07 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 7th 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
Embraer 190 N102BZ Ferried to Nairobi
An Embraer 190, registered N102BZ (c/n 1900055), managed by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Nairobi on 31 December 2025. Formerly registered as N98NA, the movement reflects ongoing aircraft transition and placement activity within the regional jet market as the asset progresses to its next operational role.
Embraer 190 N108BZ Ferried to Nairobi
An Embraer 190, registered N108BZ (c/n 1900070), managed by Nordic Aviation Capital, was ferried to Nairobi on 29 December 2025. Previously registered as N90NA, the ferry flight reflects continued aircraft transition activity as the regional jet moves toward its next phase of deployment.
Global Aviation News
Guernsey Government Reaches Settlement to Release Blue Islands’ ATR72 Aircraft
The Guernsey government has reached an agreement with the owners of two ATR72 aircraft formerly operated by Blue Islands, allowing the turboprops to be released after several weeks of inactivity. The aircraft, registrations G-ISLM and G-ISLP, had remained parked in Guernsey since 14 November 2025 following the airline’s operational suspension. The settlement resolved the majority of outstanding debt issues, with Guernsey Ports confirming the agreement brings a positive outcome for the island, while three additional ATR72-500 aircraft were ferried out of Jersey earlier in December.
Lufthansa’s 100th Anniversary Boeing 787-9 Arrives in Frankfurt
Lufthansa has welcomed a milestone addition to its fleet with the arrival of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a special livery marking the airline’s 100th anniversary. The aircraft, registered D-ABPU and named Berlin, landed in Frankfurt after its delivery flight from Boeing’s Everett facility, drawing strong interest from aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike. The anniversary livery commemorates the founding of the original “Luft Hansa,” with Lufthansa leadership describing the delivery as a symbolic and memorable moment as the airline links its century-long heritage with the next generation of long-haul operations.
Morgan Stanley Questions the Long-Term Viability of the Low-Cost Airline Model
Morgan Stanley has raised doubts about whether the low-cost and ultra-low-cost airline model can remain viable in its current form, citing structural shifts across the aviation industry. In a recent research note, the bank argued that post-pandemic challenges facing low-cost carriers reflect deeper changes in consumer behaviour, cost bases and competitive dynamics rather than a temporary disruption. According to the analysis, rising operating costs and evolving passenger expectations are putting sustained pressure on earnings and forcing a reassessment of what the low-cost model can realistically deliver going forward.
Pegasus Airlines Finalises LEAP-1B Engine Agreement for Boeing 737-10 Fleet
Pegasus Airlines has finalised an agreement with CFM International for up to 300 LEAP-1B engines to power its future Boeing 737-10 fleet. The deal includes spare engines and a long-term maintenance package, underpinning Pegasus’ largest aircraft order to date announced in December 2024. The agreement supports the airline’s growth strategy, with a focus on improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and long-term cost stability as new aircraft deliveries ramp up later in the decade.
San Francisco International Airport Maps A321XLR Opportunities and Global Hub Ambitions
San Francisco International Airport is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities created by the Airbus A321XLR, as airlines rethink network strategies beyond traditional widebody deployments. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Airports Forum in Riyadh, Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Bumen highlighted how the aircraft’s range and economics could unlock new long-haul and transcontinental connectivity. While much of the A321XLR narrative has centred on transatlantic markets, recent domestic transcontinental launches by American Airlines are shifting attention toward how the type can also strengthen hub competitiveness and point-to-point growth from major U.S. gateways.
British Airways Holidays Unveils Travel Trends Set to Shape 2026
British Airways Holidays has released its 2026 Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Globetrender, highlighting how wellness, flexibility, and experience-led travel are reshaping consumer behaviour. Key themes include “time-free” holidays, with nearly one in five UK travellers abandoning rigid schedules, and a growing demand for body-positive, self-acceptance-focused escapes. The report also points to a shift in loyalty from upgrades to experiences, alongside rising interest in cognitive-health travel, immersive attractions, and nostalgia-driven retail, with destinations such as Bermuda, Crete, St Kitts and Turks and Caicos seeing increased search demand for 2026.
German Low-Cost Airline Prices Plateau Amid Structural Pressures
The market for low-cost air travel in Germany presents a mixed picture in autumn 2025. While ticket prices have remained largely stable compared to the previous year, the industry is struggling with a structural decline in supply and high operating costs. A recent analysis by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) shows that average prices for a basic ticket without additional services currently range from €48 with the Hungarian carrier Wizz Air to €113 with the British airline EasyJet.
