach 1.9 million tonnes in 2025, up from 1 million tonnes in 2024, but growth is expected to slow in 2026 to around 2.4 million tonnes, leaving SAF at just 0.6 per cent of global jet fuel use in 2025 and 0.8 per cent in 2026. At current prices, the SAF premium is projected to add roughly USD 3.6 billion to airline fuel costs in 2025, underlining IATA’s concern that mandates without parallel investment incentives risk increasing costs for airlines without materially accelerating supply-side expansion.
JSX Starts ATR Public Charter Operations
U.S. public charter carrier JSX has launched ATR public charter operations, marking a new phase in premium regional travel following a ceremony at Santa Monica Airport that showcased its first ATR 42-600. Operated in partnership with ATR, the aircraft entered service in December on the Santa Monica–Las Vegas route and represents the opening move in a broader fleet expansion, with four ATR 42-600s scheduled to be in operation in early 2026. Configured with 30 premium seats, the aircraft are positioned to combine semi-private convenience with regional efficiency, offering business-class legroom, onboard connectivity pending certification, power outlets, and complimentary amenities, as JSX seeks to redefine the customer experience while expanding its footprint in the U.S. regional aviation market.
Lithuanian Airports Set New Passenger Record in 2025
Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) recorded its strongest year on record in 2025, handling 7.16 million passengers across its network and overtaking Riga to become the leading airport group in the Baltic region. Growth was led by Vilnius Airport, which handled over 5.11 million passengers, up 6.4% year on year, followed by Kaunas Airport with around 1.6 million passengers, up 12%, and Palanga Airport with nearly 448,400 passengers, up 18.7%. December traffic across the three airports reached 535,500 passengers, a 12.7% increase compared with the previous year. As a result, Lithuania’s airports captured 40.3% of the Baltic passenger market, surpassing Riga Airport, with London remaining the most popular destination and close to 100 routes operated during the peak season, highlighting Lithuania’s rising importance in regional European air connectivity.
MAG Airports Handle Record 66 Million Passengers in 2025
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) handled a record 66 million passengers in 2025 across Manchester Airport, London Stansted Airport, and East Midlands Airport, marking a 2.2% year-on-year increase, with December traffic up 3.9% to 4.8 million. Manchester Airport recorded 32.1 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis, up 4.2%, while Stansted achieved a milestone of 30 million passengers for the first time and secured planning approval to raise its annual capacity to 51 million. East Midlands saw a 4.3% annual decline to 4 million passengers, despite stronger December volumes. MAG highlighted strong operational performance, with the vast majority of passengers clearing security within 15 minutes, and attributed growth to network expansion including new long-haul links such as Manchester’s first direct services to Mumbai and Delhi, reinforcing MAG’s position as the UK’s largest airport group and a key driver of regional connectivity and infrastructure investment.
Munich Airport Leads Passenger Growth in German-Speaking Europe in 2025
Munich Airport recorded the highest absolute increase in passenger numbers among German-speaking countries in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading hubs. A total of 43.4 million passengers travelled through the airport last year, an increase of 1.8 million passengers or 4.4% compared with 2024.
Powerhouse Engines Leases Two CFM56-5B Engines to Avianca
Powerhouse Engines has leased two CFM56-5B engines to Avianca under an operating lease, strengthening its footprint in the Latin American market and extending a year of platform expansion in 2025. Announced in Miami on 6 January 2026, the transaction supports Avianca’s in-service requirements while highlighting Powerhouse’s integrated leasing, trading, and MRO capabilities, with Avianca citing strong technical alignment, responsive turnaround, and collaborative execution across repair and operational specifications.
Why Delta’s 787-10 Order Matters to Airbus
Delta Air Lines’ decision to order 30 Boeing 787-10s is notable not just for fleet renewal but for what it signals in the long-running competitive dynamic with Airbus, given Delta’s historically Airbus-heavy widebody strategy. The 787-10 introduces a new aircraft type into Delta’s fleet, complementing its pending 737-10 MAX order and reinforcing a focus on fuel efficiency, fleet simplification, and U.S.-based manufacturing, with both the aircraft and GE engines produced domestically. From a performance standpoint, industry data shows the 787-10 delivers leading per-seat fuel efficiency among widebodies, a factor that likely outweighed commonality considerations and explains why the type, once cancelled post–Northwest merger, has re-emerged as a strategic fit—underscoring how operating economics can reshape fleet decisions even at airlines long aligned with Airbus.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Signs Purchase and Leaseback Agreements with Virgin Atlantic for Six A330neos
AerCap has signed purchase and leaseback agreements with Virgin Atlantic covering six new Airbus A330-900 aircraft from the airline’s existing orderbook, further strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two companies. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q2 2026 and run through Q4 2027, supporting Virgin Atlantic’s widebody fleet renewal strategy. AerCap highlighted the A330neo’s strong market demand, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency, noting that the aircraft will play a key role in reducing emissions while enhancing operating performance as Virgin Atlantic modernises its long-haul fleet.
