26 Jun 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 27th 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
N993AR Airbus A321-231(F) Ferried to Mojave
Airbus A321-231(F) (c/n 993), registered as N993AR and managed by AerCap, was ferried to Mojave on 13 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
Movements of converted freighter aircraft to storage or remarketing hubs like Mojave reflect the continued realignment of narrowbody freighter capacity. Acumen closely monitors such transitions to support asset management and secondary market insights.
2-BSSO Airbus A320-232 Delivered to South African Airways
Airbus A320-232 (c/n 5461), registered as 2-BSSO, was delivered to South African Airways in Johannesburg on 15 May 2025.
Acumen’s Take
New aircraft deliveries to South African Airways reflect continued renewal efforts across emerging market carriers. Acumen tracks such developments to support global fleet management and leasing strategies.
Global Aviation News
Southeast Asia's Budget Airlines Bet on Travel Demand Despite Competition Woes
Southeast Asia’s largest budget carriers continue to expand capacity aggressively, betting on sustained travel demand even as competition intensifies. Rising costs are squeezing margins across the sector, with Qantas Airways shutting down its Singapore-based Jetstar Asia subsidiary as an early casualty of mounting pressures.
Acumen’s Take
The expansion race among Southeast Asia's LCCs reflects confidence in long-term regional demand but raises concerns about overcapacity and financial sustainability. Acumen continues to monitor LCC fleet strategies to assess implications for aircraft orders, lease placements, and market consolidation risks.
Florida Tourism Chief ‘Bullish’ About 2025 UK Performance
Despite a slight 1% dip in UK visitor numbers to 1.73 million in 2024, Florida tourism officials remain optimistic about a strong UK performance in 2025. This confidence persists even as broader nationwide tourism trends show signs of softening.
Acumen’s Take
Sustained confidence in transatlantic leisure demand supports stable airline capacity between the UK and Florida. Acumen observes these trends closely, as steady long-haul traffic flows influence airline route planning, fleet deployment, and leasing activity for widebody aircraft.
From Riyadh To The Runway: Flynas IPO Is Taking Off
Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flynas attracted $109 billion in orders during the institutional phase of its IPO, marking a significant milestone for the regional budget airline sector and highlighting strong investor appetite for aviation growth in the Kingdom.
Acumen’s Take
Flynas’ highly subscribed IPO reflects investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation sector, driven by Vision 2030 and rising travel demand. Acumen sees this as part of a broader trend of capital inflows supporting airline growth, fleet expansion, and leasing opportunities in emerging markets.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays put 4.4m winter sun 2026-27 seats on sale
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have opened sales for the 2026-27 winter sun season, becoming the first airline and major tour operator to do so. The upcoming season will offer a record 4.4 million seats, reflecting a 4% increase in capacity compared to winter 2025-26.
Acumen’s Take
The early launch of winter 2026-27 programmes demonstrates Jet2’s proactive strategy in capturing long-term leisure demand. Acumen notes that forward capacity planning like this reflects rising consumer confidence and offers opportunities for operators, lessors, and destinations to align fleet and infrastructure needs early.
London Stansted submits application to expand to 51m passengers
London Stansted Airport has submitted a planning application to increase its annual passenger capacity to 51 million over the next two decades. The proposal aims to optimise use of the existing single runway by the 2040s, without increasing flight movements or expanding beyond the current airport boundary.
Acumen’s Take
Stansted’s growth plan reflects a broader trend of optimising airport infrastructure to meet rising demand without adding air traffic volume. Acumen observes that such strategies may require careful coordination between airport operators, airlines, regulators, and local communities to balance capacity expansion with environmental and operational considerations.
Outbound market to US as much as 8% down, estimates USAirtours chief
USAirtours director Guy Novik estimates that UK outbound travel to the US has declined by as much as 8% in recent months. While year-to-date arrival figures appear stable, Novik warns this may be a “calm before the storm,” indicating potential challenges ahead for transatlantic demand.
