07 Aug 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 7th August 2025
Acumen Aviation Newsletters
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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
N265JB Embraer 190 Ferried to Ireland West Airport
An Embraer 190, registered N265JB (MSN 19000049) and operated by TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc, was ferried from St. Johns to Ireland West Airport on 1 August 2025.
VP-CBZ Embraer 190 Ferried to Maastricht
An Embraer 190, registered VP-CBZ (MSN 19000524) and managed by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Maastricht on 31 July 2025.
Global Aviation News
Boeing Commences 777-8 Freighter Production
Boeing has begun series production of the 777-8 Freighter at its widebody facility in Everett, Washington. On 21 July, around 100 Boeing employees gathered in the 777X Composite Spar Shop to witness a robotic arm drill the first hole in a 777-8F wing spar, marking a key milestone for the programme.
DIB Executes the First Islamic Finance Deal with Turkish Airlines
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the world’s first Islamic bank and the largest in the UAE, has completed a landmark aircraft financing transaction with Turkish Airlines, marking the first Islamic finance deal in Turkish aviation history. The agreement supports the flag carrier’s growth and sets a precedent for Shariah-compliant financing structures to play a greater role in expanding one of the world’s leading airline fleets.
Paragon Aviation Group Hosted the 2025 SUCCESS Meeting in July at Aero Air in Hillsboro, Oregon
Paragon Aviation Group held its 2025 SUCCESS Meeting from 15–17 July at Aero Air in Hillsboro, Oregon. The three-day event brought together leaders and professionals from across the Paragon Network for a programme centred on operational excellence, service quality, and team development. Attendees took part in facility tours, collaborative workshops, and expert-led sessions covering core FBO functions such as Line Service, Customer Service, Concierge, and Sales & Marketing, gaining valuable insights and strategies to enhance performance across the network.
Republic Jet Center Introduces TSA Screening at KFRG
Republic Jet Center at Republic Airport, Long Island, New York, has added in-house TSA screening to enhance security, efficiency, and convenience for charter operators and per-seat travelers to and from the metropolitan area. The TSA capability complements the FBO’s expanding services, which include onsite U.S. Customs, competitive fuel pricing, hangar space, concierge support, and a customer loyalty program.
Royal Air Becomes Philippines’ First A321F Operator
Royal Air Philippines is set to become the first carrier in the country and the third in Southeast Asia to fly an Airbus narrowbody freighter. A pair of ex-SmartLynx A321-200PCFs that the Chinese state-owned entity Nanning Communications Investment Group has placed with Royal Air will begin flying July 28 between Nanning, China (NNG), and Clark, Philippines.
Somali Airlines Plans Relaunch with A320 Purchase
The Somali government has acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of efforts to revive Somali Airlines, more than 30 years after the carrier ceased operations. The agreement was finalised at the office of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and confirmed by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuuh. The aircraft are expected to enter service within two months, resuming flights from Mogadishu under the Somali Airlines name.
Space Leasing Group Orders 25 Beta Alia Electric Aircraft
Libra Group subsidiary Space Leasing International (SLI) has placed an order for 25 Beta Technologies Alia CX300 electric aircraft, with a deposit confirming the deal. Established in 2023 to serve the space industry, SLI provides asset financing for satellites and ground stations but is now expanding into the advanced air mobility sector by adding electric aircraft to its leasing portfolio.
Swiss WorldCargo Strengthens the Joint Business Agreement Between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo
Swiss WorldCargo has joined the existing joint business agreement between Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo, further enhancing the transatlantic airfreight partnership. The expanded alliance will provide customers with greater network connectivity, streamlined services, and improved capacity options across key markets between Europe and the United States.
Wizz Air Moves in on Luton with New Spanish Routes for Summer 2026
Wizz Air will launch five new Spanish routes from London Luton Airport starting 29 March 2026. The schedule includes ten-times-weekly flights to Barcelona-El Prat, daily services to Madrid, five-times-weekly flights to Bilbao and Valencia, and four weekly flights to Seville. All routes will be operated by A321neo aircraft, coinciding with the Easter holidays and peak summer travel season.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus CEO Calls for Removal of Dublin Airport Night-Time Noise Restrictions
The Aer Lingus chief executive has criticised the recent An Coimisiún Pleanála decision on night-time noise at Dublin Airport, describing the annual movement restriction as “unnecessary.” He warned that the measure could hinder the future growth of North Atlantic traffic and limit the basing of additional short-haul aircraft in Dublin.
‘Long-Term Economic and Operational Benefits’ – Ulick McEvaddy Lodges Application for Cargo Terminal at Dublin Airport
Ulick McEvaddy’s DA Terminal 3 Ltd has submitted a planning application for a new cargo facility at Dublin Airport’s western campus, expected to create nearly 450 jobs once operational. The proposed development covers a 30-acre site and includes four cargo handling units operating 24/7, along with ancillary office space.
