05 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 5th 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
B-18302 Airbus A330-302 c/n 607 China Airlines Ferried Vienna–Ireland West Airport 26/08/25
China Airlines’ Airbus A330-302, registered B-18302 (MSN 607), was ferried from Vienna to Ireland West Airport on 26 August 2025. The widebody aircraft, part of the carrier’s long-haul fleet, is undergoing positioning as part of operational and maintenance scheduling. The movement underscores Ireland West Airport’s role in facilitating technical and transitional flights for international carriers.
ET-BAM Boeing 737-8 c/n 64161 Ethiopian Airlines Delivered Boeing Field–Dublin–Addis Ababa 21–23/08/25
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, registered ET-BAM (MSN 64161). The aircraft departed Boeing Field on 21 August 2025, routing via Dublin for a technical stop before continuing to Addis Ababa, where it arrived on 23 August. The delivery further strengthens Ethiopian’s narrowbody fleet, supporting its strategy of expanding regional and medium-haul operations with fuel-efficient aircraft.
Global Aviation News
Amex GBT: Q2 Business Travel Price Hikes Accelerate
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has reported that overall business travel costs accelerated in Q2 2025, with its Business Travel Pulse index showing a 2.6% year-on-year increase, compared with just 0.6% growth in Q1. The report highlights rising hotel rates in major business hubs as a key driver, with further increases expected into 2026.
Ascend Airways Malaysia Preps for 737-800SF Arrival
Startup carrier Ascend Airways Malaysia is preparing to take delivery of its first aircraft, an AEI-converted Boeing 737-800SF, which will make it the first operator of the type in the country. The freighter is expected to be positioned into Malaysia by the end of the week as the airline nears completion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process. The milestone marks a key step in Ascend Airways’ entry into the regional cargo market, reflecting growing demand for dedicated narrowbody freighters across Asia.
Braathens Airline Streamlines Fleet
Braathens Airline has announced a strategic shift in its fleet plan, moving toward an all-ATR72-600 turboprop operation while phasing out its Airbus aircraft. The decision follows the expiry of the carrier’s long-term Airbus production agreement and a subsequent market review aimed at aligning future fleet strategy with customer demand and long-term profitability. The move will see Braathens reposition as a dedicated ACMI provider in the European turboprop segment, focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and regional market opportunities.
Business Travellers Take More Risks on Work Trips – Opinium
A new survey by market research firm Opinium reveals that 70% of business travellers admit to engaging in risky behaviour while abroad that they would typically avoid at home. The study, based on responses from 2,000 travellers in February 2025, highlights a clear generational divide: younger travellers aged 18–34 were far more likely to take such risks compared with their older peers. The findings underscore how business travel can alter behaviour patterns, raising considerations for employers and travel managers in ensuring staff safety and wellbeing on international assignments.
Crestone Expands A321 Freighter Activity
Denver-based Crestone Air Partners has broadened its freighter portfolio by adding two more Airbus A321 converted freighters under management. The aircraft, placed on lease to an undisclosed carrier, mark the latest step in Crestone’s growth within the mid-sized freighter segment. The expansion reflects increasing demand for the A321P2F, which offers strong payload efficiency and versatility for e-commerce and regional cargo operations, strengthening Crestone’s position as a key player in the narrowbody freighter leasing market.
Cunningham Aviation Strengthening Position as Sole Full-Service FBO at Mesa Falcon Field
Cunningham Aviation has solidified its role at Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, by acquiring the assets of Avflight Mesa Corporation, making it the airport’s exclusive full-service FBO. The move enhances Cunningham’s operational efficiency and service capabilities, ensuring comprehensive support for general aviation customers. The acquisition underscores the company’s long-term commitment to delivering premium ground handling and customer care, further strengthening its presence in one of Arizona’s key GA hubs.
