29 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 29th September 2025
Acumen Aviation Newsletters
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IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Welcomes Fourth Airbus A321XLR
Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A321XLR, registered EI-XLU (MSN 12142), as part of its ongoing North American hub expansion strategy at Dublin. Named “St Sourney / Sárnait”, the aircraft was ferried from Airbus’s Hamburg-Finkenwerder facility to Dublin Airport on 12 September 2025 under callsign EIN2395, arriving at 20:45 local time. EI-XLU entered commercial service a week later on 19 September, first operating the Dublin–Paris Charles de Gaulle rotation (EIN524/5), followed by a flight to Munich (EIN356/7). The addition of another A321XLR strengthens Aer Lingus’s ability to offer long-range, fuel-efficient narrowbody operations across its European and transatlantic network.
Aloha Air Cargo Adds Ex-Irish Boeing 737 Classic
Aloha Air Cargo has expanded its freighter fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-490(F), registered N440KH (MSN 28889), which arrived in Honolulu on 7 September 2025. The aircraft, formerly registered EI-GUB, was previously operated by Italy’s Poste Air Cargo. Built in 1998, the 737-400 originally entered service with Alaska Airlines as N795AS before passing through Flair Airlines and later undergoing freighter conversion in Tampa during 2020–2021. It joined Poste Air Cargo in early 2021, where it operated until July 2025. Its delivery to Aloha underscores the continuing utility of converted 737 Classics in regional cargo operations, particularly within the Hawaiian Islands’ interisland network.
IndiGo A320neo Touches Down at Ireland West Airport
IndiGo’s Airbus A320-271N, registered VT-IZI (MSN 8570), arrived at Ireland West Airport (Knock) on 14 September 2025 after routing from Bengaluru via Istanbul as flight IGO9638. The 6.9-year-old aircraft first flew in November 2018 and was delivered the following month, before being listed as stored at Knock upon its arrival. IndiGo currently operates a vast fleet including 183 A320neos, 149 A321neos, and three A321-200(P2F)s, alongside ATRs and A320ceos. The stop at Knock reflects the airline’s ongoing fleet activity amid one of the industry’s largest order books, including more than 500 A320neo family aircraft and 69 A321XLRs, supporting its long-term expansion strategy.
Aircraft Update
B-18301 Airbus A330-301 c/n 602 China Airlines Ferried to Ireland West Airport
China Airlines has ferried an Airbus A330-301, registered B-18301 (MSN 602), on 23–24 September 2025. The widebody aircraft routed from Bangkok to Vienna before arriving at Ireland West Airport (Knock). The movement reflects ongoing repositioning activity within China Airlines’ fleet as it continues to transition from older A330-300s to next-generation widebodies. The aircraft’s arrival at Knock indicates potential storage, maintenance, or onward placement, consistent with broader trends of airlines optimising mid-life twin-aisle assets in response to evolving market demand.
G-CMFL ATR72-212A(600) c/n 1339 Emerald Airlines Ferried Dublin–Belfast City
Emerald Airlines ferried an ATR72-212A(600), registered G-CMFL (MSN 1339), from Dublin to Belfast City on 4 September 2025. The aircraft, formerly operating as EI-FSL and carrying the name “St Elvis / Ailbhe”, has been transferred to Emerald Airlines UK. Its redeployment strengthens the carrier’s fleet presence in Northern Ireland, supporting regional operations while maintaining continuity on core routes such as Belfast City to Manchester.
EI-ILH Boeing 737-8200 c/n 67123 Ryanair Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin
Ryanair has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, registered EI-ILH (MSN 67123), which was ferried from Boeing Field to Dublin on 23 September 2025. Marking the airline’s 190th “Gamechanger” aircraft, this latest addition continues Ryanair’s fleet expansion with the high-density, fuel-efficient MAX 8-200 variant. The delivery reinforces the ULCC’s commitment to reducing fuel burn and emissions while maximising capacity across its extensive European network.
Global Aviation News
Airbus plans to inaugurate second A320 final assembly line in October
Airbus will open its second A320 Family final assembly line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama this October, coinciding with the facility’s 10-year anniversary. Since its launch in 2015 with just 300 employees, the site has expanded to a workforce of over 2,000, becoming a key hub for U.S. commercial aircraft production. The new FAL will significantly boost Airbus’s capacity to deliver A320 and A220 Family aircraft, supporting strong market demand while further embedding the manufacturer in America’s aerospace industry.
Air France-KLM and SAS expand partnership with new transatlantic codeshare
Air France-KLM and SAS are strengthening their commercial partnership with a new codeshare agreement covering SAS’s nonstop flights between Scandinavia and the United States. The move builds on their cooperation launched in 2024 and SAS’s entry into the SkyTeam alliance last year.
