24 Nov 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 24th November 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:
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IrishAero News
ASL Airlines Ireland Transfers Boeing 737 Classic
ASL Airlines Ireland has transferred one of its remaining Boeing 737 Classic freighters to ASL Airlines France, reflecting the group’s steady push toward a more modernised fleet. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-43Q(SF) (MSN 28494), previously operating as EI-STV, has now been re-registered as F-GZTR. The transfer was finalised in Brussels on 27 October, marking another step in ASL Aviation Holdings’ strategy to streamline operations and retire ageing Classic-series freighters across its European network.
Icelandair Upgauges Dublin–Keflavik Capacity
Icelandair has boosted capacity on its Dublin–Keflavik service by deploying Boeing 767-300ERs on select October and November rotations, lifting available seats by around 47% compared with its usual narrowbody operations. The airline operated the widebodies on multiple dates across both months, responding to sustained passenger demand on the route. Three 262-seat, two-class 767-300ERs TF-ISN, TF-ISO, and TF-ISW substituted for Icelandair’s A321LR and 737 MAX 8/9 fleet, marking a notable temporary upgauge for the transatlantic-connecting sector.
Pegasus Airlines Expands Winter Connectivity
Pegasus Airlines is strengthening its European offering for the Winter 2025/26 season with a daily nonstop service between Dublin and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). The route has maintained solid demand since launch and will continue to be operated by the carrier’s modern A320neo and A321neo fleet. These aircraft, seating 186 and 239 passengers respectively, form the backbone of Pegasus’s efficiency strategy, delivering over 20% lower fuel burn and emissions alongside a significantly reduced noise footprint. The winter schedule underscores Pegasus’s commitment to reliable, high-density connectivity between Ireland and Türkiye.
Aircraft Update
A6-FPI Boeing 737-8 Delivered to flydubai
flydubai has taken delivery of its newest Boeing 737-8, registered A6-FPI (c/n 61036), following a ferry sequence from Boeing Field to Shannon and onward to Dubai International between 18 and 20 November 2025. The aircraft joins the carrier’s steadily expanding MAX fleet, supporting network growth and improved operating efficiency across regional and medium-haul routes. This latest addition further reinforces flydubai’s commitment to modern, fuel-efficient narrowbody operations.
EI-IKL Air3bus A320 Ferried to Ostrava
An Airbus A320-214, registered EI-IKL (c/n 1489) and managed by Maverick Horizon Ltd, was ferried to Ostrava on 19 November 2025. The move suggests preparation for maintenance, storage, or potential transition activity, as Ostrava remains a key European hub for heavy checks and aircraft reconfiguration work. The A320’s relocation aligns with ongoing fleet positioning and remarketing activity across the sector.
Global Aviation News
Abra and SKY Airline Advance Agreement to Join the Abra Group
Abra Group, parent to Avianca and GOL with a strategic stake in Wamos Air, has taken a significant step toward expanding its Latin American portfolio by initiating the regulatory approval process to incorporate Chile’s SKY Airline. Both parties have submitted documentation to competition authorities as they move from an agreement-in-principle toward a full transaction. The deal, still subject to regulatory clearance and final documentation, would bring SKY into one of the region’s largest airline groups, strengthening network breadth and competitive reach across South America.
Air Europa Appoints Richard Clark as New CEO to Drive International Expansion
Air Europa has named Richard Clark as its new CEO, strengthening its focus on operational excellence and global network growth. Clark, a veteran of the airline since 1987, has been instrumental in shaping Madrid Barajas into a key hub linking Europe and the Americas. His leadership across major strategic projects has helped position Air Europa as a significant player in long-haul connectivity. With his deep industry expertise and strong negotiation track record, the airline signals confidence in accelerating its next phase of international expansion.
Airlines Granted Slots for New EX-YU Routes in 2026
Several airlines have secured preliminary slots to launch new services across the former Yugoslavia for the Summer 2026 season, with proposed routes to Skopje, Pristina, Dubrovnik and Sarajevo. These allocations stem from initial filings, meaning the approved timings may still be reassigned to alternative destinations, so the new routes remain unconfirmed for now. One filing includes a proposed Dublin–Skopje service, with 300 planned movements for the season, 150 flights each way, totalling an estimated 52,200 seats. No Skopje-based carrier currently operates to Dublin, and neither easyJet nor Wizz Air offers service between the two cities.
American Airlines Unveils Retro Centennial Flagship Livery
American Airlines has revealed a special Centennial Flagship livery on a Boeing 777-300ER, registered N735AT, celebrating the carrier’s heritage as it prepares to enter service in November 2025. The design features vintage orange lightning-bolt accents inspired by the 1930s Douglas DC-3, blending modern widebody capability with classic branding. Named Flagship DFW, the aircraft also carries a circular eagle roundel, a nod to American’s early identity and its long-standing emphasis on global connectivity through its Dallas–Fort Worth hub.
