08 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 8th 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
ET-BAJ Boeing 737-8
Boeing 737-8 (c/n 62461), registered as ET-BAJ, was delivered to Ethiopian Airlines on 26–28 June 2025. The aircraft ferried from Paine Field via Dublin before continuing to Addis Ababa.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery underlines Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing narrowbody fleet renewal as it strengthens its regional and medium-haul network with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
G-POWX Embraer 190
Embraer 190 (c/n 19000543), registered as G-POWX, was delivered to Titan Airways on 27 June 2025. The aircraft arrived at London Stansted, having previously operated as P4-KCG.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery reinforces Titan’s fleet diversification strategy, adding capacity and flexibility for ACMI and charter operations across Europe.
Global Aviation News
Embraer delivers 61 aircraft in Q2 2025, up 30% year-on-year
Embraer delivered 61 aircraft in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 30% increase compared to Q2 2024 and a 103% rise from Q1 2025. This strong performance highlights robust demand across both commercial and executive aviation segments.
Acumen’s Take
These figures underscore Embraer’s ability to scale production efficiently to capture surging order volumes. The significant quarterly jump demonstrates resilience in the regional jet market, which remains a critical growth area as airlines refresh their fleets.
Emirates inaugurates Shenzhen route, expands footprint in mainland China
Emirates has launched a new daily service to Shenzhen, establishing the airline’s fourth destination in mainland China. This expansion is a key part of Emirates’ strategy to strengthen its network in East Asia and cater to growing demand for business and leisure travel between China and the UAE.
Acumen’s Take
The addition of Shenzhen further consolidates Emirates’ position in the Chinese market, which remains vital for long-haul connectivity. As Chinese outbound travel rebounds, strategic route development like this will help carriers capture high-yield segments and reinforce global hub status.
IATA: Passenger demand up 5% in May despite uneven global growth
Global air travel demand rose by 5.0% year-on-year in May 2025, IATA reported. Asia-Pacific continued to drive recovery, offsetting a rare decline in North American traffic. Capacity increased in parallel, also up 5.0%, resulting in a stable global load factor of 83.4%.
Acumen’s Take
While global growth momentum remains positive, the divergence in regional performance highlights the importance of flexible fleet and network planning. Asia-Pacific’s sustained expansion underscores its strategic significance for lessors, airlines, and investors.
Oman Air officially joins Oneworld alliance
Oman Air has formally become the 15th member of the oneworld alliance, completing a multiyear process that began with initial reports in 2021 and was confirmed in 2022. The move will expand the Muscat-based carrier’s global connectivity and loyalty programme benefits across the oneworld network.
Acumen’s Take
Oman Air’s accession strengthens oneworld’s Middle Eastern footprint, enhancing competitive dynamics with SkyTeam and Star Alliance. This underscores the growing strategic value of alliances for smaller flag carriers seeking scale and market reach.
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Ink a Strategic Partnership
Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a wide-ranging strategic partnership. The collaboration will see the airlines codeshare across each other’s networks and explore deeper cooperation in airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement, cargo, and maintenance. The partnership will also increase flight options between Kenya and Qatar Airways’ hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Acumen’s Take
This strategic alignment demonstrates how African carriers are leveraging Gulf partnerships to broaden their global reach. For Qatar Airways, it reinforces its competitive positioning in East Africa and underscores the trend toward integrated airline ecosystems spanning passenger, cargo, and ancillary services.
Turespaña Launches €8m International Advertising Campaign in 12 Markets
Turespaña has unveiled a new €8 million international advertising campaign promoting Spain’s inland regions and sustainable tourism under the tagline “Think you know Spain, think again.” Spanning 12 markets over three months, the Europe-wide initiative aims to showcase lesser-known destinations and shift focus away from heavily touristed beaches toward slow travel and more authentic experiences.
Acumen’s Take
This campaign is a clear example of how tourism boards are pivoting to diversify demand and relieve pressure on saturated coastal areas. For airlines and tour operators, it opens opportunities to develop new routes and products supporting Spain’s broader economic and sustainability goals.
Irish Aviation News
AIP Capital and Monroe Capital Announce Aircraft Leasing Venture
AIP Capital and Monroe Capital have announced a new partnership to acquire a diversified aircraft leasing portfolio valued at up to $1 billion. The venture will focus on mid-life aircraft leased to airlines worldwide. Monroe Capital, a leading asset management firm in private credit markets, will provide the investment capital, while AIP Capital will act as servicer of the assets.
Acumen’s Take
This venture underscores the robust investor appetite for mid-life aircraft, which continue to generate predictable cash flows even as operators modernise fleets. For lessors, such collaborations combine deep capital pools with specialised servicing expertise to unlock scale in a competitive market.
British & Irish Lions Head for Australia from Dublin Airport
The British & Irish Lions squad departed Dublin Airport on a special Qatar Airways Boeing 777 flight bound for Australia via Doha, kicking off the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025. The team, led by Head Coach Andy Farrell, took off from the South Runway after their warm-up match against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Among the group were Captain Maro Itoje, emerging star Henry Pollock, and players from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.
Acumen’s Take
This high-profile charter underscores Dublin Airport’s role as a strategic hub for major sporting departures. Special movements like these not only showcase the airport’s operational capability but also reinforce the value of tailored charter partnerships in supporting international sporting events.
