29 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 29th August 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 Takes Delivery of Eighth Airbus A320neo
Aer Lingus has welcomed its eighth Airbus A320neo, registered EI-NSH and named McCuilinn, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme. The A320-251N (MSN 12663) arrived in Dublin from Toulouse on 31 July and entered service on 7 August, operating the Dublin–Faro route. Configured with 186 seats, the aircraft will primarily serve short-haul routes such as London Heathrow and other major European destinations, supporting Aer Lingus’s commitment to fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
ASL Aviation Leases A330 Freighters to Saudia Cargo
ASL Aviation Holdings has leased two Airbus A330-300P2F freighters to Saudia Cargo, expanding the Saudi carrier’s long-haul cargo capacity. The first aircraft, MSN 1272, has already joined the fleet under a wet lease agreement, with the partnership aimed at boosting global freight connectivity. The deal underscores both companies’ strategic focus on strengthening air cargo capabilities amid sustained demand in international logistics.
Belfast based 247 Aviation Announces Major Strategic Expansion
Belfast-based 247 Aviation has announced a major strategic expansion backed by a £7.98 million investment from parent company SERE Holdings. The funding will support the acquisition of two additional Learjet 45 aircraft and the opening of a new satellite base in southern England. This growth will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to provide rapid-response, consultant-led medical transport services across the UK and Ireland.
EI-FPV CRJ900 Cityjet Departs Fleet
CityJet has completed the transfer of its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPN (MSN 15440) and named Trud Viking, marking the aircraft’s departure from the fleet. On 12–13 August 2025, it was ferried from Valencia to Dayton International Airport, routing via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto. The jet will join PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines Group, where it will enter service as N647NN under the American Eagle brand.
Aircraft Update
2-FWCA Airbus A321-211 c/n 8577 Sun PhuQuoc Airways Delivered from Shannon 16/08/25.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways took delivery of an Airbus A321-211, registered 2-FWCA (MSN 8577), on 16 August 2025. The aircraft was handed over at Shannon and is set to join the Vietnamese carrier’s expanding fleet. This delivery strengthens Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ capacity to support growing regional and international demand, enhancing connectivity from its base in Vietnam.
2-FWCB Airbus A321-211 c/n 8592 Sun PhuQuoc Airways Delivered from Shannon 16/08/25.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways has received another Airbus A321-211, registered 2-FWCB (MSN 8592), delivered from Shannon on 16 August 2025. The aircraft joins its sistership 2-FWCA, also handed over on the same date, as part of the carrier’s ongoing fleet expansion. This twin delivery highlights Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ strategy to scale operations rapidly in line with rising passenger demand across Vietnam’s domestic and regional markets.
Global Aviation News
Akasa Air announces completion of strategic investment transaction
Akasa Air has completed its previously announced strategic investment transactions, receiving all regulatory approvals by 19 August 2025. The funding round brings new partners into the “Akasian family”, including Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, and Claypond Capital, alongside an additional infusion from the Jhunjhunwala family. The capital will fuel Akasa’s ambition to be among the world’s top 30 airlines by the end of the decade, supporting expansion of operations, investment in advanced technology, and continued focus on safety, reliability, and customer experience.
Heathrow launches experiential retail campaign to elevate CX with immersive activations
Heathrow has unveiled Redefine Your Beauty, a major experiential retail campaign running across all four terminals through October 2025. Delivered in collaboration with Avolta’s World Duty Free stores, the initiative represents Heathrow’s largest joint beauty event to date. Travellers will experience immersive activations, exclusive offers, and access to a wide range of beauty and wellness brands. The campaign underscores Heathrow’s strategy to enhance customer experience through innovative retail concepts that blend shopping with engagement.
How the Airbus A321LR is Reshaping Icelandair’s Network
Icelandair is transitioning into a new era with the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, gradually replacing its long-serving Boeing 757 fleet. The modern, fuel-efficient narrowbody is enabling the airline to maintain its role as a transatlantic connector while offering greater flexibility on thinner long-haul routes. The shift highlights how the A321LR is reshaping Icelandair’s network strategy, combining lower operating costs with the ability to serve both North American and European markets efficiently. For aviation enthusiasts, it represents the graceful phase-out of an iconic aircraft type in favour of a leaner and greener successor.
