29 Apr 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 29th April 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 Cargo celebrates Hong Kong’s top cargo hub status, China Eastern aggressively expands into Europe, and China Southern suspends its 787-8 sale amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-april-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Industry Newsletter: Air India Express strengthens Goa operations, FLY91 partners with Paytm to boost regional digital bookings, and IndiGo expands its premium IndiGoStretch service on the Bengaluru–Mumbai route.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-april-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: AerCap strengthens its board leadership, AFG places an A320-214 with Libya’s Buraq Air, and Azorra delivers Mongolia’s first E195-E2 to Hunnu Air, expanding regional leasing activity.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-april-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: New deliveries to Air Astana, JetTime, Red Sea Airlines, and Animawings drive fleet activity, while ASL Airlines and Texel Air expand cargo operations with Boeing 737 freighter movements.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-april-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Azorra delivers Mongolia’s first E195-E2, MUFG provides a $75 million credit facility to Sun Country Airlines, and Phoenix Aviation Capital secures $300 million PDP financing for Boeing 737 MAX orders.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-april-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Boeing Delivers 180th 737 MAX to Ryanair Group
Boeing has handed over the 180th 737 MAX aircraft to the Ryanair Group, continuing the airline’s ambitious fleet expansion under its Gamechanger programme. The latest delivery strengthens Ryanair’s position as Europe’s largest 737 MAX operator.
Acumen’s Take
This milestone underscores Ryanair’s aggressive post-pandemic recovery strategy. The fuel-efficient MAX fleet remains central to maintaining its low-cost advantage, route expansion, and sustainable growth targets.
Hunnu Air Takes Delivery of Embraer 195-E2
Hunnu Air has received its latest fleet addition—an Embraer 195-E2 (registration EI-HUN). The aircraft will be deployed to expand the Mongolian carrier’s regional operations across East and Central Asia.
Acumen’s Take
The E2's arrival highlights growing demand for next-generation regional jets in emerging markets. Hunnu’s fleet upgrade positions it to capitalise on intra-Asia travel growth with lower operating costs and enhanced range.
Ryanair Adds Second Challenger 3500 to Business Jet Fleet
Ryanair has added a second Bombardier Challenger 3500 to its corporate jet fleet, further expanding its executive charter offering under Ryanair Corporate Jets.
Acumen’s Take
This move shows Ryanair’s quiet diversification into premium business charters. While LCC operations dominate, selective investment in high-margin corporate travel taps into new revenue streams without diluting the core brand.
Aircraft Update
Lufthansa Ferries CRJ900 D-ACKF to Maastricht for CityJet
EI-FPI, a CRJ900 (c/n 15425), was ferried from Copenhagen to Valencia on 14th April 2025. The aircraft is expected to undergo maintenance, storage, or possible reallocation for future ACMI or regional operations.
Acumen’s Take
Fleet repositioning like this reflects the flexible redeployment strategies common in the European regional market, where demand for ACMI services and seasonal adjustments remain strong.
CityJet Ferries CRJ900 EI-GEF to Valencia
EI-GEF, a CRJ900 (c/n 15244), was ferried from Norwich to Valencia on 16th April 2025. Similar to EI-FPI, this aircraft is transitioning to a new operational phase, possibly for lease transfer or upcoming summer network support.
Acumen’s Take
CityJet’s strategic ferry flights indicate active fleet management amid ACMI market opportunities. CRJ900s continue to offer efficient solutions for regional carriers, balancing cost and capacity.
Global Aviation News
Dunas Capital Advances Divestment of Dunas Aviation Fund
Dunas Capital has completed the sale of seven aircraft valued at over USD 200 million as part of the divestment process of Spain’s leading aviation fund, Dunas Aviation.
Acumen’s Take
Aircraft asset divestments continue to reflect strong secondary market liquidity, with funds strategically offloading portfolios to capitalise on high investor appetite for mid-life assets.
Emirates and Teleport to Collaborate on Freighter Capacity
Emirates SkyCargo and Southeast Asian logistics player Teleport have agreed to collaborate on freighter capacity sharing, offering expanded belly and main-deck lift across key trade lanes.
Acumen’s Take
Strategic partnerships like this are vital for strengthening freight networks without full asset ownership, allowing flexibility while meeting surging e-commerce and regional cargo demand.
EVA Air Expands Fleet with Additional A350-1000s and A321neos
EVA Air has placed further orders for Airbus A350-1000 widebodies and A321neo narrowbodies to support long-haul premium expansion and intra-Asia growth strategies.
Acumen’s Take
Dual-ordering widebodies and single-aisles reinforces EVA’s hybrid growth plan — premium long-haul capability paired with regional network agility. Smart fleet diversification to cover multiple market tiers.
FTAI Secures $2.5 Billion in Strategic Asset-Level Debt Financing
Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors (FTAI) has secured $2.5 billion in commitments to finance aircraft and engine assets through its Strategic Capital Initiative platform.
