26 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 26th 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
N770CK Boeing 777-36N(F) c/n 32792 Kalitta Air Delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport 13/09/25 ex A6-EBO
Kalitta Air took delivery of a Boeing 777-36N(F), registered N770CK (MSN 32792), on 13 September 2025. Formerly operating as A6-EBO, the aircraft was delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, joining Kalitta’s expanding widebody freighter fleet. The addition reinforces Kalitta’s position in the long-haul cargo sector, providing greater payload capacity and operational flexibility to meet rising global demand for high-volume air freight services.
N771CK Boeing 777-36N(F) c/n 32791 Kalitta Air Delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport 16/09/25 ex VQ-BZK
Kalitta Air has expanded its freighter fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 777-36N(F), registered N771CK (MSN 32791), on 16 September 2025. Previously in service as VQ-BZK, the aircraft was delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, strengthening the carrier’s long-haul cargo capabilities. The addition supports Kalitta’s strategy of scaling its widebody operations to handle increasing global freight demand with enhanced efficiency and reliability.
N778CK Boeing 777-36N(F) c/n 32789 Kalitta Air Delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport 16/09/25 ex N557CC
Kalitta Air took delivery of a Boeing 777-36N(F), registered N778CK (MSN 32789), on 16 September 2025. The aircraft, formerly operating as N557CC, was delivered to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, further bolstering the airline’s widebody freighter fleet. This latest addition enhances Kalitta’s capacity to serve long-haul cargo markets, aligning with its strategy to expand global freight operations with high-capacity, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Global Aviation News
Hassana Investment Company and AviLease establish strategic partnership in aircraft leasing
Hassana Investment Company and AviLease, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary and global aircraft lessor, have announced the creation of a joint venture focused on aircraft leasing. The partnership, unveiled in Riyadh on 15 September 2025, will combine Hassana’s financial expertise with AviLease’s industry capabilities to expand leasing opportunities worldwide. The JV underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen its position in the aviation finance sector, supporting both fleet growth and the global demand for flexible, long-term leasing solutions.
JetBlue retires Embraer E190 after nearly two decades, welcomes 50th Airbus A220
JetBlue has closed a defining chapter in its 25-year history, retiring the Embraer E190 with a commemorative flight between New York JFK and Boston, the same route that marked the aircraft’s debut in 2005.
JetNet Sees Bizjet Delivery Scale-up as Optimism Jumps
JetNet’s latest IQ market forecast projects a sharp increase in business jet deliveries, with 9,700 aircraft valued at $335 billion expected through 2034. This marks a significant rise from last year’s estimate of 8,644 jets worth $262 billion through 2033. The upward revision comes as OEM backlogs stabilise at $55 billion and industry sentiment improves notably in Q3 2025. The outlook reflects growing confidence in the long-term strength of the business aviation sector, driven by sustained demand for private travel and fleet modernisation.
KLM expands winter 2025/26 network to 161 destinations with more capacity and new routes
KLM has unveiled its winter 2025/26 schedule, set to run from 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, covering 161 destinations: 92 in Europe and 69 intercontinental with approximately 25,000 global connections. Overall seat capacity will increase by 6% compared to last winter, led by notable growth in India (+28%) and the Caribbean (+17%). The expansion reflects KLM’s focus on strengthening its global network, catering to rising demand in key leisure and business markets while enhancing connectivity through its Amsterdam hub.
Ulrich Lindner appointed new CEO of Discover Airlines
Discover Airlines has announced the appointment of Ulrich Lindner as its new CEO, effective 1 December 2025. Lindner will succeed Bernd Bauer, who will return to focusing solely on his role as CEO of Edelweiss, another Lufthansa Group leisure carrier. Lufthansa Group executive Heiko Reitz expressed gratitude to Bauer for his leadership in managing both airlines during a key growth phase. Lindner’s appointment marks a new chapter for Discover Airlines as it continues to strengthen its position in the leisure travel market.
