05 Feb 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 5th February 2026
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
Cork Airport hosts Air Calédonie ATR 72-600
Cork Airport welcomed an unusual visitor on 23 December 2025 as Air Calédonie’s ATR 72-600, registered F-OZNO, arrived from far outside its typical South Pacific operating environment. Built in 2017 and formerly registered as F-WWEH, the aircraft is part of the carrier’s turboprop fleet serving New Caledonia. The visit highlights ongoing fleet optimisation activity, with Air Calédonie confirming the sale of surplus aircraft as a cash-preservation measure amid reduced traffic levels and scaled-back operations.
Dublin Airport Hosts Silk Way West Boeing 747-400F
Dublin Airport saw one of its most notable cargo movements of the winter season with the arrival of a Silk Way West Airlines Boeing 747-400F on St Stephen’s Day. The aircraft, registered 4K-SW888 and operating as flight AZQ1251, arrived from Baku at 13:07 before continuing onward to Shannon later that afternoon. The rotation underlines Ireland’s continued role as a strategic cargo waypoint for long-haul freighter operators, with Silk Way West utilising both Dublin and Shannon as part of its established European operating pattern.
Jettime Operates Selected Finnair Helsinki–Dublin Services
Jettime A/S has extended its partnership with Finnair under the carriers’ first full-year ACMI agreement, covering operations from winter 2025 through October 2026. The Danish operator will provide two 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft to support Finnair’s short-haul network, including services between Helsinki and Dublin. Based in Copenhagen, Jettime will deploy the aircraft with a dedicated flight deck and cabin crew stationed in Helsinki, reinforcing Finnair’s network resilience and capacity flexibility across key European routes.
Aircraft Update
N790CK Boeing 777-36N(F) Delivered to Oscoda
A Boeing 777-36N(F), registered N790CK (c/n 33865), was delivered to Oscoda on 21 December 2025 for Kalitta Air. The aircraft was previously registered as A6-ECC and the delivery reflects continued fleet activity within the widebody freighter segment, as operators reposition and induct converted 777 freighters to support long-haul cargo demand and network optimisation.
N812CM Airbus A330-302(F) Delivered Istanbul–Shannon
An Airbus A330-302(F), registered N812CM (c/n 1278), was delivered from Istanbul to Shannon on 21 January 2026. Operated by ASL Airlines Ireland, the aircraft arrived wearing Saudi Cargo colours, reflecting ongoing freighter fleet transitions and repainting activity as widebody cargo aircraft continue to be redeployed to meet evolving market and operator requirements.
Global Aviation News
AELF Closes Financing Facility with Natixis CIB
Aircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc. (AELF) has closed a new warehouse credit facility with Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking, providing up to US$100 million in committed capital. The transaction marks AELF’s first financing partnership with Natixis CIB and strengthens the lessor’s funding platform as it expands its mid-life aircraft leasing strategy. The facility enhances AELF’s acquisition flexibility and is expected to support investments in highly liquid aircraft types, primarily Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A330 family assets, which continue to attract demand due to their proven performance, near-term availability, and compelling value proposition amid ongoing aircraft supply constraints.
Air France Adds Cannes-Focused Direct Flights from Los Angeles and New York to Nice
Air France has announced a series of special nonstop services between the United States and Nice in May and June 2026 to support major international events on the French Riviera. The airline will operate direct flights from Los Angeles to Nice in May, aligned with the Cannes Film Festival running from 12 to 23 May, followed by nonstop New York-JFK to Nice services in June for the Cannes Lions Festival from 22 to 26 June. All flights will be operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft equipped with Air France’s new La Première cabin, underscoring the carrier’s focus on premium demand and event-driven long-haul connectivity during peak seasonal periods.
