25 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 25th 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:
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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
D4-CCN ATR72-212A(600) c/n 1514 CVsky Delivered to Cape Verde 15/09/25
CVsky has expanded its fleet with the delivery of an ATR72-212A(600), registered D4-CCN (MSN 1514), on 15 September 2025. The turboprop was delivered to Cape Verde, enhancing regional connectivity across the island nation. With its efficiency and short-field performance, the ATR72-600 is well-suited to the archipelago’s operational needs, supporting CVsky’s strategy to strengthen domestic routes and improve service reliability for passengers.
LY-BQY Airbus A321-211 c/n 1881 Carlyle Aviation Partners Ferried to St Athan 16/09/25
Carlyle Aviation Partners has ferried an Airbus A321-211, registered LY-BQY (MSN 1881), to St Athan on 16 September 2025. The move reflects ongoing fleet transitions within the lessor’s portfolio, with the aircraft likely positioned for storage, maintenance, or onward placement. The transfer underscores the active management of mid-life A321s as demand continues to evolve across both passenger and secondary market operations.
Global Aviation News
Delta partners with Maeve Aerospace to advance hybrid regional aircraft
Delta Air Lines has joined forces with Maeve Aerospace to support the development of the MAEVE Jet, a next-generation hybrid electric aircraft designed for regional operations. The aircraft promises up to 40% reductions in fuel consumption and emissions compared to current models, with further gains possible through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Delta will contribute operational expertise to bring the aircraft to commercial readiness, aligning with its broader strategy to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
Edinburgh Airport inaugurates Scotland’s first airside solar farm
Edinburgh Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has officially launched one of the UK’s first airside solar farms, an 11-acre facility located next to its runway. Opened with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, the farm already supplies around 27% of the airport’s energy needs, with periods this year where operations ran entirely on solar power.
EFW welcomes our new A380 customer
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) has announced the addition of a new customer for its Airbus A380 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme. This milestone reflects growing market interest in repurposing the world’s largest passenger aircraft for cargo operations, offering operators significant payload and capacity advantages.
European airlines and airports criticise Dutch air ticket tax hike
European airline group A4E and airport association ACI EUROPE have condemned the Dutch government’s decision to raise its already high air ticket tax for a second time. They argue the increase will damage the Netherlands’ air connectivity, deter business and tourism, and divert funds away from the major investments needed to decarbonise aviation.
Finnair CEO Hosts First U.S. Media Roundtable in New York
Finnair CEO Turkka Kuusisto held his first U.S. media roundtable in New York, outlining the carrier’s strategic ambitions for 2025 and beyond. Joined by Javier Roig-Sanchez, recently appointed General Manager for North America, Kuusisto highlighted Finnair’s focus on strengthening transatlantic growth and capitalising on the Nordic region’s increasing popularity among U.S. travellers. The session underscored Finnair’s commitment to expanding its footprint in North America while promoting its role as a gateway to Northern Europe.
Fly2Sky Airlines secures new Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Malta
Fly2Sky Airlines has successfully obtained a new Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Malta, marking a significant step in its long-term expansion strategy. The Maltese certification will provide the carrier with greater operational flexibility, enabling it to extend services across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and other international markets. This milestone strengthens Fly2Sky’s ability to serve airline partners, tour operators, and passengers while broadening its access to new opportunities in the global charter and ACMI sector.
Gen Z fuels rail boom to London Gatwick with over half choosing trains
London Gatwick has reported a surge in rail use among Gen Z travellers, with 53% of passengers aged 16–24 opting for train travel to the airport in Q1 2025, up from 47% the previous year. This figure surpasses the overall passenger average of 44%, reflecting younger travellers’ strong preference for sustainable and convenient transport options. Gatwick, already the UK’s best-connected airport by rail with links to over 120 stations, has invested £45 million in enhanced connectivity and a major station redevelopment to further support this trend.
Hong Kong’s long-haul draw lifts Cathay Pacific carryings
Cathay Pacific reported a strong uplift in traffic this summer, with July carryings rising by nearly 25% as long-haul demand to and from Hong Kong surged during the peak travel season. Across the first seven months of 2025, passenger numbers climbed 27% year-on-year, underscoring the airline’s recovery momentum. Combined with its regional arm HK Express, the Cathay Group carried 3.2 million passengers in July alone, highlighting the sustained appeal of Hong Kong as a major long-haul hub.
