30 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 30th 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:
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IrishAero News
Aer Lingus Taps Growing 'Coolcation' Market
Aer Lingus is capitalising on the rising trend of "coolcations"—winter holidays to colder, picturesque destinations—with the launch of three new seasonal routes from Dublin and Cork. The move reflects shifting traveller preferences across Europe, as more passengers seek out alpine adventures, festive city breaks, and culturally rich getaways during the winter season.
Boeing Delivers Fifth 737 MAX to Flydubai via Shannon
Flydubai has received its fifth Boeing 737-8 MAX, with aircraft A6-FQK (MSN 61036) making a scheduled delivery stop at Shannon Airport en route from Boeing Field, Seattle to Dubai International Airport. The aircraft completed an overnight technical stop in Shannon before departing for the UAE the next day, reinforcing the airport’s role in transatlantic delivery logistics.
EI-FPI CRJ900 Departs CityJet Fleet
CityJet has completed the transfer of its Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPI (MSN 15433) and named "Menja Viking", to American regional carrier PSA Airlines. The aircraft was ferried from Valencia to Dayton, Ohio on 15–16 July 2025, with routing via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto. Once re-registered as N641NN, it will operate under the American Eagle banner, a regional brand of American Airlines Group.
Emirates Boosts Service to Dublin with Third Daily Flight
Emirates will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Dublin starting 26 October 2025, bringing its total weekly services to 21. The additional frequency—operated by a Boeing 777-300ER in a three-class configuration—caters to rising demand from both passengers and cargo exporters. The new EK165 flight will depart Dubai at 02:10 and arrive in Dublin at 06:25, with the return EK166 flight departing Dublin at 08:25.
Aircraft Update
SP-WCA Airbus A321-232(F) c/n 1619 Warsaw Cargo Airlines Ferried Shannon–Katowice 18/07/25
Warsaw Cargo Airlines has ferried its Airbus A321-232 freighter, registered SP-WCA (MSN 1619), from Shannon Airport to Katowice, Poland, on 18 July 2025. The movement supports the airline’s operational readiness and cargo deployment plans within Europe.
TC-JMP Airbus A320-231 c/n 5025 Turkish Airlines Delivered to Istanbul 18/07/25 ex YL-LDR
Turkish Airlines took delivery of an Airbus A320-231, registered TC-JMP (MSN 5025), on 18 July 2025. The aircraft, formerly registered as YL-LDR, was delivered to Istanbul and is expected to support the airline’s short-haul network across Europe and the Middle East.
Global Aviation News
Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Route to Porto
Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated a new passenger service linking Addis Ababa and Porto, Portugal, with a stopover in Madrid. Operating four times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the new route strengthens the airline’s European footprint and enhances connectivity between Africa and Southern Europe. The launch ceremony was held at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, marking another step in Ethiopian’s strategic global expansion.
EXIM Approves $297 Million Deal for Boeing Aircraft Export to Angola
Washington, DC – The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Board of Directors has approved a transaction totalling nearly $297 million to support the export of Boeing 787-10 passenger aircraft and General Electric Aerospace spare engines to Angola. The final commitment will benefit TAAG Angola Airlines, enhancing its fleet capabilities and reinforcing the economic and aviation ties between the United States and Angola.
Flair Airlines Names Maciej Wilk as CEO
Vancouver, B.C. | July 8, 2025 – Flair Airlines has officially appointed Maciej Wilk as its CEO following a year of interim leadership marked by operational challenges and significant transformation. Wilk’s tenure saw the airline navigate weather disruptions, internal restructuring, and economic pressures, all while enhancing its focus on reliability, affordability, and operational performance. According to Jim Young, Chair of Flair’s Board, the search concluded with the realization that “our best candidate was already doing the job.”
FlyKhiva to Expand 767 Freighter Fleet This Year
Uzbekistan-based carrier FlyKhiva has announced plans to expand its Boeing 767-300F freighter fleet, targeting growth opportunities along the Asia–Europe cargo corridor. Speaking at Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, the airline confirmed it expects to lease up to three additional 767-300Fs by the end of the year, reinforcing its commitment to scaling operations and capturing a greater share of regional and intercontinental freight demand.