Austrian Airlines Expands for Summer 2026
Austrian Airlines has announced a significantly expanded programme for Summer 2026, adding seven new destinations and increasing frequencies across key European routes. The airline is leaning into strong demand for Mediterranean travel while also tapping into the rising “coolcation” trend, boosting capacity to northern Europe. Between 29 March and 24 October 2026, Austrian will operate 133 destinations worldwide, up from 127 last year, comprising 113 short- and medium-haul routes and 20 long-haul services, marking a notable step in its network growth strategy.
Azul Updates the Market on Progress in Chapter 11 Proceedings
Azul has reported key progress in its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring, following a recent hearing before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The court has approved the airline’s Disclosure Statement, enabling Azul to begin soliciting creditor votes on its reorganisation plan. The judge also cleared the airline’s Backstop Commitment Agreement, securing commitments of US$650 million to support its planned recapitalisation.
Boeing South Carolina Breaks Ground on 787 Site Expansion
Boeing has begun construction on a major expansion of its South Carolina site in North Charleston, the home of the 787 Dreamliner programme. The development supports Boeing’s plan to raise 787 production to 10 aircraft per month in 2026, driven by strong widebody demand. The company is investing over US$1 billion across the broader infrastructure upgrade, which will also create more than 1,000 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion includes a new final assembly building of roughly 1.2 million square feet, additional production and support areas, a vertical fin paint facility, flight line bays, and enhancements to the Interiors Responsibility Centre. The project marks a significant long-term commitment to increasing 787 output and strengthening Boeing’s manufacturing footprint in South Carolina.
Tourvest Secures Contract Extension for British Airways’ Inflight Retail and Catering Services
Tourvest Retail & Catering has renewed its partnership with British Airways, extending its role across the airline’s short- and long-haul networks. The company will continue to manage retail and food & beverage services on more than 300 daily short-haul flights from Heathrow and Gatwick, while also overseeing duty-free operations across BA’s global long-haul routes.CEO Clive Jones said the extension reflects a shared focus on enhancing onboard retail through quality products, upgraded service delivery, and data-driven decision-making. The partnership aims to keep elevating the in-flight experience for millions of BA passengers worldwide.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton Signals Strong Performance as Competition Intensifies
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton has said the airline expects fares to remain broadly stable next year, even as additional capacity from rival carriers increases competitive pressure in the Irish market. Her comments followed the release of Aer Lingus’s third-quarter results, which reported a 22% rise in operating profit to €170 million, a €31 million improvement year-on-year, supported by strong revenue and favourable fuel pricing.
Aircraft Leasing Ireland data highlights the global leadership of Irish leasing firms.
Fresh figures from Aircraft Leasing Ireland (ALI) highlight Ireland’s dominant position in the global leasing market, with ALI member firms and their parent groups managing aircraft worth more than $315 billion (€274 billion). This represents an extraordinary 69% of the total value of all leased aircraft worldwide. The data, released ahead of the 2025 Aircraft Leasing Ireland Summit, reinforces the country’s pivotal role in aviation finance and asset management. It also reflects continued progress on sustainability initiatives across the sector, underscoring Ireland’s influence not only in scale but also in shaping the future direction of global leasing.
Alliance Aviation Paves Way for New General Aviation Terminal at Dublin Airport
DAA has formalised an agreement to take over Alliance Aviation’s general aviation terminal at Dublin Airport, improving dedicated access for business and general aviation traffic. Announced during the IBGAA Conference in Kildare, the move ensures operators will benefit from a terminal located directly beside aircraft stands, along with screening facilities compliant with updated regulatory requirements. Roy O’Driscoll, deputy general manager and head of commercial business development at Cork Airport, said the transfer is expected to be completed in February, with the terminal opening under DAA management by April. The agreement marks the result of more than a year of collaboration between Alliance and DAA, and represents a step forward in enhancing Dublin’s business aviation infrastructure.
Dáil Éireann Reviews 2025 Data on Exemptions for Carriage of Munitions of War
During a parliamentary session on 4 November 2025, the Minister for Transport addressed a query regarding applications for exemptions permitting the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft. The Minister confirmed that monthly statistics are routinely published by the government once data verification is complete, with the latest update covering activity to the end of July expected shortly. These statistics outline the number of applications granted, refused, or cancelled across three categories: Irish-registered aircraft operating abroad, civil aircraft landing in or departing from Ireland (including technical stops), and aircraft overflying Irish airspace.
