04 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 4th 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
EI-HPH Airbus A320-271N Delivered to Latam Chile
Airbus A320-271N (c/n 8782), registered as EI-HPH, was delivered to Latam Chile on 19 June 2025. The aircraft will join Latam’s modern narrowbody fleet based in Santiago.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery highlights Latam’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. As airlines across Latin America modernise their fleets, the A320neo family continues to be a cornerstone of single-aisle operations in the region.
EI-HPJ ATR72-212A(600) Delivered to Emerald Airlines
ATR72-212A(600) (c/n 1181), registered as EI-HPJ, was delivered from Toulouse-Francazal to Dublin on 6 June 2025. The aircraft, previously registered as M-CTRE, joins the Emerald Airlines fleet in full Aer Lingus colours.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery reinforces Emerald Airlines’ role as the exclusive Aer Lingus Regional operator, supporting connectivity across Ireland and the UK with efficient turboprop capacity ahead of the busy summer season.
Global Aviation News
Airlines Oppose EU Plan to Make Trolley Bags Mandatory for All Passengers
Airlines for Europe (A4E) has voiced strong opposition to a proposal by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to require all airlines to include a trolley-sized cabin bag as a standard entitlement for every passenger. The industry group warned that this measure would remove flexibility for consumers who prefer lighter travel and inevitably drive up ticket prices by embedding extra costs into all fares.
Acumen’s Take
The backlash reflects a broader tension between policymakers seeking uniform passenger rights and airlines prioritising ancillary revenue and differentiated pricing. Standardising baggage allowances could reduce airlines’ commercial agility and complicate low-fare models, particularly in Europe’s highly competitive short-haul market.
Air Europa Completes First Etihad Wet-Lease Flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid
Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a landmark achievement with Air Europa’s inaugural wet-lease service operating between Abu Dhabi and Madrid. The flight marks the Spanish airline’s first-ever aircraft operation originating in the Middle East, underscoring the deepening collaboration between the two carriers.
Acumen’s Take
This milestone illustrates how European airlines are increasingly leveraging wet-lease partnerships to diversify networks and tap into high-growth regions. For Air Europa, the Abu Dhabi service broadens its long-haul footprint and strengthens ties with Etihad, offering more competitive options on transcontinental routes.
Brussels Airlines Expects Record Summer Travel with Expanded Fleet and Services
Brussels Airlines forecasts a record-breaking summer, with nearly 2 million passengers projected across July and August. To accommodate the surge in demand, the airline has grown its fleet to 50 aircraft—up from 44 last summer—including extra Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft and four wet-leased A220s from Air Baltic.
Acumen’s Take
This expansion underscores how European carriers are scaling capacity to capture peak-season leisure demand while leveraging wet-lease agreements to boost operational flexibility. For Brussels Airlines, the larger fleet and enhanced network position the airline to capitalize on strong transatlantic and Mediterranean bookings.
Iberia to Expand Long-Haul Fleet to 70 Aircraft by 2030
Iberia has outlined plans to grow its long-haul fleet from the current 45 aircraft to around 70 by 2030. The expansion, which could include Airbus A330-900neo aircraft sourced from IAG’s recent order, forms part of a €6 billion investment programme over the next five years.
Acumen’s Take
This strategic fleet growth reflects Iberia’s commitment to strengthening its transatlantic and Latin American network. By leveraging group-wide orders, Iberia will benefit from economies of scale and maintain fleet commonality while positioning itself to capture sustained premium and leisure demand across long-haul corridors.
Norway’s Elfly Group Signs Contract with EASA for Noemi Electric Seaplane Development
Norway’s Elfly Group has signed an agreement with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) at the Paris Air Show for the development of its Noemi (No Emissions) all-electric commercial seaplane. The contract, signed by Elfly CEO Eric Lithun and EASA’s David Solar, paves the way for the design and certification work, with full certification targeted by 2030.
Acumen’s Take
Elfly’s Noemi project is part of a wave of innovative programmes driving the decarbonisation of regional aviation. Close engagement with EASA at this early stage demonstrates a clear commitment to regulatory rigour and positions Noemi as a future player in sustainable niche operations, such as island-hopping and waterway connectivity.
United Upgrades App to Introduce Countdown Timer, Connections Info & Gate Directions
United Airlines has launched an enhanced version of its mobile app, offering passengers new wayfinding tools and real-time updates for connections at US airports. The upgrade includes a countdown timer to boarding, step-by-step directions to gates, and proactive notifications when connections are being held, aiming to make tight transfers smoother and reduce stress for travellers.
Acumen’s Take
United’s investment in mobile technology highlights how digital innovation is becoming a differentiator in passenger experience. With growing operational complexity across US hubs, features like live gate guidance and countdown timers will set expectations that other carriers and airports may quickly need to match.
Irish Aviation News
Abelo to Acquire Three ATR 72-600 Aircraft on Lease to Braathens
Dublin-based turboprop lessor Abelo has announced the acquisition of three ATR 72-600 aircraft from Bramora Ltd. Built in 2015 and 2016, the aircraft are currently on lease to Sweden’s Braathens Regional Airways. This marks the first time Braathens appears as an operator in Abelo’s portfolio. Braathens has transitioned to a white-label ACMI model, operating flights on behalf of SAS and Austrian Airlines as part of its updated business strategy.
Acumen’s Take
This transaction underscores Abelo’s commitment to strengthening its ATR portfolio and diversifying its lessee base. The ACMI model’s resilience in Europe has made operators like Braathens attractive counterparties, offering lessors stable cash flows and strong utilisation prospects.
