01 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 1st September 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
Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Emirates' Dublin Expansion
The Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) has welcomed Emirates’ decision to add a third daily Dublin–Dubai service from 26 October 2025. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER with First Class private suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, and 304 Economy seats, the new frequency will significantly expand connectivity for Irish businesses via Dubai International Airport.
Blue Islands Adds Christmas Connectivity Between Jersey and Dublin
Blue Islands has announced special Christmas and New Year services between Jersey and Dublin to meet seasonal demand. The carrier will operate four flights on 23 and 27 December 2025, 30 December, and 3 January 2026, using its 72-seat ATR72-600 aircraft. While the airline typically provides up to three weekly services on the route during summer, this marks the first time it will operate the Jersey–Dublin connection over the festive period, offering enhanced travel options for leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic.
Shannon Handles 7th Flydubai 737 MAX Delivery
Flydubai has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a seventh Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQJ (MSN 61033). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 8 August and arrived in Shannon the following day for a technical stop before continuing on to Dubai International Airport, where it landed on 10 August. The delivery highlights Shannon Airport’s continued role as a key technical hub for transatlantic aircraft movements, supporting the growth of carriers such as Flydubai in strengthening global fleet operations.
Aircraft Update
A6-FQL Boeing 737-8 c/n 61021 Flydubai Delivered Boeing Field–Shannon–Dubai 21–23/08/25
Flydubai has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, registered A6-FQL (MSN 61021). The aircraft was handed over at Boeing Field, Seattle, on 21 August 2025 before routing via Shannon for a technical stop. It continued onward to Dubai International Airport, arriving on 23 August, further expanding Flydubai’s growing 737 MAX fleet and reinforcing the airline’s strategy of fleet modernisation and network growth.
EI-IKR Boeing 737-8200 c/n 62394 Ryanair Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin 26/08/25 (Aircraft No. 189)
Ryanair has received another Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-IKR (MSN 62394), delivered from Boeing Field to Dublin on 26 August 2025. The aircraft becomes the 189th in Ryanair’s fleet of 737-8200s, underscoring the airline’s position as the largest operator of the type. The latest addition supports Ryanair’s continued expansion across Europe, boosting capacity while aligning with its focus on fuel-efficient operations.
Global Aviation News
Norse Atlantic Renews P&O Cruises Caribbean Charter Flights Deal
Norse Atlantic Airways has renewed its partnership with P&O Cruises to operate charter flights linking passengers to Caribbean cruise departures over the next two winter seasons. The announcement came as the long-haul low-cost carrier reported a sharp reduction in second-quarter net losses, narrowing to $6 million from nearly $32 million a year earlier. The renewal highlights Norse Atlantic’s efforts to strengthen revenue through strategic partnerships while maintaining its focus on operational efficiency and financial stability.
On the Beach Questions ONS Inflation Data on Airfares
On the Beach has raised concerns over the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) latest inflation figures, which cited a record rise in airfares as a major driver behind July’s 3.8% annual inflation rate—the highest since January 2024. Chief customer officer Zoe Harris criticised the methodology, voicing “significant concerns” about the accuracy of the data and its wider implications.
Qantas Orders 20 New A321XLR Aircraft
Qantas has expanded its fleet renewal programme with an additional order for 20 Airbus A321XLRs, taking its total commitment to 48 aircraft. Notably, 16 of the newly ordered jets will feature lie-flat Business Class seating and seat-back entertainment screens, marking the first time Qantas will introduce lie-flat options on narrowbody aircraft. The configuration is designed to support longer domestic routes such as transcontinental services to and from Perth, as well as short- and medium-haul international operations. Deliveries of the enhanced A321XLRs are set to begin in 2028, reinforcing Qantas’ strategy of modernising its fleet for efficiency and passenger comfort.
Qatar Airways to Relocate to the New Terminal One at New York JFK in 2026
Qatar Airways has confirmed it will move operations from Terminal 8 to the New Terminal One at New York JFK in 2026, as part of the airport’s $19 billion redevelopment project. The relocation will see the airline unveil its first dedicated US lounge, offering premium amenities and direct gate access for passengers. With the new facility set to become JFK’s largest terminal by 2030, Qatar Airways aims to elevate its customer experience while supporting its 18 weekly flights from New York to 11 US destinations.
