08 Jan 2026
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 8th 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
AP-BPH Airbus A320-214 Delivered to Karachi
An Airbus A320-214, registered AP-BPH (c/n 4475), has been delivered to Air Sial and arrived in Karachi on 26 December 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as HS-VKF and joins Air Sial’s narrowbody fleet as part of its ongoing capacity and network development plans. The delivery reflects continued secondary-market activity for mid-life A320-family aircraft, particularly among growing South Asian carriers.
CN-RHL Boeing 737-8 Delivered to Royal Air Maroc
A Boeing 737-8, registered CN-RHL (c/n 43315), has been delivered to Royal Air Maroc following its ferry flight from Doha to Casablanca on 18 December 2025. The aircraft was previously registered as A7-BSF and now joins Royal Air Maroc’s narrowbody fleet as the carrier continues to modernise its operations with next-generation aircraft aimed at improving efficiency and supporting network growth.
Global Aviation News
Airbnb Unveils 2026 Travel Predictions
Airbnb’s 2026 outlook points to faster, experience-led travel patterns. Gen Z travellers are driving demand for short international city breaks, while interest in nature and outdoor travel continues to grow as more travellers seek time away from screens. Event-driven travel remains a key trend, with major global events shaping the majority of top searches for 2026.
Air Charter Scotland Awarded Aberdeen–Wick PSO Route
Air Charter Scotland has secured the PSO contract to operate the Aberdeen–Wick–Aberdeen service, marking its move into scheduled airline operations. The Glasgow-based operator signed the agreement with The Highland Council on 23 December 2025, with flights due to start on 12 January 2026. The route restores essential connectivity after services were suspended following Eastern Airways’ collapse in October. Operations will initially use a BAe Jetstream 32 on wet lease from AIS Airlines, before the type is added to Air Charter Scotland’s own AOC.
Air Elite FBO Network Expands with Two New Members
Air Elite has expanded its global footprint with the addition of two new member FBOs, taking the network to 85 audited locations worldwide. The network, sponsored by World Fuel Services, continues to grow across multiple continents while maintaining strict quality standards. One of the new members is Samson Executive Jet Centre at Newcastle International Airport, offering upgraded executive facilities, direct ramp access, and onsite border control services. The FBO holds Stage 2 IS-BAH accreditation, reinforcing Air Elite’s focus on safety, service consistency, and premium ground handling.
Air Lease Secures Stockholder Approval for Merger Agreement
Air Lease Corporation has received shareholder approval for its previously announced merger agreement, clearing a key step toward its acquisition by a newly formed holding company, Sumisho Air Lease Corporation DAC, based in Dublin. The new entity will be owned by Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, and investment vehicles affiliated with Apollo Global Management and Brookfield. Upon closing, Air Lease will be renamed Sumisho Air Lease Corporation, with Class A shareholders receiving $65.00 in cash per share. The transaction further reinforces Dublin’s position as a global centre for aircraft leasing and aviation finance.
Airlines Boost Bahamas Winter Capacity for 2025–26 Season
Airlines have ramped up capacity to The Bahamas for the 2025–26 winter season, with new and expanded services launching from late December. Delta Air Lines has added nonstop flights to Nassau from New York, Atlanta, and Miami, while Frontier Airlines has resumed weekly Atlanta–Nassau services. JetBlue introduced daily Boston–Nassau flights, and American Airlines expanded access to the Out Islands from Miami. Canadian connectivity has also strengthened, with added services from Porter Airlines and Air Canada supporting peak winter demand.
Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui Sign Codeshare Agreement
Air Tahiti (VT) and Air Tahiti Nui (TN) have signed a new codeshare agreement aimed at simplifying travel to Tahiti and its islands and offering passengers expanded connectivity. The agreement was signed on 22 December 2025 and will apply to bookings and travel starting from 2 June 2026.
