04 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 4th September 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
Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Emirates' Dublin Expansion
The Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) has welcomed Emirates’ decision to add a third daily Dublin–Dubai service from 26 October 2025. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER with First Class private suites, Business Class lie-flat seats, and 304 Economy seats, the new frequency will significantly expand connectivity for Irish businesses via Dubai International Airport. AICC highlighted the move as a vital boost for trade, offering faster links to key global markets such as Singapore, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur, while also enhancing Ireland’s export potential with greater cargo capacity.
Blue Islands Adds Christmas Connectivity Between Jersey and Dublin
Blue Islands has announced special Christmas and New Year services between Jersey and Dublin to meet seasonal demand. The carrier will operate four flights on 23 and 27 December 2025, 30 December, and 3 January 2026, using its 72-seat ATR72-600 aircraft. While the airline typically provides up to three weekly services on the route during summer, this marks the first time it will operate the Jersey–Dublin connection over the festive period, offering enhanced travel options for leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic.
Shannon Handles 7th Flydubai 737 MAX Delivery
Flydubai has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a seventh Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQJ (MSN 61033). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 8 August and arrived in Shannon the following day for a technical stop before continuing on to Dubai International Airport, where it landed on 10 August. The delivery highlights Shannon Airport’s continued role as a key technical hub for transatlantic aircraft movements, supporting the growth of carriers such as Flydubai in strengthening global fleet operations.
Aircraft Update
EI-HHV Airbus A220-300 c/n 55379 ITA Airways Delivered Montréal–Rome Fiumicino 22/08/25
ITA Airways has expanded its next-generation fleet with the delivery of an Airbus A220-300, registered EI-HHV (MSN 55379). The aircraft was handed over on 22 August 2025 and ferried from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino. The addition of the A220-300 supports ITA Airways’ strategy of modernising its narrowbody operations with more fuel-efficient aircraft, enhancing both regional connectivity and operational sustainability.
EI-KFI Airbus A320-271N c/n 12684 Fly Arystan Delivered Toulouse–Astana 26/08/25
Fly Arystan took delivery of a new Airbus A320-271N, registered EI-KFI (MSN 12684), on 26 August 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Toulouse to Astana, further expanding the low-cost carrier’s modern A320neo fleet. The delivery strengthens Fly Arystan’s capacity for both domestic and regional growth, aligning with its focus on cost efficiency and network expansion across Central Asia.
Global Aviation News
Delta Plans Revamp of 'Delta Professional' Platform
Delta Air Lines is set to overhaul its corporate and travel agency platform, replacing the current Delta Professional portal with a new Delta Business site. Scheduled to launch for corporate customers later this year and for travel management companies in 2026, the redesigned platform aims to simplify workflows and enhance usability. According to Sara Reid, Delta’s managing director of sales and distribution innovation, the site will feature intuitive navigation, smart search capabilities, and a streamlined wallet solution to allow companies to deploy resources on demand, strengthening Delta’s digital offering to its business travel partners.
Emirates ‘Scales Up’ Premium Economy Services for Winter
Emirates is significantly expanding the rollout of its new premium economy and upgraded business class cabins ahead of the upcoming winter season. To date, 67 long-haul aircraft have been refurbished as part of a programme to retrofit 219 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, while nine new Airbus A350s are already in service across 15 destinations. By winter, premium economy will be available on routes from Dubai to 68 cities, with more than 635 weekly flights offering the product.
Finnair Launches Pilot Project to Produce Alternative Aviation Fuel
Finnair has partnered with Finavia, technology developer Liquid Sun, and electrification specialist ABB on a pilot project to produce synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Drawing on research from Tampere University, the initiative will explore processes that convert captured CO₂ emissions and renewable hydrogen into a synthetic fuel alternative. The project underlines Finnair’s commitment to decarbonisation and innovation, while supporting broader efforts to scale SAF production as a viable pathway to reduce aviation’s long-term environmental impact.
Frontier Takes Aim at Struggling Spirit with New Routes
Frontier Airlines has announced 20 new routes, 18 of which overlap with Spirit Airlines, as it seeks to cement its position as the leading ultra-low-cost carrier in major U.S. markets. The expansion, set to roll out between November 2025 and February 2026, will focus on key hubs including Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale—Spirit’s home base.