Revived Doncaster Sheffield ‘Cannot Rely Solely on Low-Cost Holiday Flights’
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard has cautioned that Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is unlikely to resume full commercial passenger operations before 2028. Addressing local business leaders, he emphasised that reopening the airport is a long-term project and not a straightforward process. While Doncaster Council aims for an initial reopening by spring 2026 under a council-owned company, Coppard noted that a sustainable model must go beyond low-cost holiday flights, requiring a broader operational strategy to ensure long-term viability.
RwandAir Strengthens Operations With Added Aircraft
RwandAir has boosted its fleet with the addition of two Boeing 737-800s, one of which has already entered service, while recently serviced aircraft have also returned to operations. A third aircraft is expected to join by the end of 2025, enhancing the carrier’s ability to meet growing demand. The expanded fleet will support more reliable scheduling, helping to reduce delays and cancellations as the airline continues to strengthen its regional and international services.
Saudi Arabia Clears VistaJet for Domestic Charter Flights
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted VistaJet approval to operate domestic charter flights under its private membership programmes, marking a breakthrough in one of the region’s most restricted markets. The Dubai-based operator became the first foreign carrier authorised for such services, expanding its footprint with ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 7500s alongside its global fleet of more than 270 aircraft. The approval underscores Saudi Arabia’s gradual liberalisation of its aviation sector while giving VistaJet new opportunities in both domestic and intercontinental charter demand.
Southwest Starts Interlining with Eva Air
Southwest Airlines has expanded its international connectivity with a new interline agreement with Taiwan’s Eva Air. Passengers can now book itineraries connecting through Southwest’s U.S. gateways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago O’Hare onto Eva’s services to Taipei, available via GDSs, Eva Air’s website, and third-party platforms. While Southwest has not yet enabled bookings through its own channels, the partnership broadens travel options for customers and strengthens Southwest’s growing network of international collaborations.
Irish Aviation News
Aviation Meets Glamping in Killeshandra
A unique aviation-themed glamping site has officially launched in Killeshandra, County Cavan, offering visitors the chance to stay overnight in refurbished aircraft pods. Overlooking the town lake, the AeroHeaven pods were once part of aeroplanes and have been transformed into stylish glamping accommodation. The project, conceived by Austin Masterson over four years, was inspired by fishermen who return annually to his nearby Lakeview Cottage, blending aviation heritage with a novel tourism experience in the Irish countryside.
Belfast Airport Passenger Numbers Down 1.4% in June
Passenger traffic at Belfast’s two airports slipped in June 2025, with a combined total of 841,270 passengers, down 1.4% year-on-year and broadly in line with pre-pandemic levels (down 0.2%). Across the first six months of the year, numbers were down 0.8% compared with 2024 and 3.2% lower than pre-pandemic. Belfast International Airport fared better, down just 0.3% on June 2024 but up 4.6% on pre-pandemic levels, while Belfast City Airport saw a steeper decline, with passenger traffic down 4.0% year-on-year and 12.9% compared with pre-pandemic volumes.
CSO Figures Show a Record 1.15m Irish Trips Abroad in July
New data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals that Irish residents made a record 1.15 million trips overseas in July 2025, the highest monthly figure ever recorded.
Ireland’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap
The Department of Transport has published Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, setting out a framework to accelerate the production and use of SAF in line with national and EU climate targets. SAFs are drop-in fuels, compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, and can deliver significantly lower lifecycle CO₂ emissions. The roadmap highlights multiple pathways for development, including bio-based fuels derived from plants, animal waste, and residues, alongside emerging eSAF technologies engineered from captured carbon and green hydrogen.
