02 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 2nd 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:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: Stay up to date with the latest developments in China’s dynamic aviation market. This edition highlights fleet expansions, policy updates, and emerging trends shaping airlines, lessors, and MRO providers across the region.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-june-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter - India Aviation Newsletter: Explore key insights into India’s fast-growing aviation sector. This edition covers new route launches, infrastructure investments, fleet modernisation initiatives, and regulatory changes influencing airlines and leasing activity across the country.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-june-2025-india-aviation-newsletter - Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Stay updated on the latest developments shaping Ireland’s global aircraft leasing hub. This issue highlights transactions, portfolio strategies, financing activity, and leadership updates across Irish leasing platforms.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-june-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter - Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Explore detailed reporting on aircraft deliveries, transitions, and movements involving Irish operators and lessors. This edition covers recent milestones, ferry flights, and registrations impacting Ireland’s commercial aviation sector.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-june-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update - North American Aviation Newsletter: Gain insights into fleet developments, airline strategies, and market trends shaping aviation across North America. This issue highlights new deliveries, MRO partnerships, and financing activity among major carriers and lessors in the region.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-4-june-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Deploys A321LR/XLR to Toronto
Effective 3 June through 25 October 2025, Aer Lingus has introduced a combination of 184-seat capacity Airbus A321LR and A321XLR aircraft on its daily EIN127/6 service between Dublin and Toronto Pearson International, replacing the larger 263-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
The switch to the A321LR/XLR highlights the airline’s focus on right-sizing capacity and improving fuel efficiency on transatlantic routes. Narrowbody long-range aircraft continue to reshape network planning by enabling more flexible frequency and capacity management.
Air France to Operate Year-Round Cork–Paris CDG Service
Air France has announced it will operate its Cork to Paris Charles de Gaulle route year-round starting 26 October 2025. The popular service will run up to four times weekly—on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—during the winter season, using an Embraer 190 aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
Extending this service year-round underscores the resilience of regional demand and the importance of secondary city connectivity in Air France’s network strategy. Continued investment in Cork strengthens Ireland’s links to major European hubs.
Ireland West Airport Aims for German Market Growth
Ireland West Airport CEO Joe Gilmore and Head of Aviation Business Development Donal Healy recently met with the team at Tourism Ireland’s headquarters in Frankfurt. The visit was part of a strategic effort to strengthen connectivity and tourism links between Germany and the West of Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
Focused engagement with key tourism stakeholders is essential to unlocking inbound demand from Germany. Proactive collaboration like this positions Ireland West Airport to secure new routes and diversify its European footprint.
Aircraft Update
PS-LHA Airbus A320-271N Delivered to Latam Brasil
Airbus A320-271N (c/n 8688), registered as PS-LHA, was delivered to Latam Brasil on 7 June 2025 in São Carlos. The aircraft was previously registered as VT-IZO.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery highlights Latam Brasil’s continued investment in next-generation narrowbody aircraft to modernise its fleet and improve fuel efficiency across domestic and regional routes.
PS-LHI Airbus A320-271N Delivered to Latam Brasil
Airbus A320-271N (c/n 8789), registered as PS-LHI, was delivered to Latam Brasil on 7 June 2025 in São Carlos. The aircraft was previously registered as VT-IZT.
Acumen’s Take
The arrival of PS-LHI further supports Latam Brasil’s fleet renewal strategy, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact across its network.
Global Aviation News
Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona from October
Emirates will boost its Barcelona operations by introducing a third daily flight starting 26 October 2025, increasing frequency to 21 weekly services. The move is designed to meet rising demand and improve connectivity onward to popular destinations such as the Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Acumen’s Take
This frequency increase underscores the importance of Barcelona as a European hub and reflects Emirates’ broader network strategy to capture premium and leisure traffic flows between Europe and Asia-Pacific.
FTEJerez Announces UK Base at London Oxford Airport
FTEJerez has signed agreements to open a new training base at London Oxford Airport, marking a return to the UK nearly thirty years after relocating operations to Spain. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in late summer 2025. The move aims to enhance support for UK airline cadets and self-sponsored students pursuing UK or dual licences.
Acumen’s Take
The decision reflects the continuing demand for flexible, locally accessible pilot training solutions and underlines the strategic importance of maintaining training capacity in the UK post-Brexit.