Qatar Airways to Land in 17 U.S. Cities with Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a blanket statement of authorization to expand its codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways to transatlantic routes. If approved, the arrangement would allow Aer Lingus to display Qatar Airways’ “QR” designator code on its flights to and from U.S. cities.
Ryanair Expects to Restore Cork-Based Aircraft in Summer 2025
Ryanair will relocate an aircraft from Cork Airport to Shannon Airport for the upcoming winter season, citing lower operating costs at Shannon, according to CEO Michael O’Leary. The move will see Shannon gain a fourth-based aircraft and three new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, driving an expected 20% increase in traffic at the airport.
Shannon Airport Gets Green Light for Advanced Aerial Mobility Research Lab
Shannon Airport has received planning permission for an advanced aerial mobility research lab in partnership with Future Mobility Campus Ireland. The project, located on a 1.5-hectare site at Rineanna South, will feature a new taxiway, aircraft set-down area, reconfigured airside boundaries, a solar panel array, and 48 parking spaces. The development supports the Government’s commitment to positioning Shannon as a hub for testing new aviation technologies.
‘Shorthaul Aircraft Overhaul Business is Very Seasonal’ – Dublin Aerospace Records €174,306 Loss After Costs Increase
Dublin Aerospace reported a pre-tax loss of €174,306 last year, down from a profit of €3.28 million the previous year. Revenue rose 7% from €54.63 million to €58.26 million, but cost of sales increased by 14%, while cash reserves fell from €5.11 million to €2.94 million. The company’s workforce expanded from 334 to 355 employees, driving staff costs up from €17.09 million to €20.54 million. Directors noted 2024 as the first post-pandemic year with airline industry volumes returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone Join Forces to Establish Center of Excellence for S-92 Helicopters in Brazil
Sikorsky, Heli-One, and Milestone Aviation have announced plans to create a Center of Excellence for S-92 helicopter fleets in Brazil. The initiative aims to strengthen the South American helicopter industry by enhancing S-92 services in the region, with a strong focus on supporting rescue and recovery operations.
SMBC Aviation Capital Delivers Third A320neo to Starflyer
SMBC Aviation Capital has delivered an Airbus A320-251N, MSN 12649, to Starflyer Inc., marking the third aircraft provided under a three-plus-one A320neo agreement sourced from SMBC’s direct order with Airbus. The delivery underscores the strong partnership between the two companies, centred on fleet modernisation and operational excellence.
SPINI VR Hosts Groundbreaking Open Day at Ireland West Airport, Knock
SPINI VR held its first Open Day at Ireland West Airport on 18 July, aimed at supporting neurodiverse travellers and their families. The event focused on making air travel more inclusive, helping individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities gain confidence and reduce anxiety when flying.
Tweet Picks
@skift American Airlines Lowers 2025 Outlook. "The carrier is now adjusted expecting earnings per share for the year to range from a profit of 80 cents to a loss of 20 cents, down from previous estimates of $1.70 to $2.70 made in January. "
@skift Business Travel Spending Forecast to Hit Record in 2025. "Business travel spending worldwide is projected to reach an all-time high of $1.57 trillion by the end of 2025, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) said Monday."
@skift Delta’s Use of AI for Setting Fares Sparks Concern in Washington. "Delta president Glen Hauenstein said during a call with analysts that the carrier was using AI to price 3% of its domestic fares."
@skift Inbound travel to the U.S. is showing signs of instability in 2025. After a soft start to the year and a sharp March decline, April brought a modest recovery — highlighting continued uncertainty in global demand.
Video Picks
Michael O’Leary v Cormac Ó hEadhra on the Airport Metro
In this interview, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary debates with Cormac Ó hEadhra over the proposed Dublin Airport MetroLink project. O’Leary challenges the need and design of the metro while discussing broader transport infrastructure priorities, costs, and potential alternatives for improving airport connectivity.
Southwest Airlines CEO: In the Past Month, We're Seeing the Beginning of an Inflection Back Up
In this interview, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan shares his optimism about recent performance trends, noting signs of an upward shift over the past month. He discusses demand recovery, operational improvements, and the airline’s strategies to strengthen its market position in the months ahead.
Why the US Is Charging a $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’
This video explains the introduction of a $250 “visa integrity fee” by the United States, outlining its purpose, who it applies to, and how it is intended to support the costs of maintaining visa programme integrity. It also explores the potential impact on travellers, international relations, and the wider travel industry.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects the aviation industry’s continued focus on strategic growth, operational efficiency, and market diversification, even amid cost pressures and regulatory challenges. Airlines, lessors, and service providers are leveraging fleet modernisation, infrastructure investment, and partnerships to strengthen competitiveness. The sector’s adaptability is evident in the pursuit of emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced customer experiences. Maintaining agility and aligning with evolving market demands will be key to sustaining momentum and capitalising on new opportunities.
