26 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 26th May 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: Cathay Pacific celebrated its first batch of cadet pilots trained entirely in-house, while China Southern became the Asia-Pacific launch customer for RECARO’s R3 economy seat. East Midlands Airport also announced a key cargo partnership with China’s YunExpress and Central Airlines, strengthening China–UK logistics links.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-may-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: Air India introduced dedicated ‘Family Assistance’ counters at Delhi Airport to support families and special-needs travellers. BIAL partnered with KPMG to integrate Generative AI into airport operations, and IndiGo expanded its UAE footprint with new flights from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam to Abu Dhabi.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-may-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: AELF acquired an A330-200 from Avolon on lease to Hawaiian Airlines; Azorra delivered its first A220-300 to Croatia Airlines; and Avolon appointed Linda Hickey as Independent Director and Audit Chair, strengthening its board's governance expertise.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-may-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Deliveries and movements included Hunnu Air’s Embraer 190-E2, A330 freighters to Hawaiian Airlines and Cargo Aircraft Management, and narrowbody aircraft for Egyptair, Nesma Airlines, and SAS Link. BBAM and Jetran also repositioned aircraft for freighter and asset transition purposes.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-may-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Acorn Capital acquired four A330-300s from Altavair for lease and part-out investment; Atlas Air signed a long-term 747-400 freighter ACMI agreement with Turkish Cargo; and Azorra delivered an A220-300 to Croatia Airlines, marking the start of a new European partnership.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-may-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
IAG Places Major Widebody Order with Airbus and Boeing
International Airlines Group (IAG), parent of Aer Lingus, has placed a combined order for 53 aircraft—31 Boeing 787-9s and 22 Airbus A350-900s. The aircraft will be delivered between 2025 and 2030, supporting long-haul expansion and sustainability goals through improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Acumen’s Take
A significant fleet renewal of this magnitude signals strong recovery confidence across IAG’s network. For lessors and investors, this reaffirms long-haul widebody demand returning steadily. Acumen expects these assets will be primarily delivered under sale-and-leaseback structures, opening opportunities for portfolio expansion and secondary market engagement in the 2030s.
Emerald Airlines Expands ATR Fleet to 19
Emerald Airlines has added its 19th ATR72-600, maintaining momentum in its role as Aer Lingus Regional’s exclusive operator. The carrier continues building capacity to service regional connectivity between Irish and UK destinations.
Acumen’s Take
Fleet additions in the turboprop space, especially via ATRs, highlight continued regional route profitability and efficiency. For aircraft investors, this reinforces the long-term utility of ATR platforms in short-haul European networks, particularly when paired with high utilisation and strong route stickiness like Emerald's.
Fifth Former JetBlue Embraer 190 Arrives at Ireland West Airport
Ireland West Airport Knock has welcomed the arrival of its fifth ex-JetBlue Embraer 190 aircraft. This is part of a broader initiative to increase regional capacity and modernise the aircraft operating out of western Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
The reuse of US-based E190s in European regional markets reflects the type’s versatility and growing appeal in secondary hubs. While the E-Jet family faces increasing pressure from newer regional jets, strategic redeployments like these show continued asset relevance when aligned with the right cost base and route demand.
Aircraft Update
B-LDG | Airbus A300F4-605R | Air Hong Kong
The Airbus A300F4-605R (MSN 870), registered as B-LDG and operated by Air Hong Kong, was ferried to Dresden on 17 May 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The ferry to Dresden suggests the aircraft may be heading for maintenance, conversion, or part-out. With the A300F fleet ageing, many are nearing retirement or secondary market placement. For asset managers, this is a key point in the aircraft’s lifecycle—critical for end-of-life planning, teardown value recovery, or cargo conversion strategies.
EC-NUP | Airbus A320-214 | Vueling
Airbus A320-214 (MSN 5304), now registered as EC-NUP, was delivered to Vueling in Barcelona on 15 May 2025. The aircraft was previously operated under registration F-HBNF.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery reflects ongoing fleet transitions within Europe’s LCC sector. Vueling’s acquisition of mid-life A320s points to a cost-effective expansion strategy amid capacity growth. From a leasing perspective, such placements signal sustained demand for mid-age narrowbodies in Europe and opportunities for short-to-medium term lease structuring.
