25 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 25th June 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: Recent developments highlight continued fleet expansion across Chinese carriers, with multiple new aircraft deliveries taking place in May 2025. Notably, Chinese airlines are actively introducing new-generation widebody and narrowbody aircraft to support growing regional and international demand.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: The Indian aviation market remains buoyant with domestic airlines announcing new route launches and expanding their fleet capacity. The latest updates also reflect increased regulatory activity and infrastructure enhancements aimed at supporting long-term growth.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: The leasing sector saw multiple delivery transactions and portfolio adjustments in May 2025. Lessors continue to capitalise on strong demand for modern narrowbody aircraft while also securing long-term lease agreements with airline partners across key global markets.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Aircraft movement activity remained strong, with notable deliveries, ferry flights, and maintenance visits recorded for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. These transitions reflect ongoing fleet renewal and optimisation strategies by multiple operators and asset managers.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: May 2025 saw a steady stream of new aircraft deliveries and portfolio acquisitions in North America. Leasing activity remains active, particularly with narrowbody types, while airlines continue to position assets to meet summer travel demand and long-term fleet growth objectives.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-3-june-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Emerald Airlines Adds 20th ATR72-600
Emerald Airlines, the exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services, has reached a new fleet milestone with the delivery of its 20th ATR72-600 turboprop. The aircraft, registered EI-HPJ (ATR72-212A (600), msn 1181), was delivered on 6 June 2025, arriving in Dublin from Toulouse-Francazal. Previously registered as M-CTRE, the aircraft was sourced from ACIA Aero Capital.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery of Emerald’s 20th ATR72-600 completes its 2025 fleet growth plan, further reinforcing its capacity to serve key regional routes. Acumen continues to track turboprop acquisitions closely, as demand for efficient regional connectivity drives sustained interest in ATR platforms.
Ryanair 737 MAX Deliveries To Resume Post-Summer Season
Ryanair is set to resume deliveries of its Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft after the busy summer 2025 travel season. The group expects to take delivery of the remaining 29 aircraft from its total order of 210 between September and November.
Acumen’s Take
The resumption of MAX 8-200 deliveries reflects Ryanair’s continued fleet modernisation strategy aimed at boosting efficiency and capacity. Acumen monitors these deliveries closely as they impact fleet utilisation, route expansion, and lessor portfolio dynamics across the narrowbody sector.
Two Former Irish Norwegian 737 MAX's Join SunExpress
SunExpress has expanded its fleet with two Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft formerly operated by Irish carrier Norwegian Air International. Registered as TC-SMV and TC-SMZ, both aircraft were delivered on 13 May 2025 and are configured in a 189-seat layout. The aircraft are leased from Dubai-based DAE Capital.
Acumen’s Take
The transition of these 737 MAX units highlights ongoing fleet repositioning activity across lessor portfolios. Acumen actively tracks such secondary market movements, which influence asset valuations, lease placements, and long-term demand for narrowbody aircraft in growth leisure markets like Turkey.
Aircraft Update
OE-IMO Airbus A320-214 Registered to Oriental Leasing
Airbus A320-214 (c/n 7071), registered as OE-IMO, has been registered to Oriental Leasing in Ostrava on 12 June 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as VP-BET.
Acumen’s Take
This registration highlights ongoing asset movements within the leasing sector. Aircraft transitions such as this continue to provide opportunities for mid-life asset management, remarketing, and lease redeployment in response to regional demand shifts.
OE-IMP Airbus A320-214 Registered to Oriental Leasing
Airbus A320-214 (c/n 7215), registered as OE-IMP, has been registered to Oriental Leasing in Ostrava on 12 June 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as VP-BAC.
Acumen’s Take
The addition of OE-IMP to Oriental Leasing’s portfolio reflects ongoing asset positioning activity across secondary markets. Such movements contribute to fleet optimisation strategies while supporting leasing companies' efforts to maintain portfolio utilisation.
Global Aviation News
PLAY Airlines to Exit US Market
Iceland’s PLAY Airlines has announced plans to cease all transatlantic operations to the United States later this year. Since launching its US services in 2022, the low-cost carrier has operated routes from Reykjavík’s Keflavík International Airport to Baltimore/Washington, Boston Logan, and New York Stewart International Airport.
Acumen’s Take
PLAY’s withdrawal from the US market reflects the persistent challenges smaller transatlantic carriers face in sustaining competitive long-haul low-cost operations. This strategic retreat may open opportunities for larger carriers to absorb demand while highlighting ongoing volatility in the long-haul LCC sector.
