20 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 20th January 2026
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IrishAero News
Airbus A330neo EI-TYG Joins ITA Airways
ITA Airways took 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
B-LMA Airbus A330-243(F) Delivered to Hong Kong Air Cargo
An Airbus A330-243(F), registered B-LMA (c/n 1028), was delivered to Hong Kong Air Cargo and arrived in Hong Kong on 8 January 2026. The aircraft was previously registered as B-8550 and now joins the operator’s growing freighter fleet, supporting medium-haul and regional cargo operations as demand remains resilient across Asia-Pacific air freight markets.
ET-BBC Boeing 787-8 Delivered to Ethiopian Airlines
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered ET-BBC (c/n 34934), has been delivered to Ethiopian Airlines and arrived in Addis Ababa on 12 December 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as B-2723 and adds further widebody capacity to Ethiopian’s long-haul fleet, supporting network expansion across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America as the carrier continues to modernise and grow its intercontinental operations.
Global Aviation News
Air Europa to Launch Madrid–Johannesburg Service in June 2026
Air Europa will expand its long-haul network with the launch of a new route between Madrid and Johannesburg, with the first flight scheduled for 24 June 2026. The airline has already opened sales for the service, which will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Air India’s First New Boeing 787-9 Touches Down in Delhi
Air India has taken delivery of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9, with the aircraft arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport following a non-stop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing Everett Factory. Registered VT-AWA, the aircraft represents a milestone in Air India’s fleet transformation programme, being built specifically for the airline with bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line. Configured with 296 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, the new Dreamliner underlines Air India’s push toward a refreshed long-haul product and a more competitive, world-class passenger experience, with further cabin details set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Allegiant to Absorb Sun Country’s Amazon Cargo Business
Allegiant Travel Co. is set to absorb Sun Country Airlines’ Amazon cargo flying following the announcement of a cash-and-stock acquisition valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including $400 million in debt, creating one of the largest leisure-focused airline groups in the United States. The deal brings Sun Country’s dedicated Amazon cargo operation under Allegiant’s umbrella, with Amazon confirming plans to outsource two additional cargo aircraft to Sun Country this year, signalling its intent to preserve the partnership despite the merger. The transaction reflects Allegiant’s move to diversify beyond passenger operations while retaining a stable, contract-based cargo revenue stream tied to Amazon’s fast-growing logistics network.
Avelo Airlines Simplifies Its Network and Fleet Amid 2026 Balance Sheet Transformation
Avelo Airlines has outlined a streamlined network and fleet strategy for 2026 following a recapitalisation that has left the carrier with one of the strongest cash positions in the U.S. airline sector relative to its size. The airline will refocus operations around four core bases—New Haven, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley, Charlotte/Concord, and Central Florida/Lakeland—while planning to open a new base at Dallas/McKinney in late 2026. As part of the reset, Avelo will close its bases in Mesa, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington, though it will continue serving both Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington from other existing bases. The move reflects a broader balance sheet-driven transformation, with Avelo using its strengthened financial position to simplify operations, concentrate capacity in higher-performing markets, and support its long-term growth strategy.
BeauTech Power Systems and Porter Airlines Complete Sale and Leaseback of Six PW1900 Engines
BeauTech Power Systems and Porter Airlines have completed a sale and leaseback transaction covering six new Pratt & Whitney PW1900-series engines, strengthening long-term engine support for Porter’s growing fleet. Under the structure, the engines were delivered new from Pratt & Whitney to Porter’s leasing subsidiary, Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp., before being sold to BeauTech and leased back for operational use by Porter Airlines. The transaction provides secure engine availability for Porter’s expanding Embraer E195-E2 programme while allowing the airline to optimise capital deployment, highlighting continued use of engine-focused SLB structures to balance growth, liquidity, and fleet resilience.
Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa Group to Roll Out Starlink Wi-Fi Across Fleet
Brussels Airlines will introduce high-speed onboard connectivity across its fleet under a group-wide agreement between Lufthansa Group and Starlink, with the rollout set to begin in 2026. Installation will start on short-haul Airbus A320 aircraft before extending to the long-haul fleet, as part of Lufthansa Group’s plan to equip around 850 aircraft with broadband Wi-Fi offering near ground-level speeds. The Starlink system is designed to support streaming, cloud-based work, and other high-bandwidth applications in flight, with Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx highlighting connectivity as a key driver of passenger experience and positioning the move as a significant upgrade to the group’s digital offering.