Iberia to use A321XLR to Brazil in its winter schedule
Iberia has announced an expanded winter 2025 schedule, highlighted by the deployment of its new Airbus A321XLR on routes to Brazil. The carrier will launch services to Recife on 13 December and Fortaleza on 19 January, alongside an earlier expansion to Orlando on 26 October. Frequency increases also include four daily flights to Amsterdam, 44 weekly to Rome, and up to 11 daily to Paris. In the U.S., New York and Boston will see up to two daily flights, while Washington becomes a year-round destination with three weekly services.
‘Timeline remains on track’ for Lufthansa takeover of ITA by June – Carsten Spohr
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has confirmed that the group’s takeover of ITA Airways remains on schedule, with majority control expected by June 2026. Lufthansa, which acquired a 41% stake in 2025, plans to raise its ownership to 90% by mid-2026 in a deal worth €325 million. ITA will become Lufthansa’s fifth network airline and is set to join the Star Alliance by early 2026, strengthening connectivity across Frankfurt, Munich, and Rome while reinforcing the group’s Southern European presence.
United CEO Frames A U.S. Airline “Trade Deficit” For Washington—But Considers Buying Airbus A350s
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has raised concerns over what he calls a U.S. airline “trade deficit,” pointing to the reliance on foreign-built aircraft while underscoring the need for more domestic manufacturing support. At the same time, Kirby acknowledged United is evaluating Airbus A350s for its fleet, citing favourable economics tied to an eight-year-old Rolls-Royce engine deal. Once considered unfavourable, the agreement has become advantageous amid inflation, supply chain pressures, and strong market demand, potentially making the A350 a viable option for United’s long-haul growth.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Cargo Delivers First Two Boeing 777-300ERSF Passenger-To-Freighter Converted Aircraft To Kalitta Air
AerCap Cargo has delivered the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversions to U.S.-based Kalitta Air, marking a milestone in the deployment of the type. The delivery includes the prototype certification aircraft and forms part of a larger seven-aircraft order. Both aircraft arrived at Kalitta’s Oscoda, Michigan facility on 12 and 13 September 2025, underscoring AerCap’s leadership in widebody freighter leasing and the growing market demand for high-capacity, long-range cargo solutions.
AerFin takes delivery of second B777-300ER previously operated by Japan Airlines
AerFin has received its second Boeing 777-300ER formerly operated by Japan Airlines, marking its third acquisition of the aircraft type. The widebody will be disassembled in the United States, with components repurposed to supply high-quality serviceable material for AerFin’s global customer base. This latest addition reinforces AerFin’s strategy of supporting operators and MROs with sustainable aftermarket solutions while extending the lifecycle value of retired aircraft.
Aer Lingus Hopes Expanded Transatlantic Offering From Shannon Will Boost Tourism
Aer Lingus has announced an expansion of its transatlantic services from Shannon Airport, aiming to strengthen tourism in the region. From mid-May to 20 August next summer, the airline will add three extra weekly flights between Shannon and Boston, raising the total number of seats available to North America from Shannon to more than 350,000 the highest since 2018. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Donal Moriarty highlighted that the move follows strong passenger growth in the first half of the year and is expected to further support regional economic development.
Passenger numbers through Irish airports up by 7pc in second quarter – CSO
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has reported a 7% rise in passenger traffic through Irish airports in Q2 2025, with 12 million passengers compared to 11.2 million in the same period last year. Across the first half of 2025, 20.3 million passengers used Ireland’s five main airports, nearly 800,000 more than in 2024. Flight activity in Q2 totalled over 81,000 movements, with Dublin accounting for 83%, Cork 8%, and Shannon 6%, reflecting the continued concentration of traffic through the capital while regional airports maintained steady contributions.
Ryanair and Shell sign up for Belfast firm Catagen’s patented tech for producing sustainable aviation fuel
Belfast-based green tech company Catagen has secured agreements with Ryanair and Shell Aviation to advance its patented sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology. The partnerships were announced alongside the launch of Catagen’s new subsidiary, ClimaHtech Green Flight (CGF), at its Titanic Quarter headquarters. Spun out of research by Queen’s University’s Dr Andrew Woods, the initiative underscores Ireland’s growing role in SAF innovation and highlights the airline and energy sectors’ commitment to accelerating decarbonisation in aviation.
Ryanair: ‘UK’s biggest passenger airline’ with ‘double BA’s traffic’?
