07 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 7th July 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:
- China Aviation Industry Newsletter: Stay up to date with the latest developments across China’s dynamic aviation sector, from fleet expansions and leasing trends to regulatory updates and market analysis.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-july-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: Explore the fast-evolving Indian aviation landscape, including updates on fleet orders, infrastructure investments, regulatory reforms, and growth strategies shaping the market’s trajectory.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-july-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: Get the latest insights on transactions, fleet deliveries, funding activity, and strategic moves driving Ireland’s position as the world’s leading aircraft leasing hub.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-july-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: Catch up on the most recent movements, deliveries, and registrations involving Ireland-linked commercial aircraft, including lessor activity and operator fleet changes.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-july-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: Explore the latest developments shaping aviation across North America, from fleet transactions and traffic trends to regulatory updates and market outlooks.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-july-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
Boeing Delivers Fourth 737 MAX to Flydubai Through Shannon
Flydubai has taken delivery of another Boeing 737-8 MAX, with the aircraft registered A6-FQG (msn 61031). It routed via Shannon Airport on 25 June during its delivery flight from Boeing Field in Seattle to Dubai. After an overnight technical stop in Shannon, it continued non-stop to Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Acumen’s Take
Shannon Airport continues to play a strategic role as a key transatlantic ferry point for new aircraft deliveries, reflecting Ireland’s importance in the global aircraft delivery and leasing ecosystem.
CityJet Phases Out EI-FPI CRJ900
According to Skyliner Aviation, CityJet’s Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, registered EI-FPI (msn 15425) and named Inga Viking, was ferried from Valencia to Dayton International Airport between 17–18 June 2025. The aircraft, leased from Falko, routed via Keflavik, Goose Bay, and Toronto before joining PSA Airlines in the US as N640NN. PSA operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group under the American Eagle brand.
Acumen’s Take
This transfer highlights CityJet’s continued fleet streamlining as regional capacity shifts to operators in North America, reflecting the dynamic reallocation of regional jets in response to evolving market demand.
SunExpress Adds Dublin–Dalaman Route
SunExpress, the Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines joint venture, has announced a new Dublin–Dalaman route for its summer 2026 programme. The service will operate twice weekly using 189-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This expansion builds on SunExpress’ existing Dublin schedule, which currently includes 10 weekly flights to Antalya and Izmir.
Acumen’s Take
This move underscores the strong demand for leisure connectivity between Ireland and Turkey, while also reflecting SunExpress’ strategy to diversify its Irish offering beyond Antalya and Izmir.
TAAG Angola Airlines A220-300 Delivered via Dublin
TAAG Angola Airlines has received its third Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAI (msn 55362). The 137-seat aircraft, configured with 12 business class, 35 premium economy, and 90 economy seats, was ferried from Montreal to Luanda via Dublin and Faro between 21–25 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery further demonstrates the A220’s role as a versatile platform for African carriers modernising fleets to improve regional and intercontinental connectivity.
United Airlines Increases Dublin–U.S. Connectivity
United Airlines has announced an expansion of its nonstop services between Dublin and the United States, offering its highest ever capacity from the Irish capital. The airline will extend the second daily frequency on its Dublin–New York route to almost year-round operation using Boeing 757-200ERs, and its Dublin–Chicago O’Hare service to year-round using Boeing 767-300ERs between October 2025 and March 2026. United will now provide more flights and seats from Dublin than any other U.S. airline on a year-round basis.
Acumen’s Take
This move highlights United’s strong commitment to Dublin as a transatlantic gateway and underlines the city’s growing role as a major hub connecting Europe and North America.
Aircraft Update
A6-SHC Boeing 737-8AS(F) Delivered to SolitAir
Boeing 737-8AS(F) (c/n 33567), registered A6-SHC, was delivered to SolitAir on 8 June 2025. The aircraft, previously registered as 2-BDPF, arrived at Dubai World Central to join the carrier’s growing freighter fleet.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery further strengthens SolitAir’s cargo capabilities in the Middle East, as demand for dedicated freighter capacity continues to rise across regional and global supply chains.
B-LDB Airbus A300F4-605R Ferried to Budapest for ASL Airlines Ireland
Airbus A300F4-605R (c/n 856), registered B-LDB, was ferried to Budapest on 26 June 2025 for ASL Airlines Ireland. The aircraft previously operated with Air Hong Kong and will now support ASL’s European cargo operations.
Acumen’s Take
This move underscores the continuing relevance of the A300 freighter platform as a reliable workhorse for regional and medium-haul cargo networks.
Global Aviation News
AerFin Breaks New Ground with Historic A330-200 Disassembly Project at Hong Kong International Airport
AerFin has marked an industry milestone by completing the first-ever commercial disassembly of an aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The project involved the teardown of an Airbus A330-200 and demonstrates AerFin’s focus on innovative asset management, operational excellence, and sustainable aviation practices.