Iberia Unveils €6 Billion 2030 Flight Plan
Iberia has launched its 2030 Flight Plan, outlining a new strategic vision with a target of achieving annual profitability between 13.5% and 15%. This financial performance will enable the Spanish carrier to invest €6 billion over the course of the plan, supporting growth and operational improvements over the coming years.
Acumen’s Take
Iberia’s long-term investment commitment highlights strong confidence in sustained profitability and market expansion. Significant capital allocation towards fleet, infrastructure, and operational efficiency aligns with broader European airline trends focused on resilience and sustainable growth.
Riyadh Air Orders 25 Airbus A350-1000s at Paris Air Show
Riyadh Air has placed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with an option to increase the order to 50. The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show and marks a significant step in the Saudi Arabian premium carrier’s fleet expansion plans. The signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from Riyadh Air, Airbus, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Acumen’s Take
Riyadh Air’s A350-1000 order signals the airline’s ambition to establish a strong international premium network. The addition of next-generation widebody aircraft will enhance its long-haul capabilities, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation sector growth strategy.
Vietjet Air Places Additional Order for 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 Engines
Vietjet Air has placed a new order for 40 Trent 7000 engines with Rolls-Royce to power 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft. This latest deal follows a previous order made at the Singapore Airshow in 2024, bringing Vietjet’s total Trent 7000 order to 80 engines. The expanded order supports Vietjet’s fleet modernisation and growing long-haul ambitions.
Acumen’s Take
Vietjet’s expanded commitment to the Trent 7000 underscores confidence in the A330neo platform as a cost-efficient widebody solution. As regional carriers scale up long-haul operations, sustained engine orders support long-term MRO, leasing, and aftermarket service opportunities.
Skytrans Expands Fleet with Second Airbus A319 for ACMI Growth
Australian airline Skytrans, part of Avia Solutions Group, has added a second Airbus A319 aircraft to its fleet. This expansion supports Skytrans’ growing ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) operations, marking a strategic step in developing its capacity within Australia’s passenger aviation sector.
Acumen’s Take
The addition of a second A319 reflects rising demand for flexible ACMI solutions in regional and domestic markets. Fleet growth among ACMI operators highlights opportunities for asset utilisation, lease placement, and niche market coverage, particularly in emerging ACMI regions like Australia.
The Ministry of Construction Officially Grants Air Transport License to Sun PhuQuoc Airways
The Ministry of Construction has officially issued Air Transport License No. 01/2025/GPKDVCHK to Sun Phu Quoc Company Limited, authorising the establishment and operation of Sun PhuQuoc Airways. This marks a significant step forward for the new airline under Sun Group, expanding Vietnam’s domestic aviation sector.
Acumen’s Take
The licence issuance underscores the continued liberalisation and growth of Vietnam’s aviation market. New entrants like Sun PhuQuoc Airways present additional opportunities for fleet sourcing, leasing activity, and regional network development.
Tommy Hughes Appointed Chief Commercial Officer Of Satair
Satair, an Airbus Services company, has appointed Tommy Hughes as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Based in Copenhagen, Hughes will oversee Satair’s global commercial strategy and customer success initiatives, focusing on strengthening long-term partnerships and delivering service excellence in the commercial aerospace aftermarket.
Acumen’s Take
Leadership changes at major aftermarket service providers reflect the sector’s strategic importance amid fleet growth and MRO demand. Strengthened commercial leadership at Satair will support its global expansion and deepen collaboration opportunities with operators and lessors.
Irish Aviation News
Dublin Airport Expands Private Terminal to Meet Growing Demand from Business and Private Passengers
Dublin Airport’s Platinum VIP private terminal has expanded with the addition of four new suites, increasing total capacity to ten suites. This expansion allows the terminal to serve an additional 26,000 passengers annually, bringing total capacity close to 66,000. The growth reflects rising demand from business travellers, corporate executives, international delegations, and private individuals seeking a discreet and premium airport experience.
Acumen’s Take
The expansion of Dublin Airport’s private terminal highlights increasing demand for premium, tailored services within commercial airports. This trend underscores opportunities for airports to diversify revenue streams while enhancing passenger experience for high-value travellers.
Emerald Airlines Welcomes "A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation" Report, Urges Implementation of Key Policy Recommendations
Emerald Airlines, operating Aer Lingus Regional services, has expressed strong support for the Irelandia Aviation report A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation. The airline acknowledges the report’s comprehensive focus on the strategic role of aviation in Ireland’s economy and calls for swift implementation of its key policy recommendations to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in the sector.
Acumen’s Take
Emerald Airlines’ endorsement of the Pathfinder report reinforces broad industry alignment on the need for proactive policy frameworks to secure Ireland’s aviation leadership. Swift policy action can strengthen the operating environment for regional operators and bolster the country’s aviation ecosystem.
