29 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 29th 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
EI-HPK ATR72-212A(600) (c/n 1249)
It was delivered to Emerald Airlines, ferried from Toulouse to Dublin on 19 May 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as M-ABRP, and this addition strengthens Emerald’s ATR regional fleet, supporting their role as Aer Lingus Regional’s operator.
Acumen’s Take
Emerald Airlines’ growing ATR fleet reflects sustained demand for efficient turboprop aircraft on regional routes. As airlines optimize capacity and environmental performance, ATR deliveries like this one demonstrate the resilience of regional connectivity strategies across Europe, particularly in the Irish market.
M-ABTN Airbus A320-216
(c/n 2842), formerly registered as VT-PNQ, has been ferried to Šiauliai International Airport via Shannon on 21 May 2025. The aircraft, managed by BBAM Aircraft Leasing, is likely undergoing transition or maintenance as part of future reallocation within the lessor's global portfolio.
Acumen’s Take
Movements like this highlight the active repositioning strategies of lessors amid evolving fleet demands. As narrowbody aircraft remain in high demand post-COVID recovery, secondary market transactions and maintenance cycles are accelerating, with European hubs like Šiauliai playing a growing role in aircraft redelivery and conversion pipelines.
Global Aviation News
First A330P2F for EFW Customer ATSG Enters Fleet of Operator ULS
EFW has delivered its first A330-300P2F for customer ATSG, which will be operated by Turkish carrier ULS Airlines Cargo. The converted freighter supports growing demand for mid-sized widebody cargo aircraft and reflects the accelerating trend of passenger-to-freighter conversions.
Acumen’s Take
This milestone underscores the continued demand for P2F conversions, especially in the A330 segment. As e-commerce and regional cargo volumes rise, such deliveries will play a critical role in expanding versatile, cost-effective mid-capacity options for operators.
GOL Receives U.S. Court Approval for Plan of Reorganization
Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL has gained approval from a U.S. bankruptcy court for its Chapter 11 reorganisation plan, allowing the airline to restructure debt and continue operations while focusing on long-term stability and competitiveness.
Acumen’s Take
This approval offers GOL a renewed pathway to operational recovery, which is vital in maintaining LCC competition across Latin America. It also reflects the importance of cross-border legal frameworks in supporting global airline restructuring efforts.
Geosky Focuses on Widebody Freighter Growth
Georgia-based cargo airline Geosky is pursuing expansion through the acquisition of additional widebody freighters. The carrier aims to enhance its long-haul capacity and better serve intercontinental markets from its base in Tbilisi.
Acumen’s Take
Geosky’s growth ambition mirrors a wider regional strategy to tap into East-West cargo corridors. Widebody additions strengthen their positioning as a reliable logistics partner bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
HALO AirFinance Closes Senior Loan for Crestone Air Partners
HALO AirFinance has finalised a senior loan for Crestone Air Partners’ acquisition of a Boeing 737-800. This move demonstrates continued investor interest in narrowbody aircraft with strong leasing demand.
Acumen’s Take
HALO’s transaction signals sustained financial appetite for secondhand narrowbodies, particularly the 737NG family. For lessors and investors, the aircraft continues to offer dependable returns across global secondary markets.
IAG Reassesses Strategy for Iberia Express as Pilot Talks Break Down
Negotiations between IAG and Iberia Express pilots have stalled, prompting the group to re-evaluate the carrier's operational model. This could lead to structural changes or integration with other IAG entities.
Acumen’s Take
Labour dynamics are increasingly shaping airline group strategies. IAG's decision to reassess Iberia Express could influence future models of regional operations and workforce management across Europe.
Qatar Airways Group Posts Record Financial Results for FY 2024/25
Qatar Airways has reported a record-breaking financial performance for FY 2024/25, reflecting a 39% year-on-year revenue growth and robust profitability. The airline credited strong network performance and premium demand for its success.
Acumen’s Take
Qatar Airways’ stellar performance reinforces the strength of premium-focused global carriers. It also highlights the region’s sustained aviation recovery, offering a benchmark for financial resilience and strategic agility in a post-pandemic world.
Irish Aviation News
A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation Report – Irelandia Aviation
Irelandia Aviation has published A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation, offering a comprehensive strategic vision for maintaining Ireland’s global leadership in aircraft leasing and aviation services. The report covers competitiveness, sustainability, and infrastructure investment.
Acumen’s Take
This report provides valuable policy direction for safeguarding Ireland’s dominance in aviation finance. As the landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the call for innovation, sustainability, and supportive regulation is timely and crucial.
