22 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 22nd August 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
Buzz Takes Delivery of 21st Boeing 737 MAX 8-200
Buzz, Ryanair Group’s Polish subsidiary, has expanded its fleet with the arrival of its 21st Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, registered SP-RZR (MSN 62390). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 7 August as ferry flight RZS82R, landing in Dublin at 13:08 local time. Entering service the very next day, it operated Ryanair flight RYR7175/6 between Dublin and Zakynthos, Greece. This delivery marks the Group’s 183rd MAX overall, reinforcing its strategy of deploying fuel-efficient aircraft to support sustained growth and lower operating costs.
Royal Air Maroc Adds Pair of Ex-Irish Norwegian 737 MAX 8s
Royal Air Maroc has bolstered its short-haul operations with the addition of two Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft previously operated by Norwegian Air International, the now-defunct Irish arm of Norwegian Air Shuttle. Both aircraft are leased from Dubai-based lessor DAE Capital. The first, registered CN-RHH (MSN 42830), was delivered on 14 June 2025, ferrying from Prague to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Originally delivered to Norwegian in June 2017 as EI-FYA and named Freddie Laker, the jet carries a legacy tied to the pioneering British low-cost carrier entrepreneur. This fleet expansion underscores Royal Air Maroc’s strategy to strengthen regional connectivity with more modern, efficient aircraft.
Flydubai Takes Delivery of Sixth Boeing 737 MAX 8 via Shannon
Flydubai has welcomed another addition to its growing fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQI (MSN 61032). The aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle on 28 July as flight FDB9741, making a technical stop at Shannon Airport, Ireland, where it landed at 12:37 local time on 29 July. After overnight technical checks, the jet departed the following day, arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 17:41 local time on 30 July. This latest delivery reinforces Flydubai’s ongoing fleet modernisation and expansion strategy, ensuring greater operational efficiency and capacity across its network.
Sixth Former JetBlue Embraer 190 Arrives at Ireland West Airport
A sixth ex-JetBlue Airways Embraer 190, registered N265JB (MSN 19000049), landed at Ireland West Airport (Knock) on 1 August after a direct flight from Goose Bay, Canada (YYR). Touching down at 09:21 local time, the aircraft arrived in JetBlue’s basic livery but with no airline branding or titles. According to FAA registry records, the aircraft is currently registered to TVPX Aircraft Solutions Trustee Inc., continuing the trend of JetBlue’s Embraer 190s being repositioned for new leasing or ownership opportunities.
Aircraft Update
LATAM Brasil Adds Airbus A320neo to Fleet
LATAM Brasil took delivery of an Airbus A320-271N, registered PS-LHE (MSN 8877), on 16 August 2025. The aircraft, formerly VT-IZW, was delivered to São Carlos and will join the carrier’s expanding narrowbody fleet. The addition supports LATAM’s fleet renewal strategy, enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility across its domestic and regional network.
Myanmar Airways International Receives Airbus A319
Myanmar Airways International took delivery of an Airbus A319-112, registered XY-ALZ (MSN 4038), on 10 August 2025. The aircraft, previously flying as VP-CEU, was delivered to Yangon International Airport to support the airline’s regional operations. This addition enhances MAI’s fleet flexibility, aligning with its strategy to strengthen connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Global Aviation News
Air France-KLM Converts A350-1000 Orders to A350-900s
Air France-KLM has converted eight Airbus A350-1000 orders to the smaller A350-900, according to Airbus’ latest order and delivery data. The group had signalled flexibility when placing the order in 2023, allowing adjustments in line with evolving market conditions. The move reflects a strategic focus on aligning fleet plans with current demand dynamics and operational efficiency.
Airbus A330neo Enhancements Extend Long-Haul Reach
Analysis of Airbus’s A330-900 highlights how ongoing upgrades are steadily boosting the aircraft’s performance. Recent increases in Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) have extended its range, positioning the type as a true long-haul workhorse capable of serving trans-Pacific trunk routes. Originally designed as a mid-range jet, the A330neo’s evolution reflects Airbus’s strategy to maximise efficiency and competitiveness in the widebody segment.
AirAsia X to Enter Europe with Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul Route
AirAsia X will launch four weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen from 14 November 2025, marking its long-anticipated expansion into Europe. The new service will provide seamless connections to more than 150 onward destinations through Istanbul, while linking into AirAsia’s 130-route network across Asia-Pacific. The move underscores AAX’s strategy to diversify long-haul operations and tap into the strong demand for Asia–Europe travel.