Air Lease Delivers First of Five Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to Air Canada
Air Lease has announced the delivery of the first of five new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Air Canada, marking the start of a planned delivery stream scheduled for 2026 under a long-term lease agreement signed in 2023. The aircraft has been delivered directly from Air Lease’s orderbook and further strengthens Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet renewal programme, supporting efficiency and sustainability goals. Commenting on the delivery, Air Lease CEO John L. Plueger highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies and noted that the 737-8 will join Air Canada’s growing fleet of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft as the airline continues to invest in next-generation capacity.
American Airlines Q4 2025 Earnings: Weather and Revenue Pressures
American Airlines posted adjusted EPS of US$0.16 for Q4 2025 and US$0.36 for the full year, both below guidance, largely due to a US$325 million revenue hit from the prolonged US government shutdown. Premium products continued to outperform, with unit revenue seven points ahead of Main Cabin and managed corporate revenue up 12% year-on-year. Operations were heavily disrupted by Winter Storm Fern, which led to more than 9,000 cancellations across four days and affected multiple major hubs. Looking ahead, the airline expects a further US$150–200 million revenue impact and a 1.5-point capacity reduction in Q1 2026 related to the storm.
Azul Publishes Updated Business Plan, Targets Healthier Post-Chapter 11 Structure
Azul S.A. has published an updated business plan outlining its expected emergence from Chapter 11 as a significantly deleveraged and more resilient airline. The plan continues to forecast lower overall debt, reduced lease liabilities, and materially lower aircraft lease payments, with pro forma net leverage estimated at around 2.5x at emergence. Azul said the revised outlook reflects several de-risking developments, including new agreements with OEMs to improve fleet delivery schedules and revised arrangements with local banks on more favourable commercial terms. The update also incorporates actual performance through November 2025 and a settlement reached with the Unsecured Creditors Committee, reinforcing management’s confidence in the restructuring path and long-term sustainability of the business.
Bombardier to Build New Dorval Manufacturing Hub
Bombardier has announced plans to develop a new 126,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dorval, Québec, further expanding its industrial footprint near the company’s Challenger manufacturing centre and the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre. The project represents an investment of approximately CA$100 million and forms part of Bombardier’s long-term strategy to boost productivity and capacity in response to sustained demand for its business aircraft portfolio. Scheduled to open before the end of 2027, the new hub is expected to support advanced manufacturing processes while creating a range of skilled employment opportunities in the Montréal aerospace ecosystem.
COMAC C919 and the Geopolitics Behind China’s Single-Aisle Push
At first glance, COMAC’s C919 appears to be a conventional entrant in the 150–180 seat single-aisle market, positioned against established competitors like the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX 8. In practice, the programme is less about winning global market share and more about securing strategic independence within China’s domestic aviation market. Launched in 2008 and delayed by technical and certification challenges, the C919 completed its maiden flight in 2017 and entered service in 2023 with China Eastern Airlines. To date, 28 aircraft have been delivered to four Chinese operators, with COMAC forecasting nearly 490 C919s in service by 2035. While production volumes remain modest by global standards, delivery momentum has begun to accelerate, prompting upward revisions to long-term output expectations and underscoring the programme’s growing role in China’s aviation and industrial policy landscape.
Delta Air Lines Expands Airbus Widebody Fleet With Order for 31 Aircraft
Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 31 additional Airbus widebody aircraft, comprising 16 Airbus A330-900 and 15 Airbus A350-900, further deepening its long-standing partnership with Airbus. Once delivered, the order will take Delta’s widebody fleet to 55 A330neos and 79 A350s, reinforcing the airline’s long-haul growth strategy. The aircraft will support Delta’s expanding international network while enhancing premium cabin offerings, operational efficiency, and long-term cost performance as the carrier positions its fleet for sustained global demand.
Dubai Airports CEO to Lead Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Push
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has been appointed CEO Champion of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Pathfinder Initiative, signalling a renewed global push to accelerate aviation decarbonisation. Founded by King Charles III, the initiative brings together stakeholders across aviation, energy, finance, and policy to scale SAF production, mobilise investment, and align global incentives. With SAF currently accounting for less than 1% of global jet fuel despite its potential to cut emissions by up to 80%, Griffiths’ leadership draws on the influence of the world’s busiest international airport to help drive adoption, infrastructure development, and cross-industry collaboration at a critical moment for the sector.
