04 Nov 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 4th November 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:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
IrishAero News
Delta Upgauges Boston–Dublin Route to Airbus A330neo
Delta Air Lines is upgrading its Boston–Dublin service (DAL154/5) effective from 26 October 2025 by replacing the 225-seat Boeing 767-300ER with the three-class 281-seat Airbus A330-900neo. The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This transition increases Delta’s capacity on the Dublin route by approximately 25%.
KLM Deploys Airbus A321neo on Amsterdam–Dublin Route
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has introduced the Airbus A321neo on two of its six daily services between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Dublin (DUB), effective 26 October 2025. The inaugural A321neo flight, KLM1141/2 operated by PH-AXK (MSN 12664), arrived in Dublin at 16:31 local time before departing back to Amsterdam at 17:49. The new 227-seat, two-class aircraft features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with redesigned sidewalls, XL overhead bins offering 60% more luggage capacity, USB-C power outlets at every seat, and advanced LED lighting for enhanced passenger comfort.
Ryanair UK Transfers B737NG to Buzz
Ryanair UK transferred its Boeing 737-8AS, registered G-RUKL (MSN 33572), to sister company Buzz at London Stansted on 21 October 2025, where it was re-registered as SP-RNL. The aircraft operated its first service under Buzz on 27 October as RYR2225/6 between London Stansted (STN) and Tallinn (TLL). According to Flightradar24, G-RUKL’s final Ryanair UK flight was RUK1365 from Rabat to Stansted on 16 October. The airline’s first 198-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger,” registered G-RYMA (MSN 67128), remains on order awaiting delivery from Grant County International Airport in Washington.
Aircraft Update
2-ERGF Airbus A320-214 c/n 3240 DAE Aerospace Registered at Shannon 21/10/25 ex SE-RGF
An Airbus A320-214, registered 2-ERGF (MSN 3240), was registered to DAE Aerospace at Shannon on 21 October 2025. The aircraft, previously carrying registration SE-RGF, marks its transition under new ownership as part of DAE Aerospace’s active fleet management and asset deployment activities.
4L-GEF Boeing 767-33A(F) c/n 28141 AirGeoSky Delivered to Istanbul 21/10/25
AirGeoSky took delivery of a Boeing 767-33A(F), registered 4L-GEF (MSN 28141), on 21 October 2025. The aircraft was delivered to Istanbul, further enhancing the airline’s freighter capacity and supporting its growing cargo operations across key international routes.
Global Aviation News
Delta to Begin First Nonstop Flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Delta is expanding its global network with the launch of nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Riyadh (RUH), starting in October 2026. This new route marks the airline's first direct flight to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the growing ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in commerce, investment, and economic collaboration. The new service will help support the increasing demand for travel to the Middle East, further enhancing Delta’s strategic presence in the region.
Emirates Showcases Retrofitted B777 with Premium Economy to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Operations to Karachi
Emirates marked the 40th anniversary of its operations to Karachi by unveiling a retrofitted Boeing 777, now featuring a Premium Economy cabin. The special event, held at Jinnah International Airport on 24 October 2025, offered VIPs, industry stakeholders, and media members a firsthand look at the refreshed four-class aircraft. The retrofitted B777 highlights Emirates' commitment to enhancing the travel experience, showcasing the latest features and cabin upgrades as the airline continues to evolve and celebrate its long-standing presence in the Pakistani market.
ERA Warns EU Lawmakers: Proposed EU261 Revision Threatens Regional Air Connectivity
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has urged Members of the European Parliament to reconsider key elements of the proposed revision to EU Regulation EC 261/2004 ahead of the Transport Committee’s vote, warning that the current draft could endanger vital regional air links across Europe.
European Airport Passenger Traffic Grew by 4.9% in August 2025
European airport passenger traffic saw a 4.9% increase in August 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, surpassing the year-to-date growth average of 4.3%. International traffic experienced a notable rise of 5.6%, while domestic traffic grew by 1.6%. Overall, passenger volumes were 7% higher than pre-pandemic levels from August 2019. Poland, Slovenia, and Romania led the way in growth with increases of 15.1%, 11.7%, and 10.3% respectively, while Latvia and Estonia saw declines of 6.7% and 4.5%, respectively.
Five Years of BER: 100 Million Passengers, Digital Innovation, and Strong Growth
Since its opening, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has reached a significant milestone, welcoming over 100 million passengers and solidifying its role as a modern and efficient hub for the German capital region. The airport, which launched Terminal 1 on 31 October 2020, has quickly become a high-performance international gateway. Terminal 2, which opened in March 2022, further boosted the airport’s capacity, supporting continued growth. BER has also embraced digital innovation, enhancing the passenger experience while maintaining strong financial independence, positioning it for continued success in the coming years.
