06 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 6th 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:
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs
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
EI-NSH Airbus A320-251N Delivered to Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus has taken delivery of an Airbus A320-251N, registered EI-NSH (MSN 12663), on 31 July 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Toulouse to Dublin.
SP-RZT Boeing 737-8200 Delivered to Buzz
Buzz has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, registered SP-RZT (MSN 67122), on 30 July 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field to Dublin and is the 182nd aircraft in the carrier’s fleet.
Global Aviation News
Etihad Aims to Reduce New Route Risk with Incoming A321LRs
Etihad Airways plans to launch several new routes in the coming years using its incoming fleet of Airbus A321LRs, according to CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The aircraft type will allow the carrier to test and develop new markets with reduced operational risk.
JetBlue and United Complete DOT Review of Blue Sky Collaboration
JetBlue and United have completed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s review of their Blue Sky collaboration and are now cleared to proceed with implementation. Both airlines expressed appreciation to Secretary Duffy, Assistant Secretary Edwards, and the DOT team for their review, with further details on the collaboration to be announced in the coming weeks.
Titan Aerospace Insurance Plan for Branded FBOs
TITAN Aerospace Insurance (TAI), a wholly owned subsidiary of TITAN Aviation Fuels, has launched an exclusive general liability insurance programme for TITAN-branded FBOs through a strategic partnership with an A (Excellent) rated insurance provider. The offering leverages expertise in both aviation and insurance to deliver cost savings, operational benefits, and added value beyond traditional coverage.
Trans-Atlantic the Saviour in a Sluggish German Market – Behind Lufthansa’s Q2 Results
Lufthansa Group posted a strong Q2 2025 performance, exceeding analyst expectations and highlighting continued recovery in a challenging aviation market. The airline group reported an adjusted operating profit (EBIT) of €871 million, up 27% from €686 million in the same period last year, surpassing the forecast of €805 million.
TUI Successfully Issues €250m Schuldschein Priced at 4% Coupon
TUI has completed the issuance of a €250 million Schuldscheindarlehen (promissory note), featuring both fixed and floating rate tranches with maturities of three and five years. Priced at 180 and 210 basis points, respectively, the debt carries a blended coupon of approximately 4%, reflecting strong investor confidence in TUI’s financial position and growth outlook.
Unresolved Engine Anti-Ice Fix Pushes 737 Max 7 and 10 Certifications into 2026
Boeing’s certification timeline for the 737 Max 7 and Max 10 has shifted into 2026 as the manufacturer works to finalise a design solution for a safety issue with the aircraft’s engine anti-ice (EAI) system. Boeing has committed to Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration that the fix will be implemented before delivery of either model.
White House Confirms Embraer Sales to US Airlines Will Not Be Subject to Tariffs
The White House has confirmed that Brazilian civil aircraft, including Embraer models, will be exempt from the planned additional 40% tariff. Embraer’s exports to the US will still face a 10% import duty, as announced on 2 April. The manufacturer currently has 234 outstanding US orders, including major commitments from American Airlines and SkyWest Airlines.
Wizz Air Curtails Growth and Slows Delivery Schedules in the Face of Losses
Wizz Air has announced it will delay aircraft deliveries and scale back growth plans due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and engine-related challenges. The airline, which has rapidly expanded across Europe and beyond, is facing significant operational setbacks linked to Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engine issues, grounding an average of 35 aircraft during the 2026 fiscal year.
Irish Aviation News
IATA’s Willie Walsh Slams EU Green Fuel Mandate as ‘Costly’ and ‘Unhelpful’
IATA Director-General Willie Walsh has criticised the EU’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, calling it too costly and environmentally counterproductive due to low SAF availability across Europe. He argued that transporting sustainable fuel to Europe increases its carbon footprint, undermining the policy’s environmental goals.
Ryanair to End Services at Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg Airports from October over French Air Tax
Ryanair will cease operations at Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg airports from October 2025 in response to increased air ticket taxes in France. The airline cited the government’s failure to reverse a 180% hike in air tax introduced in March 2025, arguing that the measure makes France less competitive compared to other EU countries.
SMBC Aviation Capital Delivers A321NX to Salam Air
SMBC Aviation Capital has delivered an Airbus A321-253NX, MSN 12631 and powered by CFM International LEAP-1A33 engines, to Salam Air. This marks the first A321NX delivery from SMBC Aviation Capital to the airline, reflecting the strength of their partnership and a commitment to supplying future new technology aircraft.
