04 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 4th February 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
Cork Airport hosts Air Calédonie ATR 72-600
Cork Airport welcomed an unusual visitor on 23 December 2025 as Air Calédonie’s ATR 72-600, registered F-OZNO, arrived from far outside its typical South Pacific operating environment. Built in 2017 and formerly registered as F-WWEH, the aircraft is part of the carrier’s turboprop fleet serving New Caledonia. The visit highlights ongoing fleet optimisation activity, with Air Calédonie confirming the sale of surplus aircraft as a cash-preservation measure amid reduced traffic levels and scaled-back operations.
Dublin Airport Hosts Silk Way West Boeing 747-400F
Dublin Airport saw one of its most notable cargo movements of the winter season with the arrival of a Silk Way West Airlines Boeing 747-400F on St Stephen’s Day. The aircraft, registered 4K-SW888 and operating as flight AZQ1251, arrived from Baku at 13:07 before continuing onward to Shannon later that afternoon. The rotation underlines Ireland’s continued role as a strategic cargo waypoint for long-haul freighter operators, with Silk Way West utilising both Dublin and Shannon as part of its established European operating pattern.
Jettime Operates Selected Finnair Helsinki–Dublin Services
Jettime A/S has extended its partnership with Finnair under the carriers’ first full-year ACMI agreement, covering operations from winter 2025 through October 2026. The Danish operator will provide two 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft to support Finnair’s short-haul network, including services between Helsinki and Dublin. Based in Copenhagen, Jettime will deploy the aircraft with a dedicated flight deck and cabin crew stationed in Helsinki, reinforcing Finnair’s network resilience and capacity flexibility across key European routes.
Aircraft Update
N236NA Embraer 190 Ferried to Opa-locka
An Embraer 190, registered N236NA (c/n 1900036), owned by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Opa-locka on 7 January 2026. The movement reflects ongoing asset management activity within the regional jet market, as lessors continue to reposition aircraft in line with transition planning, maintenance requirements, or future lease placement.
N709AJ Embraer 190 Ferried to Honolulu
An Embraer 190, registered N709AJ (c/n 1900313), owned by ICBC Financial Leasing, was ferried to Honolulu on 15 October 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as B-3158 and the ferry flight reflects ongoing asset transition activity, as lessors reposition regional jets to support maintenance events, remarketing efforts, or future redeployment opportunities.
Global Aviation News
LEVEL Targets Long-Haul Growth with Barcelona at the Core
Rafael Jiménez Hoyos has outlined LEVEL’s ambition to position Barcelona as a highly connected long-haul hub as the airline enters a new phase as an independent carrier within the IAG group. Formerly operated as a brand under Iberia, LEVEL is now charting its own strategy focused on long-haul connectivity, leveraging Barcelona’s geographic position and growing demand for affordable intercontinental travel. The move signals IAG’s continued intent to segment its brands more clearly while strengthening Barcelona’s role in long-haul network development.
Paragon Aviation Group Marks 15 Years in the Global FBO Sector
Paragon Aviation Group is celebrating its 15th anniversary, marking a milestone in its role within the global business aviation and FBO community. Over the past decade and a half, the group has focused on raising service standards, building long-term partnerships, and delivering a consistent premium experience across its international network. The anniversary underscores the continued importance of service quality, brand alignment, and operational consistency in a competitive FBO landscape.
Riyadh Air Launches “Riyadh Cargo” as Core Commercial Pillar
Riyadh Air has announced the launch of its cargo business under the brand Riyadh Cargo, formally entering the global air freight market. The operation will scale alongside the airline’s expanding network, utilising belly-hold capacity across more than 120 widebody aircraft on order. The move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, positioning Riyadh as a strategic global logistics hub while embedding digital, technology-led solutions at the centre of the carrier’s cargo strategy.
