08 Dec 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 8th December 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
Air Astana Adds Irish-Registered Airbus A321neo to Support Fleet Renewal
Air Astana has expanded its fleet with the arrival of a new Airbus A321neo, registered EI-KDJ (msn 12738), delivered directly from Hamburg to the airline’s Almaty hub on 17 October. The aircraft joins the carrier’s growing cohort of next-generation narrowbodies, reinforcing its long-term sustainability and efficiency goals. The airline noted that, despite ongoing industry challenges, it remains committed to a steady fleet renewal programme. Air Astana Group aims to increase its fleet to 84 aircraft by 2029, positioning the addition of the Irish-registered A321neo as a key step in supporting future growth across its regional and international network.
FlyOne Adds Dublin to Its Expanding Bucharest Network for Summer 2026
Moldovan low-cost carrier FlyOne is set to broaden its footprint in Romania with the launch of seven new direct routes from its Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport base for the Summer 2026 season. Among the newly announced destinations is Dublin, joining Barcelona, Frankfurt Main, London Luton, Paris CDG and Madrid. The expansion marks a significant strengthening of FlyOne’s Western European connectivity and positions Dublin as a key addition to its fast-growing network. The airline’s move reflects rising demand for affordable travel options between Romania and major European hubs, with FlyOne continuing to scale its operations through strategic route development.
FlyUs Appointed GSA for Riyadh Air in Ireland
FlyUs Aviation Group has been appointed General Sales Agent (GSA) for Riyadh Air across the United Kingdom and Ireland, effective 26 October 2025. The partnership aligns with Riyadh Air’s launch of its first scheduled daily service into London Heathrow, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (HZ-RXX, msn 38892). As GSA, FlyUs will manage sales, customer support and capacity coordination in both markets, with all bookings handled through its local teams. The appointment strengthens Riyadh Air’s commercial presence as the carrier ramps up its international footprint ahead of wider network growth.
Aircraft Update
OE-IEK Airbus A320 Registered with Willis Lease Following Sofia Arrival
An Airbus A320-214, now registered OE-IEK (c/n 3215), has been officially added to the Willis Lease portfolio following its registration in Sofia on 29 November 2025. The aircraft, previously operating as YL-LDW, marks another transition within the active mid-life A320 market, where demand for versatile narrowbodies remains strong. Its induction positions the jet for future placement opportunities as operators continue to seek efficient capacity across short- and medium-haul networks.
OE-IER Airbus A320 Joins Willis Lease Portfolio After Madrid Registration
An Airbus A320-214, newly registered as OE-IER (c/n 3221), has been added to the Willis Lease portfolio following its registration in Madrid on 29 November 2025. Formerly operating as YL-LDX, the aircraft’s transition reflects ongoing activity in the mid-life A320 market, where strong global demand continues to drive remarketing and redeployment of proven narrowbody assets. Its addition enhances Willis Lease’s capacity to support operators seeking reliable, fuel-efficient aircraft for short- and medium-haul operations.
Global Aviation News
Air Canada Expands European Reach Using Long-Range Narrowbodies
Air Canada is set to widen its European network in summer 2026 by deploying long-range narrowbodies, including the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 737 MAX 8, to open new thinner routes. The carrier plans to launch services to several secondary European cities, including Berlin, as it taps into the extended range and lower operating costs of these aircraft types. The strategy allows Air Canada to profitably serve markets that were previously too small for widebodies, strengthening transatlantic connectivity while optimising fleet flexibility and seasonal demand.
Jet2’s Gatwick Launch Sparks Strong Early Sales and Wide Trade Support
Travel agents in the southeast have reported an encouraging start to Jet2 sales out of Gatwick following the company’s launch of holidays and flights from the airport from next summer. The UK’s largest tour operator will serve 29 destinations from Gatwick from March 26, including the Balearic Islands, Bulgaria, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Some members of the trade and consumers branded this move a “game-changer” as customers would have greater choice and prices could fall due to competition.
United Scales Back Long-Haul Network with Exits from Senegal and Sweden
United Airlines is trimming parts of its long-haul network for 2026, confirming it will withdraw from both Senegal and Sweden. The carrier will end its three-times-weekly Washington Dulles–Dakar service on March 5, 2026, bringing an end to its sole route into West Africa. At the same time, United will not reinstate Newark–Stockholm Arlanda for the 2026 summer season, removing its only link to Scandinavia.
