24 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 24th July 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: Insights on fleet expansion, leasing activity, policy changes, and OEM strategies in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter - India Aviation Newsletter: A deep dive into one of the most dynamic aviation markets—tracking airline growth, infrastructure investments, and regulatory shifts.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: The latest from the global leasing capital—covering fund flows, portfolio activity, and transaction trends.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Monthly summaries of Ireland-linked aircraft movements, deliveries, and ferries worldwide.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update - North American Aviation Newsletter: Market intelligence on US and Canadian airline strategies, MRO developments, and cross-border leasing news.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-july-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Deploys A321XLR on Key European Routes
Aer Lingus has begun operating its new Airbus A321neo-XLR on select high-traffic European routes from its Dublin hub this summer. While designed for transatlantic missions, the long-range narrowbody is currently being utilised on intra-Europe services to optimise fleet availability and operational flexibility. Destinations include Amsterdam, Brussels, London Heathrow, Munich, and Paris CDG—providing passengers with an enhanced onboard experience typically reserved for longer-haul flights.
ASL Airlines Ireland Adds Fourth 737-800 BDSF
ASL Airlines Ireland has expanded its freighter fleet with the delivery of a fourth Boeing 737-800 BDSF, enhancing its cargo capacity within the DHL Aviation network. The aircraft, registered EI-HRC (MSN 29968), previously flew as N67TC under iAero Airways in DHL livery. It recently arrived in Shannon, where it will soon enter service across DHL’s pan-European logistics routes.
Cork Airport Secures Third Daily KLM Flight
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to boost connectivity at Cork Airport by launching a third-daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol this winter, except during the low season from January 4 to February 20, 2026. The enhanced schedule provides expanded access to KLM’s network of over 160 global destinations. This move taps into strong Dutch travel interest, with the South-West ranking as the most-visited region in Ireland by Dutch tourists outside Dublin.
Emirates Unveils 2025’s Hottest Summer Getaways, Ireland Climbs in Searches
As global travel demand surges, Emirates has released its list of top trending summer destinations for 2025. The data, drawn from global search and booking trends, reveals a growing preference for culturally rich and off-the-beaten-path locations. Notably, Ireland has seen a marked increase in interest, climbing up the rankings as travellers seek immersive experiences and cooler summer climates.
Ryanair Group Reports 19.9 Million Passengers in June
Ryanair Group recorded 19.9 million passengers in June 2025, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase. The airline also maintained a strong load factor of 95%, highlighting its operational efficiency and continued demand across its extensive European network.
Aircraft Update
Trade Air Takes Delivery of EI-DTG Airbus A320-214 in Zagreb
Trade Air has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-214, registration EI-DTG (MSN 3921), with the aircraft arriving in Zagreb on 15 July 2025. The delivery reinforces the Croatian carrier’s commitment to modernising its fleet and supporting its growing charter and ACMI operations across Europe.
Acumen’s Take
This latest addition to Trade Air’s fleet highlights the continued relevance of the A320ceo family in secondary and niche markets. For lessors and asset managers, placements like these indicate sustained demand for mid-life narrowbodies, particularly from operators focused on flexible capacity and seasonal charter opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe.
Ethiopian Airlines Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-8 ET-BAK via Dublin
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8, registered ET-BAK (MSN 62462), with the aircraft ferried from Paine Field to Addis Ababa via Dublin between 11 and 13 July 2025. The delivery marks another step in the carrier’s fleet modernisation strategy, bolstering its single-aisle capacity for regional and continental routes.
Acumen’s Take
The use of Dublin as a ferry stop reflects Ireland’s continuing role in aircraft delivery corridors, particularly for Africa-bound assets. For Ethiopian Airlines, this latest addition reinforces its position as a key player in African aviation, with the 737 MAX family supporting efficient growth across short- and medium-haul networks. For lessors, it signals stable demand from African carriers pursuing fleet renewal with fuel-efficient types.
Global Aviation News
AEGEAN Invests in Two Airbus A321neo XLRs, Launches India Routes
AEGEAN Airlines has announced the acquisition of two Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft, set to support new direct services to New Delhi and Mumbai beginning March 2026. The investment marks AEGEAN’s foray into long-range narrowbody operations and represents its first direct connectivity with the Indian subcontinent—an important strategic milestone for the airline.
Acumen’s Take
This move signals AEGEAN’s ambition to expand beyond its traditional European network, leveraging the A321XLR’s range to unlock new long-haul markets. For lessors and OEMs, it underscores growing demand for next-gen narrowbodies capable of serving thin, long-distance routes profitably. It also reflects rising Indo-European travel demand, offering further opportunities for bilateral connectivity and network diversification.
AELF Secures $31 Million Financing Deal with Absa Bank Group
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance, Inc. (AELF) has finalised a $31 million asset-backed loan with South Africa-based Absa Bank Group. The financing is secured against an Airbus A330-300 currently leased to South African Airways. The widebody was recently acquired from a consortium of lenders, including Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole—marking another key transaction in AELF’s fleet expansion strategy.
