19 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 19th May 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: Covers airline traffic recovery, OEM production shifts, and lessor activity in China’s rapidly normalising domestic and regional markets
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-may-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: Focuses on fleet expansion by IndiGo, international network developments, and government-backed infrastructure projects in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-may-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Highlights recent sale-leasebacks, portfolio trades, and SPV activity among Ireland-based lessors, alongside financing trends.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-may-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Tracks aircraft movements, registrations, and transitions involving Irish-managed assets across global markets.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-may-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Explores airline financials, regional traffic trends, cargo dynamics, and fleet rationalisation across major U.S. and Canadian carriers
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-may-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
AirExplore Commences TUI Ireland Operations
AirExplore has officially begun operating flights on behalf of TUI Ireland, supporting its 2025 summer charter programme from Dublin.
Acumen’s Take
Seasonal ACMI activity continues to strengthen in Ireland. Acumen supports such partnerships with asset sourcing, lease modelling, and summer utilisation strategies.
Delta Connects Dublin and Detroit with New Nonstop Service
Delta Air Lines has launched a new nonstop route between Dublin and Detroit, enhancing transatlantic connectivity from Ireland’s capital.
Acumen’s Take
This route expansion reaffirms strong U.S.–Ireland travel demand. Acumen tracks such developments to support long-haul fleet planning and widebody lease placement analysis.
Third 737-800(BDSF) Joins ASL Airlines Ireland Fleet
ASL Airlines Ireland has added a third 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BDSF), reinforcing its commitment to narrowbody cargo growth.
Acumen’s Take
ASL’s fleet expansion highlights sustained e-commerce-driven freighter demand. Acumen advises on P2F transitions, cargo market trends, and aircraft lifecycle value optimisation.
Aircraft Update
Oman Air Ferries B737-800 Freighter A4O-BU to Shannon
A4O-BU (c/n 35108), a Boeing 737-81M(F), was ferried to Shannon on 13th May 2025, marking a key movement in Oman Air’s fleet transition or freighter deployment strategy.
Acumen’s Take
The ferry to Shannon suggests preparation for storage, maintenance, or conversion activity. Acumen supports clients with redelivery oversight, MRO planning, and P2F advisory services.
Vueling Takes Delivery of A320 EC-OKG in Barcelona
EC-OKG (c/n 7735), an Airbus A320-232 formerly registered as OE-IEL, was delivered to Vueling in Barcelona on 7th May 2024 to support its short-haul European operations.
Acumen’s Take
Vueling’s ongoing fleet refresh reflects continued demand for efficient narrowbodies in Europe’s LCC segment. Acumen tracks these deliveries to support asset placement, utilisation monitoring, and lease lifecycle management.
Global Aviation News
IAG Places Order for 53 Airbus and Boeing Long-Haul Aircraft
International Airlines Group (IAG) has placed a combined order for 53 new widebody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including A350s and 787s, to modernise its long-haul fleet.
Acumen’s Take
This order solidifies long-haul recovery confidence and signals strong lessor demand for next-gen widebodies. Acumen monitors such fleet strategies to support valuation, delivery forecasting, and placement planning.
JetBlue Unveils Dunkin’-Themed A320 “Brewing Altitude”
To celebrate a 20-year partnership with Dunkin’, JetBlue has introduced a uniquely painted A320 named "Brewing Altitude", blending branding with passenger engagement.
Acumen’s Take
Co-branded liveries reflect evolving airline marketing strategies. Acumen tracks branding initiatives that can influence airline visibility, brand partnerships, and aircraft customisation trends.
Keflavík Airport Sees Passenger Surge in April Ahead of Record Summer
Keflavík Airport experienced a strong April traffic surge, setting the stage for what’s expected to be a record-breaking summer travel season.
Acumen’s Take
Iceland’s strategic location as a hub for transatlantic travel continues to gain traction. Acumen monitors traffic trends to inform fleet routing and hub viability for low-cost and long-haul operators.
Qatar Airways Signs Historic Boeing and GE Aerospace Deals
Qatar Airways has finalised the largest Boeing widebody order in its history and the largest GE Aerospace engine deal, marking a major fleet and propulsion investment milestone.