Fraport Passenger Numbers Rise 4.6% in July
Fraport AG reported a 4.6% year-on-year increase in July 2025, handling 22.9 million passengers across its international airport network. Frankfurt Airport welcomed 6.1 million travellers (+1.6%), buoyed by leisure demand to Greece, Italy, and Spain, as well as long-haul growth to Thailand and East Africa. Cargo throughput at FRA climbed 3.7% to 179,055 metric tons, while aircraft movements rose 5.3% to 42,657, reflecting sustained demand across both passenger and freight segments.
SolarStratos Sets Unofficial Altitude Record for Solar Flight
Swiss solar-powered aircraft SolarStratos has achieved a new unofficial world altitude record, climbing to 9,521 metres above Valais. Piloted by Raphaël Domjan, the five-hour, nine-minute flight departed from Sion Airport and exceeded the 9,235-metre benchmark set by Bertrand Piccard’s Solar Impulse. The milestone underscores ongoing innovation in solar-electric aviation and its potential role in the future of sustainable long-haul flight.
Debate Over Heathrow’s Next Phase
A recent Aviation Week podcast explores the future of London Heathrow as the airport navigates capacity constraints, regulatory scrutiny, and sustainability pressures. Industry experts discuss potential pathways, including renewed expansion debates, operational efficiency measures, and environmental commitments that will shape Heathrow’s long-term trajectory. The conversation reflects the broader challenges facing major hubs balancing growth with sustainability in a post-pandemic market.
Wizz Air Expands Italian Network with 16 New Routes
Wizz Air has announced a major expansion in Italy, launching 16 new international routes from Venice, Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Pescara. The move strengthens connectivity across Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe, underscoring Italy’s role as a key growth market for the carrier. To support the expansion, Wizz is basing a third Airbus A321neo at Venice, boosting capacity and reinforcing its presence in the country’s northeast.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus College Football Classic Set for August 23
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic returns to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 23 August 2025, featuring Kansas and Iowa State University. Beyond the on-field rivalry, the event is projected to deliver a significant economic boost, generating more than €130 million for Ireland. The game continues to highlight Ireland’s ability to attract major international sporting events, with aviation and tourism playing a central role in its success.
Avolon Secures Shareholder Approval for Airbus Order
Avolon has confirmed shareholder approval for its landmark order of 90 Airbus aircraft, comprising 75 A321neos and 15 A330neos. The approval from Bohai Leasing, Avolon’s majority shareholder, makes the deal unconditional, following its initial announcement on 24 July 2025. The order reinforces Avolon’s position as a leading global lessor, expanding its portfolio with next-generation narrowbody and widebody aircraft to meet future market demand.
CarTrawler Acquires French Insurtech Koala
CarTrawler, the Irish-founded B2B car rental technology platform, has acquired Paris-based travel insurtech firm Koala, expanding its suite of ancillary travel products. The deal follows a strong financial year for CarTrawler, which reported revenues of €172 million and EBITDA of €23.3 million, alongside a 14% rise in booking volumes. The acquisition strengthens CarTrawler’s position in the travel technology market, enhancing its offering to airline and travel partners worldwide.
ITIC Submits Proposals for Budget 2026
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has published its submission for Budget 2026, outlining priorities to sustain growth and competitiveness in Ireland’s tourism sector. The paper highlights the need for targeted investment in air access, marketing, and sustainability measures to maintain Ireland’s global appeal. ITIC also emphasises the importance of supporting regional connectivity and infrastructure to ensure tourism continues to deliver broad economic benefits nationwide.
Jettime Owner Pursues Majority Stake in CityJet
The owner of Danish carrier Jettime is reportedly seeking to acquire a controlling stake in Dublin-based CityJet. While details remain under wraps, the move would represent a significant shift for CityJet, which operates regional services and wet-lease contracts across Europe. A deal could strengthen synergies between the two operators, positioning them to compete more effectively in the European regional aviation market.
Expanding Drone Applications in Ireland
A recent report by Josh Crosbie highlights the growing range of drone applications across Ireland, extending well beyond delivery services. Among the emerging uses is the monitoring of coastlines to combat drug smuggling, showcasing drones’ potential role in security and surveillance. The discussion reflects the broader opportunities for unmanned aerial vehicles in areas such as public safety, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.
