06 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 6th 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 progressed 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
LY-BQR Airbus A321-231 Ferried from Ireland West to Naples
An Airbus A321-231, registered LY-BQR (c/n 1946), operated by Airline Component Services, was ferried on 22 December 2025 from Ireland West Airport Knock to Naples via Verona. The aircraft was previously registered as 9H-SLG and continues its transition activity following the change in registration. The movement reflects ongoing secondary market and asset management activity involving mid-life narrowbody aircraft across Europe.
LY-DAE Airbus A320-214 Ferried from Shannon to Norwich
An Airbus A320-214, registered LY-DAE (c/n 3420), managed by DAE Capital, was ferried from Shannon Airport to Norwich Airport on 1 January 2026. The aircraft was previously registered as 2-ERGF, with the ferry flight reflecting continued transition and placement activity in the European narrowbody market.
Global Aviation News
Pegasus to Expand Fleet with Eight Airbus A321neo Aircraft by 2026
Pegasus Airlines plans to add eight Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet by 2026 as part of a strategy to increase capacity and broaden its route network, according to CEO Güliz Öztürk. The expansion aligns with Pegasus’ wider growth ambitions, which also include the planned integration of the Smartwings Group following a €154 million acquisition agreement. Together, the moves are aimed at strengthening international reach and improving operational efficiency across the group.
Porter Airlines Takes Delivery of 50th Embraer E195-E2
Porter Airlines has reached a major fleet milestone with the delivery of its 50th Embraer E195-E2, underscoring one of the fastest airline growth stories in North America. Since introducing the E2 in December 2022, Porter has used the aircraft to significantly expand its network across Canada and the U.S., and more recently into the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
Philippine Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A350-1000
Philippine Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the 10th airline globally to operate the largest variant of the A350 family. Delivered in Toulouse on 22 December 2025, the aircraft is configured in a three-class, 382-seat layout and will support long-haul growth across the Pacific. The addition of the A350-1000 strengthens Philippine Airlines’ ability to operate nonstop transpacific services to major North American destinations with improved efficiency and range.
Rome Fiumicino Breaks 50 Million Passenger Barrier
Rome Fiumicino Airport has surpassed 50 million passengers in a single year for the first time, setting a historic milestone just ahead of the 2025 Christmas travel peak. With a further 2 million passengers expected between 22 December and 7 January, total traffic for the year is set to exceed 51 million, representing growth of more than 4% year on year.
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines to Launch Transatlantic Partnership from 2026
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines have announced a transatlantic partnership set to launch in early 2026, enabling one-ticket journeys between the United States and Istanbul. The agreement will allow seamless connections across Turkish Airlines’ global network of more than 350 destinations via Istanbul Airport, using U.S. gateway airports served by Southwest. The partnership marks a significant step for Southwest into global connectivity through interline-style cooperation, broadening international access while enhancing brand visibility beyond its domestic network.
London Stansted Granted Approval to Raise Passenger Cap to 51 Million
London Stansted Airport has secured planning approval to increase its annual passenger cap to 51 million, following a decision by Uttlesford District Council on 17 December 2025. The approval allows the airport to grow passenger volumes over the coming decades while continuing to operate a single runway. Stansted said the expansion will be achieved primarily through the use of larger aircraft, with no increase to its existing cap of 274,000 flights per year and no requirement for additional runway infrastructure.
Qanot Sharq Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus A321XLR
Qanot Sharq has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the type in Central Asia and the CIS. Delivered in Hamburg on 19 December 2025, the aircraft is the first of four A321XLRs being acquired under a long-term lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation. The addition supports Qanot Sharq’s fleet modernisation strategy and enables the airline to expand long-range international services, including new routes across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and planned operations to New York via Budapest.