Frontier Airlines Selects Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines for 91 A321neo Aircraft
PARIS, 16 June 2025 – Frontier Airlines has selected Pratt & Whitney’s GTF™ engines, a product of RTX (NYSE: RTX), to power 91 new Airbus A321neo aircraft. The first of these aircraft is expected to be delivered in Q4 2026. The agreement also includes a long-term EngineWise® Comprehensive service contract for maintenance support. With this follow-on order, Frontier’s total commitment to GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft rises to 235 units, including those already delivered.
Indonesia’s Garuda Plans to Purchase 50 Boeing Aircraft After Tariff Reductions
Garuda Indonesia has announced plans to acquire fifty Boeing aircraft—primarily B777s—following a new trade agreement that reduces tariffs on Indonesian products from 32% to 19%. President Prabowo Subianto confirmed the deal, which is aimed at bolstering Garuda’s long-term fleet and operational capabilities. The national carrier currently operates 79 aircraft, including five A330-200s, 45 B737-800s, and eight B777-300ERs.
Porter Airlines Finalizes Sale and Leaseback Agreement for Four Embraer E195-E2 Aircraft
Porter Airlines has completed a sale and leaseback agreement involving four Embraer E195-E2 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025. The transaction was led by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group and GOAL Aircraft Leasing, with GOAL also acting as the lessor manager. Ashland Place Finance is providing debt financing to support the deal.
Wizz Air Expands Bucharest Network with New Routes and Baneasa Base Growth
Wizz Air has announced a major expansion in Bucharest, adding a second aircraft to its base at Baneasa Airport and launching six new routes from Otopeni Airport this October. The move includes the relocation of nine existing routes from Otopeni to Baneasa, five of which will operate exclusively from the secondary airport.
3TOP Aviation Services Acquires an Airbus A319 Aircraft
3TOP Aviation Services has announced the acquisition of an Airbus A319 aircraft, MSN 2762, formerly operated by Royal Jordanian. The airframe is set to be dismantled for parts at the Joramco facility in Jordan, while its CFM56-5B6 engines will be incorporated into 3TOP’s trading and leasing portfolio.
Irish Aviation News
After 40 Years, What Has Ryanair Done for Us?
From having just one small plane in the mid-1980s Ryanair now flies nearly 200 million passengers a year. It flies 3,600 flights a day, on 618 planes, through 230 airports in 37 different countries, Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent at The Independent in London, takes a look at the airline's history.
Belfast ‘Glider’ Proposed As Shannon Rail Link Solution
A rapid transit bus system known as the “Glider”—first launched in Belfast in 2018—has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative to the long-discussed Shannon Rail Link. Dubbed “the Luas on wheels,” the Glider features a light tram design and can carry over 100 passengers in a single carriage. The Belfast rollout cost €120 million and is being considered as a scalable, efficient model to improve public transport connectivity in the Shannon region.
Bird & Bird Acts for Willis Mitsui & Co Engine Support Limited in Acquisition of Bridgend Asset Management Limited
International law firm Bird & Bird has represented Willis Mitsui & Co Engine Support Limited (WMES) in its acquisition of Bridgend Asset Management Limited (BAML). WMES, an Irish-headquartered joint venture between Mitsui & Co., Ltd and Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), completed the transaction as part of its strategic expansion in the engine leasing and asset management sector.
Dublin Airport given permission for more night-time flights
David Murphy, Economics and Public Affairs Editor, reports on the ruling by An Coimisiún Pleanála which will allow Dublin Airport to schedule up to 95 flights between 11PM and 7AM.
Niamh Maher, a spokesperson for St Margaret's The Ward Residents Group amd Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with DAA react to the ruling.
