07 May 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 7th May 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: This edition covers China’s aircraft delivery trends, airport infrastructure developments, and OEM partnerships, highlighting how domestic carriers are ramping up capacity to match surging demand.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-may-2025-china-aviation-industry-newsletter
- India Aviation Newsletter: The newsletter explores traffic growth data, airline financials, and the increasing momentum of regional connectivity schemes, offering a snapshot of India’s expanding aviation ecosystem.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-may-2025-india-aviation-newsletter
- Irish Aircraft Leasing Newsletter: This issue focuses on lessor placements, SPV activity, and asset trading trends involving Irish-managed aircraft portfolios, reflecting Ireland’s enduring strength as a global leasing hub.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-may-2025-irish-aircraft-leasing-newsletter
- Irish Commercial Aircraft Update: An overview of aircraft transitions, fleet movements, and delivery milestones tied to Irish operators and leasing entities, offering operational context for ongoing market activity.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-may-2025-irish-commercial-aircraft-update
- North American Aviation Newsletter: The North American edition covers fleet expansion, airline financials, and strategic developments across major carriers, including responses to fuel pricing and labour negotiations.
READ NOW: https://www.acumen.aero/blogs/-1-may-2025-north-american-aviation-newsletter
IrishAero News
DAT Wet-Leases ATR72-600 to Emerald Airlines
DAT has wet-leased an ATR72-600 to Emerald Airlines, enhancing regional connectivity within Ireland and the UK. The aircraft will operate under Emerald’s Aer Lingus Regional banner.
Acumen’s Take
This regional wet-lease deal underscores the ongoing demand for turboprops in short-haul European markets. For asset owners, such placements highlight the utility and relevance of ATR platforms in high-frequency, low-density routes—an area Acumen actively supports through transition and lease planning services.
FlyArystan Expands Its Fleet with Irish-Registered A320
FlyArystan has added an Irish-registered Airbus A320 (EI-KFG) to its fleet, further expanding its low-cost operations across Central Asia. The aircraft was delivered from Katowice to Almaty on 18th April 2025.
Acumen’s Take
The expansion reflects continued appetite for reliable mid-life narrowbodies in developing aviation markets. Ireland’s role in such placements speaks to its significance in global fleet mobility—one of the key pillars of Acumen’s asset management and advisory capabilities.
IndiGo’s Boeing 787 Order Shows Irish Leasing Involvement
IndiGo’s widebody order for Boeing 787s includes aircraft linked to Irish lessors, highlighting Ireland’s growing involvement in long-haul asset financing, especially for fast-growing Asian operators.
Acumen’s Take
Irish-linked 787 financing deals reveal a shift as local lessors diversify into widebody programmes. With asset complexity increasing, Acumen’s lease structuring and valuation services are key enablers of efficient long-haul investment.
Aircraft Update
ST Aerospace Receives A320 Freighter D-AAZH in Tianjin
D-AAZH (c/n 2161), an Airbus A320-232(F) formerly registered as 9H-LOY, was delivered to ST Aerospace in Tianjin on 22nd April 2025 for continued freighter operations.
Acumen’s Take
The continued flow of A320 freighters to Asia highlights the type’s growing popularity in regional cargo operations. As demand for narrowbody P2F assets rises, Acumen’s P2F advisory and transition support services are proving critical for clients across Asia-Pacific.
EAT Leipzig Takes Delivery of A300 Freighter D-AZMQ
D-AZMQ (c/n 557), an Airbus A300B4-622R(F) previously registered as EI-DGU, was transferred to EAT Leipzig on 25th April 2025, further expanding its legacy freighter operations.
Acumen’s Take
The A300 freighter continues to deliver value in high-volume, short-haul cargo routes. While ageing, its operational resilience underscores the importance of lifecycle extension strategies—an area where Acumen delivers data-backed asset planning expertise.
