31 Jul 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 31st July 2026
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
China Eastern Launches Direct Dublin–Shanghai Route
China Eastern Airlines has launched a new three-times-weekly non-stop service between Dublin and Shanghai, giving Ireland its first direct connection to the Chinese city. The route is operated with Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with inaugural flight MU231 arriving in Dublin shortly after 07:30 before outbound service MU232 departed for Shanghai at around 11:30.
Ryanair Focuses on CEE Expansion for Winter 2026/27
Ryanair is increasing its focus on Central and Eastern Europe for Winter 2026/27, with additional capacity planned across Slovakia and Poland. The shift follows the airline’s decision to close its seven-aircraft base in Berlin and three-aircraft base in Thessaloniki, while expanding fleet deployment and network activity across key CEE markets.
TUI Announces New Cork–Palma Route for Summer 2027
TUI will launch a new weekly service between Cork Airport and Palma for Summer 2027, operating every Tuesday from 18 May to 31 August. The route will use 189-seat Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and will support TUI’s Marella Cruises offering for Irish holidaymakers. The service will provide travellers from the South of Ireland with direct access to Palma, a key Mediterranean homeport for Marella Cruises.
Aircraft Update
2-BNRD Boeing 737-8AL Delivered to Johannesburg
Safair Boeing 737-8AL 2-BNRD, c/n 62688, was delivered to Johannesburg on 22 July 2026.
2-JAYN Airbus A380-841 Ferried to Shannon
Airbus A380-841 2-JAYN, c/n 114, was ferried from Lourdes to Shannon on 16 July 2026 for painting as an engine test aircraft. The aircraft was previously registered as EI-HKF.
Global Aviation News
Abra Group and Etihad Airways Form Strategic Partnership
Abra Group and Etihad Airways have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. The partnership will support collaboration across Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, covering network development, codeshares, reciprocal loyalty benefits, aircraft leasing, ACMI operations and wider commercial cooperation. Several initiatives are expected to begin during 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
BOC Aviation Orders Up to 220 Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines
BOC Aviation has ordered up to 220 Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power as many as 110 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement is the lessor’s largest engine order with Pratt & Whitney and extends their 29-year relationship. The engines will support future A320neo Family deliveries to BOC Aviation’s global airline customers.
British Airways Launches First Phase of New Mobile App
British Airways has launched the first phase of its new mobile app as part of the £7 billion transformation programme first announced in March 2024. The app introduces a day-of-travel home screen, passport scanning, interactive maps and Avios tracking for British Airways Club members. Future updates will include real-time baggage tracking and expanded self-service options, while reward flight redemptions will remain on the website for now.
CALC Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for Additional A320neo Family Aircraft
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power an additional 20 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The agreement expands CALC’s commitment to the next-generation engine family across its narrowbody portfolio.
Embraer and Mubadala Sign Strategic UAE Aerospace Partnership
Embraer and Mubadala Investment Company have signed a strategic framework agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow to expand aerospace collaboration in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership covers manufacturing, MRO, workforce development and research, while supporting the UAE’s industrial strategy and strengthening Embraer’s regional presence. It also creates opportunities for Strata Manufacturing to become a tier-one supplier and for Sanad to support Embraer operators across the Gulf.
Emirates Rejects Early-Build Boeing 777-9 Aircraft
Emirates has said it will not accept the first 10 Boeing 777-9 aircraft produced for the airline due to the extensive rework required to bring them up to current standards. Speaking on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow, Emirates Airline President Tim Clark confirmed that the carrier had informed Boeing of its decision.
Etihad Expands Services to Brussels, Dhaka, Kraków, Palma and Zanzibar
Etihad Airways is increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca in response to strong demand. The Dhaka service, launched on 26 June with a sold-out inaugural flight, will operate four times weekly using Boeing 777 aircraft configured with 28 Business Class and 374 Economy Class seats. The route will also provide substantial belly-hold cargo capacity, supporting trade between the UAE and Bangladesh.
Finnair Reports Strong First-Half Performance in 2026
Finnair carried 6.1 million passengers during the first half of 2026, an increase of 7.4 percent year on year, while revenue reached €1.69 billion. In the second quarter alone, the airline generated €916.7 million in revenue and a comparable operating profit of €78.4 million. Finnair expects full-year revenue of between €3.4 billion and €3.5 billion but remains cautious about geopolitical uncertainty, fuel availability and regulatory costs.
flynas Expands Airbus Order with Additional A330neo and A321neo Aircraft
flynas has agreed to acquire five additional Airbus A330-900s and 20 A321neos as it expands its domestic, regional and long-haul network. The agreement increases the airline’s total commitment to 20 A330neos and 56 A321neos, bringing its firm Airbus orderbook to 235 aircraft. flynas currently operates 67 Airbus aircraft across its fleet.