Brunswick Review – IAG CEO Luis Gallego Interview
In a wide-ranging interview with Brunswick Review, Luis Gallego reflects on his leadership journey from turning around Iberia after nearly a decade of losses to steering International Airlines Group (IAG) through the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointed Iberia CEO in 2013, Gallego led a rapid restructuring that restored profitability and sharpened focus on operational reliability and customer experience, before being promoted in 2020 to lead IAG, the parent of British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. The interview highlights how Gallego guided the group through crisis while reshaping its structure and strategy, positioning IAG to emerge from the pandemic more disciplined, resilient, and focused on long-term transformation rather than a simple recovery to pre-crisis norms.
Emirates Extends Premium Economy Reach with Expanded City Rollout
Emirates has confirmed a significant expansion of its Premium Economy offering, continuing the rollout of retrofitted Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and new Airbus A350 aircraft across its global network. From January 2026, the A350 will be deployed on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town, adding frequency and capacity ahead of the peak summer travel period while enhancing connectivity across Europe, Asia, and Africa. By 1 July, Emirates plans to offer its latest Premium Economy cabin on more than 84 routes worldwide, reinforcing its strategy of delivering a consistent, high-quality onboard product at scale, with added legroom, upgraded dining, and modern cabin interiors positioned to capture sustained premium leisure and business demand.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Leased, Purchased and Sold 705 Assets in Full Year 2025
AerCap has reported a highly active year in 2025, completing 705 asset transactions across leasing, acquisitions, and sales, underlining the scale and liquidity of its global platform. Over the full year, the Dublin-based lessor signed 371 lease agreements, completed 145 aircraft and engine purchases, and executed 189 asset sales, alongside securing approximately $13.2 billion in financing transactions. AerCap also received around $1.5 billion in cash insurance proceeds, largely linked to the June 2025 London Commercial Court judgment relating to assets lost in Russia in 2022. Capital returns remained a key focus, with the company repurchasing roughly 22.1 million shares for $2.4 billion at an average price of $109.92 per share, reflecting continued balance-sheet strength and confidence in long-term asset values.
Aer Lingus Suspends Manchester Trans-Atlantic Bookings from April 2026
Aer Lingus has suspended reservations for its trans-Atlantic services from Manchester with effect from 1 April 2026, removing availability across all three long-haul routes currently operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft. As of 8 January 2026, bookings are no longer open for Manchester–New York JFK, Manchester–Orlando, or the seasonal Manchester–Bridgetown (Barbados) service, which had been scheduled to operate three times weekly until the end of May. The move signals a further retrenchment of Aer Lingus’ long-haul presence outside Dublin and follows earlier indications that the carrier was reassessing the viability of its Manchester operation amid cost pressures and network prioritisation decisions.
BBC Alba Revisits Life at Donegal Airport
BBC Alba has aired a repeat of its acclaimed documentary Aerfort Dhún na nGall, bringing viewers back inside Donegal Airport with another screening of the first episode on 8 January. The programme offers an intimate portrait of daily life at one of Ireland’s most scenic and community-centred airports, following the staff and passengers who depend on this vital Atlantic gateway. Highlights include reflections from Altan musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh on the airport’s role in enabling international touring, alongside scenes capturing local culture, post-pandemic family reunions, and the strong sense of place that defines Donegal’s aviation lifeline.
IATA DG Willie Walsh Calls for Action on Aircraft Order Backlog
International Air Transport Association Director General Willie Walsh has urged aircraft manufacturers to accelerate production to reduce a growing global order backlog, as airlines face sustained demand alongside tight capacity. Speaking as IATA reported November traffic data, Walsh highlighted a 5.7% year-on-year rise in total passenger demand, outpacing capacity growth of 5.4%, with load factors reaching a record 83.7% for the month. International demand climbed 7.7% against a 7.1% capacity increase, while European carriers saw demand rise 6.8% with load factors of 85.6%. Walsh warned that ongoing aerospace supply-chain constraints are limiting airlines’ ability to meet demand, calling on manufacturers to make increasing output a priority in 2026 to begin reducing an order backlog that exceeded 17,000 aircraft by the end of 2025.
Ireland West Airport Records Busiest Year to Date
Ireland West Airport has confirmed that 2025 was its busiest year on record, with close to 950,000 passengers using the regional airport over the year. The milestone reflects sustained demand across the airport’s network, which currently spans 22 destinations, with London remaining the most popular route. The result underscores the airport’s growing role in regional connectivity and its continued recovery momentum.
