26 Nov 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 26th November 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 Airlines Ireland Transfers Boeing 737 Classic
ASL Airlines Ireland has transferred one of its remaining Boeing 737 Classic freighters to ASL Airlines France, reflecting the group’s steady push toward a more modernised fleet. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-43Q(SF) (MSN 28494), previously operating as EI-STV, has now been re-registered as F-GZTR. The transfer was finalised in Brussels on 27 October, marking another step in ASL Aviation Holdings’ strategy to streamline operations and retire ageing Classic-series freighters across its European network.
Icelandair Upgauges Dublin–Keflavik Capacity
Icelandair has boosted capacity on its Dublin–Keflavik service by deploying Boeing 767-300ERs on select October and November rotations, lifting available seats by around 47% compared with its usual narrowbody operations. The airline operated the widebodies on multiple dates across both months, responding to sustained passenger demand on the route. Three 262-seat, two-class 767-300ERs TF-ISN, TF-ISO, and TF-ISW substituted for Icelandair’s A321LR and 737 MAX 8/9 fleet, marking a notable temporary upgauge for the transatlantic-connecting sector.
Pegasus Airlines Expands Winter Connectivity
Pegasus Airlines is strengthening its European offering for the Winter 2025/26 season with a daily nonstop service between Dublin and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). The route has maintained solid demand since launch and will continue to be operated by the carrier’s modern A320neo and A321neo fleet. These aircraft, seating 186 and 239 passengers respectively, form the backbone of Pegasus’s efficiency strategy, delivering over 20% lower fuel burn and emissions alongside a significantly reduced noise footprint. The winter schedule underscores Pegasus’s commitment to reliable, high-density connectivity between Ireland and Türkiye.
Aircraft Update
VT-IJF Delivered to VivaAerobus
An Airbus A320-271N, registered VT-IJF (c/n 8978), has been delivered to VivaAerobus following a ferry routing through Shannon, arriving in Monterrey on 7 November 2025. The addition strengthens the Mexican low-cost carrier’s growing A320neo fleet, supporting its network expansion and continued push for fuel-efficient, high-density operations across domestic and regional markets.
UK-32076 Joins Centrum Air Fleet
An Airbus A320-214, registered UK-32076 (c/n 4415), has been delivered to Centrum Air in Tashkent on 31 October 2025. Formerly operating as VN-A269, the aircraft’s arrival supports the Uzbek carrier’s ongoing fleet expansion as it scales regional and international services across its growing network.
Global Aviation News
Air Arabia Extends LEAP-1A Engine Support with CFM
Air Arabia has signed a new services agreement with CFM International to cover the LEAP-1A engines powering its six A321neo LR aircraft. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the extension strengthens the carrier’s long-term maintenance and efficiency strategy as it continues to scale operations across the Middle East and North Africa. CEO Adel Al Ali said the agreement supports Air Arabia’s focus on durability, utilisation, and fleet-wide performance as it grows sustainably.
Air Europa Signs MoU for Up to 40 Airbus A350-900s
Air Europa has signed an MoU with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900s, marking a major step in its long-haul fleet renewal. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the agreement positions the A350 as the backbone of the airline’s next-generation widebody strategy. The aircraft will support Air Europa’s growth in key Latin American markets, offering stronger economics, improved efficiency, and a significant upgrade in passenger comfort.
Air India to Resume Mainland China Flights in February 2026
Air India will restart non-stop services to mainland China with a four-times-weekly Delhi–Shanghai route beginning 1 February 2026, marking its first return to the market in nearly six years. The airline also plans to launch a Mumbai–Shanghai service later in 2026, pending regulatory approval. Operated by Boeing 787-8 aircraft, the route becomes Air India’s 48th international destination, reinforcing its position as India’s largest international carrier.
Air Astana Commits to Up to 50 Airbus A320neo Family Jets
Air Astana has taken a major step in its long-term fleet modernisation, signing an MoU for up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, the largest order in the airline’s history. The agreement covers 25 firm orders and 25 options, with deliveries beginning in 2031. The mix includes A320neo, A321neo, and a strong focus on the A321LR, a type Air Astana has helped popularise through its premium long-haul configuration on routes across Asia and Europe. The deal, which follows another order earlier this month, remains subject to shareholder approval.
Air Senegal Places Its First 737 MAX Order
Air Senegal has committed to purchasing nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking its largest fleet order to date and its first Boeing deal since 2004. The new 737 MAX jets will support the carrier’s plans to grow both regionally and internationally, enabling new routes from Dakar to the Middle East, the Americas, and secondary European cities. The addition of the 737-8 will give Air Senegal greater range, lower operating costs, and the flexibility to bypass congested hubs as it strengthens its network.
Aviation Highlights Across Portugal’s Algarve
The Algarve continues to attract strong Irish interest, with nearly 100,000 tourists visiting each year and Faro Airport handling 63,000 movements in 2024. Ryanair and easyJet dominate operations, with Dublin ranking as the airport’s second-busiest route after Gatwick. While Faro is the main gateway, the region offers more for aviation enthusiasts. In Loulé, the municipal heliport beside the fire station hosts aircraft such as the AS350 Squirrel from the Portuguese Civil Protection Agency and an H145 air ambulance operated by Malta-based Air Med, the same provider supporting HSE missions from Rathcoole, Co. Cork.
