05 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 5th August 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
Etihad Airways Expands Dublin–Abu Dhabi Service to 10 Weekly
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is expanding its Dublin–Zayed International Airport, also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, route to 10 weekly flights starting 1 July 2025. The move is part of the airline's broader expansion plans for 2025 and marks a significant increase from its current daily service.
Ethiopian Airlines' 737 MAX Touches Down in Dublin
Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of its 35th Boeing 737 MAX on 11 July 2025. The aircraft, registered as ET-BAK, arrived at Dublin Airport directly from Paine Field, Washington, at 10:21 AM local time, carrying the callsign 'ETH9201'.
Qatar Airways Deploys 777 on Doha–Dublin Service
Qatar Airways is increasing capacity on its Doha Hamad International Airport–Dublin service this summer with the introduction of the larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The upgauge will take effect from 11 July 2025 and continue through the end of the summer season on 25 October 2025.
Ryanair Enhances Passenger Experience at BER
Ryanair passengers flying from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) can now benefit from a faster and more convenient baggage drop-off process with the introduction of a new self-service solution in Terminal 2. In partnership with technology provider Airware, BER has installed four self-service kiosks designed specifically for Ryanair travellers. The system integrates with the airline's mobile app, enabling passengers to complete the entire baggage drop process using their smartphones.
Aircraft Update
A6-FQI Boeing 737-8 Delivered to FlyDubai
FlyDubai took delivery of a Boeing 737-8, registered A6-FQI (MSN 61032), on 28–30 July 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field to Shannon before continuing on to Dubai.
EC-OJH Airbus A320-232 Delivered to Vueling
Vueling took delivery of an Airbus A320-232, registered EC-OJH (MSN 6098), on 30 July 2025. Formerly registered as 9H-WBV, the aircraft was delivered to Barcelona.
Global Aviation News
Active ACMI Market Supports Carriers Amid Limited Maindeck Capacity
The ACMI market remains robust as air cargo carriers turn to wet-leasing solutions to boost capacity. Delays in new production and conversion freighter programmes, caused by shortages in spare parts, engine support, and maintenance, have driven demand for ACMI providers. These operators are playing a key role in helping carriers strengthen fleets and meet ongoing lift requirements.
AerFin Completes Second Engine Sale into Japan, Strengthening Presence in Asia Pacific
AerFin has completed the sale of a second CFM56-5B engine from the A320ceo family to a Japanese company, reinforcing its footprint in the Japanese market. The transaction was advised by BeYoke Capital, a specialist in aircraft structured finance, which once again played a key role in connecting AerFin with Japanese investors.
Airbus Supply Line Slows to 306 Deliveries for First Half of 2025
Airbus recorded 306 commercial aircraft deliveries in the first half of 2025, generating revenues of €29.6 billion and an EBIT Adjusted of €2.2 billion. Engine supply challenges impacted A320 deliveries, but the manufacturer has maintained its full-year 2025 guidance despite a complex operating environment and recent tariff agreements.
Air France-KLM Appoints Adriaan Den Heijer as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Air France-KLM has appointed Adriaan Den Heijer, currently Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Cargo, as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of the Group. He will succeed Angus Clarke while continuing to oversee the Cargo organisation until further notice. The appointment will take effect on 1 September 2025.
Alaska Air Group Grows Cargo Capacity in Q2
Alaska Air Group, the only scheduled passenger airline in the United States operating its own freighters, reported $139 million in “cargo and other revenue” for the second quarter. A year-over-year comparison is not provided, as the company now includes Hawaiian Airlines in its results following its $1.9 billion acquisition in September 2024.
Avia Solutions Group Delivered Airbus A319-100 to Ukrainian Windrose Airlines
AviaAM Leasing, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has delivered an Airbus A319-100 to Ukraine’s Windrose Airlines under a dry lease agreement running until the end of 2025. The project was completed in partnership with Smartlynx Australia, also part of Avia Solutions Group. AviaAM Leasing leased the aircraft fuselage to Smartlynx Australia, which subsequently subleased the entire aircraft to Windrose.
Azul Receives Final Court Approval for US$1.6 Billion in Debtor-in-Possession Financing
Azul S.A., Brazil’s largest airline by number of destinations and departures, has secured final court approval for its US$1.6 billion debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing.
Milan-Bergamo Launches New BGY EXECUTIVE Terminal Facility
Milan Bergamo Airport has officially inaugurated its new dedicated facility for general aviation under the BGY EXECUTIVE brand. Located in the northern part of the airport near Customs Gate 2, the terminal offers separate road access, bespoke services, and streamlined procedures distinct from the commercial passenger terminal. It is fully equipped to handle all operational processes for private flight arrivals and departures, including on-site passport control and customs clearance.
Irish Aviation News
AerCap Delivers First of Twenty New Airbus A321LR Aircraft to Etihad Airways
AerCap Holdings N.V. has delivered the first of twenty new Airbus A321LR aircraft on lease to Etihad Airways, with the handover taking place during a special ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany. This is the first A321LR to join Etihad’s fleet and features bespoke cabin interiors, including private First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and next-generation Economy class seats with ultra-modern 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Aer Lingus Profit Increases as IAG Reports Strongest Ever Q2 on Back of Trans-Atlantic Demand
Aer Lingus posted a profit of €135 million for April–June 2025 and €80 million for the first half of the year, as parent company IAG reported its strongest ever Q2 performance, fuelled by robust trans-Atlantic demand. IAG’s revenue for the first half of 2025 rose 8.0% to €15,906 million, reflecting strong market appetite for its network and brands.