Hawaiian Airlines to Replace Boeing 717 Fleet with Boeing 737-800 Aircraft
Hawaiian Airlines will replace its retiring Boeing 717 fleet with Hawaiian-branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft for inter-island services, with the transition expected to begin in 2028. The aircraft will be based in Honolulu and operated by locally based crews following the Alaska-Hawaiian integration, offering increased capacity, additional premium seating, Starlink Wi-Fi, power outlets and greater cargo space. Alaska Airlines will also deploy one Alaska-branded 737 on three daily Honolulu–Kahului round trips from October to supplement inter-island capacity ahead of the fleet transition.
Hollywood Burbank Jet Center Joins Paragon Network
Hollywood Burbank Jet Center has joined the Paragon Network, expanding its premium FBO coverage in one of the busiest business aviation markets in the United States. The addition strengthens Paragon’s presence in Southern California, serving corporate aviation, entertainment industry travel and operators requiring convenient access to the greater Los Angeles area.
IATA Assesses European Air Passenger Rights Reform
IATA says the reform of EU261, completed after 13 years of debate, has missed the opportunity to improve support for passengers during disruptions. The association also argues that the revised rules fail to address costly regulatory inefficiencies or support the competitiveness goals outlined in the Draghi Report.
ICAO Raises Concerns Over Proposed Expansion of EU Emissions Trading System
ICAO has warned that plans to expand the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation from 2029 could undermine the globally harmonised approach to international aviation emissions. The organisation said the proposal could create overlapping measures and duplicate costs alongside the existing global framework.
IndiGo Signs MoU for Record Order of More Than 1,000 CFM LEAP-1A Engines
IndiGo has signed a memorandum of understanding with CFM International for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement, the largest single LEAP engine order in CFM’s history, also includes material services, spare engine support and assistance with IndiGo’s planned engine MRO facility in India. The package will support fleet growth, dispatch reliability and the airline’s wider operational efficiency objectives.
Inside the Economics of IAG’s Loyalty Programme
IAG Loyalty reported £2.64 billion in revenue, equivalent to approximately US$3.5 billion, and describes itself as the world’s fourth most valuable loyalty business. By comparison, Delta generated around US$8.2 billion from its American Express partnership alone. While IAG’s absolute loyalty revenue is lower than that of the major US carriers, the group argues that its programme performs more strongly on another key efficiency measure.
Mammoth Freighters Expands Boeing 777 Conversion Network to China
Mammoth Freighters has selected STAECO as an MRO partner to establish Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversion capability in Qingdao, China. The first conversion line is scheduled to open in September 2026, with a second expected in early 2027, while the first aircraft will be a Jetran-owned Boeing 777-200LR. The new facility complements Mammoth’s existing conversion operations in Fort Worth, Texas, and Manchester, United Kingdom, while supporting growing demand across the Asia-Pacific cargo market.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Pilots Become Airline’s First Mother-and-Daughter Flight Crew
Aer Lingus Captain Sonya Bissett and her daughter, First Officer Lara Danaher, have become the airline’s first mother-and-daughter pilots to operate a commercial flight together. The pair crewed flight EI650 from Dublin to Frankfurt, marking a milestone for the airline. Captain Bissett has flown commercially with Aer Lingus for more than 27 years.
Transport Minister Plans to Remove Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has said he will revoke or amend Dublin Airport’s annual passenger cap of 32 million as soon as possible. The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has been signed into law by President Catherine Connolly, giving the Minister the power to change or remove the restriction.
Dublin Airport Launches €6 Fast Track Offer for Summer Travel
Dublin Airport has introduced a limited-time €6 Fast Track promotion for passengers travelling up to 31 August, with bookings required by midnight on 24 July using the code 599FAST. The service provides access to dedicated security lanes in Terminals 1 and 2 and is designed to help passengers clear security more quickly. Outside the promotion, Fast Track prices range from €7.99 to €13.99 per person.
Embraer and Azorra Agree on Up to 30 E190F Freighters
Embraer and Azorra have signed an agreement for up to 30 E190F passenger-to-freighter conversions, comprising 20 firm orders and 10 purchase rights. The deal marks Azorra’s entry into the dedicated freighter leasing market and follows the aircraft’s commercial service debut earlier this year. The E190F offers more than 100 cubic metres of cargo volume and a payload of up to 13.5 tonnes, targeting the growing express cargo sector.
