23 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 23rd June 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:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: Recent developments highlight continued fleet expansion across Chinese carriers, with multiple new aircraft deliveries taking place in May 2025. Notably, Chinese airlines are actively introducing new-generation widebody and narrowbody aircraft to support growing regional and international demand.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: The Indian aviation market remains buoyant with domestic airlines announcing new route launches and expanding their fleet capacity. The latest updates also reflect increased regulatory activity and infrastructure enhancements aimed at supporting long-term growth.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: The leasing sector saw multiple delivery transactions and portfolio adjustments in May 2025. Lessors continue to capitalise on strong demand for modern narrowbody aircraft while also securing long-term lease agreements with airline partners across key global markets.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Aircraft movement activity remained strong, with notable deliveries, ferry flights, and maintenance visits recorded for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. These transitions reflect ongoing fleet renewal and optimisation strategies by multiple operators and asset managers.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: May 2025 saw a steady stream of new aircraft deliveries and portfolio acquisitions in North America. Leasing activity remains active, particularly with narrowbody types, while airlines continue to position assets to meet summer travel demand and long-term fleet growth objectives.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Emerald Airlines Adds 20th ATR72-600
Emerald Airlines, the exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services, has reached a new fleet milestone with the delivery of its 20th ATR72-600 turboprop. The aircraft, registered EI-HPJ (ATR72-212A (600), msn 1181), was delivered on 6 June 2025, arriving in Dublin from Toulouse-Francazal. Previously registered as M-CTRE, the aircraft was sourced from ACIA Aero Capital.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery of Emerald’s 20th ATR72-600 completes its 2025 fleet growth plan, further reinforcing its capacity to serve key regional routes. Acumen continues to track turboprop acquisitions closely, as demand for efficient regional connectivity drives sustained interest in ATR platforms.
Ryanair 737 MAX Deliveries To Resume Post-Summer Season
Ryanair is set to resume deliveries of its Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft after the busy summer 2025 travel season. The group expects to take delivery of the remaining 29 aircraft from its total order of 210 between September and November.
Acumen’s Take
The resumption of MAX 8-200 deliveries reflects Ryanair’s continued fleet modernisation strategy aimed at boosting efficiency and capacity. Acumen monitors these deliveries closely as they impact fleet utilisation, route expansion, and lessor portfolio dynamics across the narrowbody sector.
Two Former Irish Norwegian 737 MAX's Join SunExpress
SunExpress has expanded its fleet with two Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft formerly operated by Irish carrier Norwegian Air International. Registered as TC-SMV and TC-SMZ, both aircraft were delivered on 13 May 2025 and are configured in a 189-seat layout. The aircraft are leased from Dubai-based DAE Capital.
Acumen’s Take
The transition of these 737 MAX units highlights ongoing fleet repositioning activity across lessor portfolios. Acumen actively tracks such secondary market movements, which influence asset valuations, lease placements, and long-term demand for narrowbody aircraft in growth leisure markets like Turkey.
Aircraft Update
A6-FQH Boeing 737-8 Delivered to FlyDubai
Boeing 737-8 (c/n 60991), registered as A6-FQH, was delivered to FlyDubai following its ferry flight from Boeing Field via Shannon to Dubai between 13 and 15 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
This latest delivery supports FlyDubai’s ongoing narrowbody fleet expansion. Acumen continues to monitor narrowbody delivery flows, which remain strong indicators of regional carrier growth, particularly in fast-recovering Middle Eastern markets.
EI-GUA Boeing 737-490(F) Ferried to Mojave
Boeing 737-490(F) (c/n 28888), registered as EI-GUA and operated by Poste Air Cargo, was ferried to Mojave on 12 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The ferry of EI-GUA to Mojave may indicate storage, maintenance, or potential end-of-life planning for the aircraft. Acumen tracks these movements closely as part of secondary market analysis and asset transition support for freighter fleets.
Global Aviation News
Airbus Global Market Forecast 2025 Highlights Demand for 43,400 New Aircraft
Airbus has released its 2025 Global Market Forecast, projecting long-term annual passenger traffic growth of 3.6%. This growth will be driven by global GDP expansion (2.5%), rising urban populations (1.2 billion), and an increase of 1.5 billion in the global middle class. Over the next 20 years, approximately 43,400 new passenger and freighter aircraft deliveries are forecasted. Of these, 34,250 will be single-aisle aircraft and 9,170 will be widebodies, with 44% (18,930 aircraft) replacing older, less fuel-efficient models.
Acumen’s Take
Airbus’ updated forecast underlines the continued strength of long-term demand, particularly in narrowbody segments. Fleet renewal will remain a key driver, especially as operators prioritise fuel efficiency and environmental targets. Acumen actively supports clients in navigating these trends with fleet strategy, asset valuation, and portfolio management services.