Transavia Takes Delivery of First Airbus A321neo in New Livery
Transavia has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo featuring the carrier’s newly unveiled livery, marking another milestone in its fleet renewal programme. The aircraft, registered PH-YHR, arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol and entered immediate commercial service, bringing the airline’s count of A321neos to fourteen. With more than half of Transavia’s Schiphol-based fleet now comprising next-generation Airbus aircraft, the transition is delivering lower noise levels and improved fuel efficiency as older Boeing 737s are phased out. The refreshed livery reflects Transavia’s updated brand identity, which will be applied to all future Airbus deliveries.
Irish Aviation News
Ireland West Airport Welcomes €1.9m Government Funding Support
Ireland West Airport has welcomed the announcement of €1.9 million in Government funding under the Public Policy Remit Operational Expenditure Subvention (PPR-O) Scheme. The funding, delivered through the Regional Airports Programme, will support essential safety, security, and air traffic control operations, ensuring continued regulatory compliance. The announcement comes as the airport expects passenger numbers to reach a record 950,000 in 2025, underlining its growing role in regional connectivity and economic development, with continued backing from Government and local stakeholders.
Ireland Named ‘Best Destination in Europe’ in New York for 12th Consecutive Year
Tourism Ireland has secured Ireland’s position as Best Destination in Europe for the 12th consecutive year at the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards in New York. The award, presented at the 23rd annual ceremony, reflects Ireland’s sustained appeal among U.S. travellers, outperforming major European destinations including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Croatia. Voted on by thousands of American travel professionals, the recognition reinforces Ireland’s strong transatlantic tourism demand and the continued importance of air connectivity between Ireland and the U.S. market.
ITIC Publishes Irish Tourism Review 2025 and Outlook for 2026
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) has released its Irish Tourism Review 2025 & Outlook 2026, pointing to a more resilient year than initially feared by the tourism and hospitality sector. ITIC estimates tourism will contribute €8.89 billion to Ireland’s economy in 2025, combining €5.27 billion from overseas visitors and €3.62 billion from domestic tourism. While Central Statistics Office data suggests overseas visitor numbers of 6.16 million, down 6% year-on-year, ITIC notes a divergence with industry intelligence and Fáilte Ireland surveys, which indicate a broadly flat year rather than a sharp contraction. The review highlights ongoing uncertainty but reflects cautious confidence heading into 2026.
Best4Travel Expands with Acquisition of Skytours and DiscountTravel.ie
Best4Travel has acquired the leisure business of Skytours along with DiscountTravel.ie, continuing its nationwide expansion. The deal increases Best4Travel’s retail footprint to 13 outlets across Ireland, with all staff retained to ensure continuity for customers. Skytours founder John Bergin will retain Golfbreaks.ie, while Best4Travel plans further investment in technology and consumer-facing platforms as it looks ahead to growth beyond 2026.
Boeing UK & Ireland President Highlights Ireland’s Strategic Role in Global Aviation
Boeing has underscored Ireland’s importance in its global aviation strategy, with President for the UK & Ireland Jeremy Quin outlining the country’s long-standing relationship with the aircraft manufacturer in a recent interview. Boeing sold its first aircraft into Ireland 65 years ago and has since delivered more than 1,400 aircraft to Irish airlines and leasing companies, making Ireland its third-largest customer worldwide. Quin explained that the decision to open a new European hub at Dublin Airport reflects Ireland’s central role in aircraft leasing, engineering, and airline operations, while also addressing industry challenges such as delivery delays and the need to be closer to key customers.
KT Travel Recognised with Dundalk Business Award
KT Travel has been named Business of the Month for December by Louth County Council, marking a milestone year for the Dundalk-based agency as it celebrates 20 years in business. Founded in December 2005, KT Travel employs 15 staff and was recognised for its sustained contribution to tourism and customer service in the region. Founder Karen Thornton received the award from Cathaoirleach Seán Kelly, who praised the company’s resilience, adaptability, and long-term commitment to delivering high-quality service in County Louth.
Dublin Remains Kerry Airport’s Busiest Route
The latest passenger data from the Central Statistics Office confirms that the Kerry–Dublin air service continues to be the most heavily used route at Kerry Airport. During Q3 2025, 17,953 passengers arrived in Kerry from Dublin, while 17,877 passengers departed Kerry for the capital, making it the airport’s busiest connection in both directions. The figures underline the ongoing importance of domestic air connectivity between regional airports and Dublin, supporting business travel, tourism flows, and essential regional access.
