23 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 23rd 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:
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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-32Q8 Airbus A330-243(F) Delivered to JD Airlines
An Airbus A330-243 freighter, registered B-32Q8 (c/n 832), has been delivered to JD Airlines and arrived in Nantong on 7 January 2026. Previously registered as OE-LAL, the aircraft has transitioned into dedicated cargo service, adding incremental widebody freighter capacity as China’s express and e-commerce-driven air cargo demand remains robust.
OE-IKD Airbus A321-231 Registered to Mentes Ireland Leasing
An Airbus A321-231, registered OE-IKD (c/n 3075), was registered at Guangzhou on 8 January 2026 under Mentes Ireland Leasing. The aircraft was previously registered as B-6307 and reflects ongoing portfolio repositioning activity within the narrowbody leasing market.
Global Aviation News
Etihad Airways Posts Record Year with 22.4 Million Passengers in 2025
Etihad Airways recorded its strongest year on record in 2025, carrying 22.4 million passengers, a 21% increase compared with 2024, with a full-year load factor of 88.3%. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier also reported its busiest month ever in December, when 2.2 million passengers travelled on Etihad flights, up 28% year on year, maintaining high aircraft utilisation through the peak end-of-year travel period.
Faro Airport Breaks 10-Million Passenger Barrier for First Time
Faro’s Gago Coutinho Airport surpassed 10 million passengers in 2025 for the first time in its 60-year history, marking a major milestone for southern Portugal’s main aviation gateway. Passenger traffic rose 6% year-on-year, making 2025 the strongest year ever for the Algarve airport.
FedEx Expects MD-11 Return to Service in Spring
FedEx anticipates the lifting of restrictions on its MD-11 freighter fleet sometime in the spring, after a mandatory grounding during the peak shipping season resulted in an estimated $175 million in additional costs. The grounding of 28 aircraft, imposed in November following the discovery of structural fatigue cracks on an MD-11 involved in a UPS crash, reduced FedEx’s adjusted operating income by $25 million in the fiscal second quarter. Despite the disruption, FedEx reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results, supported by robust package volumes, improved yields, and ongoing cost savings from its multi year efficiency programme.
Gulfstream Aerospace G500 and G600 Receive EASA Steep-Approach Approval
Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 business jets have received steep-approach certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, expanding access to airports with challenging approach profiles across Europe. The approvals align with existing US authorisations, following FAA clearance for the G500 in October 2023 and the G600 in May 2024, and allow approved crews to operate into a wider range of constrained or noise-sensitive airports.
Hayways Expands Fleet with Additional 737 Classics
Hayways has expanded its freighter fleet to two Boeing 737-400Fs following the acquisition of a second aircraft, a 1993-built 737-400BDSF (msn 27131) purchased from World Star Aviation. The aircraft, formerly operated by ASL Airlines Belgium, arrived in Yerevan from Amman and is scheduled to enter service from 8 January, underscoring continued demand for 737 Classic freighters in regional cargo operations.
Kalitta Air Caps 2025 Growth with Seventh 777-300ERSF
Kalitta Air has completed its planned fleet expansion for 2025 with the delivery of its seventh Boeing 777-300ERSF. The 2007-built freighter (msn 33865), formerly operated by Emirates, arrived at Kalitta’s base in Oscoda, Michigan, after routing from Tel Aviv via Detroit following conversion by IAI. The aircraft remains unpainted and marks another step in Kalitta’s strategy to scale long-haul widebody freighter capacity to meet sustained global cargo demand.
Manchester Airports Group Welcomes Government Commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail
Manchester Airports Group has welcomed the UK Government’s confirmation that a new Manchester Airport station will be delivered as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail. The high-speed rail link is intended to place the airport at the centre of the North’s growth strategy, improving regional connectivity and amplifying the economic impact of the airport’s two-runway operation. MAG said the commitment complements its £1.3 billion Transformation Programme, due to conclude this year, and will support long-term gains in jobs, trade, investment, and tourism across the North of England.
