09 Jul 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 9th 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
Poste Air Cargo Ferries EI-GUB Boeing 737-490(F) to Mojave
Boeing 737-490(F), bearing manufacturer serial number 28889 and registered as EI-GUB, was ferried to Mojave on 2nd July 2025. Operated by Poste Air Cargo, this aircraft's movement suggests a possible transition in operational status, likely for storage, maintenance, or potential teardown and part-out, given Mojave's role as a major aviation storage facility.
Acumen’s Take
The repositioning of EI-GUB to Mojave aligns with broader trends of ageing freighters being cycled out as operators upgrade to newer, more efficient aircraft. For asset managers and lessors, this signals continued churn in the freighter market—creating opportunities in both aftermarket components and conversion slots for newer narrowbodies.
HB-IHC Airbus A350-941 Delivered to Edelweiss Airlines
Airbus A350-941, manufacturer serial number 79 and newly registered as HB-IHC, was delivered to Edelweiss Airlines on 1st July 2025 in Zurich. Previously registered as OE-IHF, the aircraft joins the Swiss leisure carrier's widebody fleet, supporting its long-haul operations from Zurich to key intercontinental destinations.
Acumen’s Take
The delivery of the A350-941 to Edelweiss reflects the airline’s continued investment in next-generation widebody aircraft to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. For lessors and asset managers, it indicates sustained demand for fuel-efficient widebodies in the premium leisure segment, particularly as international travel demand rebounds.
Global Aviation News
BermudAir Welcomes Fourth Aircraft "XBTO"
BermudAir has announced the upcoming addition of its fourth aircraft, named “XBTO,” marking a milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory. This latest fleet expansion supports BermudAir’s strategic mission to enhance premium connectivity between Bermuda and major North American cities, reinforcing its reputation for offering reliable and upscale regional air services.
Acumen’s Take
The arrival of XBTO signifies BermudAir’s continued momentum as it scales its boutique model in the transatlantic market. For investors and lessors, this move highlights the growing appetite for niche premium carriers in underserved island-to-mainland corridors—offering both asset placement opportunities and strategic value in regional fleet diversification.
Challenge Group Launches Boeing 777-300ERSF Conversion Programme
Challenge Group has officially launched its Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion programme, advancing its strategic fleet expansion efforts. The introduction of the converted 777-300ERSF freighter marks a significant evolution in the Group’s capacity, allowing it to serve long-haul cargo routes more efficiently with greater payload flexibility.
Acumen’s Take
Challenge Group’s move into the 777-300ERSF space reflects growing demand for high-volume, long-range freighter solutions amid global e-commerce and logistics growth. For lessors and asset investors, this signals a shift towards next-generation widebody conversions, offering longer asset life and higher utilisation potential in a tightening freighter market.
CLIA Reports 10% Rise in Travel Agent Membership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has reported a 10% year-on-year increase in its travel agent membership base, signalling renewed confidence and engagement within the broader travel trade. This uptick reflects strengthening consumer interest in cruise and leisure travel, with agents actively aligning themselves with leading industry bodies to capitalise on demand recovery.
Acumen’s Take
The resurgence in travel agent engagement—particularly around cruise tourism—has downstream implications for the aviation sector, especially in terms of supporting air-cruise packages and pre/post-cruise air travel. As cruise itineraries grow more global, this trend presents fresh route planning and partnership opportunities for airlines serving major cruise hubs.
COC Global Enterprise Becomes Lead Investor in Flybondi
COC Global Enterprise, a U.S.-based investment fund with interests in technology and private aviation, has entered as the new lead investor in Flybondi. This development signals a strong vote of confidence in the Argentine-Brazilian low-cost carrier, as it continues to scale operations across key South American markets from its Buenos Aires base.
Acumen’s Take
The strategic investment reflects growing international interest in Latin America’s low-cost aviation segment, particularly as economic stabilisation and rising passenger demand create fertile ground for growth. For lessors and financiers, it reinforces Flybondi’s potential as a regional disruptor and highlights investor appetite for scalable, tech-driven airline models in emerging markets.
KF Aerospace Delivers First ATR 72-500F Freighter to Purolator
KF Aerospace has completed the conversion and delivery of its first ATR 72-500F freighter for Purolator, marking a milestone in the Canadian integrator’s regional network expansion. The aircraft (MSN707) features a bespoke Purolator livery and underwent its P2F transformation at KF’s Kelowna International Airport facility, culminating in a successful test flight before handover.
Acumen’s Take
This delivery highlights the growing role of turboprop freighters in regional logistics, especially for time-sensitive e-commerce routes. As demand for last-mile connectivity accelerates, P2F conversions of ATR platforms are becoming increasingly valuable—offering cost-effective, lower-emission solutions for dense regional cargo networks in markets like Canada.
