06 Nov 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 6th November 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
Delta Upgauges Boston–Dublin Route to Airbus A330neo
Delta Air Lines is upgrading its Boston–Dublin service (DAL154/5) effective from 26 October 2025 by replacing the 225-seat Boeing 767-300ER with the three-class 281-seat Airbus A330-900neo. The route will operate four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This transition increases Delta’s capacity on the Dublin route by approximately 25%.
KLM Deploys Airbus A321neo on Amsterdam–Dublin Route
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has introduced the Airbus A321neo on two of its six daily services between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Dublin (DUB), effective 26 October 2025. The inaugural A321neo flight, KLM1141/2 operated by PH-AXK (MSN 12664), arrived in Dublin at 16:31 local time before departing back to Amsterdam at 17:49. The new 227-seat, two-class aircraft features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with redesigned sidewalls, XL overhead bins offering 60% more luggage capacity, USB-C power outlets at every seat, and advanced LED lighting for enhanced passenger comfort.
Ryanair UK Transfers B737NG to Buzz
Ryanair UK transferred its Boeing 737-8AS, registered G-RUKL (MSN 33572), to sister company Buzz at London Stansted on 21 October 2025, where it was re-registered as SP-RNL. The aircraft operated its first service under Buzz on 27 October as RYR2225/6 between London Stansted (STN) and Tallinn (TLL). According to Flightradar24, G-RUKL’s final Ryanair UK flight was RUK1365 from Rabat to Stansted on 16 October. The airline’s first 198-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 “Gamechanger,” registered G-RYMA (MSN 67128), remains on order awaiting delivery from Grant County International Airport in Washington.
Aircraft Update
EI-FPT CRJ900 c/n 15426 CityJet Ferried to Dayton 28–29/10/25 for PSA Airlines as N616NN
CityJet’s Bombardier CRJ900, registered EI-FPT (MSN 15426), was ferried from Europe to Dayton, Ohio, between 28 and 29 October 2025. The aircraft is set to join PSA Airlines under its new U.S. registration, N616NN. This transfer marks part of CityJet’s ongoing fleet transition, aligning with recent developments in its wet-lease operations and asset management strategy.
F-HDRK Embraer 190 c/n 190.00605 Amelia Delivered to Marseille 24/10/25 ex VP-CFT
Amelia took delivery of an Embraer 190, registered F-HDRK (MSN 190.00605), on 24 October 2025. The aircraft, previously registered as VP-CFT, was delivered to Marseille, strengthening Amelia’s regional fleet capabilities and supporting its continued network and operational growth across Europe.
Global Aviation News
BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines Launches in Geneva
BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines, the world’s first dedicated humanitarian carrier, has officially launched in Geneva. Operating as a fully non-profit organisation under Swiss principles of neutrality and transparency, BlueLight’s mission is to transport humanitarian aid, medical personnel, and emergency relief supplies to crisis zones worldwide. The airline’s establishment marks a significant milestone in global humanitarian logistics, aiming to enhance rapid response capabilities and ensure life-saving assistance reaches affected regions efficiently and ethically.
BOC Aviation Signs Lease Agreement with Loong Air for Three Airbus A320neo Aircraft
BOC Aviation Limited has signed a lease agreement with Zhejiang Loong Airlines for three Airbus A320neo aircraft from its orderbook. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Commenting on the deal, BOC Aviation CEO and Managing Director Steven Townend highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting China’s rapidly expanding aviation sector with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft. The transaction strengthens BOC Aviation’s long-term partnership with Loong Air and reinforces its position as one of the industry’s leading lessors providing flexible fleet solutions to global airlines.
Brussels Airlines Reports Adjusted EBIT of €68 Million in Q3, Down 14% Year-on-Year
Brussels Airlines recorded an Adjusted EBIT of €68 million for the third quarter of 2025, representing a 14% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the dip in profit, the airline achieved strong operational results, carrying nearly 2.8 million passengers across 20,000 flights, a 12% and 14% year-on-year increase, respectively. The carrier’s European network performed particularly well during the peak summer months, with revenues exceeding last year’s figures, fuelled by robust leisure travel demand and solid growth across major European routes.