Acumen’s Take
Fluctuations in transatlantic demand can have downstream effects on airline capacity planning, fare pricing, and fleet deployment. Acumen continues to monitor these trends closely, as sustained dips in demand could impact long-haul fleet utilisation and leasing dynamics in key markets.
Wizz Air Cuts Emissions Per Passenger, But Climate Impact Is Rising
Wizz Air continues to reduce its emissions per passenger by introducing low-emissions aircraft and setting ambitious targets. However, the airline acknowledges that without significant advances in sustainable aviation fuel production and supportive regulatory frameworks, achieving broader climate goals may remain out of reach for both Wizz Air and the wider industry.
Acumen’s Take
Fleet modernisation remains a key lever for emissions reduction, but sector-wide decarbonisation will require systemic solutions such as scalable SAF production and policy alignment. Acumen closely tracks these developments as they directly influence aircraft asset valuations and long-term sustainability strategies for lessors and operators.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap And Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance Enter Into Exclusive Negotiations To Form A LEAP Joint Venture
AerCap Holdings and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have entered exclusive negotiations to establish a LEAP engine leasing joint venture. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive support for AFI KLM E&M’s LEAP Premier MRO customers globally, enhancing service offerings and strengthening their position in the growing LEAP engine aftermarket.
Acumen’s Take
This prospective joint venture highlights the increasing importance of integrated engine leasing and MRO partnerships as LEAP-powered fleets expand. Acumen monitors such strategic alliances closely as they influence engine asset management trends and aftermarket service models.
Big Increase in Winter Flights at Dublin Airport Expected After Cap Suspended
Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and several international carriers are planning expanded winter schedules at Dublin Airport following the suspension of the passenger cap. The removal of capacity restrictions has enabled airlines to increase services, signalling stronger demand and renewed growth opportunities for the upcoming winter season.
Acumen’s Take
The suspension of Dublin Airport’s cap paves the way for higher winter utilisation, benefiting both airlines and airport operators. Acumen continues to track such regulatory developments closely as they directly impact slot management, capacity planning, and long-term infrastructure requirements.
HRA Completes Delivery of 3x A220s to Breeze Airways
High Ridge Aviation (HRA) has completed the delivery of three Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways under a purchase-leaseback agreement. The transaction, first announced in March, strengthens Breeze Airways’ growing fleet and supports its continued network expansion across the US domestic market.
Acumen’s Take
The successful delivery reflects ongoing interest in the A220 platform for US domestic growth. Acumen closely monitors purchase-leaseback transactions as they remain a key financing tool for fleet expansion and asset diversification across the lessor and operator segments.
Possible Bus and Rail Infrastructure for Shannon Airport Raised with Government
Shannon Airport Group has urged the Government to explore the development of a high-speed bus network for the Shannon region as part of broader efforts to rebalance air traffic distribution away from Dublin Airport. In correspondence with officials, CEO Mary Considine highlighted that Shannon could potentially secure a rail link ahead of Dublin, underscoring the need for an island-wide aviation policy rethink.
Acumen’s Take
The call for enhanced ground transport infrastructure at Shannon reflects growing regional efforts to secure long-term sustainable growth and connectivity. Acumen continues to track government policy developments that may influence airport competitiveness and traffic redistribution across Ireland.
S&P Upgrades Avolon’s Credit Rating Outlook to Positive
Dublin-based leasing company Avolon Holdings Limited has received a positive outlook upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, with its issuer and senior unsecured rating maintained at BBB-. This follows recent upgrades from Fitch Ratings, which raised Avolon’s rating from BBB- to BBB, and from Moody’s Ratings, which upgraded it from Baa3 to Baa2.
Acumen’s Take
Avolon’s improved credit outlook across multiple agencies underscores the continued resilience and financial strength of Irish-based aircraft lessors. Such upgrades enhance market confidence and access to capital, reinforcing Ireland’s global leadership in aviation finance.
