26 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 26th 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
EI-STM Boeing 737-4Z9(F) Ferried to St Athan
Boeing 737-4Z9(F) (c/n 27094), registered as EI-STM and operated by ASL Airlines Ireland, was ferried to St Athan on 11 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The ferrying of EI-STM reflects ongoing freighter fleet repositioning and maintenance cycles. Movements like this are regularly monitored by Acumen to support fleet tracking, asset remarketing, and portfolio management services.
G-ISLP ATR72-212A(600) Delivered to Blue Island Airways
ATR72-212A(600) (c/n 1167), registered as G-ISLP, was delivered to Blue Island Airways and arrived in Jersey on 12 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery of G-ISLP highlights continued investment in regional turboprop capacity. Acumen closely monitors such regional fleet developments to assist clients with market insights, asset valuations, and operational support.
Global Aviation News
AELF Closes $55 Million Credit Facility With Merchants Bank
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF) has secured a $55 million credit facility from Merchants Bank, based in Indiana. The new line of credit will support AELF’s ongoing expansion through the acquisition of commercial aircraft, further strengthening its fleet growth strategy.
Acumen’s Take
This credit facility underscores continued lender confidence in aviation asset-backed financing. As lessors expand their fleets, access to flexible credit solutions like this supports portfolio growth and diversification in a recovering market.
Boeing 20-Year Forecast Shows Steady Demand for Nearly 44,000 New Airplanes
At the Paris Air Show, Boeing forecast global demand for 43,600 new commercial aircraft over the next two decades. The projection highlights the growing influence of emerging markets, where rising middle-class populations, competitive airline networks, and continued aviation investment are expected to fuel significant traffic growth.
Acumen’s Take
Boeing’s forecast reaffirms the long-term strength of global aircraft demand despite near-term challenges. The sustained requirement for fleet expansion and replacement will drive opportunities across OEM production, leasing, and aftermarket services, especially as emerging markets gain prominence.
Central Airlines leases 777F for own ops
Central Airlines has expanded its widebody freighter fleet with the addition of a fifth Boeing 777F, marking its first fleet growth in 2025. The 2013-built aircraft (unit 35611) has been leased from DAE Capital and will be operated directly by Central Airlines for its customer base as it focuses on scaling up its own freighter operations.
Acumen’s Take
The move underscores the sustained demand for widebody freighters amid ongoing global air cargo growth. Central Airlines' fleet expansion reflects continued opportunities for lessors and conversion providers in the freighter market segment, especially for mid-life widebody assets.
GetJet Airlines x Royal Jordanian: Strategic Partnership Takes Flight
GetJet Airlines has announced a new wet lease partnership with Royal Jordanian Airlines, the national carrier of Jordan and a member of the Oneworld alliance. This cooperation marks a strategic expansion for both parties, with GetJet providing aircraft and operational support to Royal Jordanian’s network.
Acumen’s Take
Wet lease agreements like this highlight the growing role of ACMI providers in offering operational flexibility to national carriers. Partnerships between established flag carriers and specialised wet lease operators support network resilience during peak demand periods and fleet transitions.
LEVEL: Eight Years of IAG’s Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline
LEVEL has marked its eighth anniversary in June 2025, having now carried over three million passengers since its launch in 2017. The airline continues to grow as part of IAG’s long-haul low-cost strategy, serving transatlantic and leisure-focused markets.
Acumen’s Take
LEVEL’s steady growth underlines IAG’s diversification in the long-haul low-cost segment. As demand for affordable transatlantic travel persists, such models continue to play an important role in offering flexible capacity while broadening market access.
US Airlines Report $225 Million Net Loss in Q1 2025
US airlines posted a combined net loss of $225 million in the first quarter of 2025, representing an improvement over the net loss recorded in Q1 2024. The figures, published as part of a regularly scheduled release, reflect updated reporting that may be subject to further revision.
Acumen’s Take
The reduced net loss indicates a gradual recovery in the US airline sector, supported by stabilising demand and ongoing cost control measures. While profitability remains pressured, the narrowing losses suggest improving financial resilience heading into the busier travel months.
US Global Network Airlines Bullish on International Travel Trends
As the Northern Hemisphere’s peak summer travel season begins, US global network airlines are expressing confidence in international market demand despite a softening in domestic leisure bookings. Executives continue to highlight long-haul travel as a key growth area, with second-quarter results expected to offer further clarity on demand strength.
Acumen’s Take
Sustained optimism in international markets suggests strategic shifts by US carriers to capture higher-margin long-haul traffic. This focus could drive fleet utilisation and leasing activity for widebody aircraft, with ripple effects on transatlantic and transpacific capacity planning.