DHL Extends Short-Term Cargo Contract with Global Crossing Airlines
DHL Express has extended its short-term cargo contract with Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) by four months, following the success of an initial trial launched in April. GlobalX operates four Airbus A321 converted freighters alongside 15 passenger aircraft and remains the only North American carrier deploying the A321F for DHL operations. The extension highlights the aircraft’s growing role in DHL’s regional parcel network and underlines GlobalX’s potential to expand its footprint in the express cargo sector.
Dubai Records 13% Year-on-Year Increase in Overnight UK Visitors
Dubai welcomed 711,000 overnight visitors from the UK in the first half of 2025, a 13% rise compared with the same period last year, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Overall, the city recorded 9.88 million international overnight visitors between January and June, up 6% year-on-year. Hotel occupancy across the emirate averaged 80.6%, while occupied room nights climbed 4% to 22.24 million. The figures highlight Dubai’s continued strength as a leading global tourism hub, supported by strong UK demand and growing international connectivity.
Long-Haul Focus as British Airways Expands Network for Summer 2026
British Airways has unveiled its summer 2026 schedule with a strong emphasis on long-haul markets, boosting frequencies to the U.S., Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Key highlights include the reinstatement of double-daily Heathrow–Miami services and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth. New York operations will be consolidated exclusively at Heathrow, with nine daily services operated by Boeing 777-200s configured with First Class and Club Suite cabins. The strategy reflects BA’s focus on strengthening its premium long-haul offering while streamlining operations at its primary London hub.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus College Football Classic Delivers €130 Million Return
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium once again proved a major success, combining sporting drama with substantial economic impact. The Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones renewed their long-standing ‘Farmageddon’ rivalry, drawing a sell-out crowd and global television audience. Beyond the 24–21 victory for the Cyclones, a preliminary Grant Thornton report estimates the event generated over €130 million in direct economic returns. The results reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a leading destination for international sporting showcases, with Aer Lingus continuing its role as title sponsor and key partner.
Inside FLY4: Doug Fay Is Shaping the Airline’s Financial Future
Doug Fay, who joined FLY4 Airlines as Chief Financial Officer in January 2024, is steering the new ACMI specialist towards a sustainable financial path. Highlighting the adaptability of the aviation sector through crises such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages, Fay emphasises how ACMI has shifted from being a tactical solution to a strategic one, enabling carriers to flex capacity without long-term commitments.
Joe Gill Updates on Irelandia Aviation "A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation" Report
Joe Gill has provided an update on the strong reception to Irelandia Aviation’s “A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation” report, released just 12 weeks ago. He noted that the sector itself has been highly engaged, with industry briefings already held for key figures such as former Eurocontrol Director General Eamonn Brennan, and further conference presentations scheduled in the coming months. Political reaction across the island has also been encouraging, with momentum gathering around the report’s five central policy recommendations. Gill emphasised that advancing these proposals before year end, alongside consideration of 16 additional ideas drawn from discussions with 33 aviation leaders, will be crucial in shaping Ireland’s new Aviation Policy for 2026, ensuring it continues to support growth, employment, and the broader Irish economic model.
John Mulhern Steps Down as CEO of Kerry Airport Ireland After Six Years
John Mulhern has announced his decision to step down as CEO of Kerry Airport Ireland after six years at the helm. His tenure has been marked by significant infrastructure improvements and the expansion of the airport’s destination network, positioning 2025 to be a record year for operations. Reflecting on his time in charge, Mulhern praised the “fantastic team” at Kerry Airport and described the journey as one of transformation, declaring the airport now “the greatest little regional airport” with a bright future ahead.
Minister O’Brien Publishes Ireland’s First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has unveiled Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, delivering on a key Programme for Government commitment. Recognising aviation’s unique decarbonisation challenges, the roadmap outlines measures to accelerate the development and uptake of SAF, which can significantly cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared with conventional jet fuel. The initiative is positioned as a cornerstone in enabling Ireland’s aviation sector to transition toward sustainable growth while aligning with national and EU climate goals.