Air Mauritius Return to Heathrow Delayed Until April 2027 by Slot Constraints
Air Mauritius will not resume services to London Heathrow Airport before April 2027 due to binding slot lease agreements. The airline’s three historic slot pairs at Heathrow are currently leased to Qatar Airways, generating annual revenues of USD 881,000. Since shifting operations to London Gatwick in late 2023, the route has recorded significant losses, with cumulative deficits projected to approach MUR 2.6 billion by March 2025. The carrier said that despite government direction to explore an earlier return to Heathrow, contractual obligations prevent any move before the slot lease expires next year.
United Airlines Introduces Pre-Order Fresh Meals for United Economy
United Airlines has launched a pre-order option for fresh United Economy meals, allowing customers to select items such as burgers and sandwiches in advance via the airline’s website and mobile app. The service applies to flights over 1,190 miles within the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and from 1 March will become the only way to purchase fresh hot entrées in the Economy cabin. United said the move is designed to give customers more choice, improve catering efficiency, and reduce food waste, while snack boxes, packaged snacks, and beverages will continue to be available for onboard purchase.
Vueling Targets 60 Million Passengers with €5 Billion Investment
Vueling has outlined plans to carry 60 million passengers by 2035, supported by a €5 billion investment programme, with around half earmarked for Barcelona–El Prat Airport, its primary base. The investment will focus largely on fleet renewal, including a transition to aircraft from Boeing, while maintaining Barcelona as the airline’s core hub. Currently carrying around 40 million passengers annually, Vueling holds a 40% market share at El Prat and operates more than 100 routes across 30 countries. Part of International Airlines Group since 2013, the airline aims to scale growth while strengthening domestic Spanish connectivity and its wider European network.
Irish Aviation News
Ryanair Rules Out Starlink Connectivity
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has ruled out installing Starlink onboard the airline’s fleet, citing fuel burn penalties from antenna drag and the limited value on short-haul sectors. The stance contrasts with moves by Lufthansa, which has announced a Starlink rollout, and SAS, which selected the system last year, arguing lower aerodynamic drag versus alternatives. Ryanair’s position underscores its continued focus on cost discipline and sector-length economics over inflight connectivity enhancements.
Caoimhe Archibald Promotes Northern Ireland Tourism in Shanghai
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has joined Tourism Ireland in Shanghai to promote Northern Ireland to Chinese travel trade and media at a business luncheon event. Addressing industry stakeholders, the Minister outlined her department’s ambition to build a sustainable, internationally competitive tourism sector, highlighting China as a key growth market within Northern Ireland’s long-term tourism strategy.
Passenger Numbers from Northern Ireland Using Dublin Airport Triple Over 25 Years
The number of passengers from Northern Ireland using Dublin Airport has tripled over the past 25 years, reflecting a sustained shift in travel patterns across the island. Improved road connectivity, a broader route network, and greater long-haul and low-cost options at Dublin have continued to draw travellers south of the border. The trend underlines Dublin Airport’s growing role as the primary international gateway for a significant portion of Northern Ireland’s outbound air traffic.
Petition Launched to Reopen Galway Carnmore Airport
A petition has been launched on Change.org calling for the reopening of Galway Carnmore Airport, highlighting its value to the local community and the wider general aviation sector. The airport has remained effectively closed since scheduled services ended in October 2011, following Aer Arann’s withdrawal and the loss of public subsidies, with the aerodrome licence returned in 2013. While the site has since seen limited GA use, temporary business jet activity, and alternative uses including COVID testing and concerts, campaigners argue the asset could once again support regional connectivity and aviation activity.
Record Passenger Numbers Confirm Ireland West Airport as Ireland’s Fastest-Growing Airport
Ireland West Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, handling 946,381 passengers, a 13.5% increase on 2024 and the highest annual total in its history. Growth was driven by strong UK and European demand, with UK traffic rising 10% to 732,501 passengers and mainland European services increasing 28% year on year. Ryanair and Aer Lingus both reported their busiest-ever years at the airport, underlining Ireland West’s expanding role in regional and international connectivity.
