24 Feb 2026

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 24th February 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

Aer Lingus Rebrands Airbus A330-200 Aircraft

Irish carrier Aer Lingus repainted two Airbus A330-200 aircraft at IAC Dublin Airport during January and February 2026 as part of its ongoing fleet refresh programme. EI-DAA (A330-202, c/n 0397) entered the paint hangar on 5 January and returned to service on 21 January, operating Dublin–San Francisco (EIN61/60), while EI-DUO (A330-202, c/n 0841) was repainted from 19 January and resumed operations on 2 February, serving the Dublin–Los Angeles route (EIN68/69), reinforcing the airline’s long-haul brand presence across key North American sectors.

 

Loganair Announces New Jersey–Dublin Route

Loganair has confirmed the launch of a new direct service between Jersey and Dublin as part of a wider expansion that includes Norwich, East Midlands and Paris. The Jersey–Dublin route will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays from 2 June to 23 October 2026, utilising a 72-seat ATR72-600. The addition strengthens regional connectivity between Ireland and the Channel Islands, supporting both business and leisure demand during the peak summer season while enhancing Dublin’s position as a key regional gateway.

 

Turkish Cargo Adds Second Dublin Service

Turkish Cargo, a subsidiary of the Turkish Airlines Group, has expanded its Dublin operations to twice weekly from 3 February 2026, deploying the Airbus A330-200F on the route. The carrier initially introduced a weekly Dublin service on 18 November 2025, and the additional frequency significantly enhances cargo uplift capacity. The expanded schedule supports high-demand segments including pharmaceuticals, technology, e-commerce, perishables, express parcels and general cargo, with onward connectivity to key global markets across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Australia via its Istanbul hub.

 

Aircraft Update

OE-IHY Airbus A320-233 c/n 4741 Avolon Ferried to Shannon 12/02/26 ex N517VL.

OE-IHY Airbus A320-233 (c/n 4741) managed by Avolon was ferried to Shannon on 12 February 2026, previously registered as N517VL. The movement to Shannon indicates a transition phase for the aircraft, typically associated with lease return, maintenance inputs, storage, or preparation for onward placement within Avolon’s portfolio.

 

SU-NMN Airbus A321-231 c/n 5074 Nesma Airlines Delivered to Cairo 17/02/26.

SU-NMN Airbus A321-231 (c/n 5074) was delivered to Nesma Airlines in Cairo on 17 February 2026. The addition of the A321-231 strengthens the carrier’s narrowbody capacity, supporting network growth and operational efficiency across its regional and international routes.

 

Global Aviation News

Lufthansa Group Expands Strategic Partnership with Air India

The Lufthansa Group and Air India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen their cooperation and establish the framework for a future Joint Business Agreement. The agreement was signed by Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, and Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India. The proposed joint business will cover Lufthansa Group airlines alongside Air India and Air India Express, strengthening commercial collaboration, network coordination and connectivity between India and key European markets, while enhancing long-haul traffic flows across both carriers’ hubs.

 

Turkish Airlines Unveils 500th Aircraft with Special Employee Livery

Turkish Airlines has marked a major fleet milestone with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft, named TK Family, at a special launch event. Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the aircraft features a unique livery incorporating the names of 100,000 employees, symbolising the collective workforce behind the carrier’s global expansion. Founded in 1933 with just five aircraft, the airline now operates one of Europe’s youngest and most dynamic fleets, reinforcing its position as a leading network carrier connecting continents through its Istanbul hub.

 

United Airlines Selects GE Aerospace GEnx Engines for New 787s

GE Aerospace has announced that United Airlines has selected 300 GEnx engines to power its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, further strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two companies. The agreement also includes additional spare engines and will increase United’s 787 fleet to more than 200 aircraft powered by GEnx engines. The selection reinforces the GEnx’s position as a leading widebody engine platform, supporting fuel efficiency, range performance and long-haul network expansion for one of the world’s largest carriers.