Ryanair Freezes Growth in Belgium for Winter 2025, Blaming Rising Taxes and High Airport Fees
Ryanair has announced a freeze on growth in Belgium for the Winter 2025 season, citing steep rises in airport charges at Brussels Zaventem and a 150% increase in the country’s aviation tax. The airline will maintain 119 routes, with three new services added from Charleroi but a 6% reduction in Zaventem traffic. CEO Michael O’Leary criticised EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for failing to reform what he described as Europe’s “broken” air traffic control system and ignoring the Draghi Report on competitiveness. He reiterated calls for mandatory ATC staffing, safeguarding overflights during strikes, and harmonised environmental taxes to avoid leaving Europe at a competitive disadvantage.
Susanne Carberry of Aer Lingus on Sponsorship of the College Football Classic
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has brought 24,000 international visitors to Dublin this week, filling the city with fans proudly displaying their alumni colours. As the principal commercial partner, Aer Lingus is leveraging the event to reinforce its strong transatlantic network, now serving 21 U.S. destinations. Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry highlighted the airline’s commitment to making the game a central part of its marketing, connecting Irish hospitality with American sports culture.
Titan’s Forbes Joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2025
Eamonn Forbes, Chief Commercial Officer of Titan Aviation Leasing, a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, will participate in the Cargo Facts Symposium 2025 in Nashville. He will join the second annual Cargo Facts Oxford Debate on 23 October, discussing “Feedstock Frenzy: Will feedstock challenges sink the next generation of freighters?” The event, running from 22–24 October at the Grand Hyatt, will bring together leading executives and market influencers to explore freighter trends, feedstock availability, and the sector’s long-term growth outlook.
VAT Reduction to Be ‘Front and Centre’ of New Tourism Strategy – Peter Burke
Tourism Minister Peter Burke has confirmed that a VAT reduction is expected to be a key element of Ireland’s new tourism strategy, due to be unveiled next week. With more than 200,000 jobs linked to the hospitality sector, including restaurants and cafés, the industry has been pressing for a cut in VAT from 13.5% to 9% to ease ongoing pressures. While a decision on whether hotels will be included in the measure remains uncertain, Burke emphasised that supporting the tourism and hospitality ecosystem will be “front and centre” of the strategy.
Tweet Picks
@airwaysmagazine Frontier Airlines has committed to being the leading low-fare airline across the top 20 U.S. metro areas.
@AviationWeek Bridges Air Cargo is onboarding its first @Embraer #E190 P2F, making the Malta-based airline the launch customer for the converted freighter type.
@AviationWeek #Opinion - Increased government involvement in airliner sales will shape the industry in three ways—none of them good.
@AviationWeek .@TurkishAirlines says its $350 million bid for @AirEuropa has been accepted and the process should be completed within six to 12 months.
Video Picks
Boeing Close to Selling 500 Planes to China
In this video, reports highlight Boeing’s negotiations to finalise a landmark deal with China for the sale of up to 500 aircraft. The agreement, if concluded, would represent one of the manufacturer’s largest single market orders, significantly strengthening Boeing’s presence in the region. The potential deal underscores the scale of China’s aviation growth and its critical role in shaping global aircraft demand over the coming decade.
Eoghan O’Mara Walsh on Tourism Figures
In this video, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, provides insight into Ireland’s latest tourism performance figures. He discusses key trends in visitor arrivals, the challenges faced by the sector, and the importance of policy measures such as VAT rates and investment in connectivity to sustain growth. The commentary offers a clear perspective on the health of Irish tourism and the priorities for ensuring long-term competitiveness.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle: There’s Been Too Much Capacity in the U.S.
In this interview, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle addresses the challenges of excess capacity in the U.S. aviation market. He highlights how oversupply has pressured yields, affecting profitability across the industry. Biffle also discusses Frontier’s strategy to navigate these conditions, focusing on cost discipline, network optimisation, and adapting to evolving demand patterns. The video offers valuable insight into how U.S. carriers are balancing growth ambitions with the need for sustainable returns.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects how the aviation sector continues to evolve through resilience, diversification, and innovation. Airlines, lessors, and airports are adapting strategies to balance growth with cost discipline, while governments and regulators push forward with sustainability and infrastructure agendas. From fleet modernisation to policy reform, the emphasis remains on building efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Across markets, shifting passenger demand, technological adoption, and regulatory pressures are shaping the next phase of aviation, underscoring the industry’s agility in responding to both opportunities and challenges.