Acumen’s Take
These deals reinforce Qatar’s growth strategy and trust in future long-haul demand. Acumen supports clients evaluating OEM trends and long-term widebody asset planning.
South Africa Calls for Single African Sky and Unified Visa Policy at Indaba 2025
At Indaba 2025, South Africa proposed a single African airspace and visa system, aiming to streamline intra-African travel and trade.
Acumen’s Take
Policy integration could reshape regional connectivity and boost fleet utilisation across Africa. Acumen advises on regulatory developments affecting market access and cross-border lease structures.
Irish Aviation News
Transport Minister Eyes Legislation to Resolve Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Dispute
The Minister for Transport has indicated that new legislation may be introduced to resolve the ongoing row over passenger limits at Dublin Airport, which is nearing its current cap.
Acumen’s Take
Policy clarity is critical for long-term infrastructure and fleet planning. Acumen tracks such developments to assess potential impacts on capacity forecasting and airport-based asset allocation.
Aer Lingus Launches Dublin–Indianapolis Service
Aer Lingus has inaugurated a new transatlantic route connecting Dublin and Indianapolis, further strengthening its U.S. network.
Acumen’s Take
This addition underscores continued transatlantic growth and strong long-haul demand. Acumen monitors new routes to advise on widebody deployment and route-level performance modelling.
CRAFT Bar & Restaurant Reopens at Cork Airport After Refurbishment
Cork Airport has officially reopened the newly refurbished CRAFT bar and restaurant, enhancing the pre-flight experience for departing passengers.
Acumen’s Take
Terminal upgrades contribute to passenger satisfaction and route competitiveness. Acumen factors terminal infrastructure into broader airport attractiveness evaluations and airline network decisions.
IATA at 80: Willie Walsh Reflects on Challenges and Progress
IATA Director General Willie Walsh marks the organisation’s 80th anniversary by reflecting on aviation’s progress and persistent global challenges.
Acumen’s Take
Leadership reflections help shape policy direction and industry priorities. Acumen leverages such insights in its strategic advisory work on regulation, decarbonisation, and operational reform.
Ryanair Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy Following Polish Court Ruling
Ryanair has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on disruptive behaviour after a Polish court conviction of a passenger involved in a flight incident.
Acumen’s Take
Strict enforcement of onboard conduct helps protect airline operations and crew safety. Acumen integrates safety-related reputational metrics into airline operational risk profiling.
Tweet Picks
@Airbus In April 2025 we delivered 56 aircraft to 33 customers, celebrating our 12,000th delivery milestone for the #A320 Family and China Airlines’ order for 10 #LongRangeLeader #A350-1000s!.
@AviationWeek Aviation’s remarkable safety record—now 40 times safer than in previous decades—is poised for continued progress, thanks to next-generation technologies centered on data analytics and automation.
@aviator_aero Boeing and GE Aerospace secured $14.5 billion deal with Etihad Airways, covering 28 B787 and B777X.
@AviationWeek @united CEO Scott Kirby says he is “committed to bringing us back into #JFK, one way or another,” but is not prepared to say “yet what is happening” with regards to a possible alliance or merger with @JetBlue.
Video Picks
Aerdogs Episode 5 – Tim Shattock
In this episode of Aerdogs, aviation veteran Tim Shattock shares stories from his leadership journey, reflecting on industry change, management philosophy, and global aviation insights.
Acumen’s Take
Tim’s experience highlights the enduring value of leadership in operational success. Acumen supports airline and MRO partners with strategic advisory grounded in executive-level industry understanding.
CNBC Interview with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discusses aviation infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and safety priorities, outlining the administration’s long-term air travel strategy.
Acumen’s Take
Policy direction at the federal level influences airport planning and investment cycles. Acumen integrates regulatory signals into infrastructure advisory and capacity forecasting for global stakeholders.
Kansas City International’s Justin Meyer on 2025 Travel Trends
KMCI Deputy Director Justin Meyer highlights passenger trends, route development, and airport performance outlooks heading into 2025.
Acumen’s Take
Airport perspectives offer valuable insight into demand patterns and airline behaviour. Acumen uses such data to advise on asset allocation and regional network performance evaluation.