Ireland’s Aerospace Sector Supports 44,000 Jobs and Billions in Economic Activity
Ireland’s aerospace sector supports around 44,000 jobs and contributes billions of euros to the economy, with Irish companies active across MRO, aircraft components, interiors, electric aviation and space technologies. The sector’s capabilities were showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow through the Enterprise Ireland pavilion. Among the announcements, Euram outlined plans to create 45 high-skilled jobs by 2027 as part of a major expansion of its aircraft engine MRO facilities.
Derry Airport Passenger Numbers Rise 15.6 Per cent in May
Derry Airport handled 21,955 passengers in May, an increase of 15.6 per cent compared with May 2025 and 48.1 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. Over the 12 months to May, passenger numbers reached 233,113, representing an increase of 13 per cent on the previous 12-month period. The airport has recorded passenger growth in every month of 2026 so far.
Jackson Square Aviation Selects CFM LEAP-1A Engines for Up to 30 Airbus A320neo Aircraft
Jackson Square Aviation has selected CFM International LEAP-1A engines to power up to 30 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft from its existing Airbus order. The agreement marks JSA’s first LEAP engine selection for its A320neo fleet and supports its strategy of providing airlines with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. JSA currently owns, manages or has commitments for 344 aircraft serving 64 airlines across 34 countries.
Pratt & Whitney Canada Signs PW127M Maintenance Agreement with Emerald Airlines
Pratt & Whitney Canada has signed a nearly five-year agreement with Emerald Airlines to provide MRO services for the PW127M engines powering its ATR 72-600 fleet. Maintenance will be carried out primarily at the company’s Singapore facility, with additional support from Montreal. The agreement extends the partnership through 2030, providing Emerald Airlines with greater cost predictability, operational reliability and long-term fleet support.
Ryanair Launches Record Winter 2026 Schedule with 80 Million Seats
Ryanair has launched a record Winter 2026 schedule offering 80 million seats across 1,700 routes in 35 countries. The programme includes more than 140 new routes, expanding travel options across winter sun destinations, ski markets, Christmas cities and short-break locations throughout Europe.
SMBC Aviation Capital Places Two Airbus A321XLRs with Air Seychelles
Air Seychelles has signed a lease agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital for two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for 2028. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, the agreement will introduce the extended-range narrowbody to the airline’s fleet and support its long-haul expansion beyond its traditional regional network. The aircraft will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s Airbus orderbook and are expected to provide greater range, improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.
Tweet / X Picks
@AvWeekBizAv A New Zealand startup has launched plans to develop an all-composite competitor to the @Cessna SkyCourier utility #turboprop, building on the country's multi-billion-dollar yacht-making industry.
@bfmbusiness "We warned the Prime Minister but he did not listen": in response to an "absurd tax" that has "surged by 250%," Ryanair cuts 2 million seats on flights to Belgium.
@business GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp says the company is collaborating with suppliers to break supply chain bottlenecks, as soaring demand for its jet engines puts pressure on its output.
@business Ryanair Holdings said profit dropped by 34% in its fiscal first quarter as the Middle East conflict hikes the price of oil and dents consumer’ desire to travel, forcing the company to stimulate demand with lower fares even in the peak summer season.
Video Picks
Michael O’Leary Presents Ryanair’s April–June 2026 Results
The video features Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary presenting the airline’s financial and operating performance for the April–June quarter. The presentation reviews the factors shaping Ryanair’s results and its outlook for the remainder of the financial year.
Neil Sorahan Presents Ryanair’s April–June 2026 Results
The video features Ryanair Group CFO Neil Sorahan presenting the airline’s financial and operational performance for the April–June quarter. The presentation covers Ryanair’s cost position, passenger growth, customer satisfaction and balance sheet strength amid higher fuel costs and wider market uncertainty.
A Pilot’s View of the Boeing 777-9 Flight-Test Journey
The video follows Boeing test pilots as they discuss the 777-9’s flight-test programme and the work involved in evaluating the aircraft ahead of certification and entry into service. It highlights the role of safety, teamwork and extensive testing in validating the performance of Boeing’s latest widebody aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
The wider aviation market continues to reflect strong demand, supported by network expansion, fleet growth and sustained investment in newer aircraft and engines. At the same time, airlines, lessors and service providers are placing greater emphasis on maintenance capacity, digital capability and long-term asset performance. Regulatory pressures, sustainability requirements and supply chain constraints remain central to strategic planning. Overall, the sector is balancing growth with operational resilience, disciplined capital deployment and greater fleet efficiency.