IAG enters UK insurance market
IAG Loyalty, part of International Airlines Group, has expanded into the UK travel insurance sector with the launch of Wanda by Avios, developed in collaboration with embedded insurance provider Open. Traditionally focused on airline loyalty services, IAG Loyalty’s entry into insurance marks a strategic diversification, integrating cover directly into the travel experience. The move could reshape distribution models across the travel insurance market, blending loyalty, ancillary services, and embedded products into a more seamless offering for travellers.
Southampton Airport and SSP continue F&B transformation with new Starbucks opening
Southampton Airport has expanded its food and beverage line-up with the launch of a new airside Starbucks, delivered in partnership with SSP. The addition marks another step in the airport’s transformation programme to enhance passenger amenities and create a more premium travel experience. Starbucks’ global brand appeal aligns with the airport’s focus on providing travellers with familiar, high-quality options, further strengthening Southampton’s F&B portfolio as part of its wider customer experience strategy.
Southwest Airlines shake-up continues with pivot into package holidays
Southwest Airlines has launched Getaways by Southwest, its new in-house package holiday brand, marking a bold pivot into the leisure travel market. The move follows a series of strategic changes aimed at boosting profitability through ancillary revenues, including the introduction of checked bag fees and assigned seating—signalling the end of its decades-long open seating model. With Getaways, Southwest aims to offer travellers more flexibility and bundled value, positioning itself to capture a greater share of the leisure segment while reshaping its traditional low-cost model.
Thailand plans 200,000 free domestic flights to boost tourism
Thailand has unveiled plans to roll out 200,000 free domestic flights for international visitors between September and November 2025. The initiative, branded “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights”, will provide eligible travellers with a round-trip domestic ticket worth up to THB 3,500 (€80), encouraging exploration beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Backed by six airlines, the scheme aims to generate THB 8.8 billion (€200 million) in revenue from a THB 700 million (€16 million) budget. The move comes as Thailand revises its 2025 arrivals forecast down to 33 million, short of its 39 million target, reflecting efforts to stimulate tourism growth through creative incentives.
Irish Aviation News
Executive Jet Support announces latest transaction with AerCap
Executive Jet Support (EJS) has confirmed the purchase of an Embraer E195, MSN 19000069, from AerCap, the world’s leading aircraft lessor. The aircraft is designated for part-out at EJS’s facility in Bydgoszcz, Poland, marking the company’s 10th E-Jet disassembly at the site in just two years. Components from the project will be routed for shop certification before being added to EJS’s stock in Poland, bolstering its global support inventory. EJS extended thanks to Shane O’Reilly and the AerCap team for their assistance in completing what it described as a challenging and complex transaction.
FLY4 Airlines supports #NotOnMyFlight campaign for respectful air travel
FLY4 Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and comfort by supporting the Irish Aviation Authority’s #NotOnMyFlight campaign. First launched in 2024, the initiative continues to build momentum across the industry, aiming to tackle disruptive behaviour in the skies and promote a respectful travel environment.
Minister O’Brien publishes Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has unveiled Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, a milestone commitment under the Programme for Government. The roadmap outlines how SAF development and deployment will be central to decarbonising the aviation sector, which faces unique challenges in reducing emissions. By providing a strategic framework to scale production and adoption, the policy aims to position Ireland’s aviation industry for sustainable growth while supporting national and EU climate targets.
Minister of State Sean Canney Launches Irish Coast Guard’s New Aviation Service
Minister of State Sean Canney has officially launched the Irish Coast Guard’s new aviation service, marking a major step forward in the country’s search and rescue (SAR) and maritime monitoring capabilities. Operated by Bristow Ireland under a 10-year contract, the service introduces six purpose-built AW189 helicopters stationed across Waterford, Sligo, Dublin, and Shannon. In a first for the Coast Guard, the service will also feature a 24-hour fixed-wing component, with two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft based at Shannon. Together, the new fleet will provide an integrated aviation service, significantly enhancing Ireland’s ability to respond to emergencies and safeguard its coastline.