Air France reveals redesigned La Première suite on B777-300ER
Air France has unveiled its newly redesigned La Première suite on its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, setting a new benchmark for luxury long-haul travel. The aircraft now features four exclusive suites, each offering 3.5 square metres of private space enclosed with floor-to-ceiling curtains. Passengers can enjoy a two-metre flat bed, a chaise longue, and dual 32-inch 4K screens with over 1,500 hours of entertainment. Priced at around €8,500 per flight, the premium product underscores Air France’s commitment to delivering an elevated travel experience in the ultra-luxury market.
AirAsia X CEO Outlines Fleet And Destination Expansions
AirAsia X is gearing up for growth with plans to introduce six new Airbus A321neo and A321LR aircraft to its fleet in 2026, complementing its existing all-A330 operation. CEO Benyamin Ismail, speaking at Aviation Week’s MRO Asia-Pacific in Singapore, said the additions will allow the airline to expand further into North Asia and China, diversifying its network and capturing new market opportunities. The move highlights AirAsia X’s strategy to balance long-haul widebody operations with more flexible narrowbody aircraft, supporting sustainable expansion across high-demand regional routes.
Air Serbia prepares for 2026 expansion
Air Serbia is gearing up for a significant growth phase in 2026, with its Embraer fleet set to play a pivotal role in the airline’s strategy. The carrier aims to grow its fleet to 32 aircraft, including additional Embraer E195s, enabling greater flexibility across its European network and beyond. The regional jets will allow Air Serbia to explore new markets, maintain consistent connectivity to secondary destinations, and align capacity with demand more efficiently than larger aircraft. Several target markets are already under consideration, signalling a proactive approach to broadening the airline’s reach in the coming year.
Airlines Are Winning in Trump’s Second Term
U.S. airlines have gained early advantages under President Donald Trump’s second term, with the administration rolling back regulatory measures in favour of the industry. While carriers welcome reduced oversight, consumer protection advocates have voiced strong concerns about weakened safeguards. Reports indicate airlines have strengthened ties with the administration through significant lobbying efforts and financial support to Trump-linked firms, including those connected to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The developments underscore a policy environment increasingly shaped by industry influence, raising debates over the balance between deregulation and passenger rights.
Boeing Hopeful of 737 MAX Production Rate Boost Pending FAA Blessing
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg has expressed cautious optimism about raising 737 MAX production to 42 aircraft per month by year-end, subject to FAA approval. The manufacturer points to improving key performance indicators as evidence that the programme is regaining stability after recent setbacks. While progress has been made, the final decision rests with regulators, making the FAA’s assessment critical to Boeing’s near-term recovery and its ability to meet airline and lessor demand in a competitive single-aisle market.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus NS26 Trans-Atlantic Service Expansion
Aer Lingus has announced a major transatlantic expansion for summer 2026, launching a new Dublin–Raleigh/Durham service on 13 April with five weekly A321XLR flights. Key U.S. routes will see added capacity, including Boston (up to 21 weekly), New York JFK (three daily), and Orlando (daily in summer), alongside extra frequencies to Cleveland, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Shannon–Boston. The programme marks Aer Lingus’s largest-ever North American schedule, boosting Ireland’s connectivity and transatlantic presence.
Abercrombie & Kent Expands in Irish Market
Abercrombie & Kent, known for its “Adventure by Day, Luxury by Night” ethos, is growing its footprint in Ireland. With journeys to 100+ countries and 50 global offices, the company offers tailor-made travel, luxury villas, cruises, safaris, and private jet tours. Strong local partnerships ensure exclusive, high-end experiences for Irish travellers seeking adventure with sophistication.
Air Canada to Deploy A321XLR on Montreal–Dublin Route in May 2026
Air Canada in the second quarter of 2026 schedules short term Airbus A321XLR operations on Montreal – Dublin route, scheduled 4 times weekly. From 15th MAY 2026 to 31st MAY 2026 (Montreal departure), the A321XLR will replace the 787-9 Dreamliner on this route.
Annual Kinsale Aviation Festival
The Kinsale Aviation Festival, founded in 2021 by Joe Gill and Paolo Massolini, continues to celebrate and showcase Ireland’s rich aviation heritage. The event reflects the founders’ unique backgrounds—Gill as a retired long and short-haul airline captain, and Massolini as an investment banking analyst and adviser to aviation companies, bringing together both operational and financial expertise. The festival has quickly become a key cultural and industry highlight, blending public celebration with professional insight into Ireland’s enduring role in global aviation.