Edelweiss Unveils Airbus A350 Cabin Redefining Premium Leisure Travel
Edelweiss has revealed a completely redesigned long-haul cabin for its incoming Airbus A350 fleet, built around the concept “More room to feel good.” The new cabin combines a calm, contemporary Swiss-inspired design with enhanced comfort across all classes and cutting-edge onboard technology.
Irish Aviation News
Air Services Dáil Éireann Debate Focuses on IAA’s Digital MySRS System
The operation and delivery of the Irish Aviation Authority’s MySRS (My Safety Regulatory System) was raised in Dáil Éireann on 20 January 2026, following a parliamentary question from Deputy Aidan Farrelly to the Minister for Transport. The question sought clarity on development costs, suppliers, budget adherence, and any significant design changes during the rollout of the fully digital regulatory system used for aviation licences, certificates, and approvals. In response, Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed that MySRS falls under the operational remit of the IAA and that the authority has been asked to provide a direct reply to the Deputy, highlighting the increasing parliamentary scrutiny on digital transformation, governance, and accountability within Ireland’s aviation regulatory framework.
Azorra Delivers Three Embraer E195-E1 Aircraft to Air Serbia
Azorra has completed the delivery of the third and final Embraer E195-E1 aircraft to Air Serbia, marking the lessor’s first customer relationship in Serbia and further expanding its presence in Southeast and Central Europe. The initial two aircraft were delivered in April and November 2025, with the final unit arriving in Belgrade in January 2026. The E195-E1 aircraft will support Air Serbia’s fleet renewal and network growth strategy, enabling the introduction of jet services on routes previously operated by turboprops while enhancing capacity, efficiency, and passenger comfort across the airline’s regional network.
Avolon Publishes Up Next: 2026 Outlook
Avolon has released its Up Next: 2026 Outlook, offering a forward-looking view on the forces shaping commercial aviation as the industry moves into the next phase of the cycle. The outlook examines demand fundamentals, fleet planning priorities, capital availability, and the impact of persistent supply-side constraints, highlighting how airlines and lessors are adapting strategies around fleet renewal, growth, and resilience.
Belfast City Airport Achieves Platinum Level for Environmental Efforts
Belfast City Airport has achieved Platinum Level status in recognition of its environmental performance, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. The accreditation reflects sustained progress across areas including carbon management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and engagement with airlines, passengers, and local stakeholders.
CDB Aviation Participates in Taoiseach’s Official Visit to China
CDB Aviation took part in the official visit of Micheál Martin to China in early January 2026, as Ireland and China moved to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The visit brought together Irish and Chinese business leaders across key sectors including aviation, financial services, agri-food, and technology, with a focus on reinforcing long-term commercial ties and strategic collaboration. CDB Aviation’s participation underscored the role of Ireland’s aviation finance and leasing sector in supporting the evolving Ireland–China partnership and the continued importance of aviation as a bridge for cross-border trade and investment.
Cork Positioned to Support Ireland’s Tourism Recovery
Tourism Ireland has launched its 2026 marketing plan with the goal of lifting overseas tourism spending to €10.1 billion by 2031, with Cork identified as a key driver in rebuilding pre-pandemic visitor levels. Speaking to RedFM News, Seamus Heaney of Visit Cork said Cork city and county are well prepared to absorb increased international demand, highlighting the region’s growing appeal and readiness. Heaney pointed to Cork Airport as “punching above its weight” in terms of connectivity and performance, underlining its role in attracting inbound traffic and positioning Cork to capture a greater share of returning international tourism as Ireland’s recovery gathers pace.
DAE Leases Two Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to Somon Air
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has announced a long-term lease agreement with Somon Air for two new Boeing 737-8 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2026. The transaction marks Somon Air as a new customer for DAE and supports the carrier’s fleet growth as Tajikistan’s national airline expands its operations. Commenting on the agreement, DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore said the lessor looks forward to building a long-term partnership with Somon Air while supporting its network development with next-generation narrowbody aircraft.