Irish Aviation News
Kinsale Aviation Festival 2025 Set for 29 November
The Kinsale Aviation Festival 2025 has been scheduled for Saturday, 29 November. The event continues to serve as a key gathering point for aviation professionals, industry stakeholders, and enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, discussions, and insights into the Irish and global aviation sectors.
Acumen’s Take
Industry events like the Kinsale Aviation Festival play a valuable role in strengthening Ireland’s aviation community. Such platforms foster collaboration, share market perspectives, and support Ireland’s ongoing position as a global aviation and leasing hub.
MUFG Provides $600 Million Unsecured Term Loan to Aircastle
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has announced the closing of a $600 million senior unsecured term loan for Aircastle Limited and its subsidiaries. The financing will support Aircastle’s general corporate purposes, including aircraft acquisitions, with the facility extending through April 2030.
Acumen’s Take
The transaction reflects sustained lender confidence in established aircraft lessors like Aircastle. Access to unsecured financing of this scale supports fleet expansion and portfolio optimisation, reinforcing lessors’ ability to meet growing airline demand for modern assets.
New Aer Lingus Aircraft to Boost Transatlantic Network – IAG Chief
IAG chief has emphasised that the introduction of new aircraft at Aer Lingus will provide the airline with a distinct advantage in further developing its transatlantic network. The expanded fleet is expected to enhance route flexibility, efficiency, and capacity as Aer Lingus continues to strengthen its North American operations.
Acumen’s Take
Fleet modernisation plays a central role in Aer Lingus’ long-haul growth ambitions. New generation aircraft enable the airline to optimize transatlantic operations, improve fuel efficiency, and capture expanding demand for US-Ireland connectivity.
Strong Community Backing for Dublin Airport Growth Confirmed by New Independent Research
New independent research conducted by Red C shows overwhelming support among Fingal residents for Dublin Airport’s continued growth and development. The findings highlight the airport’s critical role in the local economy and its strong relationship with the surrounding community.
Acumen’s Take
The clear local backing for expansion reinforces Dublin Airport’s strategic importance in Ireland’s transport infrastructure. Positive community sentiment provides a strong foundation for future development discussions, supporting capacity growth and long-term investment planning.
Tweet Picks
@AFnewsroom "We urgently need a wake-up call in the EU. A clear, coordinated policy is essential—one that unites all stakeholders and gives them the means to decarbonize", said @AnneRigail on the challenges of decarbonization at the @salondubourget. #PAS25.
@AINonline Constellium and Tarmac Aerosave announced the successful recycling and remelting of aluminum from end-of-life aircraft into new, high-performance aerospace material. #PAS25.
@AINonline X-1 Jets has announced the launch of an exclusive JetCard program designed for U.S. citizens planning travel within Europe this summer.
@AviationWeek U.S. regional carrier @RepublicAirways will evaluate Beta Technologies’ all-electric CX-300 conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) aircraft for passenger and cargo use under an agreement announced here at the #ParisAirShow.
Video Picks
How AviLease Boosts the Saudi Aviation Sector
In this feature, AviLease highlights its growing role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s aviation ambitions, providing strategic aircraft leasing solutions that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The company discusses how its leasing activities contribute to fleet modernisation and support the expansion of regional and international connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
AviLease’s efforts reflect the increasing importance of domestic lessors in emerging aviation hubs. Its strategic positioning strengthens Saudi Arabia’s leasing capacity and supports broader fleet diversification, a trend that may shape future global leasing market dynamics.
How Thai Airways Avoided Collapse
This video explores Thai Airways’ remarkable turnaround story, detailing the airline’s restructuring measures that helped it navigate financial distress. It covers debt restructuring, fleet rationalisation, and strategic cost controls that enabled the carrier to restore stability and chart a sustainable path forward.
Acumen’s Take
Thai Airways’ recovery underscores the value of decisive restructuring and operational optimisation during crisis periods. Its example offers key lessons for global carriers on managing financial health, fleet efficiency, and long-term resilience in volatile markets.
Why Stanislas Brun thinks A350F is built for the changing demands of air cargo and Etihad
In this interview, Stanislas Brun discusses how the Airbus A350F freighter is uniquely positioned to meet evolving air cargo demands. He highlights its fuel efficiency, range, and advanced design as ideal features for airlines like Etihad seeking to optimise cargo operations while meeting sustainability goals.
Acumen’s Take
The A350F’s strong performance profile reflects shifting industry priorities towards fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and long-haul flexibility. For carriers like Etihad, investing in next-generation freighters like the A350F helps future-proof cargo operations and align with growing environmental standards.