Amadeus Unveils Travel Trends 2026
Amadeus has released its Travel Trends 2026 report, outlining how technology, data, and changing traveller expectations will reshape travel in the year ahead. Developed in partnership with Globetrender, the report draws on Amadeus’ proprietary data and global insights. It identifies six key trends, spanning transformative technology, evolving traveller behaviour, and emerging destinations. Together, the findings point to a more personalised, experience-driven, and tech-enabled travel ecosystem extending well beyond 2026.
American Airlines Debuts Airbus A321XLR on Transcontinental Service
American Airlines has operated the inaugural transcontinental flight of its new Airbus A321XLR, flying between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. The flight marks the first A321XLR service by a U.S.-based carrier, positioning the aircraft as a premium narrowbody option on high-demand long domestic routes. Configured with Flagship Suite®, Premium Economy and Main Cabin, the aircraft brings widebody-style comfort to transcontinental travel. The debut highlights how airlines are deploying the A321XLR beyond long-haul markets to elevate key premium domestic corridors.
ANA and Nippon Cargo Airlines Begin Cargo Business Integration
ANA Holdings has begun merging the cargo functions of All Nippon Airways and Nippon Cargo Airlines into a single cargo-focused company following ANA’s acquisition of NCA. The move is part of a wider group reorganisation aimed at streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and strengthening profitability across the cargo business. Nippon Cargo Airlines will continue to operate as an independent airline while cargo planning, sales, and management functions are consolidated. ANA Holdings said the reorganisation is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2027.
Boeing Expands UK Footprint Following Spirit AeroSystems Acquisition
Boeing has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its operational footprint in the UK. As part of the transaction, Spirit’s Belfast operations transfer to Boeing and will operate as an independent subsidiary under the name Short Brothers, a Boeing Company. The Belfast team will report into Boeing Global Services, supported by UK leadership, reinforcing the site’s strategic role within the group. Spirit’s Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick, Scotland, has also transferred to Boeing, strengthening the company’s UK-based engineering and innovation capabilities.
EBACE 2026 Dates Confirmed
EBACE 2026 will take place later than usual, with organisers confirming new dates of 2–4 June 2026 in Geneva. The event has been moved from its traditional late-May slot following a review of the wider global events calendar, with organisers also signalling more competitive pricing for exhibitors. The revised timing restores the show’s Tuesday-to-Thursday format, with a dedicated media preview day scheduled for 1 June at Palexpo, adjacent to Geneva Airport. Exhibitor bookings open next month, with space allocation based on event loyalty, stand size and a limited number of premium locations assigned via a randomised process.
Emirates 2025 Year in Review Highlights
Emirates closed 2025 having carried 55.6 million passengers across nearly 180,600 flights, while placing orders for 73 new aircraft as part of its long-term growth strategy. The airline marked its 40th anniversary during the year, but operational scale and fleet expansion defined the broader story. A major milestone was the entry into service of the Emirates A350, which began operations in January and has since grown to 16 aircraft serving 18 destinations. The A350 network now spans Europe, the Middle East, West Asia and Australia, with North America set to join in early 2026.
Iberia Marks One Year of A321XLR Operations
Iberia has marked one year since becoming the global launch operator of the Airbus A321XLR, redefining long-haul flying with a single-aisle aircraft. The type has enabled Iberia to operate transatlantic routes such as Boston while increasing frequencies to key markets including Puerto Rico and Washington, now served year-round. The airline currently operates five A321XLRs, with one more due before the end of 2025 and two additional aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2026. Offering up to 40% fuel savings versus widebodies, the A321XLR has strengthened Iberia’s long-haul network flexibility and efficiency.