Schiphol Group and KLM Commission Independent Review After Winter Disruptions
Royal Schiphol Group and KLM have commissioned an independent review into recent operational disruptions caused by severe winter weather, appointing consultancy Oliver Wyman to lead the assessment. The review will examine runway and apron capacity, de-icing operations, passenger communication, and cross-stakeholder coordination, with the aim of strengthening resilience and operational performance. Findings and recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management by the end of March.
Skyservice Napa FBO Joins Paragon Aviation Group Network
Paragon Aviation Group has announced the addition of Skyservice Business Aviation’s Napa facility at Napa County Airport to its global network, strengthening its footprint on the US West Coast. The inclusion brings a key business aviation gateway in California’s Napa Valley into the Paragon Network™, expanding access for charter operators, private owners, and corporate flight departments. The move reflects continued network expansion among premium FBO groups as demand for high-quality regional access points in leisure and business destinations grows.
SkyWorks and LuminArx Launch $1 Billion Aviation Lending Platform
SkyWorks Holdings and LuminArx Capital Management have launched SkyLight Aero Finance Holdings DAC, a new lending platform targeting up to US$1 billion in secured debt and finance leases backed by commercial aircraft and engines. The partnership brings together SkyWorks’ aircraft and airline expertise with LuminArx’s capital solutions capability, aiming to provide flexible, asset-backed financing across market cycles. The move reflects continued growth in private credit and alternative lending structures within the global aviation finance ecosystem.
UPS Permanently Retires MD-11 Fleet, Takes $137m Charge
UPS has confirmed it will permanently retire its fleet of 27 MD-11 freighters and take a US$137 million after-tax charge, ruling out any return to service following last year’s fatal crash in Louisville. The decision accelerates an already planned phase-out of the ageing tri-engine aircraft, with UPS opting to replace capacity using more fuel-efficient Boeing 767-300 freighters. The move underscores a broader industry shift away from older widebody types, as safety, efficiency, and long-term operating economics increasingly drive fleet decisions in the cargo sector.
Vantage Aviation Acquires Corporate Air FBO at Allegheny County Airport
Vantage Aviation has completed the acquisition of the Corporate Air FBO at Allegheny County Airport, strengthening its footprint in the US business aviation market. The transaction follows a period of financial restructuring for Corporate Air, during which Vantage provided support after the FBO filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2025. The acquisition positions Vantage to capitalize on sustained demand at a key corporate and charter aviation airport serving the Pittsburgh region.
volofin Reports Record 2025 Activity
volofin Capital Management has reported a record year in 2025, completing just under US$1 billion in commitments across 25 facilities. The financings supported more than 90 aviation assets for 20 customers, spanning airlines, OEMs, and MROs across 20 jurisdictions. Total commitments since inception now stand at approximately US$2.7 billion, underlining continued demand for alternative, asset-backed capital solutions across the global aviation market.
Wizz Air Adds Third Aircraft to Catania Base
Wizz Air and SAC, the operator of Catania and Comiso airports, have announced a major expansion of their partnership with the addition of a third Airbus A321neo aircraft to Wizz Air’s Catania base from May 2026. The move underlines the growing strategic importance of eastern Sicily within the airline’s Italian and international network.
Irish Aviation News
Capitalising on Scarcity: Acumen Aviation Reviews a Pivotal 2025
Acumen Aviation has released its 2025 Operational Review, highlighting a year shaped by strong demand, constrained supply, and heightened technical complexity across global aviation. The review points to persistent delivery delays, OEM supply chain disruption, and engine maintenance challenges as defining forces that pushed lease rates for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to record levels. Acumen notes that in this environment, operational resilience, technical capability, and disciplined asset management emerged as critical differentiators, supporting asset values and lessor profitability despite higher financing costs.