Ryanair to Launch New Tirana Base in 2026
Ryanair has announced plans to open a new base at Tirana Airport from April 2026, investing $300 million to station three Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Albania. The development will support over 3,000 jobs, including 100 new pilot and cabin crew roles, while expanding Ryanair’s network to more than 450 weekly flights across 33 routes. The Summer 2026 schedule will feature 10 new destinations, including Dublin, Birmingham, Milan, and Malta, alongside increased frequencies on several existing services.
Shannon Airport Hosts Iconic Photography Exhibition
Ahead of World Photography Day 2025, Shannon Airport has unveiled the Press Photographers Ireland CLG Exhibition, showcasing more than 100 award-winning and shortlisted images from the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards. On display for two weeks, the exhibition transforms the airport into a gallery, highlighting powerful moments that defined Ireland’s story in 2024. The initiative blends culture with travel, enhancing the passenger experience while celebrating Irish press photography.
Tourism Ireland Hosts ‘A Taste of Ireland’ in Glasgow
Tourism Ireland promoted the destination to 25 leading Scottish tour operators and travel agents at its ‘A Taste of Ireland’ networking event in Glasgow. Seven Irish tourism companies participated, showcasing Ireland’s food and drink experiences, heritage, and visitor attractions through presentations and B2B meetings. The initiative provided a valuable platform to strengthen ties with the Scottish travel trade and inspire future bookings to Ireland.
Irish Travel to Australia Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
Australia welcomed 4,700 visitors from Ireland in May 2025, a 5.1% rise on last year and an impressive 41.1% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels. Overall, Australia processed 611,180 short-term visitor arrivals during the month, up 1.7% year-on-year but still 8.5% below May 2019 volumes. New Zealand remained the top source market, while China and India also contributed strong arrival numbers, highlighting the broader recovery in long-haul travel.
Tweet Picks
@CAPA_Aviation At Paris Air Show (Jun-2025), Airbus revealed development plans for its fleet: a larger
A220 variant, increased take-off weight for A330-900, and progress on the upcoming A350-1000ULR.
@CAPA_Aviation "Competition makes us better. We don't want any free lunch." - Cam Wallace, CEO
Qantas International & Freight.
@CAPA_Aviation Travel giants Airbnb, Booking, Expedia & http://Trip.com spent $4.5M on marketing in
Q1 2025, investing in social media, TV & AI to reduce Google dependence. Marketing spend rose from
$14B (2022) to $17.8B (2024).
@CAPA_Aviation "We still see customers prioritising travel over other categories". Cam Wallace, Qantas
International & Freight CEO, reveals how travel demand has evolved post-COVID.
Video Picks
Denver Airport’s Path to 100M Passengers
In a new video, Dave LaPorte discusses how Denver International Airport is preparing to handle over 100 million passengers annually. He outlines the airport’s infrastructure expansion, operational improvements, and long-term planning strategies aimed at meeting surging demand. The insights reflect how major hubs are adapting capacity and resilience measures to maintain efficiency while scaling to record passenger volumes.
YVR’s Rise to North America’s Top Airport
In this video, Gerri Sinclair shares insights on how Vancouver International Airport (YVR) earned recognition as North America’s leading airport. She highlights the role of innovation, customer experience, and sustainability in driving YVR’s success, alongside strong collaboration with partners and the local community. The discussion illustrates how strategic focus on efficiency and passenger service can elevate an airport’s global standing.
Dubai Airports CEO on Global Competitive Edge
In a recent interview, Dubai Airports’ CEO asserted that other hubs will take “years to catch up” with Dubai’s scale and efficiency. He pointed to the airport’s rapid passenger growth, strong connectivity, and investment in infrastructure as key differentiators. The remarks highlight Dubai’s positioning as a global aviation leader, setting benchmarks in both capacity and service that rivals continue to chase.
Acumen’s Take
Global aviation continues to balance strong passenger demand with strategic fleet renewal, infrastructure investment, and innovation. Airlines are capitalising on resilient travel appetite while lessors and manufacturers adjust portfolios to align with efficiency and sustainability goals. Airports, meanwhile, are scaling capacity and enhancing resilience to accommodate record volumes. Across both passenger and cargo markets, the drive for modernisation and long-term competitiveness remains clear, reinforcing aviation’s role as a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic growth.