Global Aviation News
Air France Adds Phuket via CDG as First Winter 2025–26 Route
Air France has announced a seasonal winter service to Phuket from Paris Charles de Gaulle, marking its first confirmed long-haul leisure route for the 2025–26 winter schedule.
Acumen’s Take
Air France’s early seasonal planning highlights the importance of leisure routes in network strategy. For lessors, such demand signals help anticipate aircraft allocation trends—especially for widebody and high-density narrowbody deployments.
Air Serbia Expands Its Fleet
Air Serbia has confirmed a fleet expansion plan that includes the addition of several new aircraft to support its growing route network across Europe and select long-haul markets.
Acumen’s Take
This growth phase reflects renewed optimism in Southeastern Europe’s aviation recovery. For asset managers, regional airline expansion presents fresh opportunities for mid-life aircraft placements—where Acumen’s leasing and transition expertise adds measurable value.
BOC Aviation to Lease Five A321neos to Thai Airways
BOC Aviation has signed a lease agreement with Thai Airways for five Airbus A321neo aircraft, reinforcing the airline’s fleet modernisation efforts across its regional network.
Acumen’s Take
The deal underlines ongoing A321neo momentum in Asia, with Thai Airways ramping up efficiency-focused renewal. For investors, the A321neo remains a high-demand asset class—one Acumen actively tracks through delivery, lease rate, and utilisation analytics.
Brussels Airport Reveals Infrastructure Expansion Plan to 2032
Brussels Airport has announced long-term infrastructure expansion plans aimed at improving passenger and cargo handling, enhancing sustainability, and future-proofing operations through 2032.
Acumen’s Take
Strategic airport expansions like this one shape long-term route planning and regional fleet needs. Acumen monitors such developments closely to align client asset deployment strategies with evolving airport capabilities.
Italy FBO Adds Two New Locations
Italy FBO has expanded its network with two additional fixed-base operator locations, strengthening its footprint in the private and business aviation sector.
Acumen’s Take
Business aviation demand continues to drive infrastructure development across Europe. For high-net-worth operators and lessors in the bizav space, Acumen provides tailored support in asset evaluation and market positioning.
Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo Plan Global Joint Business
Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo have announced their intention to form a global cargo joint business, aiming to optimise schedules, capacity, and revenue sharing across major markets.
Acumen’s Take
This collaboration signals deeper cargo market consolidation and route optimisation. With freight networks evolving, Acumen’s expertise in P2F valuations, fleet strategy, and cargo market analysis is increasingly critical.
Irish Aviation News
Air India Chooses Vienna and Copenhagen over Ireland for Fuel Stops
Following the closure of Pakistani airspace, Air India has opted for Vienna and Copenhagen for fuel stops instead of Irish airports, bypassing potential stopovers in Shannon or Dublin.
Acumen’s Take
Ireland’s missed opportunity in long-haul diversion traffic highlights the importance of competitive airport services and incentives. Acumen factors such strategic detours into broader discussions on route planning and infrastructure viability.
Ashland Place Completes Financing Facilities for Sirius Aviation Capital
Ashland Place Finance has finalised two new financing agreements with Dublin-based lessor Sirius Aviation Capital, further supporting its aircraft portfolio growth.
Acumen’s Take
This reflects the ongoing appetite for structured aviation finance, particularly in Ireland’s active leasing market. Acumen’s advisory services support similar financing moves through asset diligence, portfolio analysis, and SPV structuring.
Aviation Capital Group to Acquire 20 Aircraft from Avolon
Aviation Capital Group has signed a definitive agreement to purchase 20 aircraft from Avolon, signalling a major reshuffling between two top-tier lessors.
Acumen’s Take
The transaction highlights continued asset rotation among large-scale lessors. Acumen’s end-of-lease management, valuation, and redelivery services are instrumental in facilitating seamless transitions for high-volume trades like this.
End of the Runway for Galway Airport as Carnmore Site Goes on Sale
The Carnmore site, once home to Galway Airport, has been put up for sale, effectively marking the final chapter for commercial aviation in the region.
