25 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 25th August 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
Aer Lingus Takes Delivery of Eighth Airbus A320neo
Aer Lingus has welcomed its eighth Airbus A320neo, registered EI-NSH and named McCuilinn, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme. The A320-251N (MSN 12663) arrived in Dublin from Toulouse on 31 July and entered service on 7 August, operating the Dublin–Faro route. Configured with 186 seats, the aircraft will primarily serve short-haul routes such as London Heathrow and other major European destinations, supporting Aer Lingus’s commitment to fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
ASL Aviation Leases A330 Freighters to Saudia Cargo
ASL Aviation Holdings has leased two Airbus A330-300P2F freighters to Saudia Cargo, expanding the Saudi carrier’s long-haul cargo capacity. The first aircraft, MSN 1272, has already joined the fleet under a wet lease agreement, with the partnership aimed at boosting global freight connectivity. The deal underscores both companies’ strategic focus on strengthening air cargo capabilities amid sustained demand in international logistics.
Belfast based 247 Aviation Announces Major Strategic Expansion
Belfast-based 247 Aviation has announced a major strategic expansion backed by a £7.98 million investment from parent company SERE Holdings. The funding will support the acquisition of two additional Learjet 45 aircraft and the opening of a new satellite base in southern England. This growth will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to provide rapid-response, consultant-led medical transport services across the UK and Ireland.
EI-FPV CRJ900 Cityjet Departs Fleet
CityJet has completed the transfer of its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPN (MSN 15440) and named Trud Viking, marking the aircraft’s departure from the fleet. On 12–13 August 2025, it was ferried from Valencia to Dayton International Airport, routing via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto. The jet will join PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines Group, where it will enter service as N647NN under the American Eagle brand.
Aircraft Update
MJets Adds Boeing 737-400 Freighter
MJets took delivery of a Boeing 737-4Y0(F), registered VP-CJD (MSN 25180), on 3 August 2025 following handover at Shannon. The aircraft, formerly operating as F-GTZX, joins the carrier’s freighter fleet to support growing regional cargo operations. The addition enhances MJets’ capacity to meet rising demand for air freight across its network.
Star Air Expands Fleet with Embraer 175
Star Air took delivery of an Embraer 175, registered VT-GSM (MSN 17000347), on 12 August 2025. The aircraft, formerly operating as SX-MTO, was delivered to Bangalore to support the airline’s regional growth strategy. The addition enhances Star Air’s capacity and flexibility on short-haul routes, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening domestic connectivity within India.
Global Aviation News
Argentina’s Aviation Sector Grows Under Liberalisation
One year after President Javier Milei introduced aviation liberalisation and pursued Open Skies agreements, Argentina’s airline sector is showing clear signs of expansion. Carriers have capitalised on the reforms, with notable increases in system-wide seat capacity. The outlook points to further international growth, particularly in intra-regional and long-haul markets, as the country strengthens connectivity and competitiveness in South America.
Norse Atlantic Warns of Softer Transatlantic Yields
Norse Atlantic Airways posted record passenger loads in Q2 2025, with a 97% load factor and 553,000 passengers carried, up 36% year-on-year. However, the carrier flagged weaker transatlantic yields, as average revenue per passenger fell to $372 from $380. The decline reflects changes to fare bundling for hand luggage and broader pricing pressures on the North Atlantic market, even as demand and load factors remain strong.
TAP Air Portugal Privatisation Approved
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has signed off on a government decree authorising the privatisation of TAP Air Portugal, paving the way for a significant shift in the flag carrier’s future. The process allows investors 60 days to prequalify, followed by a 90-day window to submit non-binding offers for up to 44.9% of the airline. The move represents a pivotal step in TAP’s restructuring, aimed at securing new capital and strengthening its long-term competitiveness.
Turkish Airlines Moves to Acquire Stake in Air Europa
Turkish Airlines has confirmed that its €300 million ($350 million) bid for Air Europa has been accepted, with the transaction expected to close within six to twelve months pending regulatory approvals. The deal, primarily structured as a capital increase, will give Turkish a minority stake in the Spanish leisure carrier, though the final shareholding will be determined after financial and technical adjustments. The move highlights Turkish’s strategy to strengthen its European presence and expand its long-haul network connectivity.
United Partners with Apple TV+ for Premium Inflight Experience
United Airlines has partnered with Apple TV+ to enhance its inflight entertainment offering, making full seasons of select hit series available for free on more than 130,000 seatback screens and via the United app. Passengers can now access award-winning shows including Severance, Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Silo. The collaboration underscores United’s push to set a new standard in premium inflight experiences through expanded digital content and passenger choice.
WestJet and RBC Launch Business Travel Credit Card
WestJet, in partnership with RBC, has unveiled the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard for Business, Canada’s first business travel credit card offering instant top-tier airline status. Primary cardholders will be awarded Silver status with WestJet Rewards, providing faster points earning and enhanced travel benefits. The card also offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including trip interruption and cancellation, aiming to deliver greater flexibility, control, and efficiency for business travellers.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus to Deploy A321LR on Chicago Route in March 2026
Aer Lingus has scheduled limited-time Airbus A321LR operations on its Dublin–Chicago O’Hare service between 14–28 March 2026. During this period, the narrowbody will substitute for the A330 on three of the 14 weekly rotations. The move reflects Aer Lingus’s flexible use of its long-range narrowbody fleet, optimising capacity on transatlantic routes while maintaining network coverage.