 

Vietnam Airlines Announces US$8.1 Billion Order for 50 Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

Vietnam Airlines has unveiled a major fleet expansion plan with an agreement to purchase 50 Boeing 737-8 narrowbody aircraft in a deal valued at up to US$8.1 billion. The signing took place in Washington, D.C., in the presence of General Secretary To Lam and senior Vietnamese officials during an official visit to the United States. The order marks a significant step in the carrier’s narrowbody renewal and growth strategy, positioning the airline to enhance regional capacity, improve fuel efficiency and strengthen its competitive footprint across key Asian markets.

 

Vista Orders 40 Challenger 3500 Jets from Bombardier

Vista has announced a major fleet agreement with Bombardier, placing 40 firm orders for the Challenger 3500 business jet alongside 120 additional purchase options. Deliveries will commence in 2026 and be phased over the next decade, providing long-term fleet growth aligned with utilisation levels and regional demand. The order supports Vista’s expanding global member base and reinforces its strategy to scale premium private aviation capacity across its distinctive silver fleet with red-striped livery, as demand for high-end charter and subscription flying continues to strengthen.

 

Vueling to Resume Madrid–Barcelona Flights

Vueling is set to resume operations between Madrid and Barcelona, re-entering one of Spain’s busiest domestic corridors after stepping away from the route in 2025. The IAG-owned low-cost carrier’s return signals renewed confidence in point-to-point demand between the two major cities, as airlines continue to recalibrate network strategies in response to evolving passenger volumes and competitive dynamics within the Spanish domestic market.

 

Wizz Air CEO Highlights Ongoing Operational Challenges

Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has cautioned that supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability continue to impact the airline’s operations. The low-cost carrier is managing aircraft groundings linked to engine inspections, while the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East remain significant external pressures. As Wizz Air navigates a transitional phase within its fleet and network strategy, these factors continue to influence capacity planning, operational resilience and cost management across its European footprint.

 

Irish Aviation News

Avolon Reports 29% Rise in Net Income for 2025

Avolon confirmed net income of €546m for the full year 2025, representing a 29 per cent increase from the previous year excluding insurance settlements in 2024. Total revenue reached €2.77 billion with lease revenue at €2.54 billion and operating cashflow at a record €1.98 billion. The company ended the year with total available liquidity of €9.85 billion including unrestricted cash, undrawn debt facilities, and contracted aircraft sales.

 

Barbados Welcomes Aer Lingus’ New Direct Dublin–Barbados Service

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) UK & Ireland has welcomed the announcement that Aer Lingus will launch a new direct service between Dublin and Barbados, with seats going on sale from 12 February 2026. The new route strengthens long-haul connectivity from Ireland to the Caribbean, enhancing leisure travel options while supporting tourism flows between the two destinations. The addition further expands Aer Lingus’ transatlantic network and reinforces Dublin’s role as a growing long-haul gateway.

 

Belfast Airports Record 0.8% Passenger Decline in 2025

Passenger traffic across Belfast’s two airports totalled 8,906,578 in 2025, representing a 0.8 per cent decline compared to 2024 and 3.2 per cent below pre-pandemic levels. Despite the marginal contraction, the combined figure accounted for 16.9 per cent of all air passenger traffic to and from the island, underlining Belfast’s continued importance within the broader Irish aviation market.

 

CDB Aviation Sells Two Airbus A321-200s to Finnair

Dublin-based CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (CDB Leasing), has announced the sale of two Airbus A321-200 aircraft to Finnair. CDB Aviation has built a strong partnership with the Finnair team, aiding their long-term fleet strategy since the execution of the lease agreements for these two narrowbody aircraft in 2017.