American Airlines Introduces European-Inspired Business Class Menus
American Airlines has launched new European-inspired main courses in its business class service, beginning this summer. The updated menu coincides with the airline’s seasonal routes to key European destinations such as Venice, Naples, Edinburgh, Paris, Nice, and Rome. The refreshed dining experience features dishes inspired by Ireland, France, England, Italy, and Germany, offering business class passengers a wider culinary variety on transatlantic flights.
Acumen’s Take
American Airlines’ focus on enhancing premium passenger experience reflects broader industry trends where service differentiation is becoming critical in competitive transatlantic markets. As long-haul demand strengthens, particularly in premium cabins, such service upgrades can drive loyalty and yield optimisation for full-service carriers.
ANA Holdings Finalises Order for 27 Airbus A321neo and A321XLR Aircraft
ANA Holdings (ANAHD) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 27 single-aisle aircraft, comprising 24 A321neo and 3 A321XLR models. The agreement was officially announced at the Paris Air Show 2025 during a signing ceremony attended by Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANAHD, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales at Airbus.
Acumen’s Take
This significant order reinforces Airbus' position in the single-aisle segment, with ANA strategically aligning its fleet for regional and long-range narrowbody operations. The A321XLR’s extended range will allow ANA to efficiently serve thinner international routes, while the A321neo continues to support domestic and regional network optimisation with fuel-efficient operations.
ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada Collaborate on Propulsion Technology to Advance Next-generation Regional Turboprops
At the Paris Airshow 2025, ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a new collaboration focused on developing advanced propulsion technologies for future regional turboprop aircraft. The partnership aims to build on the current success of ATR’s PW127XT-powered aircraft and explore innovations for ATR’s ‘EVO’ concept, targeting significant reductions in emissions and improved performance. Pratt & Whitney Canada operates as part of RTX.
Acumen’s Take
This collaboration reflects a growing industry push towards greener, more efficient regional aviation solutions. By combining ATR’s airframe expertise with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s propulsion advancements, the partnership positions both companies to lead the next phase of low-emission turboprop development. It underscores increasing demand for sustainable technologies that meet evolving regulatory and environmental expectations in regional markets.
AviLease Orders Airbus A350F Freighters and A320neo Family Aircraft
At the 2025 Paris Airshow, Saudi Arabia-based aircraft lessor AviLease announced an initial firm order for 10 Airbus A350F freighters and 30 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement also includes provisions to potentially increase the total order to 22 A350Fs and 55 A320neo Family aircraft in the future, underscoring AviLease’s ambition to strengthen its global leasing portfolio.
Acumen’s Take
AviLease’s commitment highlights robust demand for both next-generation narrowbodies and new-generation freighters. The A350F’s strong market momentum reflects continued confidence in widebody freighter replacement cycles, while A320neo orders signal ongoing narrowbody leasing demand. This dual strategy reinforces AviLease’s positioning in key growth segments across passenger and cargo markets.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap, Avolon Push For Tariff-Free Aircraft Trading
At the Paris Air Show, AerCap and Avolon voiced growing concerns over the potential impact of new tariffs on the global aircraft trading market. AerCap CFO Peter Juhas warned that these trade barriers could lead to a bifurcated market, with Boeing strengthening its position in the U.S. and Airbus in Europe. Juhas emphasised that reduced competition and rising aircraft prices are likely consequences, adding that the rapid emergence of these issues has created significant uncertainty for lessors.
Acumen’s Take
The prospect of tariff-induced fragmentation threatens the efficiency of the global leasing ecosystem, which relies on open cross-border trading. For Irish lessors, continued regulatory clarity and tariff-free market access remain vital to sustaining portfolio flexibility, secondary market liquidity, and long-term fleet optimisation strategies.
Air Ambulance Runway Run at Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport hosted the annual Air Ambulance Northern Ireland 5K Runway Run, drawing over 500 participants for the late-night charity event. Held at 11pm and supported by Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, the fundraiser has successfully raised more than £40,000 to help sustain the critical work of the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland service.
Acumen’s Take
Community engagement events like the Runway Run highlight the important role airports play beyond commercial aviation. Initiatives supporting air ambulance operations reflect aviation’s wider contribution to regional healthcare infrastructure, public safety, and emergency response capabilities.
BA CEO Sean Doyle unveils how AI is transforming operations and enhancing the passenger journey
British Airways CEO Sean Doyle highlighted at the Future Travel Experience World Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh how AI-driven technologies are playing a central role in the airline’s £7 billion transformation programme. Innovations in forecasting, optimisation, and machine learning have significantly improved British Airways’ operational performance, helping to ensure smoother travel experiences and minimising delays for passengers.