Aer Lingus Introduces Seat Selection Fees on Saver Fares
Aer Lingus has introduced a new charge for seat selection on its budget-focused Saver fares, requiring passengers to pay €4.99 if they wish to choose a seat in advance. The airline confirmed that free seat selection remains available on higher fare categories, including Plus and Advantage on short-haul services, and Smart and Flex on long-haul routes. Aer Lingus stated that it will continue to prioritise seating families and groups together during the allocation process, despite the change, which was implemented last month and mirrors a similar policy already in place at Ryanair.
Agents Hope for Long-Haul Replacements Following Aer Lingus’ Manchester Exit
Agents have expressed disappointment at the recent decision by Aer Lingus to stop selling transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport, but hope another airline will take up the “opportunities” to serve long-haul destinations. The move by the airline comes after a consultation late last year about the future of its operations from the airport, which could affect 200 employees.The union Unite has threatened more industrial action over the withdrawal plans, which the general secretary Sharon Graham described as “economic vandalism”.
ALI Releases Video Highlighting Importance of Aircraft Leasing in Ireland
Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) has released a new video showcasing the scale and strategic importance of Ireland’s aircraft leasing sector, underlining how the country became the global centre of aviation finance. Operating as part of Ibec, ALI represents an industry that manages more than 64% of the world’s leased aircraft, working with government and international stakeholders to support policy development, sustainability initiatives, and talent growth. The video traces Ireland’s rise as a leasing hub, highlighting the sector’s role in connecting global aviation markets, driving financial and technical innovation, and supporting the industry’s transition toward net-zero aviation.
Aviation Leaders Series with Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon
The latest Aviation Leaders episode features Andy Cronin, Chief Executive Officer of Avolon, in conversation with James Kelly, Head of Aviation Finance at KPMG, offering a detailed view into how one of the world’s largest lessors is navigating the current cycle. Cronin outlines how Avolon is managing a $35 billion balance sheet alongside $35 billion in capital commitments, supported by the industry’s largest order book of new-technology aircraft, while responding to around 5% annual demand growth driven by premium US travel, Asia-Pacific low-cost carriers, and a revival in long-haul markets. He also discusses persistent supply chain constraints, particularly around engines and cabin equipment, and their knock-on effect on lease rates, which are rising by roughly 7% annually for widebodies, underscoring Avolon’s strategic focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, engine durability, disciplined maintenance costs, and the increasing role of Asian capital in shaping the global aviation finance landscape.
Cork Airport Loses Rome and Polish Routes as Ryanair Shifts Capacity
Ryanair will withdraw three established routes from Cork Airport in 2026 as part of a wider capacity reallocation, ending services to Gdańsk, Poznań, and Rome. Flights to Poznań will cease on 26 March, followed by Gdańsk and Rome on 28 March, reflecting the airline’s decision to relocate one of its four based aircraft from Cork. The move follows Ryanair’s July announcement that an aircraft would be shifted to Shannon Airport, citing lower operating fees, leaving Cork with three based aircraft and increasing Shannon’s base to four as the carrier continues to optimise its network around cost and capacity efficiency.
Dublin-Based Avtrain Eyes International Drone Market
Avtrain, a Dublin-based drone training and regulatory specialist, is targeting international growth as it expands its software platform, with the company forecasting a 20% increase in revenue this year. Founded in 2019 by Julie Garland and operating from the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Avtrain provides classroom-based theoretical instruction alongside practical skills training for drone pilots, supporting compliance and operational readiness as global demand for professional drone services continues to rise.
Emirates Celebrates 15 Years in Ireland at Ballynagarvey Village
Emirates marked 15 years of operations in Ireland with a gala event at Ballynagarvey Village, attended by Vice President Pierfrancesco Carino and the airline’s Irish team. Emirates currently operates three daily services to Dubai, with Australia the most popular onward market, achieving an industry-leading 86% load factor across its widebody operations; recent demand has seen an Airbus A330 deployed on select flights. Following new aircraft orders and the launch of a Geneva route next week, the airline said the three daily services are performing strongly, while maintaining a wait-and-see stance on a potential fourth frequency and the long-discussed introduction of the A380 at Dublin Airport.
