22 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 22nd December 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
Aeromexico Re-Registers Irish Boeing 737s
Aeroméxico has completed the re-registration of its final two Irish-registered aircraft, bringing a multi-year transition programme to a close on 26 November. The aircraft involved are two Boeing 737-8 MAX jets, formerly registered EI-GZB (MSN 42839) and EI-GZC (MSN 42841), both powered by CFM International LEAP-1B27 engines. Following the change, EI-GZB now operates as XA-OTB, while EI-GZC has been re-registered as XA-OTC, fully integrating the aircraft into the Mexican register and marking the end of Aeroméxico’s Irish registrations.
Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX to Ryanair UK
Boeing has delivered the first Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger” to Ryanair UK, marking a milestone for the London Stansted–based carrier. The aircraft, registered G-RYMA (MSN 67128), was delivered on 11 December, routing directly from Boeing Field to London Stansted as flight RUK82A, arriving at 14:32 local time. Ryanair UK, a subsidiary of the Ryanair Group, began operations in March 2019 and currently operates a fleet of fifteen aircraft, comprising fourteen Boeing 737-800s and now one 197-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, with bases at Belfast International, Edinburgh, London Stansted, and Manchester.
CityJet Phases Out EI-FPR CRJ900
CityJet has phased out one of its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR aircraft, with EI-FPR (MSN 15436) ferried from Copenhagen to Dayton International Airport on 16–17 December 2025. According to Skyliner Aviation, the aircraft completed a transatlantic routing via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto before arriving in the United States. The CRJ900 is destined for PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, where it will operate under the American Eagle brand. The move reflects CityJet’s continued fleet rationalisation as regional capacity transitions within the global network carrier ecosystem.
United Airlines Experiences Surge in Irish Christmas Bookings
United Airlines has reported a sharp surge in transatlantic demand from Ireland over the Christmas festive period, with passenger bookings from Dublin to the United States up 101% year on year between 18 December 2025 and 6 January 2026. The increase follows targeted capacity growth on key routes, including the upgrade of the Dublin–Chicago O'Hare service from a summer-only operation to year-round flying. The move strengthens connectivity between Ireland and the U.S. Midwest, while improving onward connections across United’s wider North American network via its Chicago hub.
Aircraft Update
West Atlantic UK Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-8F2(F)
West Atlantic UK has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8F2(F), registered G-NPTI (c/n 29788), which arrived at East Midlands Airport on 15 December 2025. Previously registered as 2-MEDE, the freighter strengthens the airline’s cargo fleet and supports its growing operations from East Midlands, a key hub for UK and European freight activity.
Ryanair UK Receives Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger” G-RYMA
Ryanair UK has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8200 “Gamechanger”, registered G-RYMA (Aircraft No. 206), which was ferried from Boeing Field to London Stansted on 11 December 2025. The addition strengthens Ryanair UK’s high-density narrowbody fleet and supports the group’s continued focus on capacity growth, efficiency, and lower per-seat operating costs across its UK network.
Global Aviation News
Emirates Activates Interline Partnership with Bahamasair
Emirates has activated a new interline partnership with Bahamasair, expanding its reach into the Caribbean via Florida gateways. The agreement allows Emirates passengers to book a single-ticket journey from across its global network to Miami or Orlando, with onward connections on Bahamasair to Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. The partnership, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June, includes through baggage handling and simplified travel arrangements, strengthening connectivity to The Bahamas while supporting Emirates’ broader tourism collaboration with the country.
IAG Cargo Expands Global Reach of Spain’s Aquaculture Exports
IAG Cargo is strengthening Spain’s aquaculture export footprint by partnering with Cooke España, enabling faster access to international markets as demand for Mediterranean seafood grows. Using IAG Cargo’s temperature-controlled Constant Fresh service, products such as sea bass, sea bream, and meagre are delivered to global destinations in under 48 hours. Spain, Europe’s leading aquaculture producer, exported seafood worth approximately €5.5 billion in 2024, with Latin America emerging as a key growth market. IAG Cargo reported a 38.5% year-on-year increase in cargo volumes from Spain to Latin America, underlining the rising role of air freight in supporting high-value, time-sensitive food exports.