Global Aviation News
Aena Airports Record 28.7 Million Passengers in March 2025
Aena’s airport network reported a significant surge in passenger traffic during March 2025, crossing 28.7 million passengers—a 13.6% increase year-on-year. The growth is driven by both international and domestic sectors across its Spanish network.
Acumen’s Take
This uptick reinforces recovery trends in Southern Europe’s aviation markets and strengthens the case for sustained narrowbody utilisation. For lessors and operators, it reflects ongoing demand recovery, especially relevant for low-cost carriers and regional operators serving Spain.
AE Industrial Partners Closes Aerospace Leasing Fund II at $418 Million
AE Industrial Partners announced the closure of its second aerospace leasing fund with $418 million in capital commitments. The fund targets a mix of commercial aircraft and engines.
Acumen’s Take
This closure is a vote of confidence in the long-term value of aviation assets. For the mid- and end-of-life asset segment, this could bring competitive dynamics into play. Acumen anticipates increased bidding activity for mid-life narrowbodies and lease-managed engines, particularly in North America and Europe.
Airbus Delivers First Pratt & Whitney-Powered A321XLR to Wizz Air
Wizz Air has delivered the first A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. This marks a key milestone for Airbus’s extra long-range variant, which offers extended range while maintaining narrowbody economics.
Acumen’s Take
The A321XLR opens up thin long-haul and transcontinental routes, reshaping network planning for LCCs like Wizz. For investors and asset managers, this delivery signals new aircraft placement opportunities and potential lease premium scenarios as the type gains traction.
Air France-KLM Issues New Hybrid Bonds Successfully
Air France-KLM has announced the successful issuance of new hybrid bonds, strengthening its balance sheet and providing funding flexibility for upcoming investments and debt refinancing.
Acumen’s Take
Hybrid bond structures remain an attractive financial tool for legacy carriers under CAPEX pressure. For lessors, a stronger Air France-KLM balance sheet enhances credit exposure confidence and supports future sale-and-leaseback activity.
AIP Capital Enters Korean Market with Dreamstone Global
AIP Capital is expanding into the Korean market in partnership with Dreamstone Global, targeting long-term growth in aircraft investment and asset management across Asia-Pacific.
Acumen’s Take
This move underscores the growing investor appetite in the Asia-Pacific aviation leasing ecosystem. Korea’s stable airline landscape and emerging lessor base make it a promising region for asset deployment and servicing growth, aligning with Acumen’s strategic view on APAC market expansion.
GOL Secures $1.9 Billion in Exit Financing Over 5 Years
Brazilian carrier GOL has secured $1.9 billion in five-year exit financing, facilitating its emergence from bankruptcy proceedings and supporting operational restructuring.
Acumen’s Take
This restructuring marks a pivotal shift for GOL. With improved liquidity, we expect gradual fleet ramp-up and renegotiation of lease terms. For asset managers, this improves confidence in Brazilian carrier viability and opens discussions around narrowbody placements and lease rate adjustments in LATAM.
Irish Aviation News
AAG to Lead Major Expansion of Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeships
Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) has announced plans to significantly scale its aircraft mechanic apprenticeship programme, aiming to address the critical skills gap in Ireland’s aviation maintenance sector.
Acumen’s Take
This move is pivotal in futureproofing Ireland’s MRO capabilities. For asset managers and lessors, a robust domestic maintenance ecosystem enhances turnaround times and supports Ireland’s positioning as a global aviation hub. Workforce development is increasingly integral to long-term asset lifecycle management.
AerCap Not Interested in New Aircraft Programme
AerCap CEO Gus Kelly has stated that the lessor sees no near-term demand for an entirely new aircraft programme from OEMs, citing sufficient supply and capability from existing fleets.
Acumen’s Take
This perspective reinforces the current focus on optimising existing platforms rather than pushing for fresh development. For investors and operators, it signals that value will continue to concentrate around A320neo and 737 MAX families for the foreseeable future. Secondary market activity around these types remains highly relevant.