Ryanair Negotiating Skopje Flights
The Macedonian government is engaged in discussions with Ryanair regarding the airline’s potential entry into the market. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski recently met with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary in London to explore possible routes to Skopje. Ryanair’s corporate jet arrival in the Macedonian capital this week further signals the airline’s interest. This represents the government’s first formal effort in over a decade to attract Ryanair services to Macedonia.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s potential entry into Skopje would expand its Eastern European footprint and offer the Macedonian market improved connectivity. These negotiations reflect Ryanair’s ongoing strategy of targeting underserved regional markets with strong growth potential.
Ryanair to Impose £500 Fine on Unruly Passengers
Ryanair has announced that it will introduce a £500 fine for passengers who engage in disruptive behaviour requiring removal from flights. The new policy is aimed at deterring unruly incidents and maintaining onboard safety.
Acumen’s Take
With rising instances of disruptive behaviour across the industry, Ryanair’s financial penalty underscores the importance of ensuring a safe and secure travel environment. Proactive measures like these can help airlines protect both crew and passengers while reinforcing operational discipline.
DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs on Coping with Dublin Airport’s Biggest Summer Ever
With Dublin Airport expecting 10 million passengers this summer, DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs discussed the airport’s preparations on RTE Drivetime. Despite the record numbers, Jacobs emphasised that Dublin Airport remains committed to delivering efficient and smooth passenger experiences.
Acumen’s Take
Handling record passenger volumes requires strategic planning, robust infrastructure, and operational agility. Dublin Airport’s efforts reflect the broader industry focus on maintaining service quality even during peak demand periods.
Tweet Picks
@businessposthq Three years ahead of Amazon, Manna’s drones are flying daily in Irish suburbs. Bobby Healy says the aircraft are safe, scalable, and no louder than a washing machine during delivery descent.
@jonostrower BREAKING: LOT purchases 40 A220s plus 44 options in a deal defined by geopolitics, replacing one of the largest Embraer fleets in Europe.
@JP_Biz LOT, the Polish airline, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s. The agreement could ultimately be increased to 84 A220. The A220 wings & centre fuselage are made in Belfast.
@RAeSTimR White House issuing an Executive Order on accelerating AAM was like "putting up a Bat Signal" on importance of this sector - says Archers CEO, Adam Goldstein. #PAS25 #avgeek
Video Picks
Competitive Air Travel Market Offers ‘Major Benefits’: Bureau
In this segment, Bureau analysts discuss how increased competition in the air travel market is delivering significant advantages for consumers, including lower fares, expanded route options, and improved service standards. The conversation also highlights the role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring market fairness while fostering continued growth and innovation.
Acumen’s Take
As competition intensifies globally, airlines must balance aggressive pricing with operational efficiency and customer experience. For lessors and investors, a dynamic competitive environment underscores the need for adaptable fleet strategies aligned with shifting airline business models.
PIF News Network | Paris Air Show Plane Orders
This coverage from the Paris Air Show highlights a series of significant aircraft orders announced during the event, reflecting robust demand across both passenger and cargo segments. The report features key deals from several airlines and leasing companies, showcasing the strong momentum in fleet modernisation and future growth strategies.
Acumen’s Take
The surge in orders at the Paris Air Show underscores sustained confidence in long-term air traffic growth and fleet renewal plans. For asset managers and lessors, such momentum presents opportunities for portfolio expansion while also emphasising the importance of careful orderbook management amidst evolving market conditions.
Private Jet Travel on the Rise: Here's What to Know
This segment discusses the continued growth of private jet travel, driven by rising demand for flexibility, convenience, and personalised travel experiences. Industry experts outline key trends, including increasing fractional ownership, charter demand, and the role of sustainability initiatives shaping the sector’s evolution.
Acumen’s Take
The steady rise of private aviation reflects shifting passenger priorities post-pandemic. As business and leisure travellers seek greater control over their journeys, private aviation growth offers opportunities for specialised lessors, MRO providers, and infrastructure development, while also requiring close monitoring of regulatory and environmental developments.
