05 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 5th December 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
CityJet Strengthens CRJ Fleet
CityJet has added another Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR to its fleet, with the delivery of EI-HSD (msn 15085) on 12 November 2025. The aircraft will fly for SAS Scandinavian Airlines under a wet-lease arrangement and be based at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). The latest addition reinforces CityJet’s position as a key ACMI partner for European carriers, supporting SAS with dependable regional capacity during peak operational periods.
Dublin Welcomes ASKY Airlines Boeing 737 MAX
Dublin has handled the arrival of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 destined for ASKY Airlines, delivered via Ethiopian Airlines Group. The aircraft, built in 2019 and previously intended for Ural Airlines as VP-BHR, was never accepted due to sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Now registered ET-BBD (msn 66147), it arrived on the ETH9201 ferry routing from Boeing Field to Dublin before continuing to Addis Ababa between 18 and 20 November 2025. The jet landed in an all-white livery with Ural colours still visible on the rudder and sharklets, and will undergo a full repaint before entering service with ASKY Airlines.
Newest flydubai 737 MAX Delivered Through Shannon
flydubai has added another brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to its expanding fleet with the delivery of A6-FPI (msn 61036), marking the carrier’s 13th new MAX. The aircraft departed Boeing Field on 18 November as ferry flight FDB9741, arriving at Shannon the following morning for its technical stop. After an overnight stay, it continued onward on 20 November, landing at Dubai International later that afternoon. The delivery reflects flydubai’s steady fleet growth as the airline continues to scale capacity across its regional and medium-haul network.
Aircraft Update
HI-1090 Embraer 190 Returned to Lessor After Ferry to Toulouse-Francazal
Sky High has ferried an Embraer 190, registered HI-1090 (c/n 19000136), to Toulouse–Francazal on 27 November 2025 as the aircraft transitions back to its lessor. The move marks the end of its service period with the Dominican carrier and positions the aircraft for future remarketing or reallocation. The E190 remains a sought-after regional type, and its return aligns with ongoing fleet adjustments across operators seeking optimal utilisation of mid-life assets.
PK-PWP Airbus A320 Delivered to Pelita Air Service in Jakarta
Pelita Air Service has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-214, registered PK-PWP (c/n 5716), following its arrival in Jakarta on 21 November 2025. Previously operating as VT-KTM, the aircraft now joins Pelita’s expanding narrowbody fleet as the carrier continues to build capacity across domestic and regional routes. The addition supports Pelita’s strategy of integrating proven, mid-life A320s to enhance network reliability and operational flexibility.
Global Aviation News
Airbus Prepares A350 Freighter Prototype for Extensive Flight Test Campaign
Airbus has completed assembly of its first A350 freighter prototype and is now conducting intensive systems ground testing ahead of a nine-month flight test programme beginning next October. The manufacturer aims to achieve certification and bring the aircraft into service by the end of 2027, marking its full entry into the large widebody cargo market. While Airbus has long operated passenger-to-freighter conversion programmes for smaller aircraft, the A350F represents its first purpose-built freighter. With 82 firm orders from 13 airlines and lessors, the programme is gaining strong commercial traction and will compete directly with Boeing’s 777-8F, which currently holds just over 50 orders.
Air Cargo Braces for $1 Billion Overhaul Under New U.S. CBP Screening Rule
A sweeping new cargo screening mandate from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to trigger more than $1 billion in global logistics adjustments as airlines, freight forwarders and e-commerce platforms move to comply. The interim final rule, introduced by the Trump administration and effective immediately upon publication, requires far deeper advance data and transparency on all air cargo shipments entering the United States. CBP says the change responds to evolving terrorist tactics, but industry stakeholders warn that the operational impact will be significant, requiring new technology, revised workflows and tighter coordination across the entire supply chain to meet the enhanced security standards.
Apollo and Virgin Atlantic Finalise $745m Asset-Backed Financing Deal
Apollo-managed funds and affiliates have completed a $745 million senior secured financing facility backed by Virgin Atlantic’s valuable take-off and landing slots at London Heathrow. The transaction provides Virgin Atlantic with fresh capital to support upcoming fleet investment and reinforces the airline’s balance sheet at a time of sustained long-haul demand. By leveraging one of its most strategic assets, Virgin Atlantic gains added financial flexibility while maintaining operational control, marking a significant step in its long-term capital strategy.