Dublin Airport Opens New Traditional Irish Pub in Terminal 2
Dublin Airport has opened a new traditional Irish pub, Ryan’s Pub, airside in Terminal 2, expanding its food and beverage offering for departing passengers. Created by The Wright Group, the pub blends classic Irish hospitality with the atmosphere of Ireland’s busiest international gateway and is open daily from 4am. Named after a well-known 1970 photograph featuring an Aer Lingus jumbo jet, Ryan’s Pub also pays tribute to the airport’s long-standing community ties and aviation heritage.
Airline Flight Academy Supports Ryanair’s 2026 Pilot Hiring Plans
Airline Flight Academy in Dublin has reiterated its role in supporting the Ryanair Group’s plan to recruit more than 1,200 entry-level First Officers in 2026. Working closely with the airline, AFA is preparing cadets for initial flight deck roles as Ryanair continues to scale its operations. The academy, which operates 737NG and 737MAX simulators, trained close to 300 APS MCC pilots during 2025, underlining the growing pipeline of airline-ready flight crew.
ÉireComposites Secures First Aircraft Seating Production Contract
ÉireComposites has secured its first production contract in the commercial aircraft seating market, marking a strategic expansion into the cabin interiors sector. The Galway-based company will produce composite interior panels and structural components for a premium seating customer, where weight reduction, strength, and surface finish are critical. The programme represents ÉireComposites’ first entry into passenger-facing aircraft interior applications, extending its composite expertise beyond traditional aerospace and industrial structures.
Fergal O’Keeffe Wins Travel Award for Morning Focus Slot
Fergal O’Keeffe has been named Local Broadcaster of the Year at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards in Dublin, securing the honour for the second consecutive year. The award recognises the consistent quality and popularity of his travel segments on Morning Focus, alongside his wider contribution to travel storytelling. O’Keeffe is also the voice behind the podcast Travel Tales with Fergal, which now reaches listeners in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Former Dublin Destination Liège Airport Loses Last Scheduled Passenger Service
Liège Airport has lost its final scheduled passenger service after TUI fly Belgium ended operations on 4 January 2026, leaving the airport fully focused on cargo activities. TUI fly Belgium had been Liège’s sole commercial passenger operator since 1994 but withdrew after prolonged unprofitability, with passenger flights contributing less than 2% of airport revenue. The airport, which was previously served from Dublin including by Aer Arann, has confirmed it remains open to resuming scheduled passenger services, though not before winter 2026, highlighting the ongoing challenges of sustaining low-volume passenger routes at cargo-dominated airports.
How Pittsburgh’s Irish Ties Helped Secure New Aer Lingus Route
Decades of cultural and economic ties between Ireland and Western Pennsylvania played a key role in securing a new nonstop route between Pittsburgh and Dublin, with Aer Lingus set to launch services in May. The development follows more than 30 years of advocacy by the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, led by its president Jim Lamb, who championed the need for direct connectivity to support education, business exchange, and visa-linked professional placements. The route was confirmed in mid-December after discussions with the Allegheny County Airport Authority, marking a milestone for transatlantic links between Pittsburgh and Dublin, and underscoring how long-standing diaspora relationships can translate into sustainable long-haul air service.
IATA and CFM International Renew Pro-Competitive Engine MRO Agreement
The International Air Transport Association has renewed its pro-competitive agreement with CFM International through February 2033, extending measures designed to support competition in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul market for CFM engines. Announcing the renewal, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said airlines continue to face high aftermarket costs amid limited maintenance capacity and ongoing supply chain constraints, pressures that IATA estimates added US$5.7 billion to engine leasing and maintenance costs in 2025. The agreement aims to give airlines greater choice in engine MRO services for engines produced by CFM, the 50:50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, at a time when competition and capacity remain critical issues for global fleet operations.
IAT Leasing Acquires Two Boeing 787-9 Aircraft
IAT Leasing has announced the acquisition of two 2017-vintage Boeing 787-9 aircraft, currently on lease in the Middle East, on behalf of funds managed by Blue Owl Capital. IAT will provide ongoing lease administration and asset management services for the aircraft, which were previously managed by SMBC Aviation Capital. The transaction marks several firsts for IAT, including its initial entry into the Boeing 787-9 segment, the addition of next-generation widebody assets to its portfolio, and its first completed transaction in the Middle East, further strengthening its strategic relationship with Blue Owl Capital.