Inner Fence Installed at Shannon Airport Following Incursion
Shannon Airport has installed new inner fencing at specific locations within the existing perimeter, aiming to prevent runway incursions after a series of recent breaches. The measure follows several protest-related incidents, including one that left a Garda injured. Authorities have noted a rise in both the number and intensity of demonstrations at the airport in recent months.
L. Connaughton & Sons Names Tom Byrne as Managing Director
IRELAND – Maritime and aviation supplier L. Connaughton & Sons has appointed Tom Byrne as Managing Director, effective 1 July. A seasoned professional in the travel-retail sector, Byrne brings over 30 years of experience, having started his career with ARI in 1993. He has held key operational and leadership roles across five countries, including General Manager positions at Muscat Duty Free and ARI Auckland, before stepping down in 2021.
Irish Skies Pod – Episode 12 – The Great Escape
Relive the events of Monday 1st March 1999 at Shannon Airport when the crew of Channel Express EXS6526, operated by Lockheed L188 Electra N285F, made a great escape following the, literal, loss of the #3 engine, full loss of power from the #4 engine, partial loss of power from the #2 engine and the airframe, and electronics, punctured by flying debris.
Major Aviation Report Identifies Derry as Ideal Site for New Air Hub
A significant new aviation report has identified Derry as a prime location for establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to service Ireland’s extensive aircraft fleet. According to the report’s author, aviation analyst Joe Gill, such a development could generate hundreds of local jobs, positioning the city as a strategic hub in Ireland’s aviation infrastructure.
Passenger Numbers Down 5% at Both Belfast Airports in May
In May 2025, Belfast International Airport recorded a 5% year-on-year decline in passenger traffic, handling 599,543 passengers. Belfast City Airport also experienced a 6% drop, with a total of 198,100 travellers. In contrast, Derry Airport saw a significant increase of 23%, reaching 18,987 passengers.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek Juan Carlos Salazar was appointed @icao Secretary General in August 2021, to a three-year term, and is now on a second three-year term.
@AviationWeek #Ryanair has received confirmation that its #737MAX 10s will start delivering in spring 2027 and has agreed to take 29 delayed 737-8-200s sooner than planned.
@AviationWeek Swiss MRO provider @SRTechnics has entered into a long-term contract with @SafranEngines for the complete overhaul and testing of @CFM_engines Leap-1A engines.
@AviationWeek The U.S. DOT has escalated a long-running dispute with Mexico over alleged violations of the countries’ 2015 open skies agreement.
Video Picks
How Southwest Airlines CEO Leads Through Crisis Without Losing Hope
In this insightful interview, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan reflects on his leadership journey through recent crises faced by the airline industry. Jordan discusses the importance of resilience, transparent communication, and maintaining a strong organisational culture during turbulent times. His approach to navigating challenges without losing sight of optimism offers valuable lessons for aviation leaders worldwide.
The $135M Mission to Prep Your Flight to Depart on Time
This behind-the-scenes feature explores the extensive ground operations required to ensure flights depart punctually. From refuelling and baggage handling to catering and aircraft checks, the video showcases the complex orchestration of teams working within narrow turnaround windows. With investments totalling $135 million, the focus is on streamlining efficiency and reducing delays—highlighting just how much effort and coordination goes into every on-time departure.
Wizz Air to Shut Down Abu Dhabi Operations from September 1
In a significant shift, Wizz Air has announced the closure of its Abu Dhabi base, effective 1 September 2025. The video delves into the factors behind this decision, including route performance, strategic realignment, and evolving market dynamics. While Wizz Air had ambitious plans for the Middle East, the carrier now appears focused on consolidating operations across more profitable regions.
Acumen’s Take
The 30th July Brief illustrates how global aviation continues to navigate strategic growth, geopolitical shifts, and operational recalibrations. Airlines are pursuing targeted fleet expansions, new routes, and infrastructure investments while balancing regulatory and economic pressures. Meanwhile, developments in Ireland—spanning leadership changes, cargo expansion, and regional transport upgrades—highlight the country’s growing aviation influence. The focus on cost efficiency, sustainability, and resilience reflects an industry resetting its priorities for long-term competitiveness.