Acumen’s Take
This deal underscores the strength of aircraft-backed financing even amid tighter credit environments. For AELF, it enhances liquidity and demonstrates confidence in the residual value of mid-life widebodies. For the wider leasing market, such transactions highlight the ongoing viability of structured deals that align lessor growth with airline recovery, especially in emerging markets like Africa.
AerFin Expands Aftermarket Reach with A320neo Strategic Partnership
AerFin has announced a landmark strategic partnership with a Middle Eastern investor to support A320neo aircraft in the aftermarket segment.
Acumen’s Take
This partnership signals the shifting focus of aftermarket players toward newer platforms as fleet renewal accelerates.
Air Belgium Transitions Fully to Boeing 747-8F Cargo Operations
Air Belgium has completed its exit from the passenger market and retired its entire Airbus fleet, repositioning itself as a dedicated cargo operator. The airline will now focus exclusively on freighter and ACMI operations using a fleet of two Boeing 747-8F aircraft. This marks a decisive strategic pivot towards long-haul cargo logistics and third-party capacity solutions.
Acumen’s Take
Air Belgium’s shift underscores the growing profitability and resilience of dedicated air cargo models post-pandemic. For lessors and asset managers, it reflects a continued demand for widebody freighters and ACMI services, particularly from niche carriers. The 747-8F's high payload capacity and long range make it a valuable asset in global freight networks, especially as e-commerce and cross-continental cargo flows continue to expand.
Airbus and Boeing Highlight Supply Chain Recovery and Freighter Momentum
At Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, senior executives from Airbus and Boeing confirmed that easing supply chain pressures are now supporting the timely production and delivery of freighter aircraft. The panel discussion, featuring OEMs, airlines, and freight forwarders, also reaffirmed the vital long-term role of dedicated freighters, widebody P2F conversions, and next-gen cargo aircraft in sustaining global air cargo flows.
Acumen’s Take
With supply chain constraints beginning to stabilize, the freighter market is poised for renewed momentum. For lessors, MROs, and asset managers, this translates to improved delivery confidence, accelerated programme execution, and deeper leasing opportunities across converted and factory-built freighters. As demand for resilient, high-volume cargo solutions grows, the sector is entering a more predictable and scalable growth phase.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Parent IAG Eyes Potential Stake in Portuguese Carrier TAP
International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Aer Lingus, has indicated it will "carefully consider" participation in the upcoming privatisation process of Portuguese flag carrier TAP.
Acumen’s Take
A potential acquisition of a stake in TAP would strengthen IAG’s southern European footprint and open valuable transatlantic and South American connectivity.
Air Traffic Controller Retires After 45 Years at Cork Airport
Ann Walsh, one of the longest-serving members of AirNav Ireland’s air traffic control team, has signed off after an exceptional 45-year career at Cork Airport. Originally from Ringaskiddy, Walsh played a key administrative role supporting air traffic controllers and engineers, contributing to the safe and efficient management of thousands of aircraft movements over the decades.
Acumen’s Take
Walsh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Cork Airport and highlights the invaluable role played by experienced personnel behind the scenes of aviation operations. As the industry embraces automation and digitisation, institutional knowledge and human oversight remain irreplaceable pillars of safe airspace management—underscoring the importance of investing in training and long-term talent retention.
Avtrain Founder: “Drones Are Building the Foundations That AAM Depends On”
Julie Garland, founder of Dublin-based Avtrain, has highlighted the critical role drones play in laying the groundwork for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). With a background as a pilot, captain, barrister, and regulatory advisor, Garland established Avtrain in response to EASA’s harmonised drone regulations in 2019. Today, the company is a Recognised Entity by the Irish Aviation Authority, offering accredited training and consultancy across drone operations and compliance.
Acumen’s Take
Avtrain’s growth reflects Ireland’s proactive stance in shaping the future of unmanned aviation and AAM infrastructure. As urban air mobility begins to transition from concept to reality, foundational drone ecosystems—built on training, regulation, and operational readiness—will be essential. For OEMs, lessors, and investors, early engagement with firms like Avtrain could provide strategic insights into regulatory shaping and market readiness.
Cap Increased for Night-Time Flights at Dublin Airport – A Step in the Right Direction?
Dublin Airport’s cap on night-time flights has been officially raised from 65 to 95 between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., with the North Runway now authorised to operate until midnight and after 7 a.m. However, stricter noise control measures remain in place—aircraft exceeding designated limits will not be permitted during these hours. The move has sparked debate around balancing operational needs with community impact.
Acumen’s Take
The revised cap reflects a push to enhance Dublin’s slot flexibility and competitiveness, especially during peak capacity hours. For airlines and lessors, it offers greater scheduling resilience and operational efficiency. However, the embedded noise restrictions highlight the increasing influence of environmental compliance in airport expansion—a trend stakeholders must integrate into long-term planning and fleet decisions.