Aer Dogs Podcast – Episode 3 – Conor McCarthy
The latest episode of Aer Dogs features Conor McCarthy, who shares insights on entrepreneurship, regional aviation, and the future of airline training and operations in Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
McCarthy’s commentary aligns with wider trends around decentralised training and regional market potential. His vision reflects key themes around fleet right-sizing, regional connectivity, and grassroots aviation investment—areas increasingly critical to Irish aviation’s next phase of growth.
AFTA Delivers a Major Contribution to the Munster Economy
The Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA) has revealed that its operations are contributing over €50 million annually to the Munster economy, with ongoing plans to expand.
Acumen’s Take
Flight training organisations like AFTA are essential feeders for future pilot demand. Their economic impact demonstrates the importance of aviation education as a regional growth driver. For asset owners and financiers, strong local pilot pipelines are a positive indicator of future fleet utilisation in the region.
CSO Tourism Decline 'Does Not Reflect Industry Sentiment
Despite CSO data indicating a drop in inbound tourism, industry stakeholders report robust demand, particularly through regional airports and alternative travel routes.
Acumen’s Take
A divergence between reported statistics and on-ground sentiment suggests lagging indicators in official data collection. For airlines and lessors operating in Ireland, this highlights the resilience of demand and supports strategic confidence in regional expansion, especially for LCCs and intra-European routes.
Ryanair and Navitaire Mark 25-Year Partnership with Renewed Deal
Ryanair and Navitaire have renewed their long-standing partnership, marking 25 years of collaboration on reservation and revenue platforms.
Acumen’s Take
This renewal underscores the value of operational consistency and digital backbone strength in LCC performance. For investors, a stable tech stack reduces risk, enhances ancillary revenue generation, and supports agile expansion—key pillars of Ryanair’s continued dominance in the European market.
Tweet Picks
@AeroUpdatesBLR Finally, after 2 years, @lufthansa will increase @BLRAirport - #Munich flights to daily from 5x weekly now, starting from the end of October 2025.The airline will operate its new #allegris product 3 times a week and non-allegris on the other 4 days.
@Airbus A day of many firsts! @wizzair just received its 1st #A321XLR, becoming the 1st airline to operate the newest single-aisle with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. Set to connect Europe & the Middle East, passengers will enjoy more space and comfort in its superior #AirspaceCabin.
@aviator_aero Boeing increases 737 production pace as quality, safety culture improves.
@business "The whole of Europe seems to be travelling"Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary tells @tommackenzietv there's a "reluctance to go transatlantic," as Europeans stick closer to home for their holidays.
Video Picks
Airline Leaders on the Future of Aviation & Connectivity
In this panel discussion hosted at a global aviation summit, airline CEOs and industry leaders share their perspectives on how aviation connectivity will evolve over the next decade. Key topics include decarbonisation, digital transformation, regional route development, and cross-border partnerships.
Acumen’s Take
The emphasis on network efficiency and sustainable operations aligns with emerging lessor requirements. For asset managers, understanding carrier priorities around range, cost per seat, and infrastructure dependency is crucial when forecasting asset placement and lease structuring.
CzechTourism CEO on Managing “Uneven Tourism”
The CEO of CzechTourism discusses the post-pandemic imbalance in tourist distribution across urban and rural areas. She shares strategies to attract travellers beyond Prague and incentivise airline connectivity to lesser-known destinations.
Acumen’s Take
Tourism bodies shaping air travel demand through incentives and route promotion can influence regional fleet deployment. For lessors, this points to new opportunities for short-haul aircraft in secondary European markets, especially with government-backed airport deals or tourism-driven subsidies.
Delta CEO: US Air Traffic Control Must Be Modernised
Delta’s CEO calls for urgent upgrades to the US air traffic control system, arguing that current inefficiencies are leading to unnecessary delays, fuel burn, and operational costs. He advocates for federal investment in NextGen ATC infrastructure.
Acumen’s Take
From a fleet utilisation standpoint, modernising ATC directly impacts aircraft turnaround time and block hour productivity. For asset owners and financiers, improved ATC systems increase asset efficiency and value. Monitoring regulatory momentum in this space will be key to anticipating shifts in North American fleet economics.