Andalusia Launches New Ad Campaign as Aer Lingus Renews Dublin–Seville Route
Aer Lingus and Andalusia Tourism have teamed up to promote the relaunch of the airline’s Dublin–Seville route. At an event in Dublin’s Little Lemon on 25 June 2025, Aer Lingus’ Jenny Rafter and Yvonne Muldoon joined Antonio Martin of Andalusia Tourism and Laura Pena, Director of the Spanish Tourist Board, to unveil the partnership. Andalusia is introducing a fresh style of advertising campaign in Ireland to drive demand for travel to Seville and the wider region, leveraging the route’s popularity among Irish holidaymakers.
Acumen’s Take
The Dublin–Seville service is an important leisure link, demonstrating how regional tourism boards and carriers can jointly stimulate demand. As airlines look for strong-performing seasonal routes, destination marketing support has become a critical factor in sustaining year-round viability.
IAC Announces Inaugural Investment Grade Financing for Future Expansion and Growth
Shannon, Ireland and Irvine, CA, 25 June 2025 – International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), a leading global provider of aircraft painting and aviation services, has announced the successful completion of a landmark financing round. The transaction included IAC’s inaugural issuance of 4(a)2 private placement notes with an investment grade rating, raising over $240 million from major infrastructure lenders.
Acumen’s Take
IAC’s move to secure investment-grade financing signals rising confidence in aviation aftermarket services. This capital injection underlines how specialised MRO and paint providers are positioning themselves for expansion as fleet renewal accelerates and operators prioritise brand refresh programmes post-pandemic.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh on Airline Profits, Air Fares and the Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
In this episode of Inside Business by The Irish Times, Willie Walsh, former Aer Lingus and British Airways chief and current Director General of IATA, shares candid insights into the state of global aviation.He discusses why airline profits are under pressure despite robust demand, the mixed outlook for air fares in the short term, and his view that Dublin Airport’s passenger cap is turning Ireland into a “laughing stock” internationally. Walsh also reflects on his tenure at IATA, set to continue until 2027, and the broader challenges facing airlines, from geopolitical volatility to supply chain disruptions.
Acumen’s Take
Willie Walsh’s frank assessment reinforces the importance of clear, long-term policy planning. While global demand trends remain encouraging, constraints like Dublin’s passenger cap and infrastructure bottlenecks can significantly damage competitiveness and undermine investor confidence.
Jackson Square Aviation Closes PDP Financing Agreement with Aircalin for Two A350-900s
Jackson Square Aviation has announced the successful closing of a major pre-delivery payment (PDP) financing agreement with Aircalin for two Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The deal underscores the lessor’s ability to tailor innovative financing solutions for carriers in diverse markets.
Acumen’s Take
PDP financing remains a critical enabler for airlines acquiring new generation aircraft. This transaction reflects the growing sophistication of funding structures and highlights how lessors are stepping in to support operators’ fleet modernisation ambitions, especially in smaller island markets.
SMBC Aero Engine Lease Closes Additional Sale and Leaseback with Breeze Airways
SMBC Aero Engine Lease B.V. (SAEL) has completed its fourth sale and leaseback transaction with Breeze Airways for a Pratt & Whitney PW1524G engine, which powers Breeze’s Airbus A220 fleet. The April 2025 deal supports Breeze’s fleet expansion and improves operational performance while providing financial flexibility.
Acumen’s Take
Engine leasing continues to be a strategic financing tool for growing carriers like Breeze, enabling them to scale efficiently while preserving capital.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek @Iberia_en ’s share of Europe to Latin American and the Caribbean traffic is 17%, making it the top carrier between these markets.
@AviationWeek In 2025 to date: 126 billion kg of fuel powered 35.5 million flight hours. Compared to the same period in 2019, today's operations use 3.7% less fuel while delivering 10.2% more flight hours.
@traveltraderep BDL’s proximity to key Irish-American hubs and strong Aer Lingus connectivity makes it a strategic entry point for Irish trade into the US Northeast. #FlyBDL #LoveTheJourney.
@_ZachGriff .@Delta is adding two new long-haul routes from Seattle next summer: Rome and Barcelona. Guess who else just announced Seattle to Rome flights? None other than @AlaskaAir.Love me a turf war. Seattle goes from never having service to Rome to double daily next summer!.
Video Picks
Flightpath with Alok – Claudia Ziemer, Azorra
In this episode of Flightpath with Alok, Claudia Ziemer, SVP Finance at Azorra, joins Alok Anand for an insightful discussion. They explore Azorra’s strategy in the leasing market, perspectives on midlife aircraft assets, and the outlook for financing in a shifting economic landscape.
Acumen’s Take
Claudia’s commentary highlights the resilience of specialised lessors and underscores why nimble players with diversified portfolios are well placed to navigate today’s financing environment.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh on the Potential Impact of Tariffs on the Aviation Industry
In this interview, Willie Walsh outlines how new trade tariffs risk fragmenting the global aircraft market, potentially driving up costs and reducing competition. He stresses that tariffs could ultimately hurt both airlines and passengers by creating inefficiencies across supply chains.
Acumen’s Take
Walsh’s perspective is a timely reminder that predictable, open trade remains essential to sustainable fleet renewal. For lessors and operators alike, managing exposure to trade risks will be a critical focus in the years ahead.
Pieter Elbers Contrasts Support for Aviation in India with Dublin Airport’s Passenger Cap
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers draws a sharp comparison between India’s proactive policies to expand air connectivity and the restrictions imposed by Dublin Airport’s passenger cap. He highlights how regulatory clarity and infrastructure investment in India are fuelling growth, while limits in Ireland risk constraining long-term potential.
Acumen’s Take
Elbers’ remarks illustrate the impact of strategic policy alignment on national aviation success. As Ireland debates the future of its airports, balancing growth with environmental and community considerations will remain a defining challenge.