City of Derry to Dublin Air Route to Be Reinstated by Q3 2026
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service linking City of Derry Airport and Dublin Airport is set to restart by the third quarter of 2026. Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien confirmed the timeline, with Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue welcoming the announcement as an extremely positive development for regional connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
The reintroduction of this PSO route will be vital in supporting balanced regional development, boosting business ties and tourism between the northwest and the capital. Timely execution and consistent service reliability will be key to maximising the benefits of this renewed connection.
Factorydesign Reveals Recent Work for Iberia, Aer Lingus and More
Aircraft interior specialists Factorydesign have shared insights into their latest projects for several major airlines, including Iberia and Aer Lingus. While the London-based agency is known for maintaining strict discretion around its work, it highlighted how its collaborative approach has helped shape new premium seating products, including Iberia’s business class cabin for the A321XLR and refreshed cabin concepts for Aer Lingus. The projects reflect the increasing importance airlines place on differentiated passenger experiences, especially in competitive transatlantic and European markets.
Acumen’s Take
Innovative cabin design remains a critical lever for airlines seeking to build brand loyalty and premium yields. As competition intensifies on narrowbody long-haul routes, well-executed interiors can set carriers apart. Factorydesign’s work underscores how thoughtful design investments are reshaping passenger expectations on single-aisle aircraft.
Irish Travel to Portugal Up 2.5% as Country Enjoys Best-Ever May for Tourism
Portugal recorded its highest-ever monthly tourism figures this May, welcoming 69,620 visitors from Ireland—a 2.5% increase compared to May 2024 and up 34% on pre-pandemic levels. The growth reflects strong demand for Portuguese destinations among Irish holidaymakers as summer travel rebounds across Europe.
Acumen’s Take
Irish outbound leisure traffic continues to exceed expectations, with Portugal cementing its position as a key market. Sustained demand for sun destinations will likely keep load factors high and support additional seasonal capacity, underscoring the resilience of European leisure corridors.
Michael O’Leary Calls for Four Issues in Irelandia Aviation Report to Be Addressed
Ryanair has called for the immediate implementation of four policy proposals outlined in Irelandia’s Pathfinder report, which sets out recommendations to boost Ireland’s aviation sector. The report aims to stimulate tourism, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and strengthen indigenous industries.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s push highlights growing pressure to modernise Ireland’s aviation policy framework. Swift action on these proposals could help secure Ireland’s position as a leading aviation hub while supporting economic growth.
United Airlines Now Operates Two Flights a Day from Dublin to New York
United Airlines has doubled its Dublin–New York service, now operating two daily flights despite the Dublin Airport passenger cap remaining in place. Martina Coogan, Head of Corporate Sales for United Airlines UK and Ireland, noted that demand remains robust, even as political factors such as the US election climate influence some travellers’ perceptions. Cheaper fares and strong transatlantic connectivity are helping sustain high load factors.
Acumen’s Take
United’s expansion underscores the resilience of transatlantic demand and highlights how airlines are adapting capacity strategies in spite of regulatory uncertainty. Dublin’s role as a major US gateway remains secure, but sustained growth will depend on clarity around airport capacity limits.
Tweet Picks
@EoghanOMW Mixed May metrics for Irish tourism. Although the CSO numbers in decline year-on-year. these are at odds with industry data which shows a more stable picture. Looking forward tourism businesses are cautiously optimistic with US bookings strong.
@kaurlavpreet_ Hyderabad is seeing a surge in airport-bound traffic, with over 40,000 cars heading to the airport daily. Experts stress the need for a reliable, affordable and improved airport bus network to ease congestion.
@LeehamNews From Goldman Sachs: @Boeing is tracking to 58 deliveries for June: 1 KC-46, 42 737 MAX and 9 787. Of the MAX deliveries, we est 37 are new production, & 5 from inventory. 58 del is a step function improvement over the mid-40 delivery rate BA has held for the last 5 months.
@LRosenblatt_ Boeing to redesign 737 MAX section in wake of Alaska Air blowout, NTSB says.
Video Picks
Big Improvements Coming to SeaTac Airport
This video provides an overview of the major redevelopment projects underway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). From expanded concourses and more spacious gate areas to upgraded security screening and enhanced passenger amenities, SeaTac’s investment programme is designed to improve the travel experience for millions of annual passengers and accommodate growing demand.
Acumen’s Take
SeaTac’s improvements highlight a global trend: airports accelerating investments to modernise infrastructure and manage capacity growth. For lessors and operators, upgraded hubs like Seattle will play an increasingly strategic role in network planning and aircraft deployment decisions.
British Airways CEO Sean Doyle on the UK’s New Tourism Tactics
In this interview, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle shares insights on how the UK is recalibrating its approach to tourism promotion. He discusses the government’s new initiatives to attract international travellers, support for sustainable aviation growth, and strategies to maintain Britain’s competitiveness as a destination amid shifting global demand.
Acumen’s Take
As European markets refine tourism strategies, airlines like British Airways are aligning their network and product plans to capture pent-up leisure and premium demand. For lessors, understanding these evolving policy frameworks is essential to anticipating capacity requirements and asset allocation across key gateways.
Emirates President Slams Airbus and Boeing on Delivery Delays
In this candid interview, Emirates President Sir Tim Clark criticises Airbus and Boeing for persistent aircraft delivery delays that are disrupting growth plans and network reliability. He highlights the operational and financial challenges these setbacks create for large carriers with ambitious expansion targets.
Acumen’s Take
Widespread delivery bottlenecks continue to ripple across the leasing and airline sectors, complicating capacity planning and driving demand for interim lift solutions. Lessors and asset managers will need to balance patience with proactive portfolio strategies to support airline customers and protect asset values.