Michael O’Leary Targets US Attention on Dublin Passenger Cap Ahead of St Patrick’s Day
Michael O’Leary has said Ryanair plans to run advertisements on Fox News in the lead-up to St Patrick’s Day to highlight the Irish Government’s failure to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The campaign is timed ahead of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s annual White House visit and is designed to raise the issue with US policymakers, including President Donald Trump, a known Fox News viewer. O’Leary said he expects US airlines and lobbying group Airlines for America to intensify pressure on the issue, pushing the Dublin passenger cap to the forefront of transatlantic aviation discussions during the visit.
SMBC Aviation Capital Publishes Plane Insights Q1 2026
SMBC Aviation Capital has published its Plane Insights Q1 2026 report as aviation finance leaders gather in Dublin for one of the sector’s most important annual periods. Produced by the lessor’s Strategic & Market Analysis team, the report reviews airline and OEM performance through 2025, assesses developments in the secondary market, and looks ahead using long-term fleet forecasts to outline factors supporting continued global aviation growth. The analysis highlights a clear divergence last year between wider macroeconomic uncertainty and the commercial aviation sector’s performance, with demand for aircraft remaining strong, supply constraints persisting, trading activity strengthening, and the industry continuing to attract increasingly diverse sources of capital.
Tweet Picks
@business Ryanair raised its full-year guidance for passenger growth and fares as the Irish budget carrier benefits from improved Boeing aircraft deliveries and stronger travel demand.
@JMulliganIndo Michael O’Leary plans Fox News ads to put Dublin Airport passenger cap on White House agenda for St Patrick’s Day #aviation.
@Reuters Ryanair boosted its forecast for average fare growth after bookings for 2026 got off to a strong start and predicted annual after-tax profit would likely jump by a third.
@TourismIreland Our 'Ireland Goes Beyond' campaign is live across overseas markets. Since its launch, it has generated more than 600 million 'opportunities to see' what the island offers and over €20m in incremental bookings. We’re excited to welcome visitors to the island this year.
Video Picks
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on Q4 Results
In this video, Kelly Ortberg discusses Boeing’s fourth-quarter results, addressing financial performance, production stability, and priorities as the company navigates ongoing supply chain and delivery challenges. Ortberg outlines how Boeing is balancing near-term execution with longer-term recovery, offering insight into management’s focus on operational discipline, customer confidence, and programme performance heading into 2026.
Concorde – 50th Anniversary of the First Commercial Flights | Irish Skies Pod Episode 16
This episode of Irish Skies Pod marks 50 years since Concorde entered commercial service, reflecting on one of aviation’s most iconic milestones. The discussion explores Concorde’s technological leap, its impact on transatlantic travel, and why the aircraft continues to shape how the industry thinks about speed, ambition, and innovation decades after its retirement. Episode 16 places Concorde in historical context while examining its lasting influence on modern aerospace thinking.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on Q1 2026 Outlook
In this video, Ed Bastian outlines Delta Air Lines’s near-term outlook, signalling expectations of a roughly 50% increase in earnings per share in the first quarter of 2026. Bastian discusses demand trends, pricing discipline, and cost control, highlighting how capacity management and operational reliability are supporting profitability despite ongoing macro and fuel price volatility.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to operate in a structurally tight environment where demand strength is clear, but supply, infrastructure, and execution remain the real constraints. Across airlines, lessors, and service providers, resilience is increasingly defined by access to assets, capital discipline, and operational depth rather than rapid expansion. Financing innovation, fleet optimisation, and long-term partnerships are becoming essential tools rather than optional strategies. As 2026 progresses, the industry’s winners will be those built to absorb volatility while steadily compounding value, not chasing short-term growth headlines.