Aviation Capital Group Delivers First Airbus A220-300 to ITA Airways
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has delivered its first Airbus A220-300 to ITA Airways, marking both the start of a five-aircraft programme for the airline and ACG’s inaugural A220 delivery from its Mirabel orderbook. The aircraft is the first of five A220-300s scheduled to join ITA’s fleet in the coming months, supporting the carrier’s ongoing narrowbody renewal strategy focused on efficiency, lower emissions and enhanced passenger experience. The delivery also strengthens the leasing relationship between ACG and ITA as the airline continues modernising its European network.
Aviation Groups Push Back Against New UK APD Threshold Change
Industry bodies have strongly criticised the UK government’s decision to apply a higher rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) to all aircraft weighing 5.7 metric tonnes or more from April 2027. The updated threshold marks a significant shift from earlier consultation guidance, which suggested the higher rate would apply only to aircraft above 20 tonnes with fewer than 19 seats. Aviation groups warn that the revised policy will disproportionately affect business aviation and smaller commercial operators, increasing operating costs and potentially limiting connectivity. They argue that the abrupt change undermines planning certainty and risks placing the UK at a competitive disadvantage compared with other European markets pursuing more balanced aviation tax frameworks.
Executive Jet Support Acquires Two Embraer E190 Aircraft to Bolster Regional Jet Capabilities
Executive Jet Support (EJS) has signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement for two Embraer E190 aircraft, including their engines, reinforcing the company’s focus on supporting regional jet operators with high-quality assets and flexible solutions. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery within the next month, marking another step in EJS’s continued expansion and its growing investment in the Embraer platform. The acquisition enhances EJS’s ability to meet rising demand for reliable regional jets as operators worldwide optimize fleets and seek cost-efficient mid-capacity aircraft.
Emirates Adds Fifth Daily Frequency to Strengthen Cairo Connectivity
Emirates is expanding its presence in Egypt with the introduction of a fifth daily flight between Dubai and Cairo, initially adding six weekly frequencies from 1 December 2025 before transitioning to a full daily service from 1 February 2026. The additional flight, operated by a Boeing 777, is strategically timed to maximise connectivity across Emirates’ global network, particularly to major Asian markets. The move underscores the airline’s confidence in sustained leisure and corporate travel demand on the Dubai–Cairo corridor and reinforces its commitment to enhancing capacity during the peak winter season and beyond.
Irish Aviation News
Ireland West Airport Airspace Adjustments Highlight Need for Clearer Consultation
Recent discussions at the VFR Charting Workshop have revealed that notable changes were made to the Ireland West Airport (Knock) CTA, despite earlier indications that no meaningful alterations had occurred when updates were circulated by the IAA in August. The revised airspace structure is not yet reflected in the ENR 6.1 section of the Aeronautical Information Publication, prompting concerns around accuracy and transparency for pilots relying on official charts. Stakeholders note that a more robust and public consultation process by the responsible ANSP would have helped avoid confusion and ensured smoother communication of the updated airspace design.
Aer Lingus Marks One Year of Its Digital Travel Hub
Aer Lingus is celebrating the first anniversary of The Aer Lingus Hub, its dedicated platform for travel stories, destination highlights and behind-the-scenes features. Over the past year, the Hub has grown into a central resource for travellers seeking inspiration across the airline’s network of more than 90 destinations spanning the UK, Europe and North America. Through curated features and insider perspectives, the platform has played a key role in helping passengers plan getaways, revisit much-loved cities and discover new routes, while strengthening Aer Lingus’ brand connection with its audience.
DAE Completes 10-Aircraft Boeing 737 MAX Mandate with United Airlines
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has successfully concluded the delivery of all ten Boeing 737-9 aircraft to United Airlines under a previously agreed sale-and-leaseback arrangement. The transaction, completed within an impressive six-month timeframe from contract signing to final delivery, highlights the strong operational efficiency and coordination between both organisations. DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore praised the seamless execution and reaffirmed United’s confidence in the partnership, noting that the mandate reflects DAE’s ability to deliver large-scale programmes with speed, flexibility and precision.
dnata Expands Partnership with Aer Lingus Through New Onboard Retail Programme
dnata Catering & Retail has strengthened its collaboration with Aer Lingus by launching the airline’s new inflight retail programme under a five-year contract, complementing its existing hub catering agreement of the same duration. The expanded partnership now supports more than 180 daily flights across Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Manchester, with dnata overseeing the complete retail operation from product sourcing and procurement to warehousing, logistics and technology. The refreshed programme is designed to offer passengers a more personalised shopping experience, with an evolving product range shaped by customer feedback and a focus on enhancing convenience and engagement throughout the journey.
