22 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 22nd September 2025
Acumen Aviation Newsletters
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IrishAero News
ASL Aviation Registers Airbus A330-300P2F
ASL Aviation Holdings has officially registered an Airbus A330-302(P2F), MSN 1272, at Dublin Airport under Guernsey registration 2-JDVM. The widebody freighter, painted in full Saudia Cargo livery, was previously registered in the U.S. as N810CM. After a period of temporary storage and repainting at Shannon between 7–28 July, the aircraft was ferried to Dublin on 28 July under callsign OMD211, piloted by Captain Bob. Operated by Nomadic Aviation Group on behalf of Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), the move highlights ASL’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its widebody freighter fleet and global cargo operations.
Emerald Airlines Transfers ATR72-600 to Emerald Airlines UK
Emerald Airlines Ireland has transferred ATR72-212A(600), MSN 1339, formerly registered as EI-FSL and named “St Elvis / Ailbhe,” to its UK sister company under the new registration G-CMFL. The aircraft’s last commercial service as EI-FSL operated on 31 August between Dublin and Manchester (EIN3328/9). On 6 September, it repositioned from Dublin to Belfast City as EAG71P before entering service the following day on the Manchester route as EIN3610/1. The move strengthens Emerald Airlines UK’s fleet presence at Belfast City while maintaining continuity on key regional routes.
IAG Exercises A320neo Option for Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus will add a ninth Airbus A320neo to its fleet after parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) exercised a purchase option with Airbus. The order, confirmed in Airbus’s August market update, supports IAG’s wider fleet modernisation strategy of replacing older A320ceo aircraft with more fuel-efficient A320neo family models.
Aircraft Update
EI-HRN Boeing 737-76N c/n 32674 Air Peace at Belo Horizonte 06/09/25
Air Peace’s Boeing 737-76N, registered EI-HRN (MSN 32674), was recorded at Belo Horizonte on 6 September 2025. The aircraft continues to support the Nigerian carrier’s expanding international operations, underscoring its strategy of deploying versatile narrowbody jets on both regional and medium-haul routes. The presence of EI-HRN in Brazil reflects the growing global footprint of Air Peace as it strengthens connectivity beyond Africa.
EI-XLU Airbus A321-253NY c/n 12412 Aer Lingus Delivered Hamburg Finkenwerder–Dublin 12/09/25
Aer Lingus took delivery of a brand-new Airbus A321-253NY, registered EI-XLU (MSN 12412), on 12 September 2025. The aircraft ferried from Hamburg Finkenwerder to Dublin, joining the carrier’s growing fleet of next-generation narrowbodies. The A321neoLR/XLR variants are central to Aer Lingus’s strategy of expanding transatlantic and European services with enhanced fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort. EI-XLU further strengthens the airline’s modernisation drive as older models are phased out.
Global Aviation News
Air Niugini Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A220
Air Niugini has welcomed its first Airbus A220-300, leased from Azorra, marking a major step in the airline’s fleet renewal strategy. Delivered from Airbus’s Mirabel facility on 11 September 2025, the aircraft, nicknamed “People’s Balus” is the first of three A220-300s to join the carrier, alongside eight A220-100s on direct order. The delivery flight routed through Vancouver, Honolulu, and Fiji before reaching Port Moresby. With this addition, Air Niugini becomes the 25th global operator of the A220, enhancing efficiency and passenger comfort as part of its long-term modernisation programme.
Amadeus and Lufthansa Pilot EU Digital Identity Wallet for Seamless Travel
Amadeus and Lufthansa have successfully tested the EU Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), a government-issued digital wallet set to launch in 2026 that securely stores passports, ID cards, payment methods, and biometric profiles. The trials, part of an EU-backed pilot, demonstrated one-click or tap use for online check-in, bag drop, boarding, and biometric enrolment, removing the need for repeated document scans.
