24 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 24th September 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:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
IrishAero News
ASL Aviation Registers Airbus A330-300P2F
ASL Aviation Holdings has officially registered an Airbus A330-302(P2F), MSN 1272, at Dublin Airport under Guernsey registration 2-JDVM. The widebody freighter, painted in full Saudia Cargo livery, was previously registered in the U.S. as N810CM. After a period of temporary storage and repainting at Shannon between 7–28 July, the aircraft was ferried to Dublin on 28 July under callsign OMD211, piloted by Captain Bob. Operated by Nomadic Aviation Group on behalf of Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM), the move highlights ASL’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its widebody freighter fleet and global cargo operations.
Emerald Airlines Transfers ATR72-600 to Emerald Airlines UK
Emerald Airlines Ireland has transferred ATR72-212A(600), MSN 1339, formerly registered as EI-FSL and named “St Elvis / Ailbhe,” to its UK sister company under the new registration G-CMFL. The aircraft’s last commercial service as EI-FSL operated on 31 August between Dublin and Manchester (EIN3328/9). On 6 September, it repositioned from Dublin to Belfast City as EAG71P before entering service the following day on the Manchester route as EIN3610/1. The move strengthens Emerald Airlines UK’s fleet presence at Belfast City while maintaining continuity on key regional routes.
IAG Exercises A320neo Option for Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus will add a ninth Airbus A320neo to its fleet after parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) exercised a purchase option with Airbus. The order, confirmed in Airbus’s August market update, supports IAG’s wider fleet modernisation strategy of replacing older A320ceo aircraft with more fuel-efficient A320neo family models.
Aircraft Update
EI-HPU Airbus A321-271NX c/n 8587 GOAL Ferried to Haikou 11/09/25 ex VT-IUB
GOAL Aircraft Leasing has ferried an Airbus A321-271NX, registered EI-HPU (MSN 8587), to Haikou on 11 September 2025. The aircraft, previously operating as VT-IUB, reflects GOAL’s active portfolio management and continued placement of new-generation narrowbodies. The move highlights the growing demand for fuel-efficient A321neo variants across Asian markets, supporting operators with enhanced range, lower operating costs, and improved environmental performance.
ET-BCF Boeing 737-7K5 c/n 30726 ASky Delivered Shannon–Addis Ababa 12/09/25
ASky Airlines has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-7K5, registered ET-BCF (MSN 30726), on 12 September 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Shannon to Addis Ababa, marking a further step in the carrier’s fleet expansion. With its versatile performance suited to both regional and medium-haul operations, the addition supports ASky’s strategy of strengthening connectivity within Africa and enhancing its role as a key partner airline in the region.
Global Aviation News
ICAO Assembly to focus on CORSIA’s role in aviation decarbonisation
The 42nd ICAO Assembly, taking place in September 2025, will place significant emphasis on the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and its effectiveness in supporting industry decarbonisation. A major concern remains the limited availability of Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs), which restricts airlines’ ability to comply with offsetting requirements. Under CORSIA, carriers must offset emissions exceeding 85% of 2019 levels through the purchase of EEUs or by adopting CORSIA-approved sustainable aviation fuels.
IndiGo and AEGEAN forge codeshare partnership, launch direct A321XLR flights between India and Greece in 2026
IndiGo and AEGEAN Airlines have signed a codeshare partnership that will see the launch of the first direct flights between India and Greece in 2026. From January, IndiGo will operate six weekly services to Athens using its debut Airbus A321XLR, while AEGEAN will begin five weekly flights to Delhi in March, followed by three weekly services to Mumbai. The collaboration not only introduces new long-haul connectivity for both carriers but also marks a milestone in expanding tourism and business links between the two countries.
Icelandair Announces Lease Agreements for Two New Airbus A321LR Aircraft
Icelandair has finalised lease agreements with CALC for two brand-new Airbus A321LR aircraft, set for delivery in the winter 2026/2027 season. The deal marks the start of a new partnership between the airline and the lessor, supporting Icelandair’s fleet renewal strategy as it gradually phases out its Boeing 757s. The A321LR will provide extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, while offering passengers enhanced comfort through Airbus’s award-winning Airspace cabin. The addition underscores Icelandair’s long-term sustainability and growth ambitions.
Itasca MGA Provides Aircraft Finance Insurance Cover to Jeju Air
Itasca MGA Limited, an aviation-focused managing general agent backed by Castlelake and Pine Walk Capital, has structured an innovative aircraft non-payment (ANPI) credit insurance policy for Jeju Air. The solution supports debt financing for two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, enhancing lender security while enabling Jeju to expand its fleet. The transaction underscores the growing role of specialised insurance products in facilitating aircraft financing, particularly in an environment where risk mitigation is key to supporting airline growth strategies.
