27 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 27th 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 Orders 53 Airbus and Boeing Long-Haul Aircraft
Aer Lingus parent company IAG has placed an order for 53 widebody aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including A350s and 787s, to support long-haul network growth across its group airlines.
Acumen’s Take
This order reflects IAG’s confidence in sustained transatlantic and Asia-Pacific demand. Acumen tracks major fleet orders to support asset planning, delivery scheduling, and widebody lease strategy.
Emerald Airlines Adds 19th ATR72-600 to Growing Fleet
Emerald Airlines has taken delivery of its 19th ATR72-600, further strengthening its role as Aer Lingus Regional’s primary operator and expanding regional capacity.
Acumen’s Take
Turboprop growth underscores the importance of right-sized aircraft for regional connectivity. Acumen supports turboprop lessors and operators with lifecycle planning and market demand analysis.
Fifth Former JetBlue E190 Arrives at Ireland West Airport
A fifth ex-JetBlue Embraer 190 has landed at Ireland West Airport, adding to the pool of mid-life regional aircraft arriving for transition or storage.
Acumen’s Take
The arrival of more E190s signals repositioning or potential re-entry into European service. Acumen monitors such movements for remarketing support and reconfiguration advisory.
Aircraft Update
Vueling Takes Delivery of A320 EC-OKI in Barcelona
EC-OKI (c/n 7808), an Airbus A320-232 formerly registered as OE-IOF, was delivered to Vueling in Barcelona on 15th May 2025 to support its high-frequency European network.
Acumen’s Take
Vueling’s latest fleet addition highlights continued demand for mid-life narrowbodies in the LCC segment. Acumen supports lessors with placement tracking, utilisation forecasting, and market re-entry planning.
Volotea Receives A320 EC-OOC in Verona
EC-OOC (c/n 4347), an Airbus A320-214 previously operating as OE-IEL, was delivered to Volotea in Verona on 14th May 2025, reinforcing its Mediterranean network coverage.
Acumen’s Take
Volotea’s fleet update reflects network optimisation ahead of peak season. Acumen monitors such regional fleet moves to assist clients with lease cycle management and seasonal strategy alignment.
Global Aviation News
TAP Air Portugal Launches Lisbon–Los Angeles Service
TAP Air Portugal has inaugurated direct flights between Lisbon and Los Angeles, expanding its transatlantic footprint and strengthening Portugal–West Coast connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
New long-haul routes boost widebody utilisation and market reach. Acumen tracks transatlantic expansion to support route-level profitability modelling and aircraft placement strategy.
Vietjet Thailand to Receive 50 Boeing Aircraft in Landmark Agreement
Witnessed by the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Thailand, Vietjet Thailand has secured an agreement to acquire 50 Boeing aircraft, marking a major step in its regional growth.
Acumen’s Take
This strategic acquisition underscores Southeast Asia’s fleet modernisation push. Acumen supports such expansions with order book analysis, delivery forecasting, and growth-phase fleet advisory.
26% of Global Narrowbody Freighter Fleet Parked, Capacity Stabilising
A recent analysis shows that 26% of the global narrowbody freighter fleet remains parked, suggesting capacity stabilisation across key short-haul cargo markets.
Acumen’s Take
Freighter utilisation is entering a period of correction. Acumen advises on redeployment, storage planning, and lease adjustments amid shifting cargo fleet dynamics.
ZeroAvia to Build Manufacturing Hub in Scotland
ZeroAvia has announced plans to establish a hydrogen-electric aircraft manufacturing hub in Scotland, reinforcing its commitment to zero-emission aviation.
Acumen’s Take
The move signals Europe’s growing role in sustainable aviation innovation. Acumen tracks infrastructure and technology investments that will influence future fleet composition and certification pathways.
Boeing 777F Values Climb Amid Tight Widebody Availability
Values for the Boeing 777F continue to rise due to limited availability in the widebody freighter segment, driven by sustained demand and constrained production slots.
Acumen’s Take
Elevated asset values highlight the ongoing strength of long-haul cargo markets. Acumen supports clients with freighter valuations, lease pricing benchmarks, and secondary market opportunity analysis.