Acumen’s Take
This landmark project reflects the growing importance of in-region end-of-life solutions, reducing costs and emissions associated with ferrying retired aircraft to distant dismantling facilities.
Air Hong Kong Enters a New Era as an All-Airbus A330F Freighter Airline
Air Hong Kong has completed its seven-year re-fleeting programme, marking the retirement of its last A300-600F and transitioning into a fully Airbus A330F freighter fleet. Operated on behalf of DHL Express, the move ushers in a new era for Hong Kong’s first all-cargo airline and strengthens its nearly 40-year partnership with DHL.
Acumen’s Take
A modernised, all-A330F fleet will bring significant benefits in fuel efficiency, range, and reliability, enhancing Air Hong Kong’s role in Asia-Pacific express logistics and aligning with DHL’s sustainability goals.
American Airlines Expands Lounge Offerings at Miami
American Airlines is enhancing its premium facilities at Miami International Airport. The current Flagship Lounge, opened in 2017, will be converted into expanded Admirals Club space to better serve growing passenger volumes. Additionally, the airline is planning a new Flagship Lounge to further elevate the premium experience for its customers.
Acumen’s Take
Miami remains a key international gateway for American Airlines, and this investment demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to strengthening loyalty among high-value transatlantic and Latin American travellers.
A4E Airlines Standardise “Personal Item” Cabin Bag Size Across Europe
Airlines for Europe (A4E) has confirmed that its member airlines are rolling out a unified cabin baggage policy, standardising the size of the personal item passengers may carry on board. The guaranteed dimensions will be 40 × 30 × 15 cm for the under-seat personal item, aligning with the agreement reached by EU member states on 5 June 2025.
Acumen’s Take
Harmonising cabin baggage policies helps reduce confusion and friction for passengers travelling across Europe, supporting a more seamless experience and improving operational efficiency for carriers.
EASA and Eurocontrol Deepen Cooperation on Sustainability and Civil-Military Airspace Management
On 26 June 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and EUROCONTROL signed an updated Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening their collaboration. The agreement focuses on advancing sustainability initiatives and improving civil-military cooperation in European airspace management, reflecting a shared commitment to more efficient, resilient, and greener aviation.
Acumen’s Take
This enhanced partnership underscores Europe’s determination to integrate civil and military airspace use more effectively, while also prioritising environmental performance—an increasingly critical element of aviation strategy.
US Aviation Company Regional One Reaches Deal to Buy Aircraft Owned by Estonian State-Owned Company
Transpordi Varahaldus OÜ (TVH), the Estonian state-owned asset manager, has signed an agreement to sell seven Bombardier CRJ900NG regional aircraft to Regional One, a US-based aviation specialist in leasing, repairs, and maintenance. The deal is valued at $37.5 million, which includes provisions to cover any aircraft preparation costs before delivery.
Acumen’s Take
This transaction highlights the continuing demand for regional jets, with established US lessors like Regional One capitalising on fleet renewal opportunities and diversifying their portfolios with efficient, proven aircraft types.
Irish Aviation News
A Look at the Rich History of Pan Am in Ireland as it Departs Shannon Airport for the First Time in 34 Years
Pan American Airways (or a modern iteration) has departed Ireland again with a Boeing 757-200, marking 34 years since its last visit. This special journey retraced the airline’s iconic transatlantic routes, first chartered in the 1930s and 1940s, linking airports such as Shannon with major cities like New York and London.
Acumen’s Take
Pan Am’s return, even symbolically, underlines the enduring heritage of transatlantic aviation and the important role Shannon Airport has played as a pioneering gateway for air travel between Europe and North America.
ABL Aviation Delivers A220-300 to Air France
ABL Aviation has announced the delivery of a Pratt & Whitney PW1521G-3-powered Airbus A220-300 to Air France. This latest transaction is the 13th aircraft ABL has delivered to the carrier, reflecting the depth of the companies’ longstanding partnership.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery reinforces Air France’s continued fleet renewal with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, while highlighting ABL Aviation’s position as a trusted lessor supporting the airline’s modernisation strategy.
AirAsia Plans Gulf Hub and New European Destinations, Including Dublin
AirAsia has unveiled plans to establish a Gulf hub later this year while expanding its network to several European destinations. Among the new routes, Dublin and London Gatwick are key targets as the Malaysian low-cost carrier works to recover from pandemic-era financial challenges and grow its long-haul footprint.
Acumen’s Take
AirAsia’s ambitions to tap into Gulf connectivity and penetrate Europe—including Dublin—signal a bold strategic pivot aimed at re-establishing its international presence. For Ireland, this development could significantly enhance low-cost long-haul travel options and strengthen links with Asia.
