21 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 21st January 2026
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:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
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 freighter, 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 has now transitioned into dedicated cargo service. Its addition supports the operator’s medium-haul and regional freight operations as demand across Asia-Pacific air cargo markets remains resilient.
ET-BBC Boeing 787-8 Delivered to Ethiopian Airlines
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered ET-BBC (c/n 34934), was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines and arrived in Addis Ababa on 12 December 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as B-2723 and adds incremental widebody capacity to the carrier’s long-haul fleet. The delivery supports Ethiopian Airlines’ continued network expansion across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America as it modernises 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 Line-Fit 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’s Everett facility. Registered VT-AWA, the Dreamliner has been built specifically for Air India with bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on the production line. Configured with 296 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, the delivery marks a key milestone in the airline’s ongoing fleet transformation and long-haul product upgrade programme.
Allegiant Travel Co. to Absorb Sun Country Airlines’ Amazon Cargo Business
Allegiant Travel Co. will 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. The transaction brings Sun Country’s dedicated Amazon cargo operations under Allegiant’s umbrella, while Amazon has confirmed plans to outsource two additional cargo aircraft to Sun Country this year. The deal reflects Allegiant’s strategy to diversify beyond leisure passenger flying by combining seasonal demand with stable, contract-based cargo and charter revenue streams.
Avelo Airlines Simplifies 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 US 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, while continuing service to selected markets from alternative bases as it concentrates capacity in higher-performing routes.
BeauTech Power Systems and Porter Airlines Complete PW1900 Engine Sale-and-Leaseback
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 expanding fleet. Under the structure, the engines were delivered new to Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp. before being sold to BeauTech and leased back for operational use by Porter Airlines. The transaction secures engine availability for Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 programme while allowing the airline to optimise capital deployment through an engine-focused SLB structure.
Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa Group to Roll Out Starlink Wi-Fi Across Fleet
Brussels Airlines is set to bring high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity to its fleet, benefiting from a Lufthansa Group agreement with Starlink. The rollout begins in 2026, with Airbus A320 aircraft on short-haul routes receiving Wi-Fi first, followed by the long-haul fleet.
Brunswick Review: International Airlines Group 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 through the COVID-19 crisis. Appointed Iberia CEO in 2013, Gallego led a rapid restructuring that restored profitability and sharpened operational focus. Promoted to lead IAG in 2020, he guided the group through unprecedented disruption while reshaping its structure and strategy, positioning it for a more disciplined and resilient post-pandemic future.
Emirates Extends Premium Economy Reach with Expanded City Rollout
Emirates has confirmed a further expansion of its Premium Economy offering as it continues to deploy retrofitted Boeing 777s and new Airbus A350 aircraft across its global network. From January 2026, the A350 will operate new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket, and Cape Town, adding frequency and capacity ahead of the peak summer travel period. 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, premium onboard product at scale.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Leased, Purchased, and Sold 705 Assets in Full Year 2025
AerCap 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. The Dublin-based lessor signed 371 lease agreements, completed 145 purchases, and executed 189 asset sales, alongside securing approximately $13.2 billion in financing. Strong capital returns continued, supported by insurance recoveries and share buybacks, reflecting 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. As of 8 January 2026, bookings are no longer available for the carrier’s three long-haul routes operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft, including services to New York JFK, Orlando, and the seasonal Bridgetown route. The move signals a further retrenchment of Aer Lingus’ long-haul operations outside Dublin as the airline continues to reassess network priorities and cost pressures.
BBC Alba Revisits Life at Donegal Airport
BBC Alba has aired a repeat screening of Aerfort Dhún na nGall, returning viewers to daily life at Donegal Airport through the first episode of the acclaimed four-part documentary series. Broadcast again on 8 January, the programme offers an intimate look at the airport’s role as a vital Atlantic gateway, highlighting the staff, passengers, and strong community ties that define its operations. The episode features reflections from Altan musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and captures local culture, post-pandemic reunions, and the airport’s enduring importance to the region.
International Air Transport Association DG Willie Walsh Calls for Action on Aircraft Order Backlog
IATA Director General Willie Walsh has urged aircraft manufacturers to accelerate production to address a growing global order backlog, as passenger demand continues to outpace capacity. November data showed total demand rising 5.7% year on year, with load factors reaching a record 83.7% despite ongoing supply-chain constraints. Walsh warned that the backlog, which exceeded 17,000 aircraft orders by the end of 2025, must begin to be reduced in 2026 to prevent capacity shortages from constraining airline growth.
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 travelling through the regional airport. The result reflects strong demand across its network of 22 destinations, with London remaining the most popular route. Airport management noted that approximately 110,000 additional passengers used the airport during the year, underlining continued growth in regional connectivity.
US Gives Irish Government 14 Days to Respond to Complaint Over Dublin Airport Passenger 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 cap unfairly limits capacity and market access on US–Ireland routes. The dispute raises the prospect of bilateral aviation tensions with potential implications for transatlantic connectivity.
Pilot.ie Seeks Pilot Feedback on Rogers Data Ireland VFR ICAO Chart 2025
Pilot.ie has invited pilots to submit 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. By gathering input from the Irish pilot community, Pilot.ie and Rogers Data aim to refine and enhance the next edition to better reflect operational needs.
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. The rolling 12-month total reached 562,436 trips, reflecting steady growth despite seasonal softness. Data from Portugal Tourism and TAP Portugal highlights 2025 as a historic year for the sector, with tourism revenues nearing €30 billion and continued strength in Ireland–Portugal travel demand.
Ryanair Introduces Fast-Track Access at City of Derry Airport
Ryanair has introduced online fast-track security access for passengers travelling through City of Derry Airport as part of its Winter 2025 schedule in the Northwest. The initiative allows passengers to combine flights and fast-track access in a single booking, aimed at improving convenience during peak travel periods. Ryanair continues to operate three weekly services between City of Derry and Manchester, supporting regional connectivity through 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. The deal underscores Alaska’s long-term strategy around fleet simplification, efficiency, and growth, while also reinforcing Boeing’s narrowbody backlog amid sustained airline demand.
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. The new greenfield airport is positioned to ease congestion at Visakhapatnam, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term economic growth through expanded domestic and international air links.
From Travel Plans to Market Gains: Navigating the Travel Theme
This video explores how shifting travel behaviour is translating into broader market opportunities, linking consumer demand with airline capacity, hospitality trends, and wider economic signals. It examines why travel continues to emerge as a compelling investment theme as global mobility normalises and demand patterns stabilise.
Acumen’s Take
The 21 January brief reflects a market where demand remains firmly in place, but outcomes are increasingly shaped by execution, capital discipline, and structural constraints. Airlines are expanding long-haul capacity and premium offerings while simultaneously tightening networks and focusing on core bases to protect balance sheets. Lessors and engine investors continue to lean on scale, liquidity, and sale-and-leaseback structures to manage supply risk and asset scarcity. At the same time, infrastructure limits and regulatory pressure, particularly in key hubs, are becoming more influential in shaping network and growth decisions. As 2026 unfolds, competitive advantage will favour those who can align fleet strategy, financing, and operational reliability within an increasingly constrained system.