B777X Delivery Delay to 2027 Will Lead to Losses of €4.56bn – Boeing
Boeing has confirmed a further delay in the delivery of its 777X aircraft programme, pushing the first handover to 2027 and incurring an additional charge of approximately €4.56 billion. Cumulative charges on the programme now exceed €13.68 billion. Despite this setback, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has authorised Boeing to increase 737 MAX production to 42 units per month. The manufacturer delivered 55 aircraft in September, with CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledging the significant work still required to stabilise production and regain momentum.
Capital A’s Restructuring Enters Final Chapter, Prepares for Next Journey
Capital A Berhad has confirmed that all conditions for the disposal of its airline business have been fulfilled, with the sale and purchase agreements with AirAsia X Berhad now unconditional. The transaction is expected to be completed by December 2025, after which Capital A plans to apply for the PN17 uplift before year-end, marking the conclusion of a nearly six-year restructuring process since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Following completion, Capital A will transition into two focused entities: a unified AirAsia airline group and a multi-platform travel and digital services group, signalling a new era of streamlined operations and strategic growth.
CEO Interview: ITA Airways’ Disciplined Strategy
In a recent media roundtable in New York, ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart outlined the airline’s disciplined growth strategy as Italy’s new national carrier and Official Airline Sponsor of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. Joined by Chief Communication Officer Pietro Caldaroni, Eberhart discussed ITA’s transformation journey, focusing on building a sustainable, competitive global airline amid industry challenges. He emphasised the importance of operational efficiency, network optimisation, and brand strength as the airline continues to position itself as a modern, resilient successor to Alitalia on the international stage.
Discover Airlines Significantly Expands Its Fleet and Plans to Operate Airbus A350 Aircraft
Discover Airlines, the leisure carrier within the Lufthansa Group, has announced a major fleet expansion that will see its total aircraft count rise to 40 by mid-2028. The airline plans to introduce four Airbus A350-900s from 2027, establishing the aircraft as the new flagship of its long-haul operations. In addition, the long-haul fleet will grow to 16 Airbus A330-300s by 2026, while the short- and medium-haul fleet will expand to 20 Airbus A320s by 2028.
Emirates Introduces Airbus A350 and Premium Economy Service in Oslo
Emirates has launched its Airbus A350 service to Oslo, introducing its acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Scandinavia for the first time. The milestone was celebrated at Oslo Airport with an exclusive event attended by guests and media, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to the Norwegian market. The A350 features Emirates’ latest cabin design, including its new-generation Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class interiors each reflecting the airline’s hallmark comfort, innovation, and service excellence. The introduction of the A350 marks a new chapter in Emirates’ investment in enhancing connectivity and passenger experience in Northern Europe.
Forget Flying — United Reveals to Wall Street MileagePlus Will Double Its Profits by 2030. Will It?
United Airlines has revealed a major strategic shift during its third-quarter earnings call, highlighting its MileagePlus loyalty programme as a primary driver of future profitability. The airline expects the programme’s profits to double by 2030, signalling a pivot toward leveraging ancillary revenue beyond traditional ticket sales. CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged past misjudgements in focusing solely on price and schedule, noting that today’s passengers value enhanced products and experiences.
SWISS Grounds Entire Airbus A220-100 Fleet Amid Engine Shortages and Operational Shift
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will ground all nine of its Airbus A220-100 aircraft for up to 18 months, citing ongoing engine maintenance problems and a lack of spare parts. The decision, confirmed by Chief Financial Officer Dennis Weber during a quarterly results conference call, aims to boost operational reliability and simplify the fleet.