HALO AirFinance Closes Sixth Senior Loan for Crestone Air Partners
HALO AirFinance, the joint venture between GA Telesis and Tokyo Century Corporation, has completed its sixth senior loan transaction for Crestone Air Partners and Blue Owl Capital investment vehicles. The financing supported the acquisition of a mature Airbus A320-200 currently leased to a European flag carrier. The deal highlights HALO’s growing role in providing flexible capital solutions for aircraft acquisitions, while reinforcing the continued demand for mid-life assets in the secondary leasing market.
Hike in Air Fares ‘Largest Upward Contributor’ to Rise in Monthly UK Inflatio
A sharp 30% rise in air fares was the single biggest factor behind July’s increase in UK inflation, which climbed to 3.8% from 3.6% the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS noted that the jump, described as the largest July increase since air fare tracking moved to a monthly basis in 2001, was likely driven by the timing of the school summer holidays. Air fares rose 30.2% between June and July 2025, compared with 13.3% over the same period in 2024, underlining the growing impact of aviation costs on broader consumer prices.
Korean Air Commits to Record Purchase of 103 Boeing Jets to Modernize Fleet
Korean Air has announced plans to purchase 103 new Boeing aircraft in its largest-ever order, as it modernises its fleet and prepares for full integration with Asiana Airlines. The commitment includes 777-9s, 787-10s, 737-10s, and 777-8 Freighters, aimed at optimising fuel efficiency across its global network. This order builds on Korean Air’s March 2025 agreement for 40 Boeing widebodies and reflects the carrier’s strategy to expand capacity while reducing emissions. The move positions the airline to become one of the world’s leading carriers in both passenger and cargo operations.
Skyservice Business Aviation’s Seattle FBO Joins the Paragon Aviation Group Network
Paragon Aviation Group has welcomed Skyservice Business Aviation’s new Seattle FBO at King County Boeing Field (KBFI) into its global network. Opened in September 2024, the state-of-the-art facility marks Skyservice’s debut in Seattle and expands Paragon’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Strategically located minutes from downtown, the FBO is designed to deliver a premium private aviation experience with a seamless arrival-to-takeoff service model. Positioned at one of the busiest U.S. general aviation hubs, it caters to both business and leisure travellers seeking elevated standards in ground handling and customer service.
Southwest Will Fly to St. Maarten
Southwest Airlines has announced new services to St. Maarten, with daily flights from Orlando starting 7 April 2026 and weekend flights from Baltimore launching 9 April. The carrier will face limited competition on the routes, with only Frontier operating a seasonal weekly service between Orlando and St. Maarten from late May to mid-August. The expansion strengthens Southwest’s presence in the Caribbean, adding to its growing leisure network as it targets demand for year-round connectivity to popular holiday destinations.
Thai SmartLynx Receives Maiden Aircraft Delivery
ACMI specialist Thai SmartLynx has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320-200, which arrived at Don Mueang International Airport on 22 August 2025. The milestone marks the final step in the airline’s application process for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). The delivery positions Thai SmartLynx to commence operations in the Thai market, expanding the SmartLynx Group’s footprint in Southeast Asia and reinforcing its strategy of providing flexible ACMI capacity to regional and international partners.
Irish Aviation News
Irish Visitors to USA Spent Average $3,769 in 2024
New figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce reveal that Irish travellers to the United States spent an average of $3,769 each in 2024. The data, based on a survey of 759 Irish visitors combined with official statistics, also shows Ireland recorded a $1.985 billion trade surplus with the U.S. in travel and tourism.
ITIC Irish Tourism Dashboard – July 2025
Tourism in Ireland during July 2025 delivered mixed results. Overall visitor numbers fell 1%, with revenue and overnight stays down 4%. North American arrivals grew strongly by 13%, offsetting declines from Great Britain (-1%) and Europe (-12%). Airport traffic was robust, up 15% at Shannon and Cork and nearly 7% at Dublin, while hotel and short-term rental occupancy also rose slightly.
London Competition Authority Green Lights Boeing Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Belfast Operation
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has approved Boeing’s planned acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast operations without requiring an in-depth investigation. The USD 4.7 billion all-stock deal is intended to strengthen Boeing’s quality control and supply chain oversight. Under the agreement finalised in July 2025, Boeing will take over specific Belfast City operations, while the majority of Spirit’s business has been sold to Airbus. The clearance marks a significant step in Boeing’s effort to restructure its supplier network and improve production stability.
Ryanair to Appeal Fine Imposed by Italian Competition Commission
Ryanair has confirmed it will appeal a €1.3 million fine imposed by Italy’s Competition Authority (AGCM) over allegations of providing misleading information during an antitrust probe into its dealings with online travel agencies (OTAs). The penalty adds to ongoing disputes between the Irish carrier and Italian regulators, reflecting long-standing tensions over Ryanair’s restrictive approach to third-party booking platforms.