Rise Air Takes Delivery of Canada’s First ATR 72-600
Rise Air has taken delivery of Canada’s first ATR 72-600, marking the entry of ATR’s latest-generation turboprop into the Canadian market. Delivered in Toulouse on 19 December 2025, the aircraft is the first of three ATR 72-600s agreed in November 2024, with two additional aircraft scheduled to join the fleet under lease in 2026. The milestone supports Rise Air’s fleet renewal programme and strengthens its ability to provide reliable, year-round air connectivity to remote communities across Saskatchewan.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Enhances Onboard Retail Experience in Partnership with dnata
Aer Lingus has launched a new inflight retail programme in partnership with dnata Catering & Retail, aimed at enhancing the onboard customer experience. The agreement includes a five-year inflight retail contract alongside the remaining five years of dnata’s hub catering services, covering more than 180 daily flights across Aer Lingus’ Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and Manchester bases. Under the partnership, dnata will manage the end-to-end retail operation, with a focus on personalised, technology-enabled shopping options shaped by passenger feedback.
Aergo Capital Acquires Two Boeing 737-800 Aircraft from BBAM
Aergo Capital (Aergo) has announced the acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft from BBAM, further strengthening its narrow-body portfolio and building on recent fleet investment activity. The aircraft, bearing manufacturer serial numbers 42071 and 41148, are both on lease to Norwegian Air Shuttle.
AFG Places New Airbus A321neo with IndiGo
Aircraft Finance Germany has announced the acquisition of a new Airbus A321neo, MSN 12798, which has been placed on lease with IndiGo. The aircraft was delivered to the airline on 18 December 2025, marking a milestone transaction for AFG. The placement strengthens the partnership between the two parties, with AFG indicating plans to place additional aircraft with IndiGo during 2026 as it continues to expand its portfolio.
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Raises £21,186 Through Hub Packaging Partnership
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has announced a successful fundraising total of £21,186 generated through a year-long partnership with Hub Packaging. The funds will support nearly three full days of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operations, a vital contribution to a charity that relies entirely on public support to sustain daily flying and medical readiness. The total was raised through a series of staff-led initiatives throughout 2025, reflecting strong corporate engagement and continued backing for Northern Ireland’s critical air ambulance service.
Air Services Dáil Éireann Debate Highlights Aviation Priorities for 2026
Dáil Éireann heard a detailed update from Darragh O’Brien outlining government measures to support aviation in 2025 and priorities for 2026. Key themes included progressing legislation to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, continued funding for regional airports under a new 2026–2030 programme, and advancing PSO connectivity, including a proposed Dublin–Derry service. The debate also reaffirmed commitments to sustainability through Ireland’s SAF roadmap, drone policy development, and updated aviation frameworks ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency in 2026.
ARI CEO Ray Hernan Reflects on People, Partnerships and Purpose
ARI Chief Executive Ray Hernan has reflected on a year of strong performance and strategic progress for the state-owned travel retailer, highlighting landmark store openings, record sales, and the launch of an updated ESG strategy. Writing in a year-in-review, Hernan acknowledged the broader global uncertainty of 2025 while pointing to ARI’s continued focus on people, partnerships, and purpose as central to its growth. He noted that teams across the business doubled down on the brand promise of delivering “Joy On Your Way,” reinforcing it as a key driver of ARI’s global expansion and resilience.
Clare Drone and Logistics Firm Targets Light Cargo Growth
Iona, a Shannon-based drone and logistics startup, is targeting growth in the light cargo segment as it prepares for its first public technology demonstrations in 2026. Founded in 2021 by Etienne Louvet, the company has raised $5 million (€4.3 million) to date and employs 15 staff. Iona’s white-label drone solution is designed for logistics operators, simplifying drone operations to mirror traditional van or truck workflows. The firm is focused on deliveries of 20 parcels or fewer, positioning drones as a more efficient option in low-density or time-critical delivery environments where road transport is less effective.
daa Reveals Surge in Guinness and Tayto Consumption at Dublin Airport
daa has reported a sharp rise in food and beverage consumption at Dublin Airport during 2025, reflecting what was a record year for passenger numbers. According to new figures, passengers consumed an Irish breakfast every 50 seconds on average, while airport bars sold more than 1.2 million pints of Guinness. Tea and coffee remained staples with nearly three million cups sold, Tayto emerged as the top-selling crisp with over 550,000 packets, and duty-free sales included 43 tonnes of Toblerone alongside strong spirits demand, with 409,000 litres of Irish whiskey and 133,000 litres of vodka sold during the year.