Irish Aviation News
Avolon Q3 2025 Results and Fleet Update
Avolon has reported strong third-quarter results for 2025, with net income rising 24% year-on-year to US$149 million and operating cashflow reaching US$539 million. The Dublin-based lessor finalised an incremental order for 90 Airbus aircraft comprising 75 A321neo and 15 A330neo scheduled for delivery through 2033. During the quarter, Avolon acquired 17 aircraft, sold 15, and ended with 99% of its orderbook placed for the next 24 months, maintaining an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,159 aircraft. Total liquidity stood at US$9 billion, supported by a 76% unsecured debt ratio and US$23 billion in unencumbered assets. CEO Andy Cronin highlighted continued strong demand for Avolon’s aircraft portfolio and reaffirmed confidence in the company’s robust trading performance and strategic growth outlook.
Belfast City Airport Wins Health and Safety Award
Belfast City Airport has been awarded top honours in the Medium Airport Category during Airport Health and Safety Week 2025, recognising its outstanding commitment to maintaining a strong safety culture. The airport hosted 27 events in collaboration with 17 partner organisations to promote health, safety, and wellbeing across its operations. Fiona McCurdy, representing the airport, emphasised that safety is about protecting the wellbeing of staff, passengers, and all site users, not just meeting compliance standards. Airports chair Ruby McGregor-Smith praised the sector-wide dedication to fostering environments where safety and wellbeing are integral to daily operations, commending Belfast City Airport for setting an example in excellence and vigilance.
Dublin Airport Infrastructure ‘Insufficient’ for Growth, Say McEvaddys
A consortium led by Ulick and Des McEvaddy has criticised current infrastructure planning by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), claiming it is “insufficient” to support Ireland’s expanding passenger demand. The group argues that long-term capacity planning and investment need to be accelerated to ensure Dublin Airport can meet future traffic growth and maintain its competitive standing as a key European hub. Meanwhile, the DAA noted that broader economic uncertainties including U.S. trade policies and tariffs introduced under Donald Trump’s administration have heightened risks for the global aviation sector, adding further complexity to future development and expansion efforts.
EasyJet Launches Belfast City–Edinburgh Route
EasyJet has launched a new service connecting Belfast City Airport and Edinburgh, operating five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The route, which commenced on 26 October 2025, strengthens air connectivity between Northern Ireland and Scotland and marks the airline’s eighth addition at Belfast City Airport since 2021. EasyJet now operates 36 routes from Belfast International, further reinforcing its commitment to regional connectivity. The new service offers travellers convenient access to Edinburgh’s historic attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns.
Finland’s Easternmost Lappeenranta Airport Loses Last Passenger Service as Ryanair Pulls Out
Lappeenranta Airport, Finland’s oldest and easternmost airport, will cease passenger operations on 31 December 2025 following Ryanair’s decision to suspend its Bergamo route from 30 October. The move ends all scheduled passenger services at the airport, which has faced ongoing financial challenges despite €12 million in annual investment over the past decade. Local authorities confirmed that EU regulations prohibiting public funding for loss-making airports have forced the closure, marking the end of commercial passenger flights from Lappeenranta after more than a century of aviation history.
Holiday Hotspot Wins Top Honour at NI Travel & Tourism Awards
The 33rd Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards, held on 10 October 2025 at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, celebrated the best in the region’s travel industry. Holiday Hotspot Larne earned its first-ever Travel Agent of the Year award, marking a major milestone for the local agency. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays were also standout winners of the evening, taking home three accolades Best Airline to Europe 2025, Best Travel Internet Booking System 2025, and Tour Operator to Europe 2025 highlighting their continued excellence and popularity among Northern Ireland travellers.
Irish RJ Lessors Impacted as Eastern Airways Ceases Operations
England’s Humberside-based Eastern Airways has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators for both Eastern Airways and its sister airline, Air Kilroe, leading to the immediate cancellation of all flights on 27 October 2025. The suspension affects routes linking Aberdeen Dyce, Humberside, Wick, Teesside, London Gatwick, and Newquay. The collapse also impacted several Irish regional jet lessors with aircraft leased to the carrier. Eastern Airways previously operated services between Dublin and Southampton, marking the end of its long association with Irish routes.