O’Leary Criticises Government Over Delays to Lifting Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has renewed pressure on the Irish Government, arguing that the long-standing passenger cap at Dublin Airport could be lifted “next week” if Ministers chose to act. Speaking on Midlands 103, O’Leary accused the Government of excessive deliberation and insufficient follow-through, despite cabinet approval being secured in September for legislation enabling the cap’s removal.
Emerald Airlines’ Conor McCarthy Warns of Increasing Pressure on Smaller Carriers
Emerald Airlines CEO Conor McCarthy has cautioned that more small and mid-sized airlines are likely to fail before 2030, citing mounting financial and operational pressures across the sector. Speaking to the Business Post, he pointed to rising costs, labour shortages, fleet renewal challenges and intensifying competition as key headwinds disproportionately affecting smaller operators.
Ryanair Unveils Record Summer 2026 Schedule from Bratislava
Ryanair will operate a record 33 scheduled routes from Bratislava’s M. R. Štefánik Airport during the Summer 2026 season, including 10 new destinations. The expanded programme was announced by CEO Michael O’Leary during a visit marking the airline’s 20th anniversary of operations at the airport. Since first launching Bratislava–Milan flights in 2005, Ryanair has grown from four initial routes to a network that will serve 33 destinations next summer, supported by three based aircraft. To date, the airline has carried more than 17 million passengers to and from the Slovak capital, underscoring its long-standing commitment to the market and its role in strengthening regional connectivity.
Tweet Picks
@HofmannAviation Condor Ends Boeing Chapter With Final 757 Flight, Considers A321XLR.
@HofmannAviation Eurowings Uses Predictive Tech To Operate Older Aircraft Efficiently
@HofmannAviation TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola received its first Boeing 787-10, registered as D2-TES. It has a capacity for 367 passengers (24 business class and 343 in economy class), joining two Boeing 787-9 incorporated by TAAG Angola Airlines earlier this year.
@theaircurrent Customer consensus pushes Airbus toward shorter legs for A220 stretch.
Video Picks
Flying Taxis Come to RAK – A Glimpse into the UAE’s Air Mobility Future
This segment explores Ras Al Khaimah’s introduction of flying taxis, offering an early look at how advanced air mobility is being integrated into the emirate’s transport ecosystem. The video highlights the partnerships, infrastructure planning and regulatory groundwork supporting the rollout, while showcasing the aircraft that will eventually carry passengers across short urban and inter-emirate routes. It provides a clear snapshot of how RAK is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation mobility as the UAE accelerates toward commercial air taxi operations.
Rachel Barth on Air Service Development and Strategic Growth at Lincoln Airport
In this interview, Rachel Barth, Director of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing at Lincoln Airport, explains how the airport is shaping its growth strategy through targeted carrier partnerships, data-driven route planning and community engagement. She outlines the importance of understanding traveller behaviour, strengthening regional connectivity and building a compelling value proposition for airlines. The conversation provides insight into how mid-sized airports can compete effectively, attract new services and support long-term regional economic development.
Redefining Partnerships in Air Cargo – Candid Insights from Industry Leaders
This panel brings together senior air cargo executives for a straight-talking discussion on how partnerships are evolving in a market shaped by volatility, tighter margins and rising customer expectations. The conversation dives into what airlines, forwarders and integrators now need from each other, why transparency and data-sharing are becoming non-negotiable, and how collaboration models are shifting from transactional to long-term strategic alignment. The video offers a grounded look at the operational realities behind modern cargo partnerships and what it will take to build resilient, mutually beneficial networks in the years ahead.
Acumen’s Take
A clear pattern is emerging across the industry: capacity growth, fleet renewal and regulatory change are all accelerating at the same time, creating both opportunity and operational friction for stakeholders. Passenger markets continue to expand, especially across key hubs, while lessors and airlines remain active in reshaping fleets with next-generation aircraft. At the same time, governments are introducing new tax and security frameworks that will raise compliance costs and influence long-term planning. Cargo, too, is entering a transformative phase as technology, policy and infrastructure evolve. For industry players, the coming years will reward those able to balance growth ambitions with disciplined risk management and the flexibility to navigate shifting regulatory and market conditions.