Ethiopian Airlines Adds Six More A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines has firmed an order for six additional Airbus A350-900s, reinforcing its status as Africa’s largest A350 operator. Signed at the Dubai Airshow, the deal supports the carrier’s long-term plan to expand sustainably while elevating its passenger experience. With this purchase, Ethiopian continues to strengthen its widebody fleet as it targets further growth across its global network.
Emirates to Bring Trent 900 Engine MRO In-House from 2027
Emirates has signed an MoU with Rolls-Royce to begin in-house Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Trent 900 engines powering its A380 fleet starting in 2027. The airline will build a dedicated facility in Dubai to handle fan case repairs, while Rolls-Royce will continue supporting module repairs through its global network. Emirates has also extended its A380 TotalCare agreement into the 2040s, reinforcing long-term support for the world’s largest A380 fleet.
IATA Urges UK to Rethink Air Transport Taxes to Stay Competitive
IATA has outlined five tax and spending reforms it believes UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves should consider to restore the country’s aviation competitiveness ahead of the upcoming budget. The association warns that the UK’s growing tax burden, especially through Air Passenger Duty (APD), the world’s highest passenger tax, is discouraging airlines from investing in new routes and modern, lower-emission aircraft.IATA argues that reducing APD would stimulate inbound travel, strengthen regional connectivity, and boost economic activity across tourism and business sectors. With APD set to raise £4.2 billion in 2025–26 and rates increasing again next April, the organisation says the UK risks falling further behind markets that are already outperforming it in aviation growth.
flydubai Places Landmark Order for 150 Airbus A321neo Aircraft
flydubai has signed a landmark MoU with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking the airline’s first-ever order with the manufacturer and signalling a major strategic shift in its future fleet mix. The deal, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Airbus CEO Christian Scherer, reflects strong confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth and the need for higher-capacity, fuel-efficient narrowbodies. The A321neo order positions flydubai to expand both frequency and reach across its network, giving the carrier new flexibility alongside its existing Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Adds FlySafair as New Customer with Five-Aircraft Lease Deal
AerCap has signed lease agreements with South Africa’s FlySafair for five Boeing aircraft, marking the start of a new customer relationship. The deal includes three Boeing 737 MAX 8s delivering from Q1 2028 and two 737-800NGs arriving from Q3 2026. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the agreement supports FlySafair’s fleet modernisation strategy as it expands its domestic and regional network. AerCap CCO Peter Anderson welcomed the partnership, highlighting strong demand-driven growth across the airline’s markets.
Aer Lingus Adjusts Denver Schedule for Summer 2026
Aer Lingus has revised its Dublin–Denver schedule for the Northern Summer 2026 season, reducing the planned frequency from six to five weekly flights. The updated operation will run from 1 May to 5 August 2026, with the Airbus A330-300 continuing on the route. This means the carrier will operate five weekly flights for the full NS26 season, down from the peak six-weekly pattern seen in NS25.
Avolon to Lease 13 Airbus Aircraft to Etihad
Avolon has signed a major leasing agreement with Etihad Airways for 13 Airbus aircraft, comprising nine A330neos and four A320neo-family jets. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the deal supports Etihad’s renewed fleet growth strategy, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Etihad has also placed a direct order with Airbus for six additional A330neos, bringing its future fleet of the type to 15 aircraft. The incoming jets will bolster capacity across Etihad’s short- and medium-haul network and strengthen connectivity through its Abu Dhabi hub, where the airline currently operates a fleet of 115 aircraft serving more than 100 global destinations.
BA Chief Calls for Heathrow Expansion Without M25 Diversion
British Airways CEO Sean Doyle has urged the government to back a Heathrow expansion plan that avoids moving the M25 motorway. Two proposals are under review: Heathrow’s own plan for a full-length 3,500-metre runway requiring the motorway to be diverted, and a 2,800-metre alternative from the Arora Group that avoids major roadworks. With a government decision expected by the end of the month, Doyle argued that expanding Heathrow without relocating the M25 would reduce cost, complexity and disruption while still delivering the additional capacity the UK’s hub airport urgently needs.
CDB Aviation Places Four A320neos with Marabu Airlines
CDB Aviation has signed lease agreements for four Airbus A320neo aircraft with Marabu Airlines, marking the Estonian leisure carrier’s first partnership with the Irish lessor. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the deal supports Marabu’s fleet growth as it continues expanding services from key German bases such as Hamburg, Leipzig, and Nuremberg. The aircraft will bolster Marabu’s operations across its network of European, North African, and Mediterranean leisure destinations, reinforcing its position as a growing player in the region’s holiday travel market.