SWISS Posts CHF 411 Million Operating Profit for First Nine Months Amid Challenging Market Conditions
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) reported an operating result (Adjusted EBIT) of CHF 411.2 million for the first nine months of 2025, down 19% year-on-year from CHF 505 million. Total revenues held steady at CHF 4.2 billion, but profitability was constrained by rising costs, capacity limits, and a decline in transatlantic demand.
Thai SmartLynx Secures AOC, Becomes Thailand’s First ACMI Airline
Thai SmartLynx has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), marking a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector. As Thailand's first ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) specialist airline, Thai SmartLynx is set to offer fleet capacity solutions to meet seasonal and operational demands across Thailand and the broader region. The airline is a partner of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider, and its new certification expands its service offerings within the growing regional aviation market.
Vietjet Finalises Order for 100 Airbus A321neo Aircraft
Vietjet has officially converted its June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) into a firm order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, solidifying its commitment to fleet expansion and modernisation. This new order brings the airline’s total A321neo commitments to 280 aircraft. The agreement follows closely on the heels of Vietjet’s earlier order for 20 A330neo widebody aircraft in May, reinforcing the airline’s long-term strategic partnership with Airbus. Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao emphasised that the deal symbolises not just a commercial contract but a shared vision for sustainable growth and enhanced global connectivity.
Virgin Atlantic Launches Direct London–Phuket Flights for Winter 2026
Virgin Atlantic has announced a new seasonal service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Phuket (HKT), beginning 18 October 2026, marking the airline’s first direct connection between the UK and Thailand’s largest island. The three-times-weekly flights, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will be the only non-stop service between London and Phuket.
Irish Aviation News
Aviation Industry Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2025
On 22 October 2025, the Irish Dáil Éireann held a debate focusing on the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, with regard to both recreational and commercial use. European Union regulations, specifically Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set the standards for drone safety and operations in Ireland.
Etihad to Resume Dublin to Abu Dhabi Double Daily from April as Demand from Ireland Grows 19%
Etihad Airways will resume twice-daily flights between Dublin and Abu Dhabi starting in April 2026, responding to a 19% year-on-year growth in demand from Irish travellers. Beginning on 29 March 2026, the airline will operate ten weekly flights, with a third daily service added from 6 April. Jeremy Pollock, Etihad’s General Manager for London, shared during an update for the Irish travel trade at Dublin's Dylan Hotel that forward bookings are strong, highlighting the robust growth in Irish passenger numbers.
Ryanair DAC Eddie Wilson on Paperless Boarding Passes and Spain Airport Fees Battle
At the World Aviation Festival 2025, Ryanair DAC CEO Eddie Wilson discussed key strategic developments for the airline, including its shift to mobile-only boarding passes and ongoing disputes with Spain over rising airport fees. Wilson highlighted Ryanair’s strong growth, with the airline carrying a record 200 million passengers in 2024-25, and expressed excitement about the upcoming delivery of Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in 2027. These larger aircraft will enable Ryanair to increase seat capacity and drive further sales. Wilson also reflected on Ryanair's resilience as the "only remaining successful LCC globally," as noted by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.
Ryanair Trails Aer Lingus in Latest OAG Punctuality Report
In the latest OAG on-time performance survey, Aer Lingus ranked ahead of Ryanair, reflecting a strong performance in punctuality. While Royal Jordanian led the global rankings with an impressive 96.01% on-time performance in September 2025, Ryanair’s performance placed it behind Aer Lingus. Other top performers included Fuji Dream Airlines at 95.18% and Oman Air at 92.62%. The report, which covers 20 airlines, also highlighted Philippine Airlines (92%) and Aeromexico (91.88%) for their notable on-time performance.
Six Takeaways from September Visitor Figures from the CSO
The September visitor figures from the CSO highlight a complex landscape for Irish tourism. Outbound travel surged, but this may be overstated due to reduced visibility from growing direct bookings and international OTAs. Meanwhile, the average stay length has decreased, and France continues to show a decline in visitors, while Spain has overtaken Germany as a key market. Ireland’s tourism remains heavily dependent on North America, particularly the USA, though spending dropped by 16% in September, raising questions about whether Ireland is becoming more affordable for tourists. Overall, the figures suggest mixed challenges and opportunities for Ireland’s tourism sector moving forward.
Ulick McEvaddy in Negotiation with Five Farmers to Buy Land for €80m Motorway
Ulick McEvaddy’s DA Terminal 3 Ltd is negotiating with five farmers to acquire land for an €80 million motorway project, which will provide a western access route from west of Dublin Airport. The company controls a 262-acre site west of the airport, situated between its three runways, and is pursuing the development of the land. The new route aims to connect the site to the M2 motorway, helping alleviate congestion at the M1 entrance. This infrastructure project is part of McEvaddy’s long-term vision to develop the site further, including plans for a third terminal at the airport.