Irish Aviation News
Aer Lingus Adds Nice and Santiago de Compostela Routes from Cork
Aer Lingus has announced two new European routes from Cork Airport, with flights to Nice starting on 6 May and Santiago de Compostela launching on 1 June 2026. The expansion also includes Prague being upgraded from a winter-only route to a year-round service, strengthening Cork’s all-season connectivity. These additions bring the number of new Aer Lingus routes announced in the past 12 months to six, reflecting sustained network growth from Cork. The airline’s Summer 2026 schedule will also retain popular sun routes alongside daily London Heathrow services and regional links to Bristol and Glasgow.
Aergo Capital Sells Two Airbus A320-232 Aircraft to ORIX Aviation
Aergo Capital has completed the sale of two Airbus A320-232 aircraft to ORIX Aviation on behalf of Raptor Aircraft Finance I Limited 2019-1. The aircraft, MSN 6535 and 6594, are currently on lease to Vueling, ensuring continued operational deployment following the transaction. Aergo said the sale reflects its ongoing focus on active portfolio management and disciplined asset trading. Chief Executive Fred Browne welcomed the completion of the deal and reaffirmed Aergo’s intention to pursue further opportunities with ORIX Aviation.
Falko Completes First Aircraft Sale into Japanese Market
Falko has closed its first-ever aircraft sale into the Japanese market, completing a Japanese Operating Lease (JOL) transaction involving a CRJ900 aircraft. The deal marks Falko’s entry into Japan and represents one of the limited CRJ900 placements completed in the market using a JOL structure. The transaction was executed in partnership with iStrings Aviation Capital, establishing a new relationship for Falko in the region. The sale reflects growing Japanese investor interest in smaller commercial aircraft, where lower capital requirements align with current market conditions.
First ATR 42-600 from Abelo Orderbook Delivered to SATENA
Abelo has delivered the first ATR 42-600 aircraft from its orderbook to Colombian airline SATENA, marking a key milestone in its fleet programme. The aircraft, MSN 1619, was successfully handed over on 16 December 2025. The delivery strengthens SATENA’s regional connectivity capabilities while advancing Abelo’s partnership strategy with operators globally. Abelo said it looks forward to a long-term collaboration with both ATR and SATENA following the milestone handover.
FROSCH Ireland Named Corporate Travel Agency of the Year at ITTN Awards
FROSCH Ireland has been awarded Corporate Travel Agency of the Year at the 2025 ITTN Awards in Dublin. The accolade, voted for by peers across the Irish travel industry, recognises the company’s strong performance in the corporate travel sector. Judges highlighted FROSCH Ireland’s commitment to service quality and client-focused delivery. The award was presented on 1 December at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, marking a significant industry endorsement.
Galetech Group to Develop Ireland’s First e-Fuels Production Facility
Galetech Group has announced a multimillion-euro investment to develop Ireland’s first e-Fuels production and research facility. The pilot-scale site will focus on validating e-Fuel technologies, optimising production processes, and supporting commercial readiness. The project represents a key milestone in Ireland’s sustainable aviation and energy transition ambitions. Galetech said the facility will also support future deployment of synthetic fuels in both domestic and international markets.
Government Urged to Clarify Timeline for Shannon Airport Rail Link
The Government has been urged to provide a clear timeline for the long-discussed Shannon Airport rail link. Speaking in Clare, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said he supports the concept of a rail connection to the airport. However, no commitment has yet been given on funding or delivery timelines for the project. The issue continues to draw attention as stakeholders push for improved surface connectivity to Shannon Airport.
Irish Aircraft Register Update – November 2025
The Irish Aircraft Register recorded a mix of new additions, removals, and ownership changes during November 2025. New registrations included a Ryanair Boeing 737-8200, an ASL Airlines Airbus A330-300, a CityJet Bombardier CRJ900, and a new Airbus Canada A220 for ACG Aircraft Leasing. Two aircraft were removed from the register, with an Airbus A320-214 transferring to Arkia in Israel and a Bell 206 helicopter exported to the United States. The month also saw internal ownership changes involving an Airbus A321 and a Boeing 737-8, both remaining within Irish leasing structures.