Christchurch Airport Sets Global Precedent in Emissions Monitoring with PACE Airports
Christchurch Airport has become the first in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve Level 5 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme and is now utilising the PACE Airports platform for detailed, real-time emissions analysis. Unlike traditional annual reporting, PACE enables granular insights into emissions by flight type—domestic, regional, and international—supporting data-driven climate strategies for both the airport and its airline partners.
Acumen’s Take
This initiative positions Christchurch as a frontrunner in aviation sustainability and sets a new global standard for airport-led emissions tracking. For airport operators and airline stakeholders worldwide, the move underscores the growing demand for transparent, real-time environmental data. It also illustrates the strategic role of digital tools in shaping climate-aligned infrastructure investment and route planning decisions.
Finding the ‘Easter Egg’ in Aer Lingus’ A321XLR Economy Cabin
A recent passenger review of Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321XLR service from Washington Dulles to Dublin reveals a hidden comfort gem in economy class—the six-way adjustable headrest on the Recaro R3 seats. Despite the aircraft’s relatively tight 30–31 inch seat pitch, the headrest’s foldable side cushions and vertical adjustability provided unexpected neck support, enhancing restability on the 6.5-hour transatlantic flight.
Acumen’s Take
As airlines deploy narrowbody long-range aircraft like the A321XLR on transatlantic routes, passenger comfort becomes a critical differentiator—especially in economy class. Smart seat features such as advanced headrests signal a shift in how cabin product design is being used to offset denser configurations. For lessors and retrofit planners, these seemingly minor design elements can offer significant passenger experience value without major cabin reworks.
Ryanair Accelerates Domestic and International Growth in Morocco
Ryanair has significantly expanded its operations across Morocco, now operating 27 weekly domestic flights and serving 13 airports nationwide. The airline offers domestic routes from nine of these airports and international services to Europe from four others—including Dakhla, Nador, Ouarzazate, and Rabat. This positions Ryanair as a key competitor to national carriers Air Arabia Maroc and Royal Air Maroc.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s Moroccan strategy underscores its growing focus on underserved and high-growth regional markets outside the EU. The expansion provides deeper connectivity for intra-African and Euro-African travel while leveraging the carrier’s low-cost model. For leasing companies and regional airports, Ryanair’s presence in Morocco offers long-term opportunities in narrowbody deployment, slot development, and airport service partnerships.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek .@Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto warned that U.S. tariffs on Brazilian imports could have the same revenue impact on the aircraft manufacturer as the COVID-19 pandemic.
@AviationWeek .@FlyFrontier is continuing to evaluate new offerings, including onboard connectivity, as it transforms its budget model.
@AviationWeek India experienced the highest utilization increase in Q2 compared to the same time period in 2024.
@wizzair Wizz Air Holdings PLC (“Wizz Air”) today announces a strategic realignment that reinforces the Company’s core strength and focus in Central and Eastern Europe and select Western European markets. This decision follows a comprehensive reassessment of market dynamics, operational challenges, and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Video Picks
Massport CEO Aims to Elevate Logan Airport to Global Gateway Status
In a recent address, Massport CEO Lisa Wieland outlined her vision to expand Boston Logan International Airport’s global reach. Emphasising the need for more international routes and stronger partnerships with foreign carriers, she stated that transforming Logan into a true global hub is essential to sustaining the region’s economic growth and connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
Logan’s push toward globalisation reflects a broader trend among secondary U.S. airports seeking to capture more international traffic. For airlines and lessors, this presents opportunities for transatlantic and long-haul route development, especially with efficient widebody and narrowbody platforms. Infrastructure upgrades and strategic alliances will be key to turning Logan into a competitive player on the global aviation map.
Ryanair Jobs Boost Hailed as Major Vote of Confidence for Shannon
Ryanair’s announcement of new job creation at Shannon Airport has been widely welcomed as a strong endorsement of the airport’s strategic value. The roles span operations, engineering, and ground services—highlighting Shannon’s growing importance in the airline’s Irish network. Local leaders view the development as a crucial step in reinforcing regional connectivity and economic resilience.
Acumen’s Take
This investment reaffirms Ryanair’s commitment to Shannon and the broader West of Ireland aviation ecosystem. For MRO providers, lessors, and training institutions, the expansion signals rising operational throughput and long-term employment potential. It also strengthens the airport’s case for further route development and infrastructure enhancement in Ireland’s regional aviation landscape.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: Seeing an Uptick in Demand for Business Travel
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has noted a positive shift in corporate travel trends, with business travel demand steadily rising in recent months. He highlighted strong interest in premium cabins and increased corporate bookings as key indicators of recovery, especially on transcontinental and international routes.
Acumen’s Take
A rebound in business travel bodes well for airline profitability, particularly in premium classes where yields are highest. For lessors and network planners, this trend supports greater widebody utilisation and long-haul route expansion. It also suggests renewed confidence among corporates, reinforcing the need for airlines to maintain premium service offerings and connectivity across key business corridors.