JD eyes A330 freighters
JD Airlines appears to be turning toward A330 freighters for its next phase of expansion and could become China’s newest operator of the Airbus medium widebody. The young carrier has been recruiting A330-rated pilots, engineers and other technical personnel online for the past couple of months.
JetBlue Ventures Becomes SKY VC Following Acquisition by SKY Leasing
JetBlue Ventures today announced its rebrand to SKY VC following its acquisition by SKY Leasing (“SKY”) in May 2025. The transition marks the firm’s evolution into an independent investment platform with expanded capabilities to back founders and scale transformative technologies, leveraging SKY’s global network, deep industry relationships, and access to capital.
Tidal Flight and DeltaHawk Engines to Co-Develop Hybrid Jet-Fuel Powerplant for Polaris Aircraft
Tidal Flight has partnered with DeltaHawk Engines to jointly certify a hybrid jet-fuel powerplant for the Polaris hybrid-electric seaplane. The collaboration will integrate DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified DHK piston engine into Tidal’s amphibious aircraft as a range-extending solution, enhancing both efficiency and operational flexibility. This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing hybrid-electric propulsion in regional air mobility, combining sustainable innovation with practical, long-range performance.
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Enforces America First Agenda in Our Skies, Orders Delta & Aeromexico to Dissolve Joint Venture
The U.S. Department of Transportation has terminated approval of the Delta–Aeromexico joint venture, with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy citing Mexico’s failure to comply with the 2015 U.S.–Mexico Air Transport Agreement. The decision also withdraws antitrust immunity, effectively dismantling the carriers’ price- and capacity-setting partnership. Positioned under the “America First” agenda, the move underscores Washington’s tougher stance on cross-border aviation cooperation where compliance concerns arise, reshaping a major transnational alliance in the North American market.
Irish Aviation News
Croatia Airlines’ Sarajevo performance hit by Ryanair competition
Croatia Airlines has reported a fall in passenger numbers at Sarajevo during the first quarter, despite deploying additional capacity compared to the previous year. The decline coincides with Ryanair’s rapid expansion in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital from late March, intensifying competition on key routes. At the same time, Sarajevo’s connectivity has grown considerably, with several new carriers launching services, further challenging Croatia Airlines’ position in the market.
CSO Ireland Aviation Statistics Quarter 2 2025
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has reported that 12 million passengers travelled through Ireland’s five main airports in Q2 2025, an increase of 800,000 compared to the same period in 2024. Across the first half of the year, 20.3 million passengers were recorded, nearly 800,000 more than in the first six months of 2024. Flight activity also rose, with over 81,000 movements handled in Q2, led by Dublin with 83% (67,217), followed by Cork with 8% (6,761). London-Heathrow, Amsterdam-Schiphol, and Manchester were Dublin’s busiest routes, while Heathrow topped the lists for Cork and Shannon. Air freight volumes also grew by 4% year-on-year in Q2, underlining continued demand across both passenger and cargo markets.
Disappointment as NI Air Show set to be postponed until 2028
The Northern Ireland International Air Show, the largest event of its kind on the island of Ireland, will not return until 2028 following a council decision. The show, which made its comeback in 2024 after a five-year break, had originally been expected to take place again in 2026. However, after debate within the council’s leisure and development committee, a majority vote confirmed the postponement, leaving aviation enthusiasts and the local tourism sector facing a longer wait for the event’s return to Portrush skies.
Dublin Airport to ditch passenger cap – is it the right plan?
Draft legislation to remove Dublin Airport’s long-standing 32 million annual passenger cap is now being prepared, with Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien confirming he is pursuing a legislative course of action. The move comes amid rising demand and mounting pressure on Ireland’s main international gateway to expand capacity. In a Newstalk podcast, O’Brien discusses the merits and challenges of lifting the cap, sparking debate over whether the decision balances Ireland’s connectivity needs with environmental and community considerations.
England overtakes Spain as the highest spend for Irish people abroad – AIB credit card data
AIB credit card data from 85 million transactions in August 2025 reveals that England has overtaken Spain as the top destination for Irish spending abroad. England accounted for 23.4% of transactions, compared with 22.8% in Spain, reflecting an 8% year-on-year rise in cross-channel spending. Over 1.4 million card transactions were recorded in England, up 11% from August 2024, while spending in Spain remained stable.