IAG To Roll Out AI-Driven Engine Tech Across Airline Fleets
International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered tool throughout its airline fleets to optimize engine maintenance schedules. The technology aims to improve efficiency by identifying the most effective intervals for engine servicing, enhancing reliability, and reducing operational costs.
Acumen’s Take
IAG’s adoption of AI in engine maintenance underscores the accelerating shift toward predictive analytics in fleet management. This approach not only streamlines costs but also strengthens resilience and aircraft availability across multiple operators.
Iberia to Keep Subsidiary Iberia Express – For Now
Iberia has confirmed it has no plans to close Iberia Express, stating the unit remains an essential part of its short- and medium-haul network.CEO Marco Sansavini acknowledged that Iberia Express’ growth has been suboptimal but indicated the airline will maintain its current scale for the time being.
Acumen’s Take
Iberia’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining operational flexibility in the face of shifting market dynamics. Keeping Iberia Express in place allows the group to preserve capacity and optionality across key European routes while monitoring future demand trends.
JSX to Begin ATR Operations in the U.S.
JSX has announced plans to begin operating ATR aircraft within the United States. The move represents a significant step in expanding its point-to-point regional network and underscores the carrier’s focus on offering flexible, short-haul services.
Acumen’s Take
JSX’s decision to incorporate ATR aircraft is consistent with a broader trend among U.S. operators seeking right-size capacity for underserved markets while maintaining a premium product. The ATR’s fuel efficiency and versatility will likely help JSX strengthen its niche in the regional sector.
Lufthansa Loyalty Passengers Can Access ITA Lounges from July 1
Lufthansa Group Frequent Traveller status holders will be able to access ITA Airways lounges in Milan, Rome, and Catania starting 1 July 2025. This development follows Lufthansa’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways earlier this year, paving the way for deeper integration between the two carriers and enhanced benefits for loyalty programme members.
Acumen’s Take
Extending lounge access across ITA’s network strengthens the value proposition of Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme and demonstrates how consolidation can quickly translate into tangible perks for passengers.
Irish Aviation News
Cabin Bag Proposal “Meddling in Issues MEPs Don’t Understand” – IATA DG Willie Walsh
Geneva — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strongly criticised the European Parliament’s recent proposal to mandate cabin luggage allowances for all passengers. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said the move represents political interference in airline commercial and operational decisions. He warned that forcing airlines to include cabin baggage for all passengers, irrespective of travel needs or fare types, would undermine competition and limit consumer choice.
Acumen’s Take
This development highlights the tension between EU policymakers and airlines over commercial freedom. While well-intentioned consumer protection measures are important, airlines will argue that prescriptive rules on ancillary services risk reducing pricing flexibility and eroding the low-fare model.
Flight Plan for Growth: Part One – Developing an All-Island Aviation Strategy
A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation, the influential report charting the future of Ireland’s aviation sector, identifies the creation of an all-island aviation strategy as one of its five core policy recommendations. In a new series for The Currency, report co-author Joe Gill will delve deeper into each recommendation. This first instalment explores how an integrated approach spanning the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland could strengthen connectivity, enhance resilience, and unlock greater economic potential across the entire island.
Acumen’s Take
A cohesive all-island strategy is a compelling proposition, particularly for regional airports and cross-border investment. It aligns with global trends where integrated air transport policies help smaller nations punch above their weight in aviation competitiveness and resilience.
IAA Final Decision on Winter 2025 Coordination Parameters at Dublin Airport
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has issued its Final Decision setting out the coordination parameters that will apply at Dublin Airport for the Winter 2025/26 season, covering the period from 26 October 2025 through 28 March 2026. These parameters determine the limits for slot allocation to airlines, balancing capacity with operational resilience and regulatory requirements. Full details, including the specific coordination limits, are provided in the appendix of the official publication.
Acumen’s Take
Defining clear slot coordination thresholds is essential for operational predictability and commercial planning. With Dublin Airport at the centre of capacity debates, transparency in these decisions provides much-needed certainty for carriers planning winter schedules.
Ryanair to Base Fourth Jet in Shannon and Expand Network
Ryanair has confirmed plans to base a fourth aircraft at Shannon Airport for the Winter 2025/26 season, commencing 26 October 2025. This expansion is set to deliver 20% passenger growth, bringing annual throughput to over 1.6 million Ryanair customers from Shannon.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s move underlines Shannon Airport’s strategic importance in its network development and highlights the continued recovery of regional aviation across Ireland. The additional capacity is poised to stimulate competition and tourism in the west of the country.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin Rows in Behind Support for Tax on Tourists Coming to Ireland
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, alongside Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State Sean Canney, has confirmed Government backing for a proposed tourism tax in Dublin. The announcement was made during a press conference, signalling a policy shift aimed at supporting sustainable tourism funding.