IATA’s Willie Walsh on the Impact of Trump Administration Aviation Policies
Willie Walsh has commented on the aviation implications of recent actions by the U.S. administration, following moves to halt new Mexican airline routes from Mexico City’s airports and to unwind the Delta–Aeromexico joint venture in response to capacity restrictions imposed by Mexico in 2022 and 2023. Speaking at International Air Transport Association Global Media Day in Geneva, Walsh was also asked about Washington’s warning to the Dutch government over proposed capacity cuts at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, echoing concerns previously raised by the Biden administration. Walsh’s remarks highlighted the sensitivity of market access decisions and their wider impact on airline networks, competition, and bilateral aviation relationships at a time when governments are increasingly intervening in airport capacity and air service agreements.
Ryanair Cuts Bosnia and Serbia Flights as Croatia Sees Summer Growth
Ryanair has rebalanced its former Yugoslav network for the 2026 summer season, reducing capacity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia while expanding overall flying in Croatia. From late March, the carrier will remove six weekly departures from Banja Luka, trimming frequencies to Memmingen, Vienna and Baden Baden, and will also cut two weekly flights from Niš by reducing services to Malta and Vienna. In contrast, Ryanair plans to add eighteen weekly departures in Croatia versus summer 2025, with a mixed pattern of cuts and increases at its bases, particularly in Zagreb, where three routes will be discontinued but higher frequencies will be introduced on key markets including London Stansted, Malta, Palma de Mallorca, Paphos and Dublin. The changes result in a net increase of six weekly departures from Zagreb during the peak summer period, underscoring Ryanair’s strategy of reallocating capacity toward markets with stronger demand and yield potential.
Tweet Picks
@AlaskaAir 1,000 artist hours. 13 days. 1 epic reveal. Introducing the first @Boeing widebody 787 Dreamliner ft. our new aurora borealis-inspired global design. This stunning aircraft pays tribute to Alaska’s rich history and proudly reflects our bold vision as the country’s fourth largest global airline. We can’t wait to welcome you on board.
@AviationWeek #AirChina closed out 2025 by announcing an order for 60 #Airbus #A320neo-family aircraft, adding to a flurry of @Airbus narrowbody purchases by Chinese carriers in the final days of the year.
@AviationWeek #AlaskaAirlines has placed its largest-ever aircraft order, fueling future expansion 105 #Boeing 737-10s and five 787-10s.
@AviationWeek After retrenching from the U.S. West Coast last year, #AveloAirlines is further consolidating its operations, shuttering three bases and shrinking its fleet.
Video Picks
AAR CEO John Holmes Goes One-on-One with Jim Cramer
AAR CEO John Holmes sits down with Jim Cramer to discuss the outlook for the aviation aftermarket, touching on maintenance demand, supply-chain dynamics, fleet ageing, and how AAR is positioning itself across MRO, parts distribution, and defence services amid shifting airline and OEM strategies.
Alaska Airlines Orders 110 Boeing Aircraft
Alaska Airlines outlines the strategic rationale behind its order for 110 Boeing aircraft, positioning the deal as a long-term fleet renewal and growth move. The discussion focuses on network optimisation, fleet simplification, fuel efficiency, and how the order supports Alaska’s competitive positioning as it plans capacity and product evolution over the next decade.
The 25 Best Places to Travel in 2026, From Argentina to Gabon
This video explores 25 standout global destinations shaping travel demand in 2026, spanning established favourites and emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The discussion highlights how factors such as improved air connectivity, sustainability-led tourism, cultural revival, and infrastructure investment are influencing where travellers are heading next, offering useful context for airlines, airports, and tourism stakeholders tracking future route and demand trends.
Acumen’s Take
The 19 January brief reinforces how firmly aviation demand has reset above pre-pandemic expectations, even as supply-side constraints persist across aircraft production, engines, and infrastructure. Fleet decisions from ITA, Delta, and lessors like AerCap and Avolon underline a clear bias toward modern, fuel-efficient widebodies and disciplined capital deployment. At the same time, IATA’s warning on SAF mandates highlights a growing disconnect between regulatory ambition and industrial reality, with cost pressure rising faster than supply. Airport traffic data from Europe shows growth is broad-based but uneven, rewarding hubs and regions able to add capacity and connectivity. Overall, the market remains demand-led, but execution risk now sits squarely with manufacturers, fuel supply chains, and policymakers rather than airlines or lessors.