Dublin Airport Highlights Its Expansive U.S. Connectivity for Thanksgiving
Dublin Airport is positioning itself as a leading transatlantic gateway this Thanksgiving, offering direct access to 23 U.S. destinations operated by five major American carriers. Passengers can fly nonstop from Dublin or connect seamlessly from across Europe, with all-day U.S. Pre-Clearance ensuring they arrive stateside as domestic travellers. With its transatlantic network continuing to expand, Dublin Airport is set to add Raleigh–Durham in 2026, giving Irish and European travellers even more choice for U.S. travel in the years ahead.
EirTrade Aviation Expands Capabilities at Ireland West Airport
EirTrade Aviation has marked a significant growth phase at Ireland West Airport, securing three major milestones that broaden its operational footprint. The company has begun servicing four Airbus A330S, gained A330 Line Maintenance Approval, and relocated its AFRA-accredited engine disassembly facility to Knock. With these developments, EirTrade can now offer full maintenance, aircraft disassembly, and engine teardown services from a single site, a move Chief Investment Officer Lee Carey says positions the facility as a comprehensive solution for global customers.
Eoghan Corry Talks Travel – November 2025
In his November update, travel analyst Eoghan Corry highlights the key trends shaping Irish travel demand heading into 2026. He notes strong winter bookings, renewed confidence in long-haul leisure, and growing interest in niche destinations as airlines expand route networks. Corry also touches on airline schedule shifts, fare patterns, and the broader competitive landscape, offering readers a concise snapshot of what Irish travellers can expect in the months ahead.
Remembering Colm McLoughlin in Dubai
A special memorial golf tournament was held at Emirates Golf Course to honour Colm McLoughlin, the much-respected former Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, who passed away in October 2024. Family members, friends, and colleagues from across the travel retail industry gathered following the MEADFA Conference to celebrate his life and legacy. The event paid tribute not just to his decades of leadership, but also to his love of golf, a sport he played with a single-figure handicap reflecting the warm, personal impact he left on those who knew him.
Ryanair Adds Fast-Track Security at City of Derry Airport
Ryanair has introduced a new fast-track security option at City of Derry Airport, offering passengers priority screening for a £5 fee when booked through the airline’s website. The launch coincides with its winter schedule in the Northwest, which includes a three-times-weekly Derry–Manchester service operating on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The enhancement supports travellers across Derry, Strabane, the Causeway Coast, Donegal, and surrounding regions, aiming to streamline airport queues and improve the overall passenger experience during the busy winter season.
Tweet Picks
@BoeingAirplanes We’re expanding our Used Serviceable Material capacity to address current and future supply chain challenges through our Aircraft Recycling Program. #MROE. Designed to transform retired commercial aeroplanes into a reliable source of essential spare parts, this offering ensures airlines have access to high-quality components through our robust global distribution network.
@businessposthq Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton has said she will “battle” in the IAG group for more aircraft for the carrier as its final Airbus plane is set to be delivered in the coming months.
@skift Foreign Tourism Boards Spend Tens of Millions to Attract U.S. Travellers. "While inbound travel to the U.S. has declined this year, outbound marketing to Americans is booming — and here's a look at some of the foreign tourism boards that are spending"
@skift It’s often said in the airline business not to waste a crisis, but the same apparently applies to birthdays. As American Air gears up for its centenary, it is launching a retro Boeing 777-300 livery, blending 1930s design with modern aircraft.
Video Picks
Delta Air Lines’ Balance Sheet Strength Explained
This segment breaks down analyst perspectives on Delta Air Lines’ strong financial footing, highlighting how disciplined debt reduction, improved cash flow, and a healthier balance sheet are enabling the carrier to deliver steady shareholder returns. The video also touches on Delta’s investment strategy, fleet planning, and how its financial stability positions the airline to navigate market shifts with greater resilience.
Inside the Duxford Airliner Collection – Irish Skies Pod Episode 14
This episode of the Irish Skies Podcast takes viewers inside the British Airliner Collection at Duxford and the Imperial War Museum, offering a detailed look at some of the UK’s most historic commercial and military aircraft. The hosts walk through iconic airframes, discuss their operational histories, and explore how Duxford preserves aviation heritage for future generations. It’s an engaging mix of storytelling and on-site exploration, perfect for aviation enthusiasts interested in classic airliners, restoration work, and the evolution of passenger travel.
JetZero’s Blended-Wing Vision for Lower-Emission Flight
This interview dives into JetZero’s bold challenge to Airbus and Boeing with a blended-wing aircraft design aimed at cutting emissions by up to 50 per cent. The JetZero CEO explains how the concept boosts aerodynamic efficiency, reduces fuel burn, and could reshape long-haul travel if adopted at scale. The discussion also covers certification hurdles, manufacturing partnerships, and why the company believes blended-wing aircraft could become a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation.
Acumen’s Take
A clear theme runs through this edition: confidence is back, and the industry is acting on it. Airlines are doubling down on fleet renewal, lessors are writing bigger commitments, and airports are pushing for connectivity that matches rising demand. Engine agreements, widebody orders, and long-term service deals all point to a market preparing for sustained growth rather than short bursts of recovery. At the same time, infrastructure pressures and tax debates show that competitiveness is increasingly shaped by policy as much as strategy. For stakeholders across the value chain, the message is simple disciplined investment and smarter cost structures will define who actually benefits from this momentum.
