05 Jan 2026

Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 5th January 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

ASL Airlines A330-300P2F Positions to DWC

ASL Airlines Ireland has begun positioning an Airbus A330-302(P2F), registered EI-LKD (MSN 1272), ahead of a planned ACMI deployment with Saudia Cargo, according to Flightradar24 data. The aircraft was ferried from Dublin to Shannon Airport on 27 November in Saudia Cargo colours under the callsign ABR330, routing westbound over the Atlantic. Between 27 and 29 November, the A330(P2F) undertook a series of crew training flights from Shannon, including sectors to Glasgow Prestwick, as preparations progress for its upcoming cargo operations.

 

Hunnu Air Adds Embraer 195-E2 EI-HUU

Hunnu Air has taken delivery of its second Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, registered EI-HUU (MSN 19020196), further expanding its modern narrowbody fleet. The aircraft was delivered between 23 and 25 December 2025, routing from São José dos Campos via Recife, Las Palmas, Tekirdağ, and Almaty. It arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, marking another step in the airline’s strategy to enhance regional connectivity with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.

 

ITA Airways Retires Last Irish-Registered A330-200

ITA Airways retired its final Irish-registered Airbus A330-200 on 1 January 2026, closing the chapter on long-haul aircraft inherited from the former Alitalia fleet. The aircraft, EI-EJH (MSN 1135), named Marco Pantani, operated its final service as ITY615 from Boston to Rome Fiumicino, completing the 7h29m flight at 06:50 local time. The retirement marks the end of Alitalia-era widebodies in ITA service, with EI-EJH also carrying historical significance after transporting the late Pope Francis to Edmonton in July 2022.

 

Aircraft Update

EI-TEB Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways

ITA Airways has taken delivery of an Airbus A220-300, registered EI-TEB (c/n 55407), further progressing its narrowbody fleet renewal programme. The aircraft was delivered from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino on 13 December 2025, operating a transatlantic ferry flight ahead of entry into commercial service. The addition of the A220-300 supports ITA’s strategy of improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational flexibility across its short- and medium-haul network.

 

EI-TEC Airbus A220-300 Delivered to ITA Airways

ITA Airways has taken delivery of an Airbus A220-300, registered EI-TEC (c/n 55413), continuing the expansion of its next-generation narrowbody fleet. The aircraft was delivered on 13 December 2025, operating a ferry flight from Montréal to Rome Fiumicino. This delivery further supports ITA’s focus on fleet efficiency and network optimisation as it strengthens short- and medium-haul operations across Europe and beyond.

 

Global Aviation News

ADB, Air Niugini Sign $36 Million Deal to Modernise Fleet in Papua New Guinea

Asian Development Bank and Air Niugini have signed a US$35.8 million financing package to support fleet modernisation and improve air transport connectivity across Papua New Guinea. The package comprises a US$19 million loan from ADB’s own resources and a US$16.8 million loan administered from the Leading Asia’s Private Sector Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2). The funding will enable Air Niugini to acquire six Airbus A220-100 aircraft, replacing older types with more fuel-efficient and reliable aircraft, strengthening safety standards while supporting the country’s economic and social development.

 

A Redesigned, Rebuilt and Energy-Independent Pittsburgh International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport is redefining the modern airport model through a comprehensive redevelopment focused on resilience, efficiency, and energy independence. Speaking in December 2025, Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, highlighted the airport’s microgrid-powered energy strategy and new terminal development. The transformation positions Pittsburgh as a benchmark for how airports can operate sustainably while improving passenger experience and long-term operational autonomy.

 

American Airlines Welcomes Airbus A321XLR to the Fleet

American Airlines has introduced the Airbus A321XLR into its fleet, marking the first operation of the type by a U.S. carrier. The aircraft will debut on premium transcontinental services, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 18 December operating from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport. Designed for long-range missions, the A321XLR strengthens American’s premium offering while providing greater efficiency and flexibility across high-demand domestic and future international routes.

 

ACG Delivers First Boeing 737 MAX 8 to LOT Polish Airlines

Aviation Capital Group has delivered a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 to LOT Polish Airlines, marking the first of three aircraft scheduled to join the airline’s fleet in the coming months. The delivery reinforces the long-standing relationship between the two parties, which began in 2017 with the leasing of Boeing 787 aircraft. The addition of the 737 MAX 8 supports LOT’s narrowbody fleet renewal programme, enhancing efficiency and capacity as the carrier continues to expand its European and medium-haul network.