Dublin Airport Authority Staffing Levels Addressed in Dáil Debate
During a Dáil Éireann debate on 20 January 2026, the Dublin Airport Authority was referenced in a parliamentary question concerning frontier management enforcement staffing at Dublin Airport. Responding on behalf of Revenue, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris confirmed that all enforcement staff at Dublin Airport operate in frontline roles. The figures show enforcement staffing increased from 79 in 2019 to 92 by the end of 2025, reflecting a net rise over the period despite fluctuations in intervening years.
Dublin Airport Passenger Numbers Could Fall Sharply Under Existing Cap
Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport could fall to just over 25 million a year if US carriers’ take-off and landing slots are reduced because of the cap, the US Airline Pilots’ Association has claimed. It says such a move would place pilot and cabin crew jobs at risk.
Ryanair Calls for Immediate Abolition of Austrian Air Passenger Tax
Ryanair has renewed its demand for the immediate abolition of Austria’s air passenger tax, arguing that the levy is damaging connectivity, suppressing demand, and undermining the country’s competitiveness as an aviation market. The airline says the tax increases ticket prices, discourages travel, and incentivises capacity deployment to lower-cost jurisdictions across Europe. Ryanair has repeatedly linked similar aviation taxes to reduced routes and frequencies, warning that unless Austria removes the charge, it risks losing traffic, tourism revenue, and airline investment at a time when European aviation demand remains strong but highly cost-sensitive.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek #ParataAir received tentative approval from the #DOT for a foreign air carrier permit, clearing a hurdle for the startup's entry into the U.S. long-haul market.
@AviationWeek Suppliers to @GE_Aerospace boosted their material input to the engine #OEM by more than 40% in 2025, including a double-digit improvement in the fourth quarter.
@business Ryanair bookings have risen 2% to 3% in the aftermath of the social media brawl between Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary.
@ByERussell United plans long-haul growth with its new fleet of A321XLRs, the first of which is due in 2026, says United Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella. “We’re not trying to downgauge widebody jets."
Video Picks
Inside Saudi Arabia’s Push to Become a Global Vacation Destination
This video explores Saudi Arabia’s rapid transformation into a global leisure and tourism hub, outlining how large-scale investment, aviation connectivity, and destination development are being aligned under Vision 2030. It highlights the role of new airlines, airport expansion, mega-project destinations, and liberalised visa policies in reshaping international perceptions of the Kingdom. The feature provides useful context on how aviation strategy is being used as a catalyst to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a year-round global travel destination.
Interview with Alice Mansergh on Tourism Ireland’s 2026 Marketing Strategy
In this interview, Alice Mansergh outlines Tourism Ireland’s marketing priorities for 2026, focusing on driving sustainable growth, strengthening Ireland’s brand presence in key overseas markets, and converting long-haul demand into higher-value visits. The discussion highlights how aviation connectivity, regional access, and targeted storytelling will play a central role in attracting international visitors, while balancing capacity, seasonality, and long-term tourism resilience.
Minnesota’s Sun Country Airlines to Be Acquired by Allegiant in US$1.5bn Deal
This video examines Allegiant’s proposed acquisition of Sun Country Airlines in a deal valued at approximately US$1.5 billion, outlining the strategic rationale behind the transaction and its potential impact on the US leisure travel market. The discussion focuses on network complementarity, fleet alignment, and cost structures, while also considering regulatory scrutiny and how the combination could reshape competition among low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers in North America.
Acumen’s Take
The industry continues to operate in a high-demand, high-constraint environment where access to assets, capital, and operational capability matters more than headline growth. Fleet availability, financing flexibility, and execution resilience are increasingly shaping competitive advantage across airlines and lessors alike. Strategic partnerships and disciplined deployment are replacing opportunistic expansion. As 2026 unfolds, sustainable performance will favour players built for continuity, not cycles.