Acumen’s Take
The ability to raise multi-billion-dollar capital for aviation assets highlights investors’ bullish sentiment toward stable returns from leased aircraft engines and mid-life equipment portfolios.
Avia Solutions Group Plans for Increased Tariff Expenses
Avia Solutions, one of the world’s largest lessors, is adjusting its financial strategies to account for potential cost increases stemming from U.S.–EU tariff tensions.
Acumen’s Take
Tariff volatility is becoming a real cost driver for global lessors. Pricing strategies and sourcing diversification will become increasingly important to maintain competitiveness.
LOT Polish Airlines Enters Codeshare with ITA Airways
LOT Polish Airlines has formalised a codeshare partnership with Italy’s ITA Airways, enhancing connectivity between Poland and Italy through expanded flight options and coordinated schedules.
Acumen’s Take
Codeshare expansions across European carriers allow seamless regional connectivity, strengthening alliance ecosystems without the need for direct route expansion — a capital-light growth lever.
Irish Aviation News
Air Freight at Irish Airports Grew 12% in 2024 – CSO
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), air freight volumes at Ireland’s state airports rose by 12% in 2024, reflecting growing e-commerce and cargo demand.
Acumen’s Take
Freight growth strengthens the case for continued investment in cargo infrastructure at Irish airports, particularly to support diversified airport revenue streams beyond passenger traffic.
All EX-YU Capitals Set for May Growth; Ryanair Leading Carrier
Airports across former Yugoslav capitals are poised for passenger growth this May, with Ryanair emerging as the region’s largest scheduled carrier by seat capacity.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s dominance in secondary European markets highlights the continuing shift toward point-to-point travel models over traditional hub systems.
From Engineer to Aviation Entrepreneur: Conor McCarthy’s Journey
Conor McCarthy, founder of Emerald Airlines and aviation industry veteran, reflected on his career journey from engineering graduate to airline entrepreneur in a feature interview.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s aviation leadership legacy is underpinned by entrepreneurial success stories like McCarthy’s, continuing to inspire new aviation startups and leadership pipelines.
Garden Terrace at Dublin T1 Reopens After Renovation
The Garden Terrace at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 has reopened after a five-month upgrade, offering improved dining facilities and enhanced passenger amenities.
Acumen’s Take
Upgraded passenger amenities play a crucial role in boosting airport dwell time spending and enhancing the overall traveller experience, especially as passenger volumes rebound.
Urgent Investment Needed in Mayo Airport, Say Local Leaders
Local representatives have stressed the need for significant investment in Ireland West Airport Knock (Mayo), citing global instability and the importance of regional air connectivity resilience.
Acumen’s Take
Regional airport investment is critical to maintaining national connectivity, supporting emergency response infrastructure, and ensuring balanced regional economic development.
Irish Aviation Students' Association Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
The Irish Aviation Students’ Association (IASA) marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of fostering the next generation of Irish aviation professionals.
Acumen’s Take
Talent pipeline initiatives like IASA are vital for sustaining Ireland’s position as a global aviation hub, ensuring future skills alignment with industry growth needs.
Tweet Picks
@boomaero New global noise standards for supersonic aircraft are clearing the way for a quieter, smarter return to high-speed travel.
@DXBMediaOffice At the Aircraft Interiors Expo, flydubai and Boeing announced an agreement to retrofit 21 of flydubai’s 737 MAX aircraft with larger Boeing Space Bins, enhancing onboard storage capacity and passenger convenience.
@EXYUaviation American Chamber of Commerce in talks with US airlines over Pristina - New York flights.
@flightradar24 The newest addition to the Flightradar24 API is our most requested feature: say hello to Flight summaries! A concise digest of a flight’s pertinent details. Available now in Light or Full configurations.
Video Picks
Air Taxis Could Soon Be Operating in New York City
A new report highlights how electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis could soon launch in New York City, targeting high-density commuter routes such as Manhattan–JFK transfers. Companies are gearing up for regulatory approvals and infrastructure deployment.
Acumen’s Take
Urban air mobility is moving closer to reality. If scaled effectively, eVTOLs could revolutionise short-haul travel in major cities, unlocking new operational models for regional connectivity and premium commuter transport.
IndiGo CEO: Goal to Raise International Capacity to 40%
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, shared plans to grow the airline’s international capacity to 40% of its overall network. Expansion will focus on the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and strategic long-haul partnerships.
Acumen’s Take
IndiGo’s shift toward international markets marks a pivotal evolution from its traditional domestic dominance. As it adds widebodies and new partnerships, Indo-Pacific routes will play a larger role in its long-term profitability strategy.
U.S. Airlines Pivot to Europe and Canada as Domestic Demand Softens
Facing a slowdown in domestic U.S. travel, airlines are banking on stronger demand for European and Canadian holidays during summer 2025. Major carriers are shifting capacity to transatlantic and cross-border routes.
Acumen’s Take
This capacity reallocation reflects the global rebalancing of airline networks. For lessors and route planners, Europe–North America corridors will be crucial traffic drivers, offering opportunities for widebody utilisation and mid-tier market growth.