Taoiseach Hits Back at Ryanair CEO Criticism of MetroLink
The Taoiseach has responded to Michael O’Leary’s remarks that a MetroLink to Dublin Airport is unnecessary. O’Leary argued the proposed underground rail line lacks connections to other public transport in the city. The government’s National Development Plan has allocated an additional €2 billion in funding for the project.
Terminal Works Completed at Kerry Airport
Kerry Airport has completed major terminal upgrades, showcased in a newly released walkthrough video. Phase 1, finished in March, delivered a new arrivals hall with a Garda Immigration area and baggage collection belt. Phase 2, completed last week, introduced a departures hall nearly three times larger than the previous space, featuring a new bar, restaurant, and smoking area.
Türkiye Sees Continued Rise in Irish Visitor Numbers This Year
Türkiye has reported a continued increase in Irish visitor numbers in the first half of 2025, according to the latest data. As the world’s fourth-largest incoming tourism market per UN Tourism’s 2024 figures, the country recorded sustainable growth across key metrics, highlighting the resilience and spending power of its visitors.
Two Irish Pilots Fly Ex-Irish Air Corps Spitfire
On 1 June 2025, a historic milestone was reached when two Irish pilots flew together in an ex-Irish Air Corps Supermarine Spitfire T.9. UK-based Warbird pilot John O’Connell took Dublin-based pilot Dr. Ilse Nolan for a flight in Spitfire T.9 TE308 (formerly IAC 163) from Biggin Hill Airport, Kent. This rare aircraft is one of only five remaining T.9s that served with the Irish Air Corps, and it marked the first time since 1960 that two Irish pilots have flown together in an Irish Air Corps Spitfire.
United Airlines and Ryanair in an Age of Uncertainty
Gordon and Jay analyse the latest earnings from United Airlines and Ryanair, comparing financial results, market positioning, and the broader economic backdrop.
WWII-era DC-3 Aircraft Turns Heads as Swiss Aviation Enthusiast Visits Cork for Summer Holiday
Swiss business magnate and historic aircraft enthusiast Hugo Mathys drew attention along Ireland’s south coast this week after arriving for a private holiday in his restored Second World War-era fleet. Spending several days in East Cork with family and friends, Mathys and his Classic Formation crew departed Cork Airport in a DC-3 and two Beechcraft aircraft, flying in formation over Cork Harbour and along the south-east coast to Waterford before returning later that evening.
Tweet Picks
@hjelnaes IAG is the shining star among Europe’s airlines. And, British Airways is back as IAG’s crown jewel, well done!. IAG H1/Q2 result is impressing and outlook H2 seems very good, FY25 heading towards the best ever for IAG.
@IATA Happy National Day in Switzerland! Did you know that aviation significantly contributes to the economy? 66,300 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 11.8 billion, equal to 1.3% of total GDP.
@jonostrower NEWS: The FAA late last week cleared Boeing to begin the next phase of its 777-9 certification, focusing on system demonstrations, two people familiar tell TAC. Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) 2C is the fourth phase of the cert program for the 777X which started in July 2024.
@MzulqarnainBut1 More A380s return to life. Etihad Airways will bring 2 more A380s back to service. A6-APC will return next year summer (2026) & A6-APB January 2027. One A380 to be scrapped, reg TBC.
Video Picks
Ryanair Q1 Results 2025 Presentation
In this presentation, Ryanair outlines its Q1 2025 financial performance, highlighting strong profit growth, operational developments, and network expansion plans. The session covers key metrics, strategic priorities, and market conditions shaping the airline’s outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Touching Down at the World’s Most Scenically Celebrated Airport to Visit the Beach
This video captures the approach and landing at an airport renowned for its stunning scenery and proximity to the beach. Viewers are taken through the unique arrival experience, showcasing breathtaking aerial views, the surrounding landscape, and the distinctive charm that makes this destination a favourite among aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike.
U.S. Tourism in 2025: Borders, Budgets, and the Battle for Travelers
This video explores the state of U.S. tourism in 2025, examining how border policies, traveller budgets, and global competition are shaping the industry. It discusses the strategies destinations are using to attract visitors, the economic factors influencing travel decisions, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in a competitive global market.
Acumen’s Take
This edition showcases the aviation sector’s ongoing adaptability in balancing growth ambitions with operational realities. Airlines, lessors, and service providers are actively leveraging strategic investments, partnerships, and innovative solutions to strengthen resilience and optimise performance. Infrastructure enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technology-driven efficiencies continue to underpin long-term competitiveness. Amid a dynamic market environment, aligning operational agility with evolving regulatory, economic, and consumer demands remains key to sustaining momentum and seizing emerging opportunities.
