26 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 26th January 2026
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IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Inaugural A321XLR to Shannon
Aer Lingus operated the first-ever Airbus A321XLR commercial service into Shannon Airport on 17 January, marking a notable milestone for both the aircraft type and the airport. The flight was operated by EI-XLW on a Dublin–London Heathrow–Shannon W-pattern rotation, replacing a scheduled A320neo service. This deployment underlines the A321XLR’s operational flexibility, demonstrating its ability to support short-haul network optimisation alongside its intended long-range role.
FlyArystan Adds EI-KFI A320neo
FlyArystan has expanded its fleet with the addition of a leased Airbus A320neo, bringing its total aircraft count to 28. The aircraft, registered EI-KFI (MSN 12684), was delivered from Dublin-based lessor Avolon and is configured in a high-density 188-seat, single-class layout. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the delivery further strengthens FlyArystan’s low-cost growth strategy, with its fleet now comprising 15 A320ceo and 13 A320neo aircraft.
Qanot Sharq Partners with Inflight Dublin
Inflight Dublin has entered into a new five-year partnership with Qanot Sharq, marking a significant step in the airline’s onboard product strategy. Under the agreement, Inflight Dublin will deploy its next-generation Everhub™ wireless inflight entertainment platform across Qanot Sharq’s Airbus fleet and act as the airline’s Content Service Provider. The announcement coincides with Qanot Sharq taking delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, leased long-term from Air Lease, supporting the carrier’s fleet modernisation and long-haul ambitions.
Aircraft Update
M-ABTS Airbus A320-216 Ferried to Amman
An Airbus A320-216, registered M-ABTS (c/n 5824), was ferried to Amman on 16 January 2026 under the ownership of BBAM Aircraft Leasing. The aircraft was previously registered as VT-RED and has now transitioned to its new registration as part of a fleet movement programme. The ferry flight reflects continued secondary market activity for mid-life A320 family aircraft across the region.
N7452R CRJ200(F) Ferried via Shannon
A Bombardier CRJ200(F), registered N7452R (c/n 7452), was ferried via Shannon on 3 January 2025 for Value Jet Cargo. The aircraft’s movement highlights the continued utilisation of converted regional jets within the dedicated cargo sector. Such transfers underscore sustained demand for smaller freighter platforms supporting time-critical and regional logistics operations.
Global Aviation News
IATA – Record Festive Season for Global Air Travel
International Air Transport Association data indicates that the 2025 Christmas and New Year period delivered a record festive season for global air travel. Preliminary estimates point to around 270 million passenger trips worldwide between 15 December and 4 January, representing a 7% year-on-year increase and outpacing full-year traffic growth. Demand was particularly strong on transborder leisure and VFR routes, with notable increases between the United States and Mexico or the Caribbean, and between India and the UAE, highlighting sustained resilience in peak seasonal travel demand.
The Air Travel Trends That Will Shape 2026
Analysis from OAG points to low-cost carriers continuing to be the primary driver of global airline growth through the remainder of the decade. Fleet expansion through large narrowbody orderbooks will enable LCCs to deepen network penetration and open new markets. Alongside capacity growth, operators are expected to place increasing emphasis on ancillary revenues, with some carriers also introducing selective premium offerings to enhance yields and diversify revenue streams.
UK SMEs to Increase Business Trips to Emerging Markets
Research by Travel Counsellors for Business indicates that UK-based SMEs are planning a notable increase in business travel to emerging markets in 2026. Survey data points to a 26% year-on-year rise in intended travel to Asia, with Africa also seeing a projected 16% increase. Asia is cited as the leading growth region, followed by the Middle East and Australia, signalling renewed outbound corporate travel demand beyond traditional European and North American markets.
United Converts 56 Boeing 787-9 Orders to 787-10
United Airlines has confirmed the conversion of 56 Boeing 787-9 orders to the larger-capacity 787-10, reflecting a strategic shift towards maximising gauge rather than frequency amid ground and airspace constraints. The decision aligns with United’s near-term fleet pressures, including engine availability challenges on its ageing 777 fleet, while it evaluates longer-term widebody options to support growth in the latter half of the decade. The move also highlights intensifying competition between engine manufacturers as the airline balances capacity, efficiency, and operational resilience.