‘Boeing expect to deliver Max 10s to us in the spring of 2027’ – Michael O’Leary
Ryanair expects to take delivery of its first batch of 150 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in spring 2027, following certification in the third quarter of 2026. The airline, which currently operates around 600 Boeing 737s and 26 Airbus jets through its Lauda subsidiary, plans to grow its fleet significantly in the coming years. O’Leary outlined ambitions to reach 800 Boeing jets and 200 Airbus jets, positioning Ryanair for substantial expansion while diversifying its fleet strategy for the decade ahead.
daa Reports Strong Half-Year Results for H1 2025
daa has posted solid unaudited interim results for the first half of 2025, highlighting both financial strength and operational resilience. The group, which operates Dublin and Cork airports, global travel retail arm Aer Rianta International (ARI), and consultancy business daa International, credited its strong performance to sustained passenger growth and efficiency measures. The results underscore daa’s ability to balance robust commercial performance with continued investment in infrastructure and services, ensuring Ireland’s airports remain competitive and resilient in a dynamic aviation market.
DLX Pay Goes Live with Air Transat
Datalex has announced the successful go-live of its new payment platform, DLX Pay, with Air Transat. First launched in April 2025, DLX Pay is designed to address the unique challenges of airline payment systems, offering seamless integration with multiple providers. For Air Transat, the platform will deliver greater control over payment processes, improved conversion rates, and reduced costs, alongside advanced reporting and analytics. Passengers will benefit from a smoother booking experience, enhanced security, and greater flexibility and choice at checkout, reinforcing Air Transat’s focus on customer-centric innovation.
‘Ryanair will operate 96 routes from Dublin Airport this winter’ – Michael O’Leary
Ryanair has confirmed it will operate 96 routes from Dublin Airport in its upcoming winter schedule, adding a new service to Rabat, Morocco. Frequencies will also increase on 28 popular routes, including Birmingham, Budapest, Krakow, Milan, and Valencia. The expanded schedule is designed to meet seasonal demand while offering passengers more travel options. Ryanair highlights the move as not only boosting connectivity but also supporting local tourism and economic activity through greater capacity and expanded destination choices.
SES Closes $800 Million Secured Term Loan Facility
Shannon Engine Support (SES), a 50/50 joint venture between AerCap and Safran, has successfully closed an $800 million secured term loan facility with 13 aviation banks, marking another milestone in engine financing.
Tweet Picks
@ATWOnline After decades of building robust domestic route maps, U.S. airlines must be creative with their network strategies.
@ATWOnline Airframers are struggling to develop an aircraft that is unopposed in its benefits, but there are several promising designs seeking investment today that could revolutionize air travel.
@ATWOnline Jeddah Airports Company (#JEDCO) has set an ambitious objective of reaching 170 destinations by 2030, aiming to connect more passengers and broaden the company’s horizons.
@ATWOnline More than 29 million passengers travelled through Hong Kong International Airport (#HKG) during the first half of 2025, with traffic up 16.5% year on year and flight movements rising 10.1%.
Video Picks
Airports & Digital Resilience: Jeet Adani & Daisy Chittilapilly in Conversation
This feature highlights a thought-provoking discussion between Jeet Adani, CEO of Adani Airports, and Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC, on the critical role of digital resilience in modern airport operations. The conversation explores how advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and cybersecurity frameworks are reshaping passenger experiences, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening infrastructure resilience against disruptions. With airports evolving into complex digital ecosystems, the dialogue underscores the need for continuous innovation and collaboration to ensure scalability, safety, and seamless travel in a connected future.
Guardians of The Skies: AirNav Ireland Air Traffic Controller, Nicola Ní Riada, at Shannon Airport
This video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the role of Nicola Ní Riada, an Air Traffic Controller with AirNav Ireland at Shannon Airport. It captures the precision, focus, and responsibility required to guide aircraft safely through Irish airspace, highlighting the vital role controllers play in ensuring operational safety and efficiency. Nicola shares insights into the challenges and rewards of the job, underlining how teamwork and technology combine to keep Ireland’s skies among the safest in the world.
How PIT is Getting Ready for Integrated Public Trials
This feature explores how Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is preparing for its upcoming integrated public trials, a key step in testing new systems and passenger services. The video highlights the innovative technologies and operational strategies being introduced, from streamlined processes to enhanced passenger experiences. By showcasing PIT’s readiness, it underscores the airport’s commitment to modernisation, efficiency, and ensuring that future trials run smoothly and safely.
Acumen’s Take
This edition of the Daily Aviation Brief highlights the breadth of momentum across global and Irish aviation, spanning fleet expansion, financing activity, sustainability, and regulatory shifts. Airlines are actively leveraging new-generation aircraft to enhance efficiency and connectivity, while lessors and financiers continue to demonstrate resilience through strong capital strategies. On the Irish front, infrastructure developments, strategic partnerships, and festival initiatives reflect both commercial growth and cultural celebration of aviation. Globally, manufacturers and carriers are navigating demand recovery with innovation and scale. The common thread is clear, aviation stakeholders are balancing near-term performance with long-term transformation, setting the stage for sustained growth across markets.