WSA Delivers First of Two B737-400SF Aircraft to Skyway Airlines
World Star Aviation (WSA) has successfully delivered the first of two Boeing 737-400SF aircraft to Skyway Airlines, marking the company’s first registered cargo aircraft in the Philippines. This delivery is a significant milestone in WSA’s expansion strategy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which is one of the fastest-growing cargo markets globally. André Abreu, VP of Marketing & Sales at WSA, highlighted that this partnership with Skyway Airlines is a key step in strengthening their presence in dynamic markets and supporting regional carriers with cost-effective, high-performance assets to drive growth and operational excellence.
40th Anniversary of First Commercial Flight from Mayo Airport
Today, October 25, 2025, marks the 40th anniversary of the first commercial flights from Ireland West Airport, when three Aer Lingus charter flights departed for Rome in 1985. This historic milestone was the result of years of hard work and the visionary efforts of the late Monsignor James Horan, who recognized the importance of developing an airport as a key gateway for pilgrims travelling to the nearby Knock Shrine. The successful launch of these flights marked the beginning of the airport’s role in connecting the west of Ireland to the world.
1,159 and Counting – Avolon Updates Fleet and Issues Q3 Results
Avolon has reported a net income of US$149 million for Q3 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year increase. Lease revenue for the quarter reached US$691 million, reflecting strong demand for its fleet. The company also secured an incremental order with Airbus for 75 A321neo and 15 A330neo aircraft, to be delivered through 2033. Avolon’s fleet, including owned, managed, and committed aircraft, grew to 1,159 by the end of Q3, with total available liquidity standing at US$9.0 billion. CEO Andy Cronin highlighted the company’s positive financial performance, which reflects an active aircraft trading market and a strengthened balance sheet, with an increase in unsecured debt to 76%.
Tweet Picks
@ByERussell ITA Airways is eyeing United hubs like Houston and Newark for future US expansion once it's part of the A++ transatlantic joint venture with Air Canada, Lufthansa and United.
@ByERussell "While there is a bit of a slowdown in Canadian origin travel to the US, primarily for leisure purposes, there has been no notable slowdown in business travel on the Canada-US sector ... [or] in Americans coming to Canada."
@CPHspotlight Finally, Turkish Airlines Cargo is coming to Copenhagen. It seems that they have managed to lure them into moving their Danish flights from Billund to CPH. First flight today and 6x weekly going forward with a mix of A310F, A332F, and B777F.
@DXBMediaOffice Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, celebrates its 25th anniversary. The programme continues to offer personalised experiences to its 37 million members around the world. To mark the silver jubilee, Emirates has unveiled a special aircraft livery featuring a silver “25 Years” logo. The aircraft bearing the commemorative livery is set to begin its journeys next month to various destinations across the globe.
Video Picks
CEO Interview: Pieter Elbers on IndiGo’s European Expansion and Copenhagen Launch
In this insightful interview, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers discusses the airline's ambitious European expansion plans, including the recent launch of services to Copenhagen. Elbers shares his vision for strengthening IndiGo's presence in the European market, highlighting the growing demand for affordable, high-quality air travel between India and Europe. He also touches on the strategic importance of expanding into new markets while maintaining IndiGo’s low-cost carrier model and commitment to customer service excellence.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian on His Airline’s New Route Between Atlanta and Saudi Arabia
In this interview, Delta CEO Ed Bastian discusses the airline's exciting new nonstop route between Atlanta and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in Delta’s global expansion. Bastian explains the strategic importance of the route, which strengthens Delta’s ties with the Middle East and enhances connectivity between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. He also shares insights into the airline’s broader international growth plans, customer-focused initiatives, and the growing demand for travel to and from the region.
Emirates is Gearing Up for One of the Busiest Travel Periods of the Year
In this video, Emirates prepares for one of its busiest travel periods, with the airline expecting high demand across its global network. The video features behind-the-scenes preparations, including increased flight frequencies and enhanced services to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers. Emirates also highlights its ongoing commitment to maintaining safety, comfort, and operational efficiency during the peak season, offering insights into how the airline is adapting to the surge in travel while continuing to provide world-class service to its customers.
Acumen’s Take
The aviation sector continues to exhibit resilience and adaptability, as airlines and airports alike focus on growth, operational efficiency, and strategic expansion despite ongoing challenges. With strong demand for air travel, particularly across key international markets, industry players are refining their networks, investing in fleet renewal, and enhancing customer service to meet the needs of an increasingly competitive landscape. The industry’s ongoing recovery reflects a balanced approach to capacity management, digital innovation, and customer experience, ensuring continued progress toward long-term sustainability and success.