U.S. Airlines Double Down on Premium as Demand Continues to Surge
U.S. carriers are pushing even harder into premium cabins, with demand for higher-yield seats showing sustained and growing momentum. What started as a post-pandemic experiment has now become a core commercial strategy. American Airlines CFO Devon May summed it up clearly on the airline’s Q3 earnings call, noting that customers have proven they are willing to pay more for an upgraded experience, and airlines intend to keep meeting that demand. American Airlines has increased its number of premium economy, business and first-class seats by 16% since 2019, compared with just 5% growth in economy.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Urges Airlines to Offer Healthier Snacks and “More American” Service
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken an unexpected aim at in-flight snacks, urging airlines to improve the nutritional quality of what they serve onboard. Speaking in an interview with Blaze, Duffy said carriers should “do something better” for passengers, especially during the busy holiday travel season, when frustrations around flying are already elevated.His comments came as part of a broader critique touching on disruptive passenger behaviour, TSA screening processes, and airline policies.
Virgin Atlantic Strengthens UK–India Connectivity with More Bengaluru Flights
Virgin Atlantic is set to deepen its presence in India by increasing flights between London Heathrow and Bengaluru for the first quarter of 2026. The carrier will raise frequencies from seven to eleven flights per week across January, February and March, adding meaningful capacity on a route first launched in 2024.The expanded schedule sits alongside Virgin Atlantic’s double-daily services to Delhi and Mumbai and further leverages its partnership with IndiGo, enabling seamless connections to 33 cities across India, from Goa to Amritsar to Jaipur. India has become the airline’s fastest-growing market outside the US, with capacity up 250 percent since 2019 and more than 500,000 seats now offered annually.
British Airways Outlines December 2025 A380 Network Across Five Key Destinations
British Airways is set to deploy all 12 of its Airbus A380s across five major long-haul destinations in December 2025, underscoring the superjumbo’s renewed importance in the carrier’s network. Now fully restored to active service after several years of uncertainty, the A380 fleet has become central to BA’s ability to handle peak-season demand on some of its busiest Heathrow routes.Twelve years on from taking delivery of its first A380, British Airways continues to rely on the aircraft’s high-capacity, long-haul capability to support strong passenger volumes across flagship intercontinental markets. The December schedule highlights how integral the type remains to BA’s long-term strategy at London Heathrow.
Irish Aviation News
A New Era for Irish Tourism – National Policy Sets Five-Year Vision for Sustainable Growth
Ireland has unveiled its new National Tourism Policy, a key Programme for Government commitment that lays out a clear roadmap for strengthening one of the country’s most important indigenous industries. Tourism supports nearly one in ten jobs and more than 46,000 enterprises nationwide, making it central to regional prosperity and the resilience of local economies.The policy outlines a five-year strategy focused on sustainable growth in visitor numbers, revenue and employment, while ensuring that benefits are shared across all regions. A major emphasis is placed on empowering tourism SMEs, recognising their role in driving balanced development and maintaining Ireland’s global competitiveness.
An Taoiseach Opens New Arrivals Hall at Kerry Airport
Kerry Airport has officially marked a major milestone in its redevelopment programme with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin opening the airport’s new Arrivals Hall. The modern facility, which quietly began welcoming passengers in March 2025, introduces expanded Immigration and Customs areas, a larger baggage belt, upgraded bathroom facilities and a refreshed public foyer designed to improve passenger flow and comfort.The Arrivals Hall forms part of a wider multi-million-euro transformation project at the airport. Earlier this year, an upgraded Departures Area, featuring enhanced security, expanded seating and improved amenities also came online.
AerCap Cargo Delivers First Boeing 777-300ERSF to Fly Meta
AerCap Cargo has delivered the first of three Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters to Fly Meta Leasing, marking a significant milestone for both the lessor and the expanding “Big Twin” conversion programme. The aircraft, handed over on 21 November, is the first of Fly Meta’s trio of 777-300ERSFs, with the remaining deliveries scheduled for Q2 and Q4 of 2026.The freighter will be operated by Air Atlanta Icelandic under a Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (CMI) agreement, flying under the Hungary Air brand.
Airborne Capital Places Boeing 767-300BCF with Amerijet
Airborne Capital is delighted to announce the placement and delivery on long term lease of one Boeing B767-300BCF widebody freighter with Amerijet International Airlines in Miami. With more than 50 years of experience in the cargo industry, Amerijet operates a dedicated freighter fleet of B767-300 aircraft from its primary hub at the Miami International Airport to 38 destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
Avolon Leases Two A321neos to Royal Jordanian Airlines
Avolon has expanded its partnership with Royal Jordanian Airlines, signing an agreement to lease two Airbus A321neo aircraft to the carrier. The deal builds on the eight A320neos already contracted earlier this year, with seven of those now delivered. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the two A321neos are scheduled to join Royal Jordanian’s fleet in 2027 and 2028.The addition of the larger-capacity A321neo supports the airline’s strategy to grow across the Middle East, Africa and Europe while accelerating its transition to new-technology aircraft. With 20% lower fuel burn, reduced emissions and a significantly quieter operating profile, the A321neo will play a central role in Royal Jordanian’s fleet modernisation and efficiency goals.
