28 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 28th July 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
Aer Lingus Taps Growing 'Coolcation' Market
Aer Lingus is capitalising on the rising trend of "coolcations"—winter holidays to colder, picturesque destinations—with the launch of three new seasonal routes from Dublin and Cork. The move reflects shifting traveller preferences across Europe, as more passengers seek out alpine adventures, festive city breaks, and culturally rich getaways during the winter season.
Boeing Delivers Fifth 737 MAX to Flydubai via Shannon
Flydubai has received its fifth Boeing 737-8 MAX, with aircraft A6-FQK (MSN 61036) making a scheduled delivery stop at Shannon Airport en route from Boeing Field, Seattle to Dubai International Airport. The aircraft completed an overnight technical stop in Shannon before departing for the UAE the next day, reinforcing the airport’s role in transatlantic delivery logistics.
EI-FPI CRJ900 Departs CityJet Fleet
CityJet has completed the transfer of its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPI (MSN 15433) and named "Menja Viking", to American regional carrier PSA Airlines. The aircraft was ferried from Valencia to Dayton, Ohio on 15–16 July 2025, with routing via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto. Once re-registered as N641NN, it will operate under the American Eagle banner, a regional brand of American Airlines Group.
Emirates Boosts Service to Dublin with Third Daily Flight
Emirates will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Dublin starting 26 October 2025, bringing its total weekly services to 21. The additional frequency—operated by a Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration—caters to rising demand from both passengers and cargo exporters. The new EK165 flight will depart Dubai at 02:10 and arrive in Dublin at 06:25, with the return EK166 flight departing Dublin at 08:25.
Aircraft Update
Andes Líneas Aéreas Takes Delivery of Boeing 737-7K2 LV-ARR
Andes Líneas Aéreas took delivery of a Boeing 737-7K2, registered LV-ARR (MSN 38125), on 4 June 2025. The aircraft, previously operating under registration 2-CCXB, was delivered to Ezeiza, Argentina, as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal and operational ramp-up strategy.
Heston Airlines Takes Delivery of Airbus A320-214 LY-MAU
Heston Airlines took delivery of an Airbus A320-214, registered LY-MAU (MSN 6347), on 18 June 2025. The aircraft, previously operated as A7-LAA, was delivered to Vilnius, Lithuania, as part of the carrier’s strategy to expand its ACMI and charter capabilities across Europe and beyond.
Global Aviation News
DHL Trades Volume for Value to Keep Air Cargo Profitable
DHL is shifting focus from high-volume, low-yield shipments to premium, high-value cargo to sustain profitability in a fluctuating air freight market.
EBAA Issues Statement on EBACE26 Amid Strategic Review
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has postponed its official announcement for EBACE26, Europe’s premier business aviation conference, amid internal leadership changes. Newly appointed Interim Managing Director Stefan Benz is working with the Board and key stakeholders to reassess the event’s future format to better align with EBAA’s evolving strategic goals.
EFW Redelivers First A330P2F to Air Lease for Operation by Awesome Cargo
EFW has redelivered its first A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion to Air Lease Corporation, with the aircraft set to operate under Mexico’s Awesome Cargo. This marks the first A330P2F to be registered in Mexico and is the first of three units planned for delivery to Air Lease, further expanding the reach of Airbus freighter conversions into Latin America.
Elfly Group Signs $50M Deal with Cambodia’s VET Airways for Five ‘NOEMI’ Seaplanes
Elfly Group has signed a US$50 million Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia’s VET Airways for five NOEMI (No Emissions Electric) amphibious seaplanes. The deal, announced on 9 July 2025, marks Elfly’s entry into the Southeast Asian market and brings the total number of NOEMI aircraft on order through MoUs to 52, with interest spanning regions from Europe to Latin America.
Embraer Opens New MRO Facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth
Embraer has officially opened its new commercial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. The company will commence operations in an existing hangar, with a second, purpose-built hangar set to open by 2027. Developed in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth and the State of Texas, the site will support Embraer’s growing commercial jet fleet in the U.S. and beyond.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Route to Porto, Enhancing Africa–Europe Connectivity
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new passenger service between Addis Ababa and Porto, Portugal, with a stopover in Madrid. Operating four times weekly on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the route further expands the airline’s European footprint and strengthens economic and cultural ties between Africa and Southern Europe. The inaugural flight was marked by a ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Irish Aviation News
British & Irish Lions Soar to Australia on Special Qatar Airways Flight Ahead of 2025 Tour
The British & Irish Lions have officially departed Dublin for Australia aboard a specially arranged Qatar Airways Boeing 777, marking the start of their 2025 tour. Departing via Dublin Airport’s North Runway, the squad—led by Head Coach Andy Farrell and Captain Maro Itoje—travelled to Australia via Doha following their preparatory match against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.