Avolon Signs Lease Agreement for Five Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft with Centrum Air
Avolon has announced a lease agreement for five Airbus A320neo family aircraft with Uzbekistan-based Centrum Air, the country’s largest private airline. The deal, revealed at the Dubai Airshow, strengthens Avolon’s growing presence in Central Asia and builds on an existing partnership the lessor previously delivered an A320-200 to Centrum Air last month. The newly leased aircraft are slated for delivery in 2027, supporting Centrum Air’s ambitious expansion plans and enhancing its modern, fuel-efficient fleet as it continues to scale regional and international operations.
Business Aviation in the Spotlight as IBGAA Expands Membership
IBGAA’s fourth annual conference opened on a positive note, reflecting a strong year for business aviation in Ireland. With more aircraft joining the Irish registry, high charter activity during major events, and Dublin Airport remaining exempt from the commercial passenger cap, the sector has solid momentum. Against this backdrop, IBGAA is broadening its membership and strengthening its position as the key voice for Ireland’s business aviation community.
Hainan Airlines Doubles Beijing–Dublin Flights for Christmas and Summer 2026
Hainan Airlines is set to double frequencies on its Dublin–Beijing service over the Christmas period, with plans to repeat the increase for the 2026 summer season. The uplift marks a renewed push to strengthen direct connectivity between Ireland and China, a market long viewed by Irish tourism bodies as holding significant untapped potential.
Ryanair Cuts Further Vienna Capacity as O’Leary Blasts Austrian Government on Costs
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has issued a sharp warning to the Austrian government, saying the airline may pull more flights from Vienna unless operating costs are reduced. He argued that high airport charges and what he sees as unfriendly aviation policies are undermining competitiveness. Ryanair has already cut capacity in Austria in recent years, and this latest statement signals further pressure on regulators to review fees and incentives if they want to retain low-cost carriers and sustain route connectivity.
Tweet Picks
@businessposthq There will be “more failures” of smaller airlines in the coming years, rather than consolidation in the sector, according to Conor McCarthy, executive chairman of regional carrier, Emerald Airlines
@eoghancorry Growth back at 5pc as Ryanair reports another record October with 19.2m passengers.
@etihad Another milestone for us in our record year of growth, expanding connectivity and tourism to Abu Dhabi. We’ve just launched four inaugural routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong, all within three consecutive days.
@flightradar24 Today we pay tribute to Hawaiian Airlines flight HAL866—the very last flight to use the Hawaiian callsign and ICAO identifier. As a result of a commercial merger with Alaska Airlines, all subsequent Hawaiian flights will operate using the Alaska Airlines code AS.
Video Picks
Ryanair Holdings Q2 2026 Earnings Call
This earnings call offers a detailed look at Ryanair’s financial and operational performance for Q2 2026, with CEO Michael O’Leary and the leadership team outlining key drivers behind the quarter’s results. The discussion covers passenger growth, cost pressures, fleet developments, and the impact of European market dynamics on the airline’s strategy. It also highlights Ryanair’s outlook for the coming year, providing valuable insights into how Europe’s largest low-cost carrier is positioning itself amid shifting regulatory and competitive conditions.
SA Airlink Expands Fleet with 10 New Embraer E2 Jets
This video highlights SA Airlink’s major fleet expansion with the addition of ten Embraer E2 jets, showcasing the airline’s push toward greater efficiency, lower emissions, and improved regional connectivity. The footage explores how the E2 family’s advanced engines, aerodynamic upgrades, and quieter cabin design will enhance passenger experience while cutting operating costs. It also looks at Airlink’s broader growth strategy, positioning the South African carrier as a key player in reshaping regional aviation across the continent.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom: Vision 2030 and the Future of Travel
This feature explores how Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming the country into one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets. The video delves into mega-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea, and Diriyah, highlighting new infrastructure, luxury hospitality development, and ambitious aviation targets designed to attract 150 million visitors by 2030. It also examines how regulatory reforms, cultural openings, and major airline expansions are reshaping the Kingdom’s global travel footprint, positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising force in international tourism.
Acumen’s Take
Aviation continues to move through a phase defined by disciplined growth, sharper fleet decisions, and a clear shift toward efficiency. Airlines are expanding where demand is proven, consolidating where conditions tighten, and leaning heavily on next-generation aircraft to stabilise operating costs. Leasing activity remains strong, especially across emerging markets, reinforcing Ireland’s central role in global fleet strategy. At the same time, infrastructure upgrades, regulatory scrutiny, and new commercial models are reshaping how capacity is deployed. The broader trend is unmistakable: a market balancing ambition with pragmatism, positioning itself for sustained, long-term resilience.