Acumen’s Take
The integration of AI into core operational processes reflects the growing digital maturity across leading carriers. As airlines increasingly leverage predictive analytics to optimise schedules and manage disruptions, such advancements contribute to improved asset utilisation, higher customer satisfaction, and stronger financial resilience—key elements for long-term competitiveness in a volatile industry.
Daa to Provide National Advertising Platform, at Dublin Airport, for Fingal SMEs
Dublin Airport operator daa has launched a new advertising initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Fingal. The programme will provide local businesses with access to national-level exposure through advertising platforms at Dublin Airport, reinforcing daa’s ongoing commitment to supporting the regional economy and fostering community partnerships in North County Dublin.
Acumen’s Take
Community-focused initiatives such as this not only strengthen the airport’s social licence but also deepen ties with local stakeholders. For Dublin Airport, enhancing engagement with regional SMEs may help build goodwill while contributing to the broader economic ecosystem that supports aviation and tourism growth in Ireland.
Ryanair Awarded by Seville Chamber of Commerce for Services to Tourism in Andalusia
Ryanair has received the ‘Commitment to Seville’ award from the Seville Chamber of Commerce, recognising its contribution to tourism and economic growth in Seville and the broader Andalusia region. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Cartuja Center Cite Theater, acknowledging Ryanair’s role in enhancing the city’s connectivity and supporting its tourism sector.
Acumen’s Take
This recognition highlights Ryanair’s strategic importance in regional tourism development. Awards such as these strengthen the airline’s brand presence and underscore the economic value of its extensive route network, especially as competition for leisure travel markets intensifies across Europe.
Tweet Picks
@AirFranceKLM At the Paris Air Forum, our CEO Ben Smith called for measures to restore a level playing field in aviation. "We want to maintain a competitive position. There is no mechanism today in Europe to make sure the same rules apply to everyone. And that's a concern".
@Airbus International airline @RiyadhAir has ordered 25 #A350-1000 aircraft!. Set to become the 1st airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the #LongRangeLeader, these latest-generation aircraft will bring unrivaled efficiency, range and a true premium flagship #AirspaceCabin experience. #PAS25.
@AviationWeek @Airbus has lowered its industry-wide aircraft delivery growth rate forecast over the next two decades as it adjusts its market expectations to new trade and political realities.
@AviationWeek @Airbus this year plans to start an effort that could lead to certification of the A220-300 to carry 160 passengers, up from the currently approved 149, says Airbus program chief engineer Jean-Francois Parent.
Video Picks
Emirates President on Tariff Impact, Supply Chains, Boeing
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark discusses the current state of global supply chains, the ongoing challenges surrounding Boeing deliveries, and the broader implications of new trade tariffs on the aviation sector. In his remarks, Clark emphasises the importance of stable supplier relationships and highlights concerns that escalating trade tensions could impact aircraft pricing and delivery schedules.
Acumen’s Take
Sir Tim’s comments reflect the growing complexity faced by airlines navigating global supply chain disruptions and trade policy shifts. For lessors and asset managers, such volatility underscores the importance of careful fleet planning, diversified supplier relationships, and active portfolio risk assessment in a highly interconnected aircraft manufacturing ecosystem.
Fireside Chat with Oman Air at FTE Dublin 2025
During the Fireside Chat at FTE Dublin 2025, Oman Air executives outlined the airline’s current priorities, including network development, digital transformation, and enhancing customer experience. The conversation touched on Oman Air’s role in connecting emerging markets, plans to modernise its fleet, and efforts to adopt cutting-edge technologies to improve operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Acumen’s Take
Oman Air’s strategic focus on network expansion and digital innovation reflects broader trends across the Middle East aviation sector. As airlines in the region invest heavily in next-generation technologies and fleet upgrades, asset managers and lessors must stay aligned with evolving regional growth drivers, particularly in narrowbody and widebody fleet segments.
Interview with Sean Doyle, Chairman & CEO, British Airways
In this interview, Sean Doyle, Chairman & CEO of British Airways, discusses the airline’s current priorities and outlook. Doyle highlights British Airways’ continued focus on operational efficiency, customer service improvements, and technology adoption. He underscores the airline’s commitment to investing in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives to enhance both passenger experience and environmental performance. The conversation also touches on industry-wide challenges, including geopolitical tensions and evolving market dynamics.
Acumen’s Take
British Airways’ strategic emphasis on digitalisation and sustainability aligns with broader industry shifts towards data-driven decision-making and environmental responsibility. Acumen closely monitors these trends as they influence fleet planning, asset management, and long-term airline performance across global networks.