US$200m JV to Build Autonomous Cargo Aircraft in Abu Dhabi
Barq Group and Elroy Air have signed an initial agreement to form a US$200 million joint venture to establish an autonomous cargo aircraft manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi. The venture will produce the hybrid-electric Chaparral VTOL uncrewed aircraft, targeting middle-mile cargo, humanitarian, and commercial logistics across the Middle East and North Africa. Beyond manufacturing, the partnership plans to deliver a full aftermarket ecosystem, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, signalling a move towards an integrated regional autonomous aviation capability.
Werner Aero Sells A319 MSN 2716 to Regourd Aviation
Werner Aero has completed the sale of an Airbus A319, MSN 2716, to Regourd Aviation, marking another transaction within the secondary aircraft market. The deal underscores continued liquidity for mid-life narrowbody assets and highlights Werner Aero’s lifecycle-focused approach to aircraft asset management, from acquisition through to placement with aftermarket investors and operators.
Wizz Air Targets Business Travellers with ‘Wizz Class’ Service
Wizz Air has launched a new optional product, branded “Wizz Class”, allowing passengers to reserve the adjacent middle seat to increase personal space and onboard comfort. The initiative signals a deliberate move by the low-cost carrier to attract business travellers, a segment it identifies as growing. The product launch follows recent distribution agreements that make Wizz Air inventory more accessible through corporate travel booking channels, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify revenues beyond traditional leisure-focused demand.
3TOP Aviation Services Acquires Two Embraer 175 Aircraft
3TOP Aviation Services has acquired two ex-Alitalia Embraer 175 aircraft, MSN 17000331 and 17000333, strengthening its regional jet portfolio. The aircraft are positioned at the Atitech facility in Rome for teardown and inventory harvesting, supporting aftermarket supply. The acquisition reflects 3TOP’s strategic expansion beyond narrowbody assets into mid-to-end-of-life regional aircraft, where sustained operator demand and parts value continue to underpin long-term asset returns.
Irish Aviation News
Airlines for America Launches Official Complaint Over Dublin Airport Cap
Airlines for America has filed a formal complaint with the US Department of Transportation challenging the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The move escalates transatlantic tensions around capacity constraints, with A4A arguing the cap restricts market access and growth for US carriers. The issue has drawn wider industry attention, including commentary from Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, underscoring the broader implications for Ireland–US aviation connectivity.
Mercuria and Airborne Capital Launch Open-Ended Aircraft Fund
Mercuria Investment Co. and Airborne Capital have agreed to jointly establish MACH OE, a new open-ended aircraft investment fund. The structure marks a shift from their previous closed-ended offerings aimed at Japanese investors and is expected to be the first open-ended aircraft fund launched by a Japan-based asset manager. MACH OE is designed to generate stable cashflows through investments in in-demand aircraft types leased to high-quality airlines, while offering investors enhanced flexibility on entry and exit timing.
Tampa International Airport–Dublin Airport Unserved Route
Tampa International Airport has been highlighted as a potential unserved transatlantic opportunity to Dublin, driven by strong and growing passenger demand. The airport handled over 24.5 million passengers in FY2025 and is forecasting a further 3% increase, supported by recent network expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean. New and expanded services to destinations such as Punta Cana and Bogotá underline Tampa’s rising long-haul potential, positioning a future Dublin link as a viable opportunity for transatlantic network development.
Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Cited as Barrier to Brazil–Ireland Flights
Dublin Airport’s long-standing passenger cap continues to be cited as a key obstacle to the launch of direct air services between Ireland and Brazil. Despite sustained demand, particularly for a potential São Paulo–Dublin route, capacity constraints at Dublin are limiting the ability of airlines to introduce new long-haul connections. The absence of a nonstop link has ongoing implications for travel convenience, cost, and connectivity, especially for family and VFR traffic between the two markets.
Best Ways to Fly to Ireland Using Points and Miles
Ireland continues to be well served by transatlantic loyalty redemptions, with Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport remaining the primary gateways for US travellers using points and miles. Both airports offer strong connectivity to onward regional destinations, supporting flexible itineraries beyond Dublin. The breadth of nonstop and connecting options reinforces Ireland’s position as a highly accessible European destination for frequent flyers and loyalty programme users.