Roscommon Welcomes the Return of World-Class Hot Air Ballooning Championships
Roscommon will host the 53rd annual Hot Air Ballooning Championship and Festival from 20–26 September 2025, marking the event’s long-awaited return to the county for the first time since 1991. Taking place at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle, the world-class competition known as “The Irish Meet” is the longest-running hot air ballooning festival of its kind. Organised in partnership with the Irish Ballooning Association, the event forms part of Roscommon County Council’s Breathe in Roscommon campaign, showcasing the county’s scenic landscapes and positioning it as a premier destination for outdoor adventure within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Ryanair Adds Routes from Luton and Stansted for Winter 2025–26
Ryanair has unveiled five new routes for its winter 2025–26 schedule, including Luton–Wroclaw and new Stansted services to Lübeck, Monastir, Murcia, and Trapani. With the additions, Ryanair now claims Stansted connects to more European destinations than Heathrow. The carrier expects to carry 60 million passengers in the UK this year, nearly double British Airways’ traffic and has submitted plans to increase volumes to 80 million over the next five years.
Tender Launched for Donegal–Dublin PSO Air Service
The Department of Transport has opened the tender process for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route linking Donegal and Dublin, a vital service under the Regional Airports Programme. First introduced in 1994, the route ensures twice-daily return flights, providing essential same-day connectivity for business, tourism, and international onward travel. The current contract, held by Emerald Airlines since 2022, expires in February 2026, with the new four-year contract set to begin on 26 February 2026. The tender underscores the Government’s commitment to maintaining critical regional air links that support balanced economic development and accessibility for remote communities.
Wizz Air and Ryanair Are Flying Back to Jordan
Low-cost carriers are set to return to Jordan, providing a welcome boost for the country’s tourism industry. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Eurowings will gradually resume flights to Amman and Aqaba from late August, following a suspension earlier this year due to airspace closures after military tensions between Israel and Iran. Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Imad Hijazin, highlighted the significance of these resumptions, noting that the return of LCCs is expected to stimulate visitor growth and reinforce the country’s appeal as a competitive regional destination.
Tweet Picks
@MIDASAviation When it comes to reacting to the market fluctuations, #Ryanair is a master of change, and has added 1.5 million seats to Italy, and nearly 600,000 additional seats to Dublin. France, in the meantime, has seen an 11% cut in capacity.
@NBAA The FAA recently integrated two approval and authorizing documents systems into the safety assurance system (SAS).
@RAeSTimR Swapping parts, weapons and pilots - how 'interchangeability' is the new buzzword for allied air forces working closer together #avgeek #GASCC.
@RjMollen Exciting news for Eve!. Congratulations on their $230M equity capital raise and dual listing in the U.S. and Brazil!.
Video Picks
Opening Session & Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum
This video captures highlights from the Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum, where industry leaders share perspectives on the future of airport management and aviation infrastructure. The session explores critical issues including passenger growth trends, sustainability, digital transformation, and the evolving role of airports as economic hubs. With contributions from senior executives and directors, the forum provides a forward-looking discussion on how airports can adapt to new challenges and opportunities while shaping the next decade of global aviation.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, on Aviation & Tourism
In this video, Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, discusses the vital role aviation plays in supporting tourism and economic development. He highlights how India’s expanding domestic and international networks are creating new opportunities for connectivity, enabling growth in both leisure and business travel. Elbers also reflects on the importance of collaboration between airlines, airports, and tourism boards to maximise benefits, underscoring aviation’s contribution as a driver of sustainable development and global engagement.
Acumen’s Take
This week’s developments reflect aviation’s balancing act between expansion and resilience. Airlines are scaling networks, refining fleet strategies, and exploring sustainable fuel pathways to future-proof operations, while airports and regulators push forward with infrastructure, safety, and policy reforms. Low-cost carriers continue to reshape competitive dynamics, even as rising costs and inflation pressure margins across markets. At the same time, tourism-driven initiatives and major events underscore aviation’s role as a catalyst for economic growth. Together, these trends highlight a sector adapting with agility blending near-term pragmatism with long-term transformation.