Irish Aviation News
Extraordinary Kilkenny Pilot Honoured for Distinguished Career
A renowned Kilkenny-born pilot has been celebrated for his remarkable aviation achievements, including a decorated flying career across multiple continents.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s aviation legacy continues to be shaped by individuals with global impact. Acumen values and supports the storytelling of such contributions through its engagement in industry history and education.
€8 Million in Funding Announced for Regional Airport Projects
Minister O’Brien has unveiled nearly €8 million in funding to support capital improvements at Ireland’s regional airports, enhancing safety and operations.
Acumen’s Take
Investment in regional infrastructure improves route viability and airline base potential. Acumen integrates airport upgrades into its market access modelling and regional demand forecasts.
Ryanair Criticises Danish Airport Charges and Regulatory Environment
Ryanair has sharply criticised Danish airports, citing high fees and unfavourable policies that it claims hinder low-cost competition.
Acumen’s Take
Regulatory friction impacts LCC network strategy and airport viability. Acumen tracks such disputes to inform route risk analysis and stakeholder engagement planning.
Sirius Aviation Capital Publishes Q4 2024 Industry Update
Sirius Aviation Capital has released its Q4 2024 update, offering insights on global leasing trends, aircraft demand, and financing conditions.
Acumen’s Take
Industry updates from Irish lessors provide key market indicators. Acumen analyses such data to support portfolio planning, market sentiment assessment, and asset performance tracking.
TUI Launches Dublin–Tunisia Route with 3h35m Flight Time
TUI has inaugurated a new service from Dublin to Tunisia, offering direct leisure access to North Africa ahead of the summer season.
Acumen’s Take
New leisure routes boost seasonal fleet utilisation. Acumen supports clients with route opportunity analysis and aircraft allocation strategy across holiday-driven markets.
Upgraded Helipad Opens on Inishturk Island
A modernised helipad has officially opened on Inishturk Island, enhancing emergency and scheduled air access to the remote Mayo location.
Acumen’s Take
Improved rotorcraft infrastructure plays a key role in regional resilience. Acumen monitors such developments as part of its support for EMS operators and regional connectivity planning.
Tweet Picks
@LRosenblatt_ Boeing is sticking to the safety strategy it laid out after two deadly 737 MAX crashes. Its added new audits, officers and data.
@RyanairPress Ryanair FY25 Results = €1.61BN profit after tax .Traffic up 9% to record 200M despite Boeing delays, Average fare down 7%, 160+ new routes for S25.
@skift 2/3 of Expedia’s business comes from the U.S., and inbound travel dropped 7% during the first quarter of the year, executives said on Thursday. Inbound bookings from Canada dropped 30%. And Europeans are choosing to visit Latin America instead.
@tkalatheef Bombardier's Global 8000 flight test vehicle took to the skies of Toronto on Friday. The company said the maiden flight was flawless and exceeded expectations. The aircraft will enter service later this year.
Video Picks
Ryanair CEO on Earnings, Tariffs, Share Buybacks, and Boeing
Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, discusses the airline’s strong earnings, strategic share buybacks, Boeing delivery delays, and his take on potential tariff impacts.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s performance and capital strategy continue to set benchmarks for the LCC sector. Acumen tracks such leadership commentary to inform lease rate trends, fleet availability, and investor sentiment.
Singapore Airlines CEO: Balance Sheet Ready for Future Shocks
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, highlights the carrier’s resilient financial position, positioning SIA to weather future uncertainties and support sustained growth.
Acumen’s Take
SIA’s financial stability boosts long-term fleet confidence. Acumen integrates balance sheet strength into credit risk modelling and airline viability assessments for lessors and financiers.
TAP Air Portugal CEO on Managing Aviation’s Constant Challenges
The CEO of TAP Air Portugal shares a pragmatic perspective on industry volatility, stating that the challenges of aviation must be taken in stride, from fuel prices to regulatory shifts.
Acumen’s Take
Operational resilience is a key driver of airline longevity. Acumen uses such insights to support clients in developing adaptive fleet strategies and stress-tested asset plans.