Belfast Airports Lose Ground as Dublin’s Dominance Grows
Long-standing concerns that Belfast’s airports would lose traffic to Dublin Airport have materialised, as Dublin’s scale and hub status continue to attract passengers from Northern Ireland. In 2024, Dublin handled 34.6 million passengers, with an estimated 1.4 million originating from Northern Ireland, while Belfast International Airport saw traffic decline and Belfast City Airport recorded uneven growth. The divergence highlights structural differences in ownership, planning, and state support, with Dublin benefiting from long-term government backing as the island’s primary hub.
Tourism Leaders Forecast Revenue Growth in 2026
Irish Tourism Industry Confederation forecasts a 5–7% increase in inbound and domestic tourism revenues in 2026, despite a comparatively weak performance in 2025. The outlook is closely tied to improved air access and supportive government policy, with particular emphasis on lifting the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and strengthening regional airport connectivity. The projection underlines the direct link between aviation capacity, infrastructure policy, and Ireland’s broader tourism growth prospects.
World Star Aviation: 2025 in Numbers
World Star Aviation reported 2025 as a year of sustained momentum for the aviation market, supported by limited asset supply and stable demand across passenger and cargo segments. These conditions helped underpin aircraft values and reinforced the importance of disciplined execution, active portfolio management, and long-term partnerships. Entering 2026, the lessor has reiterated its focus on strategic growth and value creation across its expanding portfolio.
Tweet Picks
@SAS We’re excited to welcome a brand-new Airbus A350 to the SAS fleet, delivered from Toulouse and now arrived at our Copenhagen hub. With advanced aerodynamics and high comfort, it strengthens our long-haul operations and fleet renewal. Welcome on board!.
@SimonCalder 10% of Canada-US flight capacity has switched this winter to Latin America. Sharp declines in Canadians visiting Las Vegas and Orlando. "Snowbirds" are switching to Cuba, Mexico and Costa Rica instead. @OAG_Aviation says it could become a long-term trend.
@SimonCalder Club Europe passengers on eight prime BA short hops will no longer get a hot breakfast on morning flights. BA says: “Due to the limited time available on these journeys, serving and enjoying a hot breakfast has become challenging." Thanks to @HeadForPoints.
@ththighland Direct flights between Inverness and Dublin will return from May 2026, strengthening links between the Highlands, Ireland, and onward routes to North America.
Video Picks
Allegiant–Sun Country Airlines Merger: What It Means
This video analyses the potential implications of a merger between Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, focusing on network overlap, cost structures, and competitive positioning. The discussion explores how a combined entity could reshape the US leisure-focused airline segment, particularly in secondary markets, while also highlighting regulatory and integration challenges that could influence the deal’s viability and long-term impact.
David Neeleman: The JetBlue Founder Who Built Five Successful Airlines
This video profiles David Neeleman, examining the strategic thinking behind his role in founding and scaling multiple airlines, including JetBlue. It highlights how Neeleman repeatedly identified market gaps, applied customer-centric product design, and balanced cost discipline with service differentiation. The piece offers insight into leadership, execution, and adaptability in a highly cyclical and capital-intensive industry.
Delta CEO Says There’s Record Demand for Premium Travel
In this video, Delta Air Lines CEO discusses the airline’s experience of record demand for premium cabins, reflecting a broader shift in passenger willingness to pay for comfort, flexibility, and enhanced onboard products. The commentary highlights how premium leisure and corporate travel are outperforming traditional economy segments, influencing fleet configuration, network planning, and long-term revenue strategy across major global carriers.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation market enters 2026 with demand remaining resilient, but increasingly shaped by capacity discipline, infrastructure constraints, and strategic fleet decisions rather than pure growth. Airlines, lessors, and investors are prioritising flexibility, asset quality, and revenue optimisation as operating environments tighten. At the same time, regulatory outcomes and airport capacity policy are becoming just as influential as market fundamentals. The year ahead will reward operators and asset managers who balance expansion ambitions with disciplined execution and long-term planning.