Belfast City Airport Unveils Draft Master Plan 2040
Belfast City Airport has outlined its long-term vision through the draft Master Plan 2040, setting out how it intends to strengthen Northern Ireland’s air connectivity, drive regional economic growth, and support a more sustainable aviation ecosystem. CEO Matthew Hall emphasises that the airport’s strategy aligns closely with the Northern Ireland Programme for Government 2024–2027, which positions connectivity as a core pillar of economic competitiveness and social inclusion.The Master Plan focuses on enhancing accessibility, improving the passenger experience, and ensuring the airport can continue to play a central role in supporting local businesses and communities.
Ryanair Backs Calls for Abolishing Air Passenger Duty as German Tourism Ministers Push for Reform
Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair welcomed the call by tourism ministers in Austria's federal states on Tuesday to abolish the national air passenger tax. The airline considers the €12 per passenger tax detrimental to Austria's tourism industry. It argues that the tax makes travel to Austria more expensive and diverts traffic, tourists, and jobs to neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Italy, and Hungary, where similar taxes have been partially abolished or fees reduced to stimulate the economy and employment.
FlyingInIreland.com Unveils a Fresh New Look
FlyingInIreland.com has launched a fully redesigned website, offering a cleaner, faster and more intuitive experience for aviation professionals, industry stakeholders and enthusiasts. The refreshed platform is built on modern software that automatically adapts to any device, making browsing smoother across desktop, tablet and mobile.The upgrade also strengthens security and sets the stage for future enhancements, with several new features already in development. One long-awaited addition, the reinstated Aircraft Register is now in its final testing phase and will soon return as a key resource for the Irish aviation community.
Tweet Picks
@AirCanada Today, we committed with @emirates to expand and extend our strategic partnership until 2032, leading to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers. It creates the potential for new gateways to give travellers more choice and boosts trade.
@AINonline Alliance Aviation, which recently opened the first general aviation hangar at Saudi Arabia’s AlUla International Airport, is hoping to build out the site as a central general aviation facility that accommodates other aviation businesses.
@AINonline Aviation groups have protested at the UK government’s decision to apply a previously-proposed higher rate of air passenger duty to aircraft weighing 5.7 metric tonnes or more from April 2027.
@AINonline Bell has reached a milestone in sustainability, logging more than 700 flight hours burning blended sustainable aviation fuel on one of its light-single Bell 505 helicopters.
Video Picks
Inside India’s Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel – TruAlt Bioenergy on Funding the Andhra SAF Project
This video offers a detailed look at how TruAlt Bioenergy plans to finance India’s major upcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility in Andhra Pradesh. The project, positioned as a key step in the country’s aviation decarbonisation journey, will be funded through a mix of debt and equity to ensure long-term viability. TruAlt outlines the commercial and policy frameworks needed to scale SAF production, the importance of airline offtake agreements, and the challenges of bringing costs down to competitive levels. It’s an insightful overview of how India is building the foundations for cleaner aviation fuel at commercial scale.
Aeromexico CEO Addresses Growth, Strategy and Resilience Ahead of NYSE Opening Bell
In this video, Aeromexico’s CEO delivers a concise yet powerful address moments before ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. His remarks highlight the airline’s post-restructuring momentum, strengthened financial position, and renewed focus on network expansion across key international markets. He also reflects on the dedication of Aeromexico’s workforce and the strategic partnerships that have helped the carrier rebuild and compete at a global level. It’s a snapshot of an airline signalling confidence, stability and long-term ambition as it steps into its next chapter.
Atlantic Tales Explores the Story Behind Shannon Aviation Museum
This episode of Atlantic Tales takes listeners inside the Shannon Aviation Museum, offering a rich look at Ireland’s aviation heritage and the passion that drives its preservation. The programme features personal stories, rare aircraft, and insights into how the museum has grown into a vital educational hub for young people and aviation enthusiasts. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, the episode captures the museum’s mission to inspire future generations while honouring Ireland’s long-standing contributions to global aviation. It’s an engaging blend of history, storytelling, and community spirit.
Acumen’s Take
A consistent theme this week is the pace at which aviation continues to rebalance and rebuild, even as regulatory, economic and capacity pressures evolve across regions. Airlines, lessors and airports are leaning heavily into renewal, modernisation and commercial partnerships to stay competitive, while cargo and sustainability initiatives signal where long-term investment is heading. We’re also seeing a clear push toward fleet efficiency, premium revenue strategies and infrastructure upgrades to support future demand. For stakeholders across the value chain, the message is the same: adaptability, data-driven decisions and disciplined growth remain essential as the industry moves into 2026 with cautious but deliberate momentum.