End State Solutions and Avtrain Announce Strategic Transatlantic Collaboration
End State Solutions (ESS) and Avtrain Limited have entered into a strategic partnership to streamline certification and approval processes for emerging aerospace technology firms across the U.S. and Europe. ESS brings its expertise in U.S. certification consultancy, while Avtrain contributes its recognised authority in European regulatory frameworks. By bridging FAA and EASA requirements, the collaboration will help aerospace innovators accelerate market entry and revenue generation, supporting the growth of companies operating transatlantically in a complex regulatory environment.
Former airline pilots take flight with new Irish energy drink
Two former commercial pilots, Anna Malsam and Dave Saunders, have launched Hytropics, a sparkling electrolyte-based energy drink developed in Ireland. Aimed at tackling fatigue and brain fog, the drink distinguishes itself by avoiding the sugar and artificial additives common in many energy beverages. With its aviation-inspired roots, Hytropics is positioned to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking cleaner, functional alternatives in the energy drink market.
O’Leary Says Ryanair Wants Its Boeing 737-10s, Not More 737-8-200s
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary has reiterated the airline’s commitment to the Boeing 737-10, stressing that the carrier has no interest in acquiring additional 737-8-200s if the -10 variant fails to secure certification. O’Leary noted that Ryanair’s CFO Neil Sorahan recently met with Boeing executives on 11 September to review the certification timeline. The airline views the 737-10 as critical to its future growth, offering greater capacity and efficiency compared to current models.
Saudi Tourism Showcases the Kingdom’s Rich Offering in Dublin Roadshow
The Saudi Tourism Authority held its first-ever travel trade roadshow in Dublin at the Anantara Marker Hotel, introducing Irish industry stakeholders to the Kingdom’s expanding tourism portfolio. The showcase highlighted Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions, from UNESCO World Heritage sites and rich cultural heritage to luxury shopping, world-class sporting events, and a fast-evolving culinary scene. The event underlined Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a leading global destination, engaging directly with the Irish travel trade to build stronger connections.
Tweet Picks
@airwaysmagazine The Airbus Beluga ST (F-GSTD) made its final local flight today at noon in Toulouse, officially ending 27 years of service. This aircraft, the fourth built, spent its career carrying Airbus aircraft components and is now being replaced by the newer BelugaXL.
@Gatwick_Airport Aviation has come a long way, especially when it comes to noise and disruption. And thanks to modern aircraft and smarter operations, the industry is getting quieter. London Gatwick is now one-third quieter than it was 20 years ago and we're committed to continue reducing noise. With our Northern Runway plans, we’re keeping that momentum going – more flights without more noise.
@InsiderGeo NEW: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary warns that the Russian war in Ukraine and recent drone incursions over Poland will cause travel disruptions across Europe for years to come. He cited NATO air activity, temporary airport closures, and flight delays, noting only 60% of Ryanair flights were on time Wednesday versus the usual 90%.
@jonostrower From TAC/Intel: Boeing’s CEO signaled another delay in certification and entry into service of its 777-9 is coming. (via @theaircurrent).
Video Picks
Now Boarding: RDU to Dublin, Ireland
This feature spotlights the launch of a new nonstop connection between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Dublin, strengthening direct transatlantic travel links. The video captures the significance of the route for both business and leisure passengers, while also highlighting Aer Lingus’s expanded 2026 summer schedule. With Dublin serving as a key gateway to Europe, the service is expected to boost regional connectivity and economic ties between North Carolina and Ireland.
Online Travel Agencies Raise Concerns Over New GST Rates
This report examines the response of online travel agencies (OTAs) to the introduction of revised GST rates, which they argue could increase booking costs and dampen consumer demand. Industry representatives highlight concerns around competitive pricing, transparency, and the potential impact on both domestic and international travel bookings. The video also explores how OTAs are engaging with regulators and adapting strategies to mitigate the effects of the new tax framework.
Taoiseach Says Including Shannon In Regional Airports Programme "Under Consideration"
This video covers Taoiseach Simon Harris’s comments on the potential inclusion of Shannon Airport in Ireland’s Regional Airports Programme. Speaking on the matter, Harris confirmed the proposal is “under consideration,” acknowledging Shannon’s critical role in connectivity and regional development. The discussion highlights the economic and strategic implications of expanding programme support, particularly in strengthening Ireland’s aviation network beyond Dublin.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects the multifaceted shifts currently shaping aviation, where growth ambitions, regulatory adjustments, and sustainability goals are intersecting at pace. Airlines and lessors are pressing ahead with modernisation and financing strategies, while governments and regulators weigh capacity constraints, market access, and environmental obligations. Innovation in technology, finance, and passenger services continues to push the industry forward, but execution remains critical amid geopolitical, economic, and competitive pressures. For stakeholders, agility and foresight will be central to capturing opportunity while navigating complexity across global and regional markets.