Market Sounding Launched Ahead of Dublin–Derry PSO Air Service
Darragh O’Brien has launched a Market Sounding Survey as part of preparations for an Exchequer-funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between Dublin and Derry, targeted to commence in 2026. The survey is designed to assess airline interest and operational considerations ahead of establishing the route. The proposed service aims to strengthen connectivity for the North West of the island, complementing longer-term surface transport improvements, including the planned upgrade of the A5 road corridor supported by a €600 million government commitment. Department of Transport officials confirmed that preparatory work is progressing to put the necessary frameworks in place to deliver the new PSO service.
Ryanair Calls for Expansion of Regional Airports Programme
Ryanair has called on the Department of Transport to expand the Regional Airports Programme funding cap from the current threshold of 1 million passengers per annum to 3 million. The airline argues that the existing cap no longer reflects traffic realities at Ireland’s regional airports. Ryanair said it has grown traffic at regional airports by 65% since pre-COVID levels and claims it could deliver a further 50% increase to 30 million passengers annually by 2030 if the cap is lifted. Proposed growth includes doubling traffic at Shannon and Kerry, alongside the establishment of a new two-aircraft base at Ireland West Airport Knock.
SkyUp Airlines Launches Direct Chisinau–Dublin Service
SkyUp Airlines has launched direct flights to Dublin, opening a new air link between Chisinau and Ireland. The inaugural service operated on 18 December 2025, marking SkyUp’s first flights to the Irish capital and a further expansion of its European network. The Chisinau–Dublin route will operate one to two times weekly, with frequencies adjusted seasonally based on demand. SkyUp said the new service reflects growing passenger interest in Western European destinations and strengthens connectivity for travellers flying for business, education, tourism, and family visits between Moldova and Ireland.
Tweet Picks
@CAPA_Aviation CAPA analyst Jonathan Wober: "We can see evidence of lower air traffic demand to the US. YTD for the 10 months to Oct-2025, air traffic is down 1.7%...There’s been a significant number of months in which traffic has declined following a period of growth post-COVID" #CAPASummit.
@CAPA_Aviation Abra Group CEO Adrian Neuhauser: "We have a population that needs to connect, that needs to fly, that we service with low fares. And that population is starting to connect to the rest of the world". #CAPASummit
@CAPA_Aviation Fresh insights from @Visa , Principal Economist, Dr. Simon Baptist, “Growth in Asia is faster than anywhere else but is much slower than it was pre-pandemic in a structural sense”. #CAPASummit
@CAPA_Aviation Navi Mumbai Airport opens 25-Dec-2025, making Mumbai India’s first city with two airports. With plans to handle 90m passengers by 2029, it’s a game-changer for Indian aviation.
Video Picks
JetBlue to Open First Lounge at New York’s JFK Amid Premium Push
In this video, JetBlue Airways outlines its plans to open its first-ever airport lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport, signalling a clear shift toward the premium travel segment. The discussion explores how lounges fit into JetBlue’s broader strategy to attract higher-yield passengers, enhance loyalty, and compete more directly with legacy carriers on key transcontinental and international routes.
Jeet Adani Exclusive Interview: Navi Mumbai Airport, Expansion Plans & More
In this interview, Jeet Adani discusses the vision and long-term strategy behind Navi Mumbai International Airport, covering capacity planning, phased expansion, and the role the airport is expected to play in easing congestion at Mumbai while supporting regional and international growth. The conversation offers insight into how large-scale airport infrastructure is being aligned with future demand, connectivity goals, and broader economic development.
Morning Session Q&A | IATA Global Media Day 2025
This session from the International Air Transport Association brings together senior aviation leaders to address the most pressing issues facing the industry in 2025. Topics span demand outlook, cost pressures, sustainability commitments, supply chain constraints, and the evolving regulatory environment. The Q&A format offers unfiltered insight into how airline leadership is reading market signals and prioritising strategy in a complex global operating landscape.
Acumen’s Take
What stands out right now is an industry operating at scale but under constant recalibration. Fleet transitions, infrastructure constraints, and shifting passenger expectations are forcing airlines, airports, and policymakers to make longer-term bets with less margin for error. Growth is still there, but it’s increasingly selective, capital-disciplined, and shaped by regulatory and cost realities. The next phase won’t be defined by expansion alone, but by how efficiently the system adapts to a more complex operating environment.