KlasJet Partners with Air Cairo to Enhance Summer Tourism Links
KlasJet, a European private jet charter specialist, has entered a summer ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) partnership with Air Cairo to operate seasonal charter flights from Milan and Sharjah to Cairo. Running from 30 May to 31 October 2025, the collaboration is aimed at supporting heightened summer travel demand across key tourism corridors linking Italy, the UAE, and Egypt.
Acumen’s Take
This partnership showcases the flexibility and appeal of ACMI arrangements in meeting seasonal traffic peaks. For asset managers and operators, such short-term leasing models provide an agile route to fleet deployment, while also reinforcing the growing interconnectivity of leisure-driven regional hubs across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
KMC Prepares for First 777-300ERCF Door Cut
Kansas Modification Center (KMC) is nearing a key milestone in its 777-300ERCF programme, as it gears up for the inaugural door cut—a critical step in the passenger-to-freighter conversion process. The move comes on the heels of KMC’s MoU with Thai Airways to establish a joint venture for expanding 777-300ER conversion capacity in Thailand by 2026, targeting growing demand in the Asia-Pacific market.
Acumen’s Take
KMC’s progress signals accelerating momentum in the widebody freighter conversion space, particularly for high-capacity aircraft like the 777-300ER. With Asia-Pacific set to lead cargo growth, the upcoming JV with Thai Airways positions KMC to meet regional demand efficiently, offering lessors and asset managers fresh placement and lifecycle extension opportunities for ageing twinjets.
Irish Aviation News
O'Leary Slams EU Over Flight Cancellations, Urges Action on French ATC Disruptions
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has publicly called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to intervene—or resign—over ongoing Irish flight cancellations caused by repeated disruptions in French airspace. The cancellations, stemming from air traffic control strikes in France, have led to hundreds of Irish overflights being grounded, affecting thousands of passengers.
Acumen’s Take
This confrontation highlights the urgent need for EU-level reforms to protect overflight rights during national ATC strikes. Persistent disruptions undermine confidence in cross-border connectivity and present significant scheduling and revenue challenges for carriers. For lessors and investors, these uncertainties introduce operational risk that must be factored into route planning and network resilience strategies.
Ryanair’s Boeing-to-China Threat Seen as Strategic Bluff—for Now
Ryanair’s recent hints at shifting future aircraft orders from Boeing to Chinese manufacturers are widely viewed as a tactical manoeuvre amid trade tensions and persistent delivery delays. While CEO Michael O’Leary has voiced frustration over Boeing’s performance and floated COMAC as an alternative, industry analysts suggest the move is more a pressure tactic than a real procurement pivot—at least for the near term.
Acumen’s Take
Ryanair’s rhetoric underscores rising tensions between airlines and OEMs struggling with delivery reliability. While Chinese aircraft remain unproven in European operations, their mention signals growing global curiosity—and potential long-term competitive shifts. For lessors, such public posturing stresses the importance of diversified portfolios and closer alignment with evolving airline procurement strategies.
Dublin Airport Urges Removal of Passenger Cap to Safeguard Future Growth
Dublin Airport is calling for the removal of its 32 million annual passenger cap, a restriction imposed as part of planning approval for Terminal 2 back in 2007. With a significantly improved road network and rising public transport usage, airport authorities argue that the original traffic concerns no longer hold, and the cap now threatens Ireland’s long-term connectivity, economic growth, and competitiveness in the global aviation market.
Acumen’s Take
Lifting the cap is vital to ensure Dublin Airport can accommodate growing passenger demand and maintain its status as a transatlantic and European gateway. For airlines and lessors, capacity constraints translate to lost opportunities and network inefficiencies. Strategic infrastructure flexibility is essential for sustaining route expansion and attracting long-haul investment into Ireland.
Sanad and AerCap Materials Finalise AED 400 Million Component Portfolio Sale
Sanad and AerCap Materials have completed one of the largest transactions in aviation leasing, finalising the sale of an engine and airframe component portfolio valued at AED 400 million (approx. USD 109 million). The deal marks a significant milestone in aftermarket asset trading, enhancing both firms' capacity to support global airline and MRO needs with expanded component access and inventory solutions.
Acumen’s Take
This landmark transaction reflects the increasing strategic value of engine and component assets in a market prioritising fleet uptime and cost-efficient maintenance. For lessors and asset managers, such deals open avenues to unlock portfolio liquidity and tap into the rising demand for used serviceable materials—especially as supply chain pressures continue to affect new part availability.
Shannon Airport Emerges as Strategic Transatlantic Gateway
Shannon Airport is fast becoming a preferred transatlantic hub for European travellers, leveraging its location as the most westerly international airport in Europe. With up to five daily peak-season flights to major U.S. destinations—including Boston, New York JFK, Newark, and Chicago—operated by Aer Lingus, Delta, and United, Shannon offers reduced flight times and streamlined U.S. preclