24 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 24th April 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: CALC secures a landmark US$700M warehouse facility with global bank support, Cathay Pacific announces full-fleet IFE and Wi-Fi by August, and CDB Aviation delivers two E190s to French regional carrier Amelia.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter - India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air Kerala opens its Kochi HQ ahead of its June launch, Akasa Air enters Bihar with Darbhanga flights, and IndiGo expands its UAE network with daily services to Fujairah from Mumbai and Kannur.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: AFG acquires an A320 from Cebu Pacific, Avolon reports strong Q1 growth with a 1,096-aircraft portfolio, and DP Aircraft I leases two 787-8s to LOT as it transitions away from Thai Airways leases.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter - Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Deliveries to Air Astana, JetTime, Red Sea Airlines, and others underscore narrowbody demand, while ASL Airlines and Texel Air expand freighter operations with Boeing 737 conversions.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update - North American Aviation Newsletter: HALO AirFinance closes a mezzanine loan backed by a 747-8F, Vietnam Airlines secures US$560M from Citibank, and Vietjet signs a US$300M deal with AV AirFinance to support its historic Boeing order.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-april-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
CityJet Retires CRJ900 EI-FPD from Active Service
CityJet has officially withdrawn CRJ900 EI-FPD from service, marking the end of its operational lifecycle with the Dublin-based regional carrier. The aircraft had been a key part of CityJet’s fleet supporting ACMI operations across Europe.
Acumen’s Take
The retirement signals CityJet’s ongoing fleet streamlining and potential reorientation toward larger or more efficient regional types. It also reflects the broader shift in Europe’s regional market toward leaner, more fuel-efficient operations.
Ethiopian Airlines Operates 737 MAX to Dublin
Ethiopian Airlines has operated a Boeing 737 MAX into Dublin, signalling continued integration of the type into its European operations. The visit aligns with growing connectivity between Africa and Ireland, with Dublin increasingly positioned as a northern European hub for African carriers.
Acumen’s Take
Dublin’s utility as a technical and operational stop continues to expand. Ethiopian’s use of the MAX in European rotations also reinforces the aircraft’s growing reliability and appeal post-grounding.
United Airlines Launches Major Expansion in Dublin
United Airlines has announced a significant increase in service to and from Dublin, adding capacity and frequency across multiple U.S. gateways. The expansion reflects robust demand and Dublin’s key role in the transatlantic network.
Acumen’s Take
United’s move strengthens Dublin’s position as a transatlantic stronghold. For lessors and network planners, this signals enduring demand for widebodies and high-frequency services connecting Ireland and the U.S.
Aircraft Update
Hunnu Air Accepts Embraer 190-E2 via São José and Las Palmas
EI-HUN, an Embraer 190-E2 (c/n 19020171), was delivered to Hunnu Air with routing through São José, Recife, and Las Palmas on 16–17 April 2025. The aircraft represents the latest step in the Mongolian carrier’s fleet modernisation strategy.
Acumen’s Take
The E2 platform continues to gain traction in emerging regional markets like Mongolia. Deliveries routed through Latin America and Europe reflect the global fluidity of aircraft transition and the growing reach of E2 operators.
Buzz Adds 737-8200 in Ryanair Livery to Dublin-Based Fleet
SP-RZV, a Boeing 737-8200 (c/n 62385), was delivered to Buzz from Boeing Field to Dublin on 5th April. The aircraft wears Ryanair colours and is the group’s 177th Gamechanger MAX.
Acumen’s Take
Buzz continues to absorb 737-8200s as part of Ryanair Group’s summer build-up. The aircraft’s high seating density and fuel efficiency remain essential to sustaining the group’s ultra-low-cost operating model.
Global Aviation News
Azul Chooses RECARO Seats for New A330 Fleet
Azul has extended its partnership with RECARO Aircraft Seating to equip its upcoming Airbus A330s with premium economy and economy class seats. The collaboration aims to elevate passenger comfort and support Azul’s expanding long-haul services.
Acumen’s Take
Cabin customisation is increasingly central to airline branding. RECARO’s continued collaboration with Azul reflects a wider industry push for durable, lightweight, and passenger-friendly interiors on next-gen widebody fleets.
BBN Airlines Indonesia Signs ACMI Deal with US-Bangla Airlines
BBN Airlines Indonesia has entered an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance & Insurance) partnership with US-Bangla Airlines. The agreement will allow BBN to support regional operations with narrowbody aircraft leased under ACMI terms.
Acumen’s Take
This deal highlights growing ACMI demand in South and Southeast Asia, particularly from carriers seeking flexible capacity. For lessors and operators, regional ACMI partnerships present an efficient route to market expansion without the capital burden of direct fleet growth.
Boeing Reports Strong Q1 2025 Delivery Figures
Boeing recorded a strong first quarter in 2025, delivering more aircraft than in the same period last year. Growth was primarily led by increased output of the 737 MAX and steady performance across the 787 and 777 programmes.
Acumen’s Take
Boeing’s Q1 recovery signals progress in resolving past production issues. For customers and lessors, improved delivery cadence enhances planning confidence, especially as demand for narrowbodies continues to surge globally.
Condor Expands Winter 2025/26 Programme
German leisure carrier Condor has announced increased frequencies to Dubai and new long-haul routes for Winter 2025/26. The expansion reflects strong advance bookings and evolving holiday travel patterns.
Acumen’s Take
Condor’s growth underlines the strength of structured leisure travel even in off-peak seasons. For aircraft deployment, long-haul winter demand offers valuable fleet utilisation beyond the summer high.