HRA Acquires Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from BBAM
High Ridge Aviation has completed the acquisition of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (MSN 34423) from BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management, marking its first transaction with the lessor. The aircraft, registered G-TUIB, remains on lease to TUI and continues to operate within the airline’s long-haul fleet. Completed in Shannon on 22 December 2025, the deal also establishes a new customer relationship between High Ridge Aviation and TUI, reinforcing HRA’s focus on disciplined acquisitions and long-term value creation.
Irish Air Corps Takes Delivery of Dassault Falcon 6X
Irish Air Corps has taken delivery of its new Dassault Falcon 6X, a significant addition to the State’s military aviation fleet. The aircraft was formally welcomed by Helen McEntee and follows the delivery of the Air Corps’ third Airbus C-295 in September. Announced in December 2024, the Falcon 6X underwent interior completion at Dassault’s Little Rock facility before returning to Paris Le Bourget for final preparations ahead of its delivery flight, strengthening the Air Corps’ long-range transport and operational capabilities.
Minister Signals Determination to Pass Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Legislation
Darragh O’Brien has said he is determined to bring forward legislation in 2026 to address the long-running passenger cap at Dublin Airport. The Transport Minister confirmed he plans to bring a memo to Cabinet in January outlining proposed legislation to lift the cap, which is currently set at 32 million passengers per year under planning conditions linked to Terminal 2’s approval in 2007. Although the High Court placed a stay on the cap in April pending referrals to Europe, the issue has remained politically contentious, with airline leaders repeatedly criticising the pace of government action as demand continues to grow.
Ryanair Confirmed as World’s Largest Boeing 737-800 Operator
Ryanair has been confirmed as the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 737-800, underlining the scale and consistency of its single-type fleet strategy. The aircraft has long formed the backbone of Ryanair’s short-haul operations across Europe, supporting high-frequency schedules, rapid turnarounds, and cost efficiency.
Tweet Picks
@ByERussell Alaska Airlines will fly its largest-ever schedules from Anchorage and Portland, Ore., next year, as the carrier fortifies its position on its home turf with 7 new routes.
@ByERussell .@BWI_Airport is angling for one of @SouthwestAir 's much hinted at new lounges as it puts the finishing touches on the spacious new $500 million A-B Connector for the carrier.
@ByERussell TD COWEN on a potential Frontier-Spirit merger: "Investors we spoke with were skeptical on the merits of a combined entity given the structural challenges facing the high-utilization ultra-low-cost model."
@businessposthq Ryanair’s profits soared past €2.5bn this year - but it’s Michael O’Leary’s stark predictions for EasyJet and Wizz Air that are drawing industry attention.
Video Picks
Competing in the Age of Intelligent Travel with British Airways CEO Sean Doyle
In this video, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle explores how the airline industry is being reshaped by intelligent travel technologies and AI-driven decision-making. Speaking candidly about distribution, brand relevance, and the growing role of digital intermediaries, Doyle outlines why airlines must rethink how they compete when algorithms increasingly influence customer choice. The discussion offers a timely perspective on leadership, strategy, and adaptability as aviation enters a more automated and data-led era.
DFW Airport CEO Outlines Bold Plans for Airport Overhaul
This video features the CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport outlining an ambitious roadmap to future-proof one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The discussion covers large-scale terminal redevelopment, airfield modernisation, and capacity planning designed to support long-term growth while improving passenger experience and operational resilience. It offers a clear view into how major hub airports are rethinking infrastructure to stay ahead of demand and disruption.
International Airlines Group – Executive Interview with CFO Nicholas Cadbury
In this executive interview, Nicholas Cadbury shares insights into how International Airlines Group is navigating capital allocation, fleet investment, and financial discipline in a volatile operating environment. The conversation touches on balance sheet strategy, cost control, and long-term value creation across IAG’s airline portfolio, offering a clear view into how major airline groups are aligning financial strategy with operational resilience and growth.
Acumen’s Take
Across fleets, infrastructure, policy, and partnerships, the aviation sector is clearly shifting from expansion at any cost to growth built on flexibility, efficiency, and long-term resilience. Airlines and lessors are doubling down on modern aircraft, while airports and governments grapple with capacity, sustainability, and regulatory bottlenecks. What stands out is a shared recognition that adaptability, not scale alone, will define competitiveness in the years ahead. The winners will be those who align assets, policy, and strategy early rather than reacting once constraints become binding.