ASL Aviation Holdings Secures $316m Refinancing Deal
ASL Aviation Holdings has finalised a refinancing of its credit facility, with Goldman Sachs acting as sole structuring and placement agent. The agreement includes a US$316 million refinanced term facility alongside a new revolving credit facility (RCF), providing increased financial flexibility. The deal strengthens ASL’s capacity to pursue growth opportunities and support strategic development across its global aviation operations.
Avolon Delivers First 737 MAX to Virgin Australia
Avolon has completed the delivery of the first of six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Virgin Australia under a sale-and-leaseback agreement. The Dublin-based lessor has partnered with the airline since 2011 and currently has eight aircraft on lease to its fleet. This latest transaction supports Virgin Australia’s renewal and expansion strategy while reinforcing Avolon’s role as a key lessor in the Asia-Pacific region.
DAA CEO Highlights Record Summer at Dublin and Cork
In a recent podcast, DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs discussed record-breaking passenger traffic at Dublin and Cork Airports this summer. July marked the busiest month on record, with Dublin Airport experiencing its highest-ever single day for passenger throughput. Jacobs reflected on operational challenges and successes during the peak season, underscoring the airports’ critical role in supporting Ireland’s connectivity and tourism.
Delvin Native Dara Brady Tipped as Future Ryanair CEO
Dara Brady, Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer and a former Brownstown hurler, has been named among the potential successors to Michael O’Leary when he eventually steps down as CEO. A Sunday Independent report listed Brady as one of four candidates in the frame to lead Europe’s largest low-cost carrier. His inclusion reflects Ryanair’s depth of internal talent as speculation grows around the airline’s long-term leadership succession.
Jettime’s Parent Company Bids for CityJet
The parent company of Danish ACMI and charter carrier Jettime has submitted a bid to acquire majority ownership of Dublin-based CityJet. The Irish wet-lease operator entered an examinership in May, the equivalent of Chapter 11, after the loss of a major contract. A successful acquisition could provide CityJet with fresh capital and stability, while creating potential synergies with Jettime’s ACMI and charter operations across Europe.
Ryanair Cuts Winter Capacity to France
Ryanair has confirmed a sharp reduction in winter capacity to France, marking a strategic response to rising local operating costs. Unlike carriers tied to a single home market, Ryanair has leveraged its pan-European network flexibility to redeploy capacity elsewhere. The move underscores the airline’s cost discipline and adaptability, ensuring operational efficiency while mitigating the impact of external price pressures.
Tweet Picks
@AINonline NBAA welcomed congressional passage of a budget reconciliation bill containing several business aviation-backed provisions. Already approved by the Senate, the measure now awaits the President’s signature.
@AINonline Pilatus Aircraft is temporarily pausing deliveries of PC-12 turboprop singles and PC-24 twinjets to the U.S., due to high tariffs—39%—recently imposed on Swiss imports to the U.S.
@AINonline Spike Aerospace is refining the aerodynamics, cabin configuration, and lower-boom performance of its Mach 1.6 S-512 Diplomat as it lays the groundwork to bring a supersonic business jet to market.
@AndythePandy_ Turkish Airlines continuing growing at Dublin with a new 4 weekly 0720 departure form Dublin next summer, it’ll be the first time they overnight an aircraft there. The inbound arrives in Dublin at 2305 the night before.
Video Picks
NTSB Reviews Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Incident
A new video covers the NTSB board meeting on the investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which experienced a mid-flight door plug departure. The session provides detailed updates on technical findings, safety implications, and regulatory oversight measures being considered. The review underscores the critical importance of rigorous manufacturing standards and maintenance oversight in safeguarding passenger safety.
Shannon Ackert Returns as SVP at Jackson Square Aviation
A recent video highlights the return of Shannon Ackert as Senior Vice President at Jackson Square Aviation. Ackert discusses his renewed focus on strategy, portfolio growth, and supporting the lessor’s global customer base. His return is seen as a positive step for JSA, bringing extensive industry expertise back into its leadership team during a period of active market expansion.
Thomas Cook Reflects on Slow Q2 Customer Growth
In a recent video update, Thomas Cook reported that Summer 2025 saw a temporary slowdown in customer acquisition, with Q2 CY25 growth falling short of expectations. Executives noted softer booking patterns during the period but expressed confidence in demand recovery heading into the peak holiday season. The discussion highlights both the competitive pressures in leisure travel and the company’s focus on regaining momentum in the months ahead.
Acumen’s Take
Aviation continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability as airlines, lessors, and airports align strategies to capture growth opportunities. Fleet renewal, financing activity, and strategic partnerships highlight the sector’s focus on efficiency and long-term sustainability. At the same time, regulatory shifts, leadership changes, and evolving consumer dynamics are shaping competitive landscapes across markets. Cargo, passenger, and tourism segments alike are benefiting from renewed momentum, reinforcing aviation’s central role in driving global connectivity and economic development.