Schiphol to Enhance CX and Sustainability with €10bn Investment Programme to 2035
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has unveiled a €10 billion investment programme running through to 2035, aimed at improving passenger experience, operational resilience, and environmental performance. The plan includes building a new terminal, renovating existing piers, and upgrading core infrastructure as the airport targets a return to the top tier of European hub airports. A major focus will be on reducing noise and emissions, while also improving working conditions through automation and innovation, including baggage robots, underground baggage transfer systems, and measures to limit exposure to ultrafine particles.
SpiceJet Partners with Natilus on Next-Generation Blended-Wing Aircraft
SpiceJet has entered into a strategic partnership with U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer Natilus to support the development and certification of next-generation blended-wing-body aircraft for the Indian market. The collaboration centres on Natilus’ HORIZON aircraft, designed to seat 240 passengers in a high-density configuration while operating from existing airport infrastructure. The blended-wing design is expected to deliver up to 50% lower carbon emissions and 30% lower operating costs through improved aerodynamics. As part of the agreement, Natilus has established a Mumbai-based subsidiary to support local operations, with SpiceJet planning to purchase up to 100 aircraft once certification is achieved in India.
Spirit Airlines Amends DIP Credit Agreement to Support Restructuring
Spirit Airlines has amended its debtor-in-possession (DIP) credit agreement with senior secured noteholders, unlocking the next phase of restructuring funding. The update enables a previously agreed $100 million incremental funding round, with $50 million available immediately to support liquidity, while access to the remaining amount is tied to progress on a standalone reorganisation plan or a potential strategic transaction. Spirit confirmed that flights, ticket sales, and day-to-day operations continue as normal as negotiations advance on longer-term restructuring options.
Universal Aviation Opens New FBO Terminal at Samaná (MDCY)
Universal Aviation has inaugurated a new FBO terminal at Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport, following a major renovation in partnership with airport operator Aerodom, a division of Vinci. The 3,200-sq-ft facility reflects Vinci’s sustainability commitments and includes eco-friendly construction, a modern lobby, private passenger lounge, ocean-view terrace, onsite immigration and customs, concierge services, crew lounge, and catering kitchen. The opening marks Universal’s third FBO in the Dominican Republic and strengthens its footprint alongside ground handling at four additional locations on the island.
United Airlines and Travelport deepen partnership to advance modern airline retailing
United Airlines and Travelport have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the shift toward modern airline retailing. The agreement represents a departure from the traditional airline–distributor model, with both teams working in close collaboration to develop new capabilities for agency and corporate buyers. Under the partnership, Travelport will receive early access to United’s NDC technology roadmap and co-development opportunities, enabling richer content, more dynamic merchandising, and improved retail experiences for travel counsellors and their customers.
Wizz Air to distribute travel content via Kyte API
Wizz Air has partnered with Kyte to distribute its travel content to corporate and leisure travel sellers through Kyte’s API platform. The integration allows travel management companies to access fares and ancillary products directly, giving the low-cost carrier a more efficient route into the wider travel ecosystem. Kyte’s unified API is designed to simplify airline connectivity and enable sellers to build customised fare bundles, supporting Wizz Air’s push for cost-effective, modern distribution beyond traditional channels.
3TOP Aviation Services acquires additional Pratt & Whitney PW4170 engines
3TOP Aviation Services has expanded its widebody engine portfolio with the acquisition of an additional pair of Pratt & Whitney PW4170 engines, taking its total PW4170 purchases in 2025 to four. The engines will be inducted into 3TOP’s growing engine pool and deployed immediately to support global customer requirements. The transaction reinforces the company’s continued commitment to the PW4000 platform as demand for serviceable widebody engines remains strong.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus unveils major network expansion for summer 2026
Aer Lingus has announced six new routes for summer 2026, strengthening both its European and transatlantic network. From Dublin, the airline will launch new services to Asturias, Montpellier, and Oslo, while Cork will gain direct flights to Nice and Santiago de Compostela. In a significant long-haul move, Aer Lingus will also open a new transatlantic route to Pittsburgh from May 2026, building on its partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The addition takes Aer Lingus’ North American network to 24 routes and reinforces the airline’s Dublin Hub strategy connecting Europe, the UK, Ireland, and North America.