The Sky’s the Limit for Peter Barrett at SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett has outlined a confident outlook for the aircraft leasing sector as the company prepares for a major structural shift following its landmark agreement with Sumitomo Corporation, Apollo and Brookfield to acquire Air Lease Corporation. The transaction, expected to complete in the first half of 2026, will see the creation of Sumisho Air Lease Corporation (Ireland) DAC, with SMBC Aviation Capital acting as servicer to the portfolio and absorbing the order book. Barrett highlighted the scale of opportunity this brings, positioning the group to deepen its role in global fleet management while navigating the next phase of growth in commercial aviation leasing.
Titan’s Eamonn Forbes Joins Cargo Facts LATAM 2026
Eamonn Forbes, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President at Titan Aviation Leasing, will take part in Cargo Facts LATAM 2026, joining the panel discussion “Latin America’s evolving leasing and investment market” on 12 February at 11:15 (GMT-6). The fourth annual conference will be held from 10–12 February at the Marquis Reforma in Mexico City, bringing together senior executives and decision-makers to examine market trends and developments shaping the Latin American air cargo sector. Forbes, who joined Titan as CCO in 2021, brings nearly two decades of experience across aviation leasing, legal, and finance roles, including senior positions at FPG Amentum, Goshawk, and SMBC Aviation Capital.
Tourism Ireland Targets Visitor Growth with New Trip.com Group Agreement
Tourism Ireland has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Trip.com Group aimed at increasing the island of Ireland’s share of international visitors, strengthening reach across key long-haul markets, particularly Asia. The agreement was formalised on 7 January at Trip.com Group’s global headquarters in Shanghai during a visit by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, underscoring the strategic importance of China and wider outbound markets to Ireland’s tourism growth plans. The partnership is expected to leverage Trip.com Group’s global platforms, data capabilities, and marketing reach to drive demand, improve destination visibility, and support sustainable inbound tourism growth.
Tweet Picks
@emirates We’re introducing Premium Economy to more destinations across our network and deploying additional daily flights to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town with our next-gen A350s
@eoghancorry Annual 2025 passengers numbers for #Ryanair 206.5m, load factor 94pc, growth4.5pc is lowest since 2013 largely because of Boeing aircraft delivery delays.
@eoghancorry A record 946,381 passengers passed through #Knock @Irelandwest airport in 2025, up 13.4 on 2024 and 17.5pc on pre-pandemic.
@eoghancorry Passenger numbers #Kerry airport 2025 were 440,367, up 5,5pc on 2024 and 19.1pc on pre-pandemic, also ahead of the previous busiest year back in 2008 when it handled 423,291 passengers.
Video Picks
Aviation Leaders Series with Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon
In this episode of the Aviation Leaders series, Avolon CEO Andy Cronin discusses the state of the aircraft leasing market, touching on demand fundamentals, OEM delivery constraints, and how lessors are positioning portfolios for the next phase of the cycle. The conversation offers insight into capital discipline, fleet strategy, and why scale, long-term airline relationships, and balance-sheet strength remain critical as the industry navigates supply-side pressure and sustained aircraft demand.
Canadian Airlines Pulling Back from the U.S.
This video examines why Canadian carriers are scaling back capacity on U.S. routes, pointing to softer demand, yield pressure, and shifting network priorities. It highlights how airlines are reassessing cross-border exposure in favour of more resilient domestic and leisure markets, reflecting a broader trend of disciplined capacity deployment amid cost pressures and uncertain demand signals.
Emirates Celebrates 15 Years in Ireland
This video looks back at Emirates’ 15-year presence in the Irish market, tracing the airline’s growth from its initial Dublin launch to its current role as a key long-haul connector via Dubai. It highlights the expansion of capacity, the introduction of newer widebody aircraft, and the development of passenger and cargo flows that underline Ireland’s increasing strategic importance within Emirates’ global network.
Acumen’s Take
This week reinforces a familiar theme: demand is strong, but constraints are doing the real shaping. Record passenger numbers sit alongside tight slots, fleet availability issues, and regulatory friction that continue to limit how quickly airlines can respond. Strategic choices are becoming sharper, with carriers prioritising cost discipline, utilisation, and network resilience over optional extras. For lessors and investors, flexibility in fleet placement and contract structure is increasingly where value is protected. The market is growing, but only those built to absorb disruption are truly scaling with it.