Acumen’s Take
Introducing a tourist tax could impact inbound passenger volumes and pricing strategies for airlines and travel operators serving Ireland. While it may help fund infrastructure, the industry will be watching closely to assess the effects on demand and competitiveness.
‘They Should Have Worked With Us’ – DAA Hits Out at Fingal Enforcement Notice
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has criticised Fingal County Council after receiving an enforcement notice for breaching the airport’s annual passenger cap. DAA Chief Executive Kenny Jacobs said the council should have awaited guidance from the courts or the Government rather than acting unilaterally. He emphasised that the issue required a coordinated approach to avoid uncertainty for airlines, passengers, and the broader industry.
Acumen’s Take
The enforcement action adds further complexity to Dublin Airport’s capacity challenges. As demand grows, clarity around planning policy and passenger limits will be essential to enable airlines, lessors, and service providers to plan confidently for future operations.
Tirana Here We Come – Slot Applications for Winter 2025–26 Up by 23% at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is set for a significant capacity boost this winter, with slot applications rising 23% year-on-year. Airlines have applied for enough slots to offer 17.9 million seats for winter 2025–2026, up from 14.4 million last winter. Among the proposed new services are routes to Tirana, Rabat, and a new Dublin–Derry PSO connection, though these remain subject to confirmation. Airlines commonly apply for slots on potential new routes still under negotiation, which may not ultimately launch.
Acumen’s Take
The surge in slot applications underscores strong market confidence in Dublin’s growth potential despite ongoing regulatory challenges. While not all proposed routes will materialise, the trend reflects robust airline appetite for expanded winter schedules.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek #ParisAirShow - @prattandwhitney says the #BWB in development by @JetZeroAero is an “interesting opportunity” for the potential launch of an updated version of the #PW2000, an engine which first entered commercial service on the @Boeing 757 in January 1983.
@jagritichandra Emirates President Sir Tim Clark: India’s ambitions for developing a global hub are not compatible with its restrictive policies on foreign carriers. IATA AGM 2025 kicks off.
@qatarairways Qatar Airways announces a new gastronomic collaboration with acclaimed French chef Yannick Alléno.
@RollsRoyce Riyadh Air orders 50 Trent XWB-97 engines, our highest thrust engine, that will power 25 Airbus A350-1000s. A MoU was also signed for Rolls-Royce’s comprehensive TotalCare service that will cover the health and maintenance of the engines.
Video Picks
Click & Go CEO Paul Hackett Discusses the Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
In this interview, Click & Go CEO Paul Hackett outlines the negative impact of Dublin Airport’s passenger cap on travel, tourism, and broader economic growth. He highlights the uncertainty it creates for airlines planning new routes and for operators across the Irish tourism ecosystem, calling for a clear, sustainable policy that supports expansion.
Acumen’s Take
Hackett’s remarks echo concerns shared by many aviation stakeholders. Caps imposed without sufficient planning risk undermining Ireland’s position as a connected, investment-ready economy. Sustainable infrastructure investment and transparent regulatory frameworks are essential to meet future demand without constraining opportunity.
Fred Dixon Names Some New Routes to USA in 2025
In this discussion, Fred Dixon highlights a range of new transatlantic routes launching in 2025. He emphasises the growing connectivity between key European cities and US destinations, noting the importance of these additions in driving inbound tourism, business travel, and trade links.
Acumen’s Take
New long-haul routes to the US are a strong indicator of airline confidence in sustained transatlantic demand. For lessors and asset managers, this reinforces the continued relevance of efficient widebody fleets and highlights the need to align maintenance and capacity planning with evolving market trends.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Says Supply Chain Snags are Impacting the Entire Industry
In this interview, the Chairman of Turkish Airlines discusses how persistent supply chain issues are hampering fleet growth and operational reliability across the aviation sector. He points to delays in aircraft deliveries, shortages of spare parts, and pressure on maintenance timelines as critical challenges affecting airlines globally.
Acumen’s Take
Supply chain constraints remain a key operational risk for airlines and lessors alike. Proactive asset management, diversified sourcing strategies, and strong OEM partnerships will be essential to mitigate disruption and protect aircraft availability over the coming years.