 

Crestone Air Partners Completes PDP Financing and LEAP-1B Sale-Leaseback with Arajet

Crestone Air Partners has completed pre-delivery payment (PDP) financing and a subsequent sale-leaseback transaction for four CFM LEAP-1B engines with Arajet. The deal marks Crestone’s first PDP financing and its first investment in next-generation engine assets, expanding the platform’s capabilities across the aircraft lifecycle. The transaction supports Arajet’s fleet growth and engine programme requirements, while providing Crestone with long-term contracted cash flow and deeper exposure to modern, fuel-efficient propulsion assets.

 

daa Welcomes Removal of Passenger Cap at Dublin Airport

daa has welcomed the Government’s decision to remove the long-standing passenger cap at Dublin Airport, describing the move as a decisive step towards safeguarding Ireland’s connectivity and economic competitiveness. The lifting of the restriction aligns with daa’s €2 billion infrastructure investment plan aimed at future-proofing the airport and supporting sustainable growth.

 

Ireland Visits to Portugal Rise 2% in 2025

Portugal recorded 564,400 visits from Ireland in 2025, representing a 2 per cent year-on-year increase, according to official tourism data. The figures form part of a broader steady performance for Portugal’s tourism sector, which closed the year with modest growth in visitor numbers and overnight stays despite a general slowdown compared to previous peak expansion years. The continued uplift in Irish travel underlines the strength of air connectivity between the two markets and sustained leisure demand across key Portuguese destinations.

 

Ryanair Adds 11th Based Aircraft in Budapest

Ryanair has announced the addition of an 11th based aircraft at Budapest Airport as part of its Summer 2026 schedule, representing a US$1.1 billion investment. The expansion will provide 6.5 million low-fare seats across 67 routes, including five new destinations, further strengthening the carrier’s Central European footprint. Supported by the Hungarian Government, the move is expected to sustain more than 4,600 local jobs, including 330 pilot and cabin crew roles, reinforcing Ryanair’s ongoing growth strategy across key European bases.
 

Tweet Picks

@AirCanada A new era in long-haul is coming! Today we announced the addition of the  @Airbus A350-1000 to support our international growth plans, with first deliveries slated for 2030. 

@AIPCO_Ireland @SiteIreland workshop shares key Incentive Travel Index 43% incentive business is from North America 26% Europe. Trend in increase in higher per person spend programmes €5-10k.  Direct access and top tier accommodation, good DMC  ‘must haves’ #AIPCO2026.

@business Southwest Airlines plans to rapidly equip its aircraft with in-flight Wifi service from Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, joining larger rivals

@jonostrower The end of an era: Boeing is retiring its final 787-8 test aircraft, ZA004, after 16 years as a propulsion and development workhorse. Now, one last flight for the flamingo.

 

Video Picks

Destination2 Launches on the Irish Market

Destination2 has officially launched in the Irish market, marking a significant expansion for the long-haul holiday specialist. The move strengthens competition within Ireland’s outbound leisure travel sector, offering Irish travellers access to an expanded portfolio of destinations, curated packages and long-haul holiday options supported by enhanced customer service infrastructure.

 

 

DXB Hits 95.2 Million in Record Year

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has recorded a landmark year, welcoming 95.2 million passengers and reaffirming its position as one of the world’s busiest international hubs. The milestone reflects sustained global demand, strong airline partnerships and Dubai’s continued role as a critical connecting gateway between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

 

 

flyadeal Delivers Record 2025 Performance

flyadeal has reported a record performance for 2025, underscoring the Saudi low-cost carrier’s continued expansion and operational momentum. The milestone reflects strong passenger demand, disciplined capacity growth and the airline’s increasing role within the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

 

 

Acumen’s Take 

Across global and Irish aviation markets, the themes remain consistent: disciplined fleet growth, strengthened balance sheets, strategic partnerships and capacity recalibration in response to operational pressures. Capital continues to flow into next-generation aircraft and engines, while airlines and lessors position themselves for sustained demand across both narrowbody and widebody segments. At the same time, infrastructure decisions and regulatory shifts are reshaping competitive dynamics. In this environment, asset selection, technical oversight and lifecycle planning are becoming increasingly critical to protecting long-term value.