Fexco’s PACE Launches BlueSkies to Set New Standards in Carbon Emissions Reporting for Corporate Travel
PACE, the sustainability data and analytics platform from Fexco, has introduced its new BlueSkies solution aimed at improving carbon emissions tracking and reporting for corporate travel. The platform is designed to provide businesses with greater accuracy and transparency in measuring their travel-related environmental impact.
Acumen’s Take
Innovative solutions like BlueSkies reflect growing industry emphasis on accurate sustainability reporting. Enhanced emissions tracking supports corporate climate goals and aligns with broader aviation sector efforts to meet evolving ESG standards.
Irish Engineering Firm Wins Landmark Contract for Singapore Airport
An Irish engineering firm has secured a landmark contract to design a new drainage system for one of Singapore’s primary airports. This project marks a significant achievement for the company in expanding its expertise to major international infrastructure projects.
Acumen’s Take
The award of such high-profile contracts to Irish firms underlines Ireland's growing reputation for delivering specialised technical expertise in global aviation infrastructure projects. These successes enhance Ireland’s global visibility in supporting critical airport development.
Not First but Fast Followers: Michael Cawley on Ryanair’s Tech Playbook, OTA Rapprochement & Regulatory Realities
Michael Cawley, former Deputy CEO and COO of Ryanair, continues to shape discussions on aviation strategy, technology adoption, and regulatory dynamics in Europe. His insights highlight Ryanair’s approach of being a ‘fast follower’ in technology while navigating the evolving online travel agency (OTA) landscape and regulatory environment.
Acumen’s Take
Cawley’s reflections illustrate Ryanair’s pragmatic approach to innovation—leveraging proven technologies quickly while managing complex distribution and regulatory frameworks. This strategy continues to influence how low-cost carriers balance cost efficiency with technological advancement.
Shannon Airport CEO Optimistic for Summer Season Despite Geopolitical Tensions
Following a record year in 2024, Shannon Airport remains confident for the upcoming summer season, supported by new route additions, ongoing investments, and steady passenger growth. While acknowledging existing geopolitical uncertainties, the airport sees strong demand and positive momentum continuing into 2025.
Acumen’s Take
Shannon Airport’s resilience amid global uncertainties highlights the importance of diversified route development and sustained infrastructure investment. Continued passenger growth reinforces Ireland’s regional aviation strength and supports long-term airport viability.
Tweet Picks
@AINonline Bombardier added a speed record to the rapidly growing Global 7500 stash while travelling from Montréal to Paris for the airshow this week.
@AINonline Siemens is helping aerospace OEMs accelerate production while cutting costs. #PAS25.
@AINonline Southwest Airlines has begun installing Honeywell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding technology on its Boeing 737 fleet. #PAS25.
@AINonline Turbine business aircraft flight activity last month rose 2.7% year over year, largely boosted by 14% growth in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South America, according to the latest TraqPak data from Argus International.
Video Picks
Clare Artist's Work Celebrates 50 Years Of Flight AerCap
A special artwork by Clare artist Michael Hanrahan was unveiled to commemorate AerCap’s 50th anniversary. The piece symbolises AerCap’s journey and leadership in aircraft leasing over five decades, combining Irish artistic talent with the global reach of the aviation finance industry.
Acumen’s Take
This milestone underscores Ireland’s deep-rooted role in global aircraft leasing. Cultural collaborations like this not only celebrate corporate achievements but also reinforce Ireland’s strong aviation identity on the world stage.
Quality of Boeing 737 Max deliveries has become 'measurably better,' Air Lease Corp CEO says
Speaking on recent production improvements, the CEO of Air Lease Corporation stated that Boeing’s 737 MAX deliveries have shown clear and measurable quality improvements. The remarks reflect growing confidence from major lessors in Boeing’s manufacturing stability as the OEM works to address earlier production challenges.
Acumen’s Take
Positive feedback from key lessors like Air Lease Corp is a critical indicator for Boeing’s recovery efforts. Improved production quality strengthens confidence across leasing, airline, and financing sectors, supporting sustained demand for narrowbody assets.
Trade landscape creating uncertainty for aviation industry, says AerCap CFO Peter Juhas
AerCap CFO Peter Juhas highlighted growing uncertainty in the aviation sector due to shifting global trade dynamics. He noted that emerging tariff policies and geopolitical tensions could impact aircraft transactions and supply chain stability, posing new challenges for lessors and airlines alike.
Acumen’s Take
As global trade complexities increase, aviation stakeholders must navigate evolving regulatory and geopolitical risks. For lessors and investors, strategic portfolio planning and jurisdictional diversification will be key to mitigating exposure to potential disruptions.