BBN Airlines Indonesia Secures EASA Third Country Operator Authorization
BBN Airlines Indonesia has been granted the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorisation.This authorisation confirms our compliance with EASA safety and operational standards and allows us to operate across all EASA member states without separate approvals. It also enables us to support European airlines with flexible ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) capacity during peak seasons.
Britten-Norman Advances UK-Based Islander Production with 2026 Delivery Target
Britten-Norman has reached a key milestone in its plan to fully relocate Islander aircraft production to its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, UK. More than half of the first UK-built Islander has now been assembled, marking the return of full aircraft manufacturing to Britain after years of partial overseas production.
Canada–Mexico Air Travel Jumps 20% in 1H25 Amid US Tensions
Air travel between Canada and Mexico grew sharply in the first half of 2025, with passenger numbers up 20.3% year-on-year, according to AFAC data. The surge is being driven by Canadian airlines expanding services and travellers increasingly opting for Mexico over U.S. destinations, amid ongoing trade and political frictions between Canada and the U.S. The trend highlights Mexico’s growing importance as both a leisure and business destination for Canadian travellers, strengthening bilateral connectivity.
Cargojet Navigates Tariff Turbulence, Maintains Revenue Growth
Cargojet posted a 7% year-on-year rise in core transportation revenue in Q2 2025, supported by its domestic overnight network, contract carriage, and charter services. The growth comes despite challenges from U.S.-driven trade barriers and global trade uncertainty. Management noted cautious optimism about maintaining volumes in the near to medium term, underscoring Cargojet’s resilience and ability to adapt its operations to shifting economic and regulatory conditions.
Copa Considers Dropping MAX 10 Orders in Favour of MAX 8s and 9s
Copa Airlines is re-evaluating its fleet strategy, with CEO Pedro Heilbron signalling the carrier may forgo exercising options for 15 Boeing 737 MAX 10s. The airline is reportedly satisfied with the operational balance offered by its current mix of MAX 8s and MAX 9s, which provide the right capacity and efficiency for Copa’s regional and long-haul network needs. The potential shift reflects a pragmatic approach to fleet planning amid ongoing certification delays and uncertainty surrounding the MAX 10 programme.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Launches Biggest Ever Transatlantic Schedule for 2026
Aer Lingus has unveiled its largest-ever transatlantic summer schedule for 2026, further strengthening Ireland’s role as a key gateway to North America. The expansion includes the launch of a brand-new direct service from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, opening another link between Ireland and the U.S. Southeast. The announcement marks a major milestone in Aer Lingus’s long-haul growth strategy, positioning the airline to capture rising demand for transatlantic travel while broadening its U.S. destination portfolio.
AerDragon Purchases Two A320neo Aircraft on Lease to Avianca
AerDragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited has acquired two Airbus A320neo aircraft from Vmo Aircraft Leasing, both currently on lease to Avianca, one of Latin America’s largest carriers. The transaction, announced on 12 September 2025, strengthens AerDragon’s portfolio while supporting Avianca’s modernisation strategy with fuel-efficient narrowbodies. The deal highlights continued confidence in the A320neo as a preferred asset among lessors and operators alike.
AerFin Acquires A320neo from EMP
AerFin has expanded its aftermarket portfolio with the acquisition of another Airbus A320neo from a Middle Eastern investor, marking the fifth aircraft secured under this ongoing initiative. The deal reinforces AerFin’s focus on supplying high-quality Used Serviceable Material (USM), meeting global demand from airlines, lessors, and MROs. By extending the operational life of critical components, the company continues to strengthen its role as a key player in the aviation aftermarket.
ASG Celebrates a Decade of Excellence in Aviation Training
Aviation Skills Group (ASG) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of delivering high-quality, tailored aviation training since its founding in 2015. Now a respected EASA-approved provider, ASG has built strong industry partnerships and trained thousands of pilots for airlines and state organisations worldwide. The milestone highlights the company’s growth, global reach, and ongoing commitment to uncompromising training standards.