 

AELF Acquires Two Boeing 737-800s Leased to Aerolíneas Argentinas

Aircraft Engine Lease Finance has acquired two 2015-vintage Boeing 737-800 aircraft from ICBC Aviation Leasing, with both aircraft remaining on lease to Aerolíneas Argentinas. The transaction marks AELF’s first aircraft placements with the Argentine carrier and its first deal with ICBC. The acquisition aligns with AELF’s strategy of focusing on mid-life assets while expanding its global airline customer base and capital partnerships.

 

AFRAA Applauds Abolition of Airfare Taxes Across West Africa

African Airlines Association has welcomed a landmark decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to abolish air ticket taxes across West Africa from 1 January 2026. The move aims to lower the cost of air travel, stimulate passenger demand, and strengthen regional connectivity and integration. Long criticised as one of the most expensive air travel markets globally due to high government-imposed taxes and charges, West Africa is expected to see improved affordability and growth prospects for airlines operating in the region.

 

Air Canada Prioritises Flexibility in Network Planning

Air Canada is reshaping its approach to route and capacity planning as it adopts more conservative fleet assumptions in response to a volatile operating environment. Speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Lisbon, Vice President of Network Planning, Strategy and Scheduling Alexandre Lefèvre highlighted how supply-chain disruption, engine reliability challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty have become structural realities. Rather than relying on fixed scenarios, the airline is embedding flexibility into its fleet and network planning to enable faster adjustments as market and operational conditions evolve.

 

Volaris and Viva Announce Formation of New Mexican Airline Group

Volaris and Viva Aerobus have announced an agreement to create a new Mexican airline group under a holding company structure, aimed at accelerating low-fare air travel and connectivity across Mexico and international markets. Both carriers will continue operating independently under their existing air operator certificates and brands, preserving consumer choice while expanding point-to-point route offerings. The move signals a strategic effort to strengthen scale, network reach, and competitiveness within Mexico’s fast-growing aviation market.

 

Wizz Air Acquires Ex-TUI Slots at London Luton

Wizz Air has acquired slots at London Luton Airport from TUI Group following TUI Airways’ decision to consolidate its operations at London Gatwick. The slots have been secured under Wizz Air’s English AOC, strengthening the carrier’s position at Luton. As part of the expansion, Wizz Air will base an additional Airbus A321-200neo at the airport and launch six new routes from mid-June 2026, including services to Yerevan, Alicante, Lyon, Corfu, Faro, and Turin, further expanding its European network from the UK.
 

Irish Aviation News

AerCap Delivers First of Ten Airbus A321neo Aircraft to Thai Airways

AerCap has delivered the first of ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Thai Airways International, marking a key milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme. The remaining nine aircraft are scheduled for delivery through 2028. The delivery builds on a partnership dating back to the mid-1990s and reflects AerCap’s continued support of THAI’s transformation into a financially strengthened and future-focused carrier.

 

Aer Lingus to End Cork–Dubrovnik Route

Aer Lingus has confirmed it will discontinue its seasonal service between Cork and Dubrovnik. The twice-weekly route, which operated during the 2025 summer season and was first launched in May 2019, will not return. Aer Lingus will, however, continue to serve Dubrovnik from Dublin, maintaining up to seven weekly flights next summer, in line with its 2025 capacity.

 

Aergo Capital Acquires Airbus A320neo on Lease to SAS

Aergo Capital has completed the acquisition of an Airbus A320neo on lease to SAS Scandinavian Airlines, further expanding its portfolio of next-generation narrowbody aircraft. The aircraft, MSN 7290, was acquired from SDH Wings and is serviced by AviLease. The transaction reflects continued demand for fuel-efficient assets and underscores Aergo’s strategy of strengthening relationships with airline partners and capital providers across the global leasing market.

 

Belfast International Airport Achieves Platinum Sustainability Rating in 2025

Belfast International Airport has been awarded a Platinum rating in the 2025 NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey, placing it among the top 42 most sustainable organisations in Northern Ireland. A participant in the survey for over 25 years, the airport is one of 150 organisations assessed by Business in the Community (BITC). As part of VINCI Airports, the achievement aligns with the group’s long-term commitment to reaching net-zero emissions across its network by 2050.

 

Boeing Bolsters Ireland Presence with New Dublin Office

Boeing has opened a new hub in Dublin to support the continued growth of Boeing Ireland’s global engineering and aircraft leasing activities. Located at Dublin Airport, the office was officially opened on 12 December 2025 by Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien. The move builds on more than 60 years of Boeing’s presence in Ireland and reflects the company’s expanding workforce and long-standing partnership with the Irish aviation sector.