Vietjet welcomes new wide-body aircraft, expanding fleet to 121
Vietjet has added a new Airbus A330 wide-body, registered VN-A820, to its fleet on 14 September 2025, raising its total to 121 aircraft across Vietjet Vietnam, Vietjet Thailand, and Vietjet Qazaqstan. The delivery underscores the airline’s sustained growth and readiness to support its expanding global network. With the year-end peak season approaching, the additional capacity positions Vietjet to meet rising passenger demand while reinforcing its long-term strategy of scaling operations across Asia and beyond.
Werner Aero Acquires 2 Boeing B737-700 Airframes from Unical Aviation
Werner Aero has acquired two Boeing 737-700 airframes, MSNs 36640 and 36641, from Unical Aviation Inc., further strengthening its Used Serviceable Material (USM) programme. The aircraft, currently located at ecube in Coolidge, Arizona, will be dismantled to supply high-quality components for Werner Aero’s global customer base. This acquisition highlights the company’s continued investment in sustainable aftermarket solutions, ensuring reliable material support for operators and MRO providers worldwide.
World Kinect Corp to Acquire Universal Weather & Aviation's Trip Support Services Business
World Kinect Corporation has announced plans to acquire the Trip Support Services business of Universal Weather & Aviation, a move that will expand its capabilities in global aviation services. The acquisition aims to enhance World Kinect’s ability to deliver comprehensive fuel, logistics, and operational solutions to business aviation customers worldwide. By integrating Universal’s expertise in trip planning and support, the deal positions World Kinect to strengthen its presence in the premium aviation services market and provide end-to-end solutions for operators.
150-Seat United Airbus A321XLRs Coming 2026, With New Polaris Seats
United Airlines is preparing to introduce its first Airbus A321XLRs in early 2026, following its 2019 order for 50 of the long-range, fuel-efficient aircraft. Configured with 150 seats, the new jets will feature United’s latest Polaris business class product, enhancing the passenger experience on longer narrowbody routes. The A321XLR will support United’s transatlantic and premium domestic operations, offering extended range and improved efficiency as part of the carrier’s broader fleet modernisation strategy.
Irish Aviation News
A321XLR Fuels Aer Lingus’ Push Into Secondary U.S. Markets
Aer Lingus will expand its U.S. network next summer with the launch of nonstop flights from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), starting 13 April 2026. The year-round service will operate up to five times weekly using the Airbus A321XLR, marking Aer Lingus’ 26th North American destination. At RDU, the route becomes the airport’s fifth transatlantic connection, joining services by Air France, Lufthansa, American Airlines, and Icelandair, and further strengthening Dublin’s role as a key U.S.–Europe gateway.
Avolon Announces Early Tender Results and Upsize of Debt Tender Offers
Avolon Holdings Limited has announced the early results of its debt tender offers, confirming strong investor participation and the decision to upsize the programme. Conducted through its subsidiary Avolon Holdings Funding Limited, the tender offers cover multiple tranches of notes, prioritised by acceptance levels and subject to a maximum cap. Validly tendered notes not withdrawn before the early deadline will be settled on 22 September 2025. The move reflects Avolon’s proactive approach to balance sheet management, optimising its capital structure and reinforcing its position as a leading global aviation lessor.
Belfast’s two airports’ passenger numbers down 2pc in July
Belfast’s two airports reported a combined 916,289 passengers in July 2025, reflecting a 2% drop compared to the same month last year and a 2.3% decline versus pre-pandemic levels. Belfast International handled 694,251 passengers, down 2.1%, while Belfast City recorded 222,038, a 1.7% decrease. Despite the monthly dip, rolling annual traffic rose 3.2% to nearly 9 million passengers. In contrast, Derry Airport showed strong growth, with passenger numbers up 9.2% year-on-year to 20,924.
IAA to add 25 daily slots at Dublin Airport for summer 2026 ‘to boost competition’
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has announced plans to allocate up to 25 additional daily take-off and landing slots at Dublin Airport for the summer 2026 season. The move is designed to stimulate competition among carriers and follows the High Court’s suspension of the airport’s summer 2025 passenger cap, which is now under review by the European Court of Justice. With passenger volumes forecast to reach 36.3 million in 2025—well above the 32 million cap set in 2007—the extra slots will provide airlines with greater scheduling flexibility while supporting Dublin’s role as Ireland’s primary international gateway.