Irish Government Given 14 Days to Respond to US Complaint Over Dublin Airport Cap
The US Department of Transportation has given the Irish government a 14-day deadline to respond to a complaint calling for restrictions on transatlantic flights from Ireland unless the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is removed. The action follows a formal submission by Airlines for America, which argues that the long-standing cap unfairly restricts capacity and limits market access on US–Ireland routes, escalating the dispute into a potential bilateral aviation issue with implications for transatlantic connectivity.
Pilot.ie Seeks Pilot Feedback on 2025 Rogers Data Ireland VFR ICAO Chart
Pilot.ie has invited pilots to share feedback on the 2025 edition of the Rogers Data Ireland VFR ICAO Chart as development begins on the 2026 release. The annual chart, which provides up-to-date aeronautical information for VFR operations in Irish airspace, was Pilot.ie’s best-selling aviation product in 2025, underlining its importance to the general aviation community. By gathering input from Irish pilots, Pilot.ie and Rogers Data aim to refine and enhance the next edition, ensuring the chart continues to meet operational needs and reflect changes in airspace and procedures.
Portugal on track for 562,000 trips from Ireland in 2025
Portugal remains a strong outbound market for Irish travellers, with 22,278 visitors from Ireland recorded in November 2025, up 1.6% year on year, bringing the rolling 12-month total to 562,436 trips. Data shared by Portugal Tourism and TAP Portugal highlights steady demand despite seasonal softness, as Portugal welcomed 2.2 million guests in November, generating €393.5 million in tourism revenue. Full-year 2025 is shaping up as a historic period for Portuguese tourism, with arrivals estimated at 33 million, revenues nearing €30 billion, and the sector contributing around 12% of national GDP.
Ryanair fast-tracks passengers at City of Derry Airport
Ryanair has introduced online fast-track security access for passengers travelling through City of Derry Airport as it rolls out its Winter 2025 schedule in the Northwest. The move is aimed at improving the passenger experience and reducing time spent in security queues, alongside Ryanair’s three-times-weekly service between City of Derry and Manchester, which continues to support regional connectivity during the winter season.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek #HawaiianAirlines will upgrade the interiors of its #Airbus #A330 fleet beginning in 2028, part of a broader push to expand premium offerings.
@AviationWeek The #FAA plans to order mandatory inspections of #Boeing737 Next Generation (NG) horizontal stabilizer components following reports of “excessive freeplay,” or looseness, causing pitch control issues, a draft rule reveals.
@ByERussell .@AlaskaAir is all grown up. The airline has a new intercontinental look to show off to the world and, in the words of CEO Ben Minicucci, is ready to “compete hard” to be America’s fourth global carrier.
@ByERussell The booming @AustinAirport is set to nearly double in size with 32-gate, two concourse expansion by the mid-2030s. Southwest and Delta are the big winners with the former gaining 10 gates for 18, and the latter gaining 11 for 15 gates.
Video Picks
Alaska Airlines places largest aircraft order in company history
Alaska Airlines has announced an order for more than 100 new aircraft from Boeing, marking the largest fleet commitment in the airline’s history and reinforcing its long-term strategy around fleet simplification, efficiency, and growth, with the deal expected to strengthen Boeing’s narrowbody backlog while giving Alaska greater operating flexibility across its network.
Andhra Pradesh’s Bhogapuram Airport set for launch by June 2026
Bhogapuram Airport is on track to begin operations by June 2026, marking a major infrastructure milestone for Andhra Pradesh as the new greenfield airport is positioned to ease congestion at Visakhapatnam, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term economic growth across the state through expanded domestic and international air links.
From Travel Plans to Market Gains — Navigating the Travel Theme
This video examines how shifting travel behaviour is translating into market opportunities, linking consumer demand, airline capacity, hospitality trends, and broader economic signals to explain why travel remains a compelling investment theme as global mobility normalises.
Acumen’s Take
The 20 January brief highlights a market that remains demand-led but increasingly constrained by execution rather than appetite. Airlines across regions are doubling down on long-haul growth and premium differentiation, as seen in ITA, Emirates, Air India, and Air Europa, while lessors and engine investors continue to use scale, liquidity, and sale-and-leaseback structures to manage capital intensity and supply risk. At the same time, network simplification at carriers like Avelo and capacity retrenchment by Aer Lingus outside core hubs underline a more disciplined approach to deployment. The recurring themes are clear: modern aircraft and engines are scarce, infrastructure and regulatory friction are rising, and connectivity decisions are becoming more political. In 2026, competitive advantage will come less from ambition and more from who can execute reliably within tightening supply, regulatory, and capital constraints.