Acumen’s Take
The permanent closure underscores the challenges smaller regional airports face in sustaining operations. Acumen’s infrastructure assessment tools help determine viability and risk in similar markets worldwide.
Fingal County Council Clarifies Planning Application F25A/0094E
Fingal County Council issued a clarification regarding the planning application related to Dublin Airport’s North Runway, addressing public concerns about flight paths and environmental impact.
Acumen’s Take
Planning clarity is essential for long-term airport operations and expansion. Acumen tracks such developments as part of its route demand and infrastructure suitability assessments for lessors and operators.
Minister Canney Confirms Irish Coast Guard Aviation Transition Agreement
The Irish government has finalised an agreement to transition Irish Coast Guard aviation services, ensuring continued air support for search and rescue operations.
Acumen’s Take
Government-led aviation contracts represent a stable niche in the sector. Acumen’s consulting services can support public sector tenders and long-term asset lifecycle planning for such specialised fleets.
Ryanair’s Exit from Billund Spurs 87% Fare Hike Across Europe
Ryanair’s withdrawal from Billund Airport has led to an 87% increase in European airfares on affected routes, illustrating the airline’s deflationary impact on regional pricing.
Acumen’s Take
The pricing shock shows how dominant LCCs shape regional market dynamics. Acumen’s route impact modelling and competitive analysis help clients anticipate shifts in pricing power and fleet allocation strategy.
Tweet Picks
@IATA Lively press conference at @A4Europe Summit in Brussels this morning. CEOs from lufthansa, @AirFranceKLM IAG and @Ryanair called for focus on competitive regulations, reform of EU261 pax rights package. Big concerns also expressed on viability of 2030 SAF mandate.
@manishasinghal That’s quite an interesting launch- IndiGo starts direct flights between Ahmedabad - Kishangarh, building a regional connectivity network with expansion potential and opening up routes , remains 6Es strong point.
@SAS SAS joins a broad coalition of aviation and energy stakeholders to support large-scale deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a particular focus on e-SAF - a synthetic fuel produced from renewable electricity.
@traveltraderep BDL, the first U.S. Airport to earn Autism Double-Checked certification, recently hosted its 4th Autism Flies event. Over 70 families participated in the simulated travel experience, designed to help individuals on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable flying.
Video Picks
Aerdogs Episode 1 – Tom Lyons
The first episode of Aerdogs features aviation journalist Tom Lyons, diving into his career, industry insights, and the evolution of Irish aviation reporting. A fresh format aimed at storytelling through aviation voices.
Acumen’s Take
Content like Aerdogs helps humanise the aviation industry and foster public engagement. As thought leadership gains value, Acumen supports initiatives that amplify authentic voices across aviation media and stakeholder communities.
Boeing to Seek FAA Approval to Boost 737 MAX Output
Boeing is preparing to request FAA approval to increase 737 MAX production, with CEO Dave Calhoun citing progress as quarterly losses narrow and delivery rates gradually improve.
Acumen’s Take
A production ramp-up could ease near-term supply constraints, impacting lease rates and delivery slots. Acumen’s OEM watch and delivery tracking tools help clients stay ahead of such critical manufacturing developments.
Chris McLaughlin Named CEO of DFW International Airport
Chris McLaughlin has been appointed CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, bringing extensive experience in airline and airport management to one of the world’s busiest hubs.
Acumen’s Take
Leadership shifts at major airports influence infrastructure strategy and traffic patterns. Acumen monitors such transitions to assess future capacity changes and airline network priorities relevant to lessor planning.
Emirates CEO on Order Talks with Boeing and Airbus
Emirates CEO Sir Tim Clark shares updates on ongoing aircraft order discussions with both Boeing and Airbus, shedding light on fleet strategy, delivery timelines, and future expansion plans.
Acumen’s Take
Emirates' long-term fleet planning provides a valuable signal for widebody demand. Acumen leverages such insights to guide clients in fleet evaluation, remarketing timelines, and twin-aisle asset investment decisions.