Legislation to remove Dublin Airport passenger cap expected soon
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has confirmed that legislation to lift the long-standing 32 million annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport is in progress and expected to be introduced shortly. Speaking on RTÉ Radio, O’Brien emphasised the urgency of addressing the cap.The move aims to safeguard connectivity, support economic development, and ensure Dublin Airport can continue to serve as a critical international hub.
Macedonian government rejects Ryanair’s “impossible demands”
The Macedonian government has dismissed Ryanair’s proposed entry conditions into its market, branding them as “impossible.” Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski revealed that Ryanair’s requests included exclusive use of Skopje and Ohrid airports, substantial state funding, and strict 35-minute turnaround times requiring significant additional staffing.
Ryanair CEO Details Fleet Adjustments Throughout Its Network
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary has outlined a series of fleet and capacity adjustments across the airline’s network in response to shifting market conditions, including rising taxes, airport fees, and geopolitical pressures. In Spain, the carrier will cut two million seats from regional airports this winter following a 6.2% fee hike by airport operator AENA. O’Leary stressed that Ryanair will continue to redeploy aircraft to markets offering stronger returns, highlighting the ULCC’s flexible approach to fleet management amid external challenges.
The Irish Times Business Person of the Month: Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton has been named The Irish Times Business Person of the Month for August, in association with Bank of Ireland. The recognition follows a strong financial performance, with Aer Lingus reporting a €80 million profit in the first half of 2025, up from €9 million in the same period last year. The airline also launched its largest-ever transatlantic network, adding Nashville and Indianapolis to its U.S. destinations, underscoring Embleton’s leadership in driving profitability and expansion.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek #Aarok, the medium-altitude, long-endurance turboprop uncrewed aircraft system developed by French company @TurgisGaillard , has made its first flight.
@AviationWeek After installing the wing on a modified @Cessna business jet, @Airbus engineers plan to fly as many hours as possible in 2026.
@AviationWeek The FAA plans to expand inspections of @Boeing 777 fuel feed tubes for latent lightning protection failures to a larger portion of the fleet.
@AviationWeek The financial performance of the commercial #aerospace value chain has rebounded. While that sounds like a reason to cheer, the data reveals a troubling development: Profitability has never been so concentrated.
Video Picks
Eoghan Corry: Should Alcohol Be Banned on Flights
In this segment, aviation commentator Eoghan Corry explores the ongoing debate over whether alcohol should be banned on flights. He examines the balance between passenger enjoyment and safety, highlighting incidents linked to alcohol consumption and how different airlines approach the issue. The discussion raises questions about regulation, enforcement, and the future of inflight service as the industry weighs passenger experience against operational responsibility.
Frontier’s Loyalty Pitch: Low Fares, Status Matches, Real Upgrades
This feature examines Frontier Airlines’ refreshed loyalty strategy, positioning itself as a low-cost carrier that still offers meaningful rewards. The video highlights how Frontier is combining low fares with incentives such as status matches and genuine upgrade opportunities, aiming to appeal to cost-conscious travellers without compromising on value. The discussion explores how these changes could reshape customer perceptions of ultra-low-cost carriers in a highly competitive U.S. market.
United Airlines CEO on the FAA's Move to Limit Flights at Newark Airport
In this interview, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby responds to the FAA’s decision to limit flights at Newark Liberty International Airport. Kirby outlines the challenges these restrictions pose for United, the airport’s largest carrier, and discusses their potential impact on operations, passenger choice, and connectivity. The video provides insight into the tension between regulatory oversight and airline growth, as well as United’s strategies for navigating capacity constraints at one of its most important hubs.
Acumen’s Take
This week’s developments reflect the aviation sector’s delicate balance between growth ambitions and structural challenges. Fleet renewals, sustainability initiatives, and market expansions highlight the industry’s forward momentum, while regulatory pressures, shifting passenger dynamics, and financial recalibrations underscore ongoing complexities. Lessors, airlines, and airports alike are adapting strategies to ensure resilience, efficiency, and competitive strength. For stakeholders, the message is clear: success lies in agility—leveraging innovation, partnerships, and prudent capital management to thrive in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-focused environment.