High Flyers, Heated Rows, Close Bonds – The Ryanair Legacy
This feature reflects on the Ryanair dynasty, tracing the Ryans’ business empire and Michael O’Leary’s impact on revolutionising low-cost travel across Europe. It highlights personal dynamics, strategic grit, and Ryanair’s transformation of regional mobility.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s evolution is more than a business story—it’s a case study in how strategic vision and operational tenacity can reshape an entire sector. This legacy continues to define cost-efficiency and scale in European aviation.
IAA Launches New General Aviation Occurrence Reporting Form
The Irish Aviation Authority has introduced a simplified occurrence reporting form aimed at enhancing safety culture in general aviation. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to make compliance more accessible for smaller operators and pilots.
Acumen’s Take
By streamlining reporting, the IAA is improving data quality and fostering proactive safety management. It reflects Ireland’s commitment to international best practices in aviation safety oversight across all operational tiers.
Jackson Square Aviation Champions Sustainability at Global Congress
At the Sustainable Aviation Futures Congress, Jackson Square Aviation highlighted its commitment to environmental innovation, focusing on green financing, aircraft efficiency, and long-term ESG goals within the leasing community.
Acumen’s Take
Leasing firms are now playing a critical role in shaping greener fleet strategies. Jackson Square’s engagement is a signal that sustainability must be embedded in both financing models and asset lifecycle planning.
“Pirate Hijacking” and Ireland’s Role in Russian Sanction Tangle
An in-depth analysis explores how an aircraft caught in Russia’s post-sanctions web has led to a $200 million legal battle involving Irish lessors, raising questions over asset protection, jurisdiction, and geopolitical risk exposure.
Acumen’s Take
This case underscores the vulnerability of cross-border leasing in a fractured geopolitical environment. Lessors must revisit risk assessment models, especially concerning regulatory jurisdictions and aircraft repossession logistics.
Ryanair Announces €750 Million Share Buyback Ahead of Summer Boom
Ryanair Holdings has announced a fresh €750 million share buyback, reflecting strong confidence in summer 2025 travel demand. The move follows robust load factor projections and an aggressive fleet deployment plan.
Acumen’s Take
The buyback reflects Ryanair’s financial resilience and strategic timing. With travel rebounding and cost discipline intact, it also positions the airline to reward shareholders while capitalising on peak season growth.
Tweet Picks
@DjsAviation Sad news for Lufthansa, the airline is expected to say farewell to its Airbus A340-600 fleet by early 2026, according to http://aero.de
@DXBMediaOffice flydubai announces the start of direct flights to Damascus from 01 June 2025. Flights to Damascus International Airport will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International.
@emirates We've unveiled our first Emirates Travel Store in Central Europe, right in the heart of Switzerland.
@qatarairways Qatar Airways Group announces strongest financial results in its history: Profits for the Group reached QAR 7.85 bn (US$2.15bn) in the 24/25 fiscal year - an increase of more than QAR 1.7bn (US$0.5bn) on the year before.
Video Picks
Construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 Begins
Singapore has officially commenced construction of Terminal 5 at Changi Airport, a long-anticipated project set to transform the region’s air travel capacity. Slated for a mid-2030s opening, the terminal will add 50 million passenger capacity annually and integrate smart and sustainable features.
Acumen’s Take
This expansion cements Changi’s ambition to lead Asia-Pacific aviation. With capacity demands set to surge post-2030, Terminal 5 positions Singapore as a future-proof hub, offering lessons in scalability and innovation for other global gateways.
Qatar Airways 'Cannot Afford to Slow Down': Analyst
Aviation analyst discusses Qatar Airways’ aggressive growth and fleet strategy, emphasising the airline’s role in linking global markets amid growing geopolitical and competitive pressures.
Acumen’s Take
Qatar Airways’ momentum reflects the competitive intensity in long-haul connectivity. The carrier’s continued expansion, bolstered by strategic aircraft investments, reinforces the criticality of network agility in today’s global aviation landscape.
Ryanair CEO: Boeing Has Improved, Oil Prices a Tailwind
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary comments on the airline’s positive outlook, citing improvements at Boeing and favourable oil prices as key contributors. His remarks signal operational confidence ahead of the summer peak.
Acumen’s Take
Strong OEM relationships and hedged fuel advantages will bolster Ryanair’s performance this season. O’Leary’s vote of confidence in Boeing also offers reassurance for lessors and operators watching MAX-related developments closely.