Cadbury Rolls Out Sweet Media First with Dublin Airport Activation
Cadbury has launched a groundbreaking year-long branded gate takeover at Dublin Airport, marking a media first in both Ireland and the UK. Developed by The Public House and brokered by Core Sponsorship, the activation spans three key areas across the airport, blending animated Irish landmarks with Cadbury’s signature branding and welcoming messages in Gaeilge such as "Go n-éirí an bóthar leat" and "Cadbury Míle Fáilte". A standout feature includes Ireland’s first dedicated advertising hologram, now live in Terminal 2.
Dáil Transport Committee Reviews Irish Aviation Authority’s Strategic Priorities
On 16 July 2025, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport convened to examine the current work and future direction of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
Dublin Airport Given Permission for More Night-Time Flights
An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted Dublin Airport approval to increase its night-time flight allocation to 95 scheduled movements between 11PM and 7AM. Niamh Maher, a spokesperson for St Margaret's The Ward Residents Group and Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with DAA react to the ruling.
ECAC Continues Aviation Security Cooperation with Peru as IAA Shares Expertise
From 30 June to 4 July 2025, the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), in partnership with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), continued its support to Peru’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to enhance the country’s aviation security framework. The cooperation is particularly timely as Lima Airport prepares to scale up operations with the opening of its new terminal. Irish experts contributed technical knowledge to help bolster screening, oversight, and regulatory alignment with international standards.
Flight Plan for Growth: Strategically Expand MRO Capability on the Island of Ireland
A recent analysis highlights the critical need to strategically scale Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities across Ireland to support its thriving aviation sector. While often behind the scenes, MRO is indispensable for ensuring the safety, reliability, and residual value of aircraft assets. With global regulatory standards intensifying and Ireland’s leasing footprint expanding, building a robust MRO ecosystem is vital to anchoring more of the aviation value chain domestically.
JSA Delivers Boeing 737-800 to Jettime, Marks Entry into Danish Market
Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) has completed the delivery of a Boeing 737-800 to Jettime, marking its first partnership with a Danish operator. The aircraft will support Jettime’s expanding ACMI and charter services across the Nordic region and wider European market. Jettime CEO Anders Fred emphasised the importance of working with lessors like JSA to continue fleet growth with reliable and versatile aircraft types.
Ryanair's O’Leary Confident First MAX 10s Will Arrive in Spring 2027
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary has expressed confidence in Boeing’s revised delivery schedule, confirming the airline will begin receiving its first 737 MAX 10 aircraft in spring 2027. This follows written assurances from Boeing and a separate agreement allowing Ryanair to take delivery of 29 delayed 737-8-200s earlier than expected.
Tweet Picks
@aviator_aero Michael O'Leary on Wizz Air exiting Abu Dhabi: "I don't believe Wizz will be operating in Europe in the next 3 to 5 years as an independent carrier and certainly not if their strategy is to move into more competition with Ryanair. We welcome the competition as it would demonstrate that they'll blow their brains out even faster than they have during the deserts of the Middle East."
@AviationWeek Predictions by @flyvolaris that demand would stabilize in the second half of 2025 are materializing as customers prepare for travel during the busy summer season.
@jagritichandra In other aviation news: Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL) today at the Paris Air Show announced a landmark strategic partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000 business executive jets in India for the global markets.
@qatarairways Qatar Airways and @KenyaAirways have signed an MoU to form a strategic partnership, featuring a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased connectivity between Kenya and Qatar. The collaboration opens doors to expanded network access, joint services, and deeper cooperation across cargo, loyalty programs, ground services, and more.
Video Picks
Demand Returns for Delta, Sets New Profit Target
Delta Air Lines has reported a strong resurgence in passenger demand, prompting the carrier to revise its profit targets upwards. The airline attributes this momentum to sustained growth in premium cabin bookings, robust domestic travel, and expanding international routes—signalling a healthy rebound across multiple market segments.
Dubai International (DXB) CEO Paul Griffiths Talks Future of Sustainable Aviation
In a recent interview, Dubai International Airport CEO Paul Griffiths outlined his vision for the future of sustainable aviation, emphasising the critical role of infrastructure, airspace optimisation, and innovation in achieving meaningful emissions reductions. He also highlighted the need for global collaboration and investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and emerging propulsion technologies.
Shannon Airport Group CEO Calls for Immediate Public Transport Improvements in South of Ireland
In a recent interview, Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine urged the government to prioritise enhancements to public transport infrastructure in the south and west of Ireland. She emphasised the need for reliable, direct links to Shannon Airport to support regional economic development, tourism, and accessibility—warning that current connectivity gaps are undermining the airport’s full potential.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum across multiple fronts—route expansion, fleet transitions, infrastructure investments, and regulatory developments. Ireland remains a pivotal hub for leasing, MRO growth, and strategic aviation partnerships, while global players are sharpening their focus on sustainability, efficiency, and emerging markets. As demand stabilises and operational challenges evolve, agility and long-term planning are becoming critical levers of resilience. For stakeholders across the aviation value chain, now is the time to align strategic priorities with a changing regulatory and commercial landscape.