Ryanair and Wizz Air clash on new Budapest–Lamezia Terme route
Competition between Europe’s low-cost heavyweights is heating up as Ryanair and Wizz Air go head-to-head on a new Budapest–Lamezia Terme service. Wizz Air announced plans to launch the southern Italy route later this spring, but Ryanair has moved faster, confirming it will begin flights from 29 March, a month ahead of its rival. Ryanair plans to operate four weekly services through the summer season, while Wizz Air is set to follow with three weekly flights from 30 April. The move underlines Ryanair’s aggressive network tactics in Central Europe and sets the stage for a price and capacity battle on a fast-growing Mediterranean leisure route.
Waterford Airport shareholders dissolve stakes to unlock development
Shareholders in Waterford Airport have voted overwhelmingly to dissolve their shareholdings, clearing a key hurdle for the airport’s proposed development. At an Emergency General Meeting held on 8 December, around 100 shareholders attended a vote that followed what was described as an open and frank discussion. The motion passed by a near-unanimous margin, with approximately 513,000 individual share votes in favour and just 6,500 against. The decision marks a significant step forward in enabling new investment and advancing long-term plans for the airport’s future.
Sirius Aviation Capital releases Q3 industry update
Sirius Aviation Capital has published its Q3 industry update, with a special focus on the aircraft leasing sector amid shifting macroeconomic conditions. The report notes that 2024 marked another solid year for most lessors, building on the recovery seen in 2023 after losses driven by Covid-19 and Russian aircraft expropriation. Using return on assets as a key measure of performance, Sirius highlights that lessor profitability remains relatively stable compared to the more volatile airline sector. The update also points to strong traffic-driven aircraft demand, constrained new aircraft supply, and improving airline financial performance as supportive factors for the leasing market, while noting the challenge of limited consolidated financial data across the industry.
Sky Express returns 14 weekly London Gatwick slots to Aer Lingus
Sky Express has returned 14 weekly slot pairs at London Gatwick to Aer Lingus for the Summer 2026 season, following a coordinated slot swap process overseen by Airport Coordination Limited. The slots relate to services previously operated by the Greek carrier and will allow Aer Lingus to restore arrival and departure timings at one of the UK’s most constrained airports. The move strengthens Aer Lingus’ short-haul connectivity at Gatwick and reflects ongoing slot realignment as airlines optimise schedules and capacity across the London system.
SpinLaunch appoints Dómhnal Slattery to Advisory Board
SpinLaunch has appointed aerospace pioneer and investor Dómhnal Slattery to its Advisory Board, alongside Peter Hadinger, former Chief Technology Officer and President, US Government at Inmarsat. The appointments strengthen SpinLaunch’s push to scale its Meridian constellation, a low-CAPEX LEO broadband system designed for defence, government, and sovereign communications. Slattery’s deep experience across aerospace finance and aviation investment adds further credibility as SpinLaunch positions itself as a key player in resilient, interoperable global satellite communications infrastructure.
TEG announces new sponsorship deal with Westmeath GAA
TEG has announced a new sponsorship agreement with Westmeath GAA, becoming the official jersey sponsor for all U18, U20, and Senior teams across both hurling and football. The deal builds on TEG’s long-standing relationship with the county, including its role as naming sponsor of TEG Cusack Park, and reflects the company’s continued commitment to community, teamwork, and local sport. Founded in Mullingar and operating globally across aviation, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical engineering, TEG will feature on new McKeever Sports–designed jerseys to be worn throughout the 2026 GAA season.