London Court Orders Italy’s Lumiwings to Return Aircraft to Irish Lessor
A London court has ordered Italian carrier Lumiwings to return its only active aircraft, an Embraer E195 to Irish lessor Azorra, following the lease termination. The ruling, delivered on 10 October 2025 in the case Wilmington Trust SP Services (Dublin) Limited v. Lumiwings Anonymi Aeroporiki Etaireia S.A., leaves the airline without any operational aircraft. The E195, registered SX-LWD, has been grounded at Foggia Gino Lisa Airport since 26 September 2025, halting PSO services to Milan Linate and Turin Caselle. Lumiwings’ other aircraft, a Boeing 737-700 leased from Deucalion Aviation, has been stored in Spain since 2024, while AeroItalia is expected to assume Foggia’s scheduled route programme.
Ryanair Expands Malmö Operations with Three New Routes for Summer 2026
Ryanair is set to expand its operations at Malmö Airport for the Summer 2026 season, introducing new routes to London Stansted and Warsaw Modlin, while reinstating its service to Zagreb. The move strengthens southern Sweden’s international connectivity and aligns with Ryanair’s broader European network growth strategy. These additions will give travellers in the region increased access to both Eastern Europe and the United Kingdom, further positioning Malmö as an emerging hub for affordable and convenient air travel.
Tweet Picks
@flightradar24 Spirit plans to reject 87 additional aircraft leases with various lessors (beyond 27 already agreed with AerCap), meaning the airline will shrink by 114 aircraft through the end of October. Put another way, that's the entirety of the Air New Zealand fleet.
@GE_Aerospace We’re proud to power Bombardier’s new Global 8000 business jet with our newest version of the Passport engine. Together, we’re making business aviation travel faster, more efficient, and longer in range than ever before. @Bombardier.
@HofmannAviation Iberia is analyzing bringing in-house Airbus A350 base maintenance as its widebody fleet continues to grow. “We are now analyzing whether to include the A350 to our capacity. But this is still under evaluation,” Natalia Martínez del Río, Iberia Airframe Services Director, told me.
@hjelnaes IndiGo firms 30 more A350-900’s. In 2024 the airline ordered 30 of the type with an option of 40 more and is now exercising 30 of this option. RR Trent XWB-84 to power the A350-900 fleet. IndiGo is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world!.
Video Picks
Painting the Emirates Boeing 777 Livery Timelapse
This captivating timelapse video captures the intricate process of painting Emirates’ iconic Boeing 777 livery, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most recognisable airline designs. Viewers can watch as teams meticulously apply the signature red, green, and black colours of the UAE flag across the fuselage, followed by Emirates’ bold gold lettering. The video highlights the blend of artistry and technical expertise that defines the airline’s attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a world-class fleet image.
Shannon (EISN) ATC Centre 1984–2025
This retrospective video offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Shannon’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) Centre from its early days in 1984 to its modern operations in 2025. Through archival footage and recent visuals, it chronicles four decades of technological advancements, infrastructure development, and the dedicated professionals managing one of Europe’s most critical airspaces. The video celebrates Shannon’s enduring contribution to aviation safety, efficiency, and Ireland’s global reputation as a leader in air traffic management.
The Flight Path Forward
This insightful video, The Flight Path Forward, explores the future of global aviation through the lens of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Industry leaders and experts discuss how airlines, manufacturers, and regulators are adapting to new challenges — from decarbonisation and digital transformation to workforce evolution and passenger experience. The session highlights collaborative strategies shaping the next era of air travel, offering a forward-looking perspective on how the aviation industry continues to evolve toward smarter, greener, and more connected operations.
Acumen’s Take
This week’s developments reflect a dynamic yet disciplined global aviation environment — one balancing expansion with strategic recalibration. Airlines and lessors continue to pursue growth through fleet modernisation and operational optimisation, even as manufacturers manage production challenges and long-term programme costs. The growing focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and customer experience underscores the sector’s evolution beyond traditional models. For stakeholders across leasing, finance, and operations, agility and strategic foresight remain the defining differentiators in navigating this next phase of aviation growth.