Avtrain Training the Next Generation of Certified Drone Pilots
Avtrain, led by Founder and CEO Julie Garland, continues to pioneer drone training and certification in Ireland, the first country to introduce strict regulations for drone operations. In a recent podcast, Garland highlighted the importance of safe drone use and explained the Irish Aviation Authority’s warning to drone pilots not to fly in the Donabate and Portrane area. Through Avtrain’s programmes, aspiring drone pilots can gain certification and the skills needed to operate responsibly, reflecting the growing role of drones in aviation and beyond.
Belfast City Airport Launches Draft Master Plan 2040
Belfast City Airport has published its draft Master Plan 2040, setting out an ambitious vision to attract up to £200 million in private investment, support thousands of jobs, and contribute £1.7 billion annually to Northern Ireland’s economy. A key highlight of the plan is the proposal for a new rail halt, which would make Belfast City the first airport on the island of Ireland with a direct rail link. The consultation marks the start of a transformative phase for the airport, with a strong focus on connectivity, sustainability, and regional growth.
Ryanair Boss Warns US Could Retaliate Over Dublin Night Flight Cap
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has criticised new restrictions on night flights at Dublin Airport, warning they could “enrage the White House” and risk U.S. retaliation. The planning regulator An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) recently ruled that the north runway can only operate between 6am and midnight, tightening previous limits. The ruling also imposed an annual noise quota and capped aircraft movements at 35,672 per year. O’Leary argued the move could jeopardise Aer Lingus’s U.S. access, describing the decision as a threat to Ireland’s transatlantic connectivity and economic interests.
Tweet Picks
@airwaysmagazine KLM states that an increased flight tax could push Dutch travelers to airports in other countries.
@businessposthq A missed opportunity? Ryanair’s €400m engine hub won’t be built in Shannon — and O’Leary says Irish government interest just wasn’t there.
@etihad August traffic is in: 2M passengers (+22% YoY) with a 91% load factor. 14.2M passengers YTD (+18%) and counting. In the same month, we introduced the Etihad A321LR, featuring the world’s only single-aisle First Suites.
@FutureFlightAIN Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has acquired an electric aircraft charger from Beta Technologies, marking the company’s first charger sale in Canada.
Video Picks
Legislation to Remove Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Expected Soon
This update covers the Irish government’s move to lift the controversial passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The legislation, expected in the near future, would allow the airport to accommodate growing demand and support Ireland’s connectivity goals. The video outlines the political debates, community concerns, and economic stakes tied to the cap, offering insight into how the decision could reshape Dublin’s role as a major European hub.
Michael O’Leary: Dublin Airport Cap Could Enrage the White House
In this interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary voices sharp criticism of the new restrictions on night flights at Dublin Airport. He warns that the decision could have international repercussions, even straining Ireland’s aviation ties with the United States. The video highlights O’Leary’s trademark blunt commentary on regulatory limits, their impact on Irish carriers, and the potential diplomatic fallout if the cap is not reconsidered.
New Direct Flight to Dublin Spurs RDU Expansion Plans
This report covers Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s announcement of a new direct flight to Dublin, coinciding with Aer Lingus’s biggest-ever transatlantic schedule for 2026. The video also explores RDU’s broader infrastructure ambitions, including a planned runway extension and highway expansion, aimed at accommodating rising demand and strengthening its position as a major U.S. gateway.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects the dual momentum shaping global and Irish aviation: sustained fleet modernisation alongside intensifying regulatory and geopolitical pressures. From next-generation aircraft deliveries to shifting traffic flows and infrastructure planning, airlines and airports are navigating a landscape defined by both growth and constraint. For Ireland, the balance between connectivity, community impact, and strategic investment remains critical. Globally, carriers are demonstrating resilience by adapting fleets, finances, and partnerships to a changing market. The long-term trajectory remains one of expansion, but execution will hinge on aligning operational efficiency with evolving regulatory and passenger expectations.