AFG Acquires Two CRJ1000 for Onward Lease to Cally Air
AFG has acquired two Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft, MSN 19004 and MSN 19009, from Regional One. Both aircraft have been placed on lease with Cally Air, the state-backed carrier of Cross River State, Nigeria, to support its capacity growth, regional connectivity, and air transport infrastructure development within Nigeria and across West Africa. This transaction aligns with AFG’s strategy to expand its portfolio with efficient regional jets while providing tailored lease solutions to emerging market carriers.
Anita Thomas: Vietnam Completely Surprised Me — Bags of Frogs for Sale on the Street!
Travel writer Anita Thomas shares her unexpected experiences in Vietnam, recalling vivid scenes such as bags of frogs for sale on the street. Her account captures the country’s unique charm, vibrant street life, and cultural surprises that leave a lasting impression on visitors.
daa Secures €2.35 Million in EU Funding to Advance Dublin Airport Electrification
daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, has received the first installment of €2.35 million from the European Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) programme. The funding marks a key milestone for the Dublin Airport Campus Electrification (DACE) project, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the shift to sustainable transport at Dublin Airport.
EasyJet to Close Gap on Ryanair in Spain with 6.3 Million More Seats
EasyJet plans to challenge Ryanair’s dominance in Spain by adding 6.3 million extra seats by next summer, supported by the launch of several new routes. This expansion aims to strengthen EasyJet’s competitive position in one of Europe’s busiest low-cost travel markets.
Michael O’Leary Blasts Government’s ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ Infrastructure Plans While Growth Capped at Dublin Airport
Michael O’Leary has criticised Government's plans to announce €100 billion in new infrastructure spending while airlines remain unable to fully utilise Dublin Airport. Speaking as Ryanair reported a first-quarter 2026 fiscal year profit of €820 million, he condemned the lack of action to address the airport’s passenger cap.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Calls Ryanair ‘the Only Remaining Successful Low-Cost Carrier’
During a 17 July earnings call, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby described Ryanair as “the only remaining successful LCC [low-cost carrier] around the globe.” He contrasted Ryanair’s model with other budget airlines that operate from high-fee airports, forcing fares closer to those of mainstream carriers. Kirby’s remarks came in the context of ongoing competition between full-service and low-cost airlines as both increasingly streamline offerings in their basic fare categories.
Warning Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Could Unleash ‘Reciprocal’ Trump Transatlantic Aviation Restrictions
Ireland faces the prospect of transatlantic aviation restrictions from the Trump administration due to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. U.S. transportation secretary Sean Duffy has issued a warning to European airports, with Dublin’s 32 million passenger limit and resulting airline expansion curbs emerging as a significant political challenge for the Government.
Tweet Picks
@businessposthq Michael O’Leary on Dublin’s MetroLink: “We don’t want it, we don’t need it.” The Ryanair boss says the government’s €102bn plan is “uncosted” and full of “hot air”
@davidshepardson Big win for US/EU aviation per @EU_Commission.
@emirates Our operations in Chinese mainland just got another boost with the launch of a daily service between Dubai and Hangzhou.
@FlySWISS A milestone for aviation: we are the first airline in the world to integrate solar fuel from Synhelioninto flight operations. The symbolic but powerful start is a small step - but a big one towards more sustainable flying.
Video Picks
Alaska Airlines CEO: We Expect a Better Second Half of the Year Than First-Half Results
In this interview, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci discusses the airline’s outlook for the remainder of the year, expressing confidence that second-half performance will surpass first-half results. He highlights demand trends, operational improvements, and strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the carrier’s market position.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: See Supply and Demand Trends Moving in Our Favor in Q3 and Q4
In this interview, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom outlines his positive outlook for the second half of the year, noting that supply and demand trends are shifting in the airline’s favour for Q3 and Q4. He discusses factors driving this momentum, including network performance, capacity planning, and sustained passenger demand across key markets.
Archer Aviation CEO on Air Taxi Plans, Defense Spending and Future of Air Travel
In this interview, Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein discusses the company’s plans to roll out electric air taxis, highlighting progress in certification and infrastructure development. He also addresses opportunities in defence spending and shares his vision for how emerging aviation technologies will shape the future of air travel.
Michael O’Leary & Joe Lynam
In this conversation, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary speaks with Joe Lynam about the airline’s growth strategy, operational challenges, and industry outlook. He shares views on regulatory hurdles, market opportunities, and Ryanair’s positioning in an increasingly competitive aviation sector.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects the resilience and adaptability of the aviation sector as stakeholders navigate market expansion, operational challenges, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Airlines and lessors are focusing on strategic fleet investments, capacity optimisation, and service enhancements to strengthen competitiveness. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and technological integration continue to play a pivotal role in shaping future operations. The consistent push towards efficiency, connectivity, and customer experience underscores the industry’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.