Ireland Visits to Spain Up 13.2% in May to Record 328,000
Spain welcomed 328,459 Irish visitors in May 2025, marking a 13.2% rise on the same month last year and a 37% increase on pre-pandemic figures. This total represents the second-highest monthly count of Irish visitors ever recorded. Overall, Spain hosted 9.4 million international tourists in May, up 1.5% year-on-year.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s surging outbound travel to Spain underscores sustained pent-up demand for leisure travel. This strong growth highlights the importance of robust short-haul connectivity and reinforces Spain’s status as Ireland’s favourite sun destination.
More Questions Than Answers as CSO Figures Show 10% Drop in Inbound Tourism in May
New data from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office reveal inbound tourism fell by 10% year-on-year in May 2025, with 560,000 visitors arriving in the Republic. Of these, Britain accounted for the largest share (38.2%), followed by Europe (31.5%) and North America (29.3%). Notably, France matched Germany’s inbound share at 7.1%, continuing a trend first observed in March.
Acumen’s Take
This unexpected contraction highlights volatility in inbound demand despite strong recovery narratives elsewhere. For aviation stakeholders, it reinforces the need to carefully monitor route performance and to develop targeted incentives and marketing initiatives to stimulate inbound travel, particularly from continental Europe and North America.
Ryanair Criticizes Air Traffic Control After Diversion to Hanover
Ryanair has strongly criticized German air traffic control following the diversion of flight FR207 from Budapest, which was forced to land in Hanover on 26 June. According to the airline, the diversion occurred after German authorities denied landing permission in Berlin merely five minutes after the night flight ban took effect. In an urgent appeal to Federal Transport Minister Schnieder, Ryanair condemned what it described as “unnecessary and disruptive detours” that caused significant inconvenience to passengers.
Acumen’s Take
Disruptions like these reinforce the operational fragility around European curfews and airspace constraints. Airlines and regulators will need to improve real-time coordination and contingency planning to avoid last-minute diversions that drive up costs and frustrate passengers.
Ryanair Expands Route Network from Gothenburg Landvetter
Ryanair is set to grow its presence at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport with the addition of two new routes. Beginning 26 October 2025, the airline will launch a twice-weekly service to Faro, Portugal, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays. Shortly after, on 28 October, Ryanair will introduce flights to Malta, scheduled every Tuesday and Friday. Both routes will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft.
Acumen’s Take
These new routes reinforce Ryanair’s strategy of steadily expanding its Scandinavian network to diversify leisure options. With Faro and Malta both popular year-round sun destinations, the additions will likely stimulate outbound demand and further consolidate Ryanair’s footprint in Sweden.
Tweet Picks
@bscholl Compared to Concorde, Overture's cabin is 21% larger, offers 63% more space per passenger and has windows 4X larger. The Symphony engine is 20% more efficient at cruise—and Overture's high-speed aerodynamics are 16% better.
@businessposthq Golf tourists spend 3x more than the average visitor — and they’re coming in growing numbers. North Americans in particular are driving a boom in coach tours and premium stays.
@DXBMediaOffice Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments.
@IATA The French ATC strike is totally unjustified, causing 1000s cancelled flights designed to inflict maximum misery for holidaymakers. Even before this strike, latest @eurocontrol stats for end of June showed France responsible for 35% of delays. Completely unacceptable.
Video Picks
Airlines are the ‘Ultimate Thermometer’ of Global Health, Says Abra Group CEO
In this interview, the CEO of Abra Group explains why airlines reflect the world’s economic and social vitality more than any other industry. He highlights how booking trends, passenger numbers, and network decisions are clear indicators of shifting consumer confidence and broader economic health.
Acumen’s Take
Airlines’ performance is indeed a real-time barometer for global trends. As demand stabilises and expands across regions, lessors and operators alike will need agile strategies to balance growth, fleet renewal, and resilience against economic headwinds.
Bláithín O'Donnell Discusses Air Canada Services from Dublin 2025
Bláithín O'Donnell provides insights into Air Canada’s schedule and service enhancements for 2025, including expanded transatlantic frequencies and improved passenger amenities on routes linking Dublin with Canadian hubs such as Toronto and Montreal. She also highlights Air Canada’s focus on sustainability and customer experience as core pillars of its offering in Ireland.
Acumen’s Take
Air Canada’s continued investment in Irish routes underscores the strategic importance of transatlantic connectivity. Dublin’s position as a key gateway between Europe and North America is reinforced by these developments, benefitting both corporate and leisure markets.
Booking CEO Glenn Fogel: People Continue to Spend on Travel Despite Economic Concerns
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, shares his perspective on robust travel demand persisting globally despite inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. He notes that travellers are prioritising experiences and are willing to spend on flights, hotels, and leisure, driving strong performance across the company’s brands.
Acumen’s Take
Booking Holdings’ optimism highlights a broader trend of resilient leisure spending, with consumers maintaining appetite for travel even amid economic headwinds. This sentiment bodes well for airlines, lessors, and travel services providers planning capacity and fleet strategies into 2026.