Ryanair has declared itself the UK’s largest passenger airline, forecasting 60 million travellers in 2025, nearly double the traffic carried by British Airways to and from the UK. Announcing its winter schedule on 27 August, the carrier highlighted its dominance in the market, reflecting the broader trend of low-cost airlines outpacing legacy carriers over the past decade. While the figures invite closer scrutiny, the claim underscores Ryanair’s scale and influence, further cementing its role as a driving force in UK and European aviation.
SMBC Aero Engine Lease Completes the First Delivery of One PW1127G-JM Engine to Group Engine Management GmbH
SMBC Aero Engine Lease (SAEL) has completed the delivery of its first PW1127G-JM engine to Group Engine Management GmbH (GEM) in July 2025, supporting the Lufthansa Group fleet. The PW1127G-JM, part of Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine family, is designed for the Airbus A320neo and is recognised for its superior fuel efficiency, lower noise emissions, and reduced carbon footprint. The transaction highlights SAEL’s role in advancing sustainable aviation technology while reinforcing its partnership with major European operators.
Thriving Business and Advocacy Relationships Secure Direct Flight to Dublin
The North Carolina Chamber has announced that Aer Lingus will launch direct service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Dublin, following more than a year of collaborative efforts between business communities and chambers of commerce on both sides of the Atlantic. NC Chamber President and CEO Gary J. Salamido hailed the new route as a milestone for regional growth, strengthening economic ties and investment opportunities. The service underscores Dublin’s expanding role as a transatlantic hub while positioning North Carolina as a rising destination for international business and tourism.
WSA Delivers First of Several Committed 737-800 Freighters to SolitAir
World Star Aviation has completed the delivery of the first Boeing 737-800 freighter to SolitAir, marking the start of a multi-aircraft commitment with the Dubai-based cargo carrier. The deal underscores WSA’s role in supporting both established and emerging operators with tailored fleet solutions. For SolitAir, the addition represents a significant step in expanding its capacity and network reach, as the airline continues its rapid growth from its base at Dubai World Central.
Tweet Picks
@OAG_Aviation This chart shows the dominance of the 'big four' in the US market - there are 83m scheduled seats between fourth placed United Airlines and Alaska Airlines in 5th.
@RollsRoyce Blazing speed, record-breaking range, and game-changing efficiency: The #Pearl700- powered @GulfstreamAero #G800 just entered into service. It’s the fourth application for our Pearl engine family, positioning us for sustainable and profitable future growth.
@SimonCalder Ryanair: from 3 November all passengers (except from Albania and Morocco) must show boarding passes on the airline app on their smartphone. If you lose your phone or it runs flat, you can get a boarding pass at the airport – as long as you have checked in.
@sn26567 .@KLM’s AI-powered “Airmail” reaches 6.3 million customers, cuts e-mail creation time by 90%.
Video Picks
Aer Lingus Announces Increased Capacity on its Shannon-Boston Route
This video highlights Aer Lingus’s decision to expand capacity on its Shannon–Boston service, with three additional weekly flights scheduled between mid-May and 20 August next summer. The move will bring the total number of seats available from Shannon to North America to more than 350,000, the highest since 2018. The report also explores the wider impact of this expansion, including potential boosts to regional tourism and economic development in the west of Ireland.
United CEO Scott Kirby on Travel Demand, Pricing and Newark
In this interview, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby discusses current travel demand trends, the airline’s pricing strategy, and Newark Liberty International Airport’s turnaround. Kirby reflects on United’s strong summer performance, improved operational reliability, and how these factors are shaping the carrier’s broader growth outlook. The conversation provides insights into United’s competitive positioning and its approach to balancing customer expectations with long-term network planning.
Welcome to SolitAir’s First Episode: “Middle Mile Reimagined”
SolitAir launches its new video series with the premiere episode, Middle Mile Reimagined, showcasing the airline’s innovative approach to cargo operations. The feature explores how SolitAir is leveraging its growing fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters to optimise middle-mile logistics and meet rising e-commerce demand. The episode highlights the carrier’s commitment to efficiency, flexibility, and customer-focused solutions as it positions itself for growth in the global cargo market.
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Acumen’s Take
This edition highlights the balancing act between expansion, innovation, and sustainability that continues to define aviation’s trajectory. Airlines and lessors are reshaping fleets with new-generation aircraft, while infrastructure and regulatory shifts are steering the industry toward greener operations. Passenger growth, evolving business models, and strategic collaborations underline resilience in both global and Irish markets. The sector’s future lies in managing growth responsibly, aligning investment with decarbonisation goals, and sustaining competitiveness in a dynamic global environment.