Etihad to Launch Peshawar Route in September
Etihad Airways is set to begin service to Peshawar, Pakistan this September, expanding its South Asian footprint. The route will be operated from Abu Dhabi with narrowbody equipment.
Acumen’s Take
Peshawar is a high-density, diaspora-driven market. Etihad’s entry adds strategic value by connecting secondary cities in South Asia to its growing global hub, boosting transit flows and network diversification.
Istanbul Airport Achieves First Triple-Runway Independent Takeoff in Europe
Istanbul Airport has successfully conducted Europe’s first triple-runway independent takeoff operation. This milestone enhances capacity, efficiency, and airspace management at one of the continent’s busiest hubs.
Acumen’s Take
Istanbul’s triple-runway operations set a new benchmark for European hubs. It positions the airport as a critical transit node between East and West, with increased appeal for long-haul operators and connecting traffic.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Launches Humorous ‘Irish Exit’ Campaign in Nashville
To celebrate its new Dublin–Nashville route, Aer Lingus rolled out a witty ad campaign in Music City, playing on the phrase “Irish Exit” to spark interest among U.S. travellers. The campaign blends humour with heritage to boost transatlantic brand visibility.
Acumen’s Take
Creative marketing like this drives awareness in emerging U.S. markets and adds personality to brand-building. It also supports long-term route performance by tying destination promotion to cultural identity.
Belfast City Airport Reports Rise in Traffic and Turnover
George Best Belfast City Airport has seen an increase in both passenger numbers and revenue, with growth attributed to expanded domestic services and improved customer experience initiatives.
Acumen’s Take
Belfast City’s steady growth affirms its role as Northern Ireland’s key urban gateway. For regional carriers and short-haul lessors, this signals stable demand and growing relevance in UK–Ireland connectivity.
Future Analytics Submits Feedback on Dublin Airport LAP
Future Analytics has submitted observations to Fingal County Council on the Draft Dublin Airport Local Area Plan (LAP), emphasising sustainable development, airside infrastructure, and alignment with national transport goals.
Acumen’s Take
LAP feedback processes shape the next phase of Dublin’s expansion. Stakeholder alignment is critical as slot constraints and infrastructure needs increase with rising passenger volumes.
Nashville Route a Hit with Monaghan Travellers
The new direct Aer Lingus flight to Nashville is proving popular with holidaymakers from Monaghan, with local travel agents reporting strong uptake for southern U.S. itineraries.
Acumen’s Take
Transatlantic route success is amplified when demand filters through regional Ireland. Strong uptake supports the case for broader outbound market engagement beyond the capital.
NAC Sells Two ATR72-600s to AviaAM Leasing
Danish lessor NAC has completed the sale of two ATR72-600 turboprops to AviaAM Leasing. The aircraft are expected to be placed with regional operators in high-frequency, short-haul environments.
Acumen’s Take
This sale highlights continued investor appetite for turboprops. With regional markets recovering, ATR72-600s remain a preferred asset class for their flexibility and cost efficiency.
Ryanair Criticises Berlin’s Night Flight Ban as ‘Counterproductive’
Ryanair has voiced frustration with Berlin’s rigid night-time operating restrictions, claiming they hinder network growth and limit low-fare expansion at key German bases.
Acumen’s Take
Airport curfews remain a thorn in LCC strategy, particularly for overnight aircraft utilisation. Regulatory friction like this impacts slot efficiency, base economics, and broader EU airport competitiveness.
Tweet Picks
@aaibplairport Historic Moment for Bhopal Airport! On 25.03.2025 the trial operations of the Indian Air Force Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, to be used for VVIP movements was successfully conducted at Bhopal Airport, making it the first airport in Madhya Pradesh to host the B-777 300 ER aircraft.
@ari_maj Airports tell govt: Protectionism will benefit none; liberalise international flying rights #aviation.
@CNBCTV18News .@IndiGo6E CEO Pieter Elbers says that the airline is aiming to take its international capacity up to 40%. He tells @ShereenBhan #IndiGo is leasing aircraft because the 30 wide-body aircraft it ordered will start arriving only in 2027.
@DarranMarshall The Stormont Executive will cover the multi-million-pound annual running costs of City of Derry Airport for the next four years, the economy minister has announced.
Video Picks
Michael O’Leary Suggests Flightradar24 Could Replace ATC
In a provocative interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary claimed Flightradar24 could perform most Air Traffic Control functions—“and for free.” He criticised inefficiencies in traditional ATC systems across Europe.
Acumen’s Take
While hyperbolic, O’Leary’s remarks spotlight mounting frustration with ATC capacity and delays. His comments echo growing industry pressure for digital reform and decentralised solutions in airspace management.
Click&Go Survey Reveals Irish Holiday Trends on Morning Ireland
Click&Go’s latest survey, discussed on Morning Ireland, revealed high demand for Mediterranean travel, with Spain and Portugal leading bookings. Price sensitivity and value for money remain key factors for Irish consumers.
Acumen’s Take
These insights confirm strong outbound momentum from Ireland. For carriers and lessors, high-frequency leisure routes to southern Europe will continue to drive aircraft allocation decisions in the near term.
Dublin Hotel Tax Debate Sparks Tourism Concerns
In a discussion featuring Eoghan Corry and Janet Horner on The Pat Kenny Show, the potential introduction of a Dublin hotel tax was debated. Concerns were raised about pricing competitiveness and its impact on tourism.
Acumen’s Take
Any new tourism levies could affect inbound volumes, especially price-conscious segments. For airlines and airport stakeholders, visitor affordability is a key factor in maintaining high-load transatlantic and EU leisure routes.