Ryanair Unfazed by Wizz Air’s Regional Expansion
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has downplayed Wizz Air’s decision to pivot from Abu Dhabi operations to focus on Central and Eastern Europe, arguing it only underscores Ryanair’s cost advantage. O’Leary said Wizz Air’s financing model relying on expensive shareholder-backed deals followed by “ludicrous” sale-and-leaseback arrangements places it at a disadvantage compared with Ryanair’s lower-cost structure. He added that the shift highlights Ryanair’s ability to sustain lower fares and maintain competitive strength across European markets.
Shannon Airport Announces Sharlene Mawdsley as Ambassador
Shannon Airport has named Irish Olympian and European medallist Sharlene Mawdsley as its newest Airport Ambassador in a three-year partnership. The Tipperary native, ranked among the world’s top 400m runners, has become a household name following her gold and silver medal wins in the 4x400m mixed and women’s relay events at last year’s European Championships. With her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Mawdsley’s appointment reflects Shannon Airport’s commitment to supporting Irish sporting talent while strengthening its role as a hub proudly connected to global success stories.
2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic Scores Touchdown with Third Consecutive Sell-Out
The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium has achieved its third consecutive sell-out, reinforcing the event’s status as a highlight on Ireland’s sporting calendar. Preliminary analysis by Grant Thornton estimates the direct economic impact at over €130 million, underlining the game’s value to Irish tourism and the wider economy. Alongside record viewership, the event further strengthens Ireland’s growing reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting occasions, with Aer Lingus continuing its role as the proud title sponsor.
25 Winter Holiday Destinations From Ireland With Direct Flights
Irish holidaymakers will have plenty of choice this winter, with 25 destinations available via direct flights from Ireland, according to The Travel Expert. The wide selection reflects the strong recovery of outbound travel demand and the importance of direct connectivity in supporting Ireland’s tourism and airline sectors through the winter season.
Tweet Picks
@gethinsinflight Contrails continue to attract scientific interest and analysis, now Google is getting involved using AI.
@LeehamNews Airbus’s improved A330-900 now boasts higher MTOW and longer range—evolving from mid-range to true long-haul.
@LeehamNews Boeing has kicked off a $1B expansion of its Charleston 787 site, adding a second FAL building to double capacity. Completion by 2028 will give Boeing the facilities to reach 16 Dreamliners per month.
@LeehamNews Embraer’s revenue and order backlog hit a record high in 2Q 2025, with the Brazilian manufacturer reaffirming its full-year guidance after a strong performance across its business.
Video Picks
Pilot Meets Aviation's Greatest Collector!
This video follows a pilot as he meets one of the world’s most renowned aviation collectors, offering a fascinating glimpse into a unique trove of aircraft memorabilia and historic artefacts. The story highlights the passion and dedication behind preserving aviation heritage, showcasing rare items that celebrate milestones in flight. It’s a reminder of how individual collectors play a key role in keeping the history of aviation alive for future generations.
Pittsburgh International CEO Talks Airport Expansion
In this video, the CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport outlines ongoing and upcoming expansion projects designed to enhance the airport’s role as a regional and international hub. The discussion covers infrastructure upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and passenger-focused improvements aimed at strengthening long-term competitiveness. The interview provides insight into how Pittsburgh is positioning itself to meet rising demand while aligning growth with innovation and environmental responsibility.
Qantas Soars with Record $2.39 Billion Profit
This video highlights Qantas’ announcement of a record AUD 2.39 billion profit, reflecting strong post-pandemic demand and effective cost management. The discussion explores how the airline is reinvesting in fleet renewal, customer service, and sustainability initiatives while navigating challenges such as high fuel prices and inflationary pressures. The result cements Qantas’ position as one of the most profitable carriers globally and showcases how strategic planning has enabled it to thrive in a competitive market.
Acumen’s Take
This edition illustrates how aviation continues to balance growth, competition, and transformation across global and Irish markets. Airlines are advancing ambitious fleet modernisation programmes, airports are investing in customer and infrastructure upgrades, and sustainability remains a driving force with new SAF initiatives and regulatory frameworks. At the same time, financial pressures, regulatory scrutiny, and competitive realignments are reshaping strategies. Overall, the sector demonstrates resilience and adaptability, positioning itself for long-term success in an environment that demands efficiency, innovation, and sustainable progress.