The Travel Suite Milltown marks three years in business
The Travel Suite Milltown has celebrated its third anniversary with an intimate event at its boutique Milltown store in south Dublin, hosted by CEO Mary McKenna and Managing Director Lorraine Quinn. The gathering brought together brand ambassadors, VIP clients, suppliers, and the management team to mark the milestone, which coincides with the agency being named Luxury Travel Agent of the Year at the 2025 ITTN Irish Travel Trade Awards. The celebration reflected the company’s strong relationships within the travel industry and its growing reputation in the luxury travel segment.
Wizz Air CEO signals aggressive growth and pricing battle in Italy
Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has said the airline is firmly back on a growth trajectory and expects to become Italy’s second-largest carrier by 2026, openly preparing for a price war with Ryanair. Speaking to Corriere, Váradi acknowledged recent challenges from engine groundings, geopolitical disruptions, and past strategic missteps, but said these are now being addressed as the airline refocuses on its European core markets. Italy is a central pillar of Wizz Air’s renewed strategy, alongside Central and Eastern Europe, with the carrier targeting international growth, selective domestic opportunities, and sustained competitive pressure in one of Europe’s most contested aviation markets.
Tweet Picks
@AmericanIrishSL Ireland - US links continue to grow. A new Dublin - Pittsburgh service begins May 25th, adding another connection between Ireland and North America as transatlantic demand keeps rising.
@ATWOnline Dutch flag-carrier @KLM has echoed the call in a far-reaching report for major investments in innovative technologies in the Netherlands, including sustainable aviation fuels.
@ATWOnline Martin Gauss, who took up his new role as CEO of Bahrain-based @GulfAir six weeks ago, is assembling his team and formulating a strategy to revitalize the airline's brand and connectivity.
@ATWOnline Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has awarded two National Charter Air Carrier tenders to alliances led by Kuwait’s @JazeeraAirways and luxury leisure airline #BeOnd Aviation.
@ATWOnline Small narrowbody jets are increasingly tackling distances that would have been thought impossible by previous-generation regional jets.
Video Picks
Aer Lingus announces nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Dublin
In this video, Aer Lingus formally announces the launch of nonstop services between Pittsburgh International Airport and Dublin, marking the airline’s first direct connection to the U.S. city. The announcement highlights the growing demand for transatlantic travel between Ireland and the U.S. Midwest, as well as the strategic importance of Pittsburgh within Aer Lingus’ expanding North American network. The new route reinforces Dublin’s role as a transatlantic hub, offering seamless onward connectivity across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
IATA Global Media Day 2025: Willie Walsh Q&A
In this Q&A session from IATA Global Media Day 2025, Director General Willie Walsh addresses the most pressing issues shaping global aviation, from geopolitical disruption and airspace access to airline profitability and regulatory pressure. Walsh offers candid views on government intervention, infrastructure constraints, and the need for policy alignment to support sustainable growth. The discussion provides valuable context on how airlines and industry bodies are navigating an increasingly complex operating environment.
Southwest CEO: “We’re evolving and changing our business model around our product”
In this interview, Southwest Airlines’ CEO outlines how the carrier is adapting its long-standing low-cost model to meet shifting customer expectations and competitive pressures. He discusses product evolution, network and revenue strategy, and how Southwest is balancing its core simplicity with the need to unlock new value streams. The conversation offers a clear look at how legacy low-cost carriers are rethinking their models without losing what made them successful in the first place.
Acumen’s Take
As 2025 closes, the aviation sector is clearly moving from recovery to recalibration. Capacity decisions, fleet optimisation, and distribution strategy are now as critical as pure growth. Airlines, lessors, airports, and service providers are all adjusting to tighter infrastructure, evolving technology, and more demanding customers. Competition is intensifying, but so is collaboration, particularly around retailing, connectivity, and sustainability. The next phase will reward operators who stay flexible, disciplined on capital, and realistic about where long-term value will actually be created.