 

British Airways CEO Warns of a Future Where Brands Get Ignored

British Airways CEO Sean Doyle has warned that airlines risk becoming invisible as AI-powered agents increasingly make travel decisions on behalf of customers. Speaking at Globant Converge 2025 in London, Doyle said traditional drivers of airline choice such as websites, pricing, and search rankings are losing influence. As AI intermediaries filter options and automate bookings, airlines that fail to adapt their digital and brand strategies could be excluded from customer consideration altogether.

 

Etihad Airways Hosts Trade & Media Event in Dublin

Etihad Airways hosted members of the Irish travel trade and media for a festive dinner at Anantara The Marker Hotel, highlighting the airline’s growing commitment to the Irish market. The event provided an opportunity to outline Etihad’s expansion plans and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a leading destination in the Middle East. The evening underscored Etihad’s focus on strengthening relationships with Irish travel partners as it continues to build awareness and connectivity from Ireland.

 

HRA Purchases Two Aerolíneas Argentinas 737 MAX 8 Aircraft from ICBC

High Ridge Aviation has acquired two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from ICBC Aviation Leasing, completing its first transaction with the lessor. The aircraft, MSNs 43917 and 43918, remain on lease to Aerolíneas Argentinas. The acquisition highlights High Ridge Aviation’s focus on building long-term value through strategic partnerships while supporting fleet requirements for airline operators.

 

Ireland Targets UAE Tourists, Eyes Direct Flights to Shannon

Ireland is stepping up efforts to attract travellers from the UAE by promoting its rural regions, including greenways, trails, and boglands, as part of a renewed tourism strategy. Tourism Ireland is set to return to the UAE market in January 2026, with Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke highlighting plans to showcase Ireland’s western regions and “hidden heartlands.” The strategy also includes pursuing direct air services to Shannon Airport to strengthen regional connectivity and reduce reliance on Dublin as the primary gateway.

 

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary Blasts Taoiseach Over Dublin Passenger Cap

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has renewed criticism of the Irish government over the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, calling out Taoiseach Micheál Martin for a lack of progress. O’Leary said that despite commitments made a year ago to remove the restriction, no tangible action has followed. He warned that continued inaction risks constraining growth, connectivity, and Ireland’s competitiveness as demand for air travel continues to rise.

 

Tweet Picks

@AdaniOnline Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced operations on 25 December 2025, bringing a vision years in the making to life as passengers entered India’s newest aviation gateway - an embodiment of national pride and progress.

@ATWOnline Canadian leisure carrier @airtransat has unveiled two more new routes for its 2026 summer schedule, including launching the sole connection between North America and Tirana, Albania.

@ATWOnline Hong Kong–Taipei retained its position as the world’s busiest international air route in 2025, while nine of the 10 busiest routes were in the Asia-Pacific region.

@ATWOnline Spanish airport operator @aena has agreed to buy a majority stake in a new holding company that owns and manages Leeds Bradford Airport and a minority interest in Newcastle International Airport.

 

Video Picks

Aer Lingus to Begin First-Ever Nonstop Flights from Pittsburgh to Dublin

This video highlights Aer Lingus’ announcement of its first-ever nonstop service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Dublin, set to launch in 2026. The new route marks a significant expansion of transatlantic connectivity from the U.S. Midwest, strengthening links between Ireland and western Pennsylvania. The service underscores Aer Lingus’ continued focus on underserved long-haul markets and the growing strategic importance of regional North American gateways.

 

 

A Message from Michael O’Leary to Taoiseach Micheál Martin

In this direct video address, Michael O'Leary delivers a pointed message to Micheál Martin regarding the ongoing passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The clip captures O’Leary’s characteristically blunt critique of government inaction and highlights the broader debate around capacity constraints, aviation growth, and Ireland’s international connectivity.

 

 

BermudAir Expands with AnguillAir for Direct Anguilla Service

This video covers BermudAir’s expansion through a partnership with AnguillAir, introducing a new nonstop service to Anguilla with a distinctive no-middle-seat configuration. The collaboration highlights a premium-focused regional model aimed at improving passenger comfort while strengthening direct connectivity between island markets. The move reflects growing interest in niche, experience-led air services within the Caribbean.

 

 

Acumen’s Take 

This edition reflects an industry recalibrating for 2026 with a clear emphasis on flexibility, efficiency, and long-term resilience. Fleet modernisation, portfolio trading, and sustainability initiatives continue to dominate strategic decision-making, while capacity constraints and infrastructure limitations remain unresolved pressure points. At the same time, shifts in technology, consumer behaviour, and regional connectivity are reshaping how airlines and lessors think about growth. The common thread is adaptation — those building optionality into fleets, networks, and partnerships are best positioned for what comes next.