Ryanair Adjusts Summer 2026 Schedule Across the DACH Region
Ryanair has announced a broad restructuring of its Summer 2026 flight schedule across the DACH region, affecting key bases including Vienna, Memmingen, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Hahn, Weeze, and Cologne/Bonn. The changes reflect a sharper focus on profitable leisure demand, with capacity increased on high-performing routes, particularly to Croatia. Several underperforming services are being reduced or withdrawn, with Vienna seeing the most notable cuts, including the cancellation of routes to Rijeka and Split.
Volotea Enters Brussels Following Ryanair’s Exit from Asturias
Low-cost carrier Volotea will enter Brussels Airport for the first time next summer, launching a new direct route between Brussels and Asturias in northern Spain, operated three times a week. The move marks a strategic shift for the Spanish airline, which until now has served the Belgian market exclusively via Charleroi Airport with seasonal routes to cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux and Nice.
Tweet Picks
@Cmdr_Hadfield Good-looking new-tech plane. It's a hybrid-electric 50-100 seater, being built by Montreal's @EVIOAircraft with 450 pre-orders. Uses @prattandwhitney PT6's mated to electric motors, for 200-500 nm routes. A fuel-efficient, multi-role game changer. First flight 2029. New entry in Canada's 100-year history of building world-class aircraft.
@davidvatz Such fantastic news! I'm very curious to see how narrowbody trans-Atlantic service works on the new A321LR/XLR fleet from Aer Lingus. I think there's probably a ton of European markets that could support similar service from PIT (AMS and CDG come to mind).
@DXBMediaOffice Dubai Duty Free announces a landmark performance for November 2025 with sales reaching AED 876 million, marking a 16% increase over November 2024. This result positions November 2025 as the strongest of the nine-record breaking months this year.
@EmbSpainUK We are celebrating the gala dinner of the Chamber of Commerce @SpainChamberUK with Luis Gallego, the CEO of IAG, one of the symbols of the strong economic ties between Spain and the UK. Thanks to Iberia, Vueling and British Airways, our people and businesses are closer than ever.
Video Picks
CEO Conversation with Laura Benger, Chief Executive Officer – Maroomba Airlines
In this conversation, Laura Benger shares insight into Maroomba Airlines’ strategic direction, leadership priorities, and the realities of running a regional carrier in a complex operating environment.The discussion touches on fleet planning, operational resilience, and the importance of adaptability in niche aviation markets.Benger also reflects on decision-making at the executive level and how airlines balance growth with sustainability and cost discipline.The interview offers a grounded, leadership-focused perspective on regional aviation from a CEO’s seat.
Climb Aboard the 777-9 Flight Test Airplane
This video offers a rare look inside Boeing’s 777-9 flight test aircraft, showcasing the scale and systems of the next-generation widebody.Viewers are taken through the cabin and flight test setup, highlighting how the aircraft is being evaluated ahead of entry into service.The walkthrough underlines the engineering focus on efficiency, performance, and long-haul capability.It’s a behind-the-scenes view of how one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft is being prepared for airline operations.
James Hogan on Strategy, Scale & Growth in Aviation
In this conversation, James Hogan reflects on leadership lessons from building and scaling global airlines in a highly competitive industry.He discusses how strategy, network discipline, and timing play a decisive role in sustainable growth.The interview also touches on consolidation, partnerships, and the realities of managing scale without losing focus.It’s a grounded take on how long-term thinking shapes success in modern aviation.
Acumen’s Take
What stands out across this brief is how decisively aviation is balancing efficiency with selective growth. Fleet moves, leasing consolidation, and cargo integration point to a sector optimising capital and assets rather than chasing scale blindly. At the same time, network adjustments and new routes show demand is still there, but increasingly targeted and data-led. The common thread is discipline: airlines, lessors, and infrastructure players are prioritising resilience, flexibility, and long-term positioning over short-term expansion.