Ryanair ups Niš service following Wizz expansion
Ryanair will boost its Vienna–Niš operations for the upcoming winter season, running from 28 October 2025 to March 2026. The carrier plans five weekly flights, up significantly from last year’s two to three weekly services over the same period. Flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with double rotations on Fridays, matching the frequency of the summer 2025 schedule. The move comes shortly after Wizz Air announced a new Bratislava–Niš service, with Vienna and Bratislava located just 80 kilometres apart, signalling intensified competition in the Serbian market.
Shannon Chamber hopes new appointment will see airport rail link on track
Shannon Chamber has welcomed the appointment of Mary Considine as Chief Executive of Irish Rail, noting her six years of impactful leadership at the Shannon Airport Group. CEO Helen Downes described the move as a recognition of Considine’s proven ability to deliver results and drive regional development.
SMBC Aviation Capital Delivers First Airbus A320NEOs to Royal Jordanian
SMBC Aviation Capital has delivered the first two Airbus A320neo aircraft to Royal Jordanian Airlines, marking the start of a significant new partnership. The aircraft form part of a broader agreement from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct order with Airbus, supporting the Jordanian flag carrier’s ongoing fleet renewal and growth strategy. Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing at SMBC, highlighted the milestone as the beginning of a strong relationship, underscoring SMBC’s commitment to enabling Royal Jordanian’s expansion with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Tweet Picks
@hjelnaes Danish State get the green light for make a formal offer to OTP to aquire its holdings in CPH Kastrup airport. Estimated price for OTP holdings is DKK32bn and will give Danish State control of 98,5% of the shares in the airport.
@hjelnaes Go Ryanair go! Q1 profit after tax €930m (€360m LY). Debt free by mid 2026. Outlook Q2 is good and 6% of H2 capacity sold. Fare level & demand up YoY, unit costs up 1-3%. FY26 will be great for Ryanair.
@hjelnaes Play, the icelandic low cost airline, get as expected a $20m convertible bond, to opt its liquidity. The shareholders meeting on 15AUG approved the bond, that holds a 17,5% annual interest, the highest on record for an airline in Europe!.
@hjelnaes Soaring costs stalls growth by airlines in Germany. Based commercial aircraft has dived from 190 in 2019 to 130 in 2025. Resulting in the loss of 10,000 jobs and €4bn in annual economic value for Germany!.
Video Picks
AAV In Conversation with Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial
In this video, Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial, shares his insights on the evolving dynamics of the commercial aircraft trading market. He discusses current trends in demand, the role of lessors, and how Jetcraft Commercial is positioning itself to support clients through market cycles. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, global reach, and deep industry expertise in navigating today’s competitive aircraft sales and leasing environment.
Eric Tanner – Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines
In this video, Eric Tanner, CCO of Flair Airlines, outlines the carrier’s growth trajectory within Canada’s competitive low-cost market. He highlights Flair’s focus on affordability, operational efficiency, and network expansion as key drivers of its success. Tanner also shares insights into how the airline is differentiating itself through customer-centric initiatives and disciplined execution, reinforcing its role as a disruptive force in Canadian aviation.
Minister Canney Launches Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service At Shannon Airport
In this video, Minister Seán Canney officially inaugurates the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service at Shannon Airport, highlighting its vital role in national search-and-rescue operations. The launch underscores the importance of modern aviation support for maritime safety, emergency response, and coastal protection, while also reaffirming Shannon’s strategic role as a hub for lifesaving services.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects how aviation continues to balance expansion with transformation—whether through new aircraft deliveries, strategic investments, or digital and retail innovation. Airlines, airports, and lessors are sharpening their focus on resilience, efficiency, and customer experience while governments reinforce sustainability and regional connectivity goals. Competition remains strong across both low-cost and full-service segments, with shifting strategies aimed at long-term profitability. Overall, the industry is demonstrating adaptability and forward planning, positioning itself to thrive in an environment shaped by evolving market dynamics, regulation, and passenger expectations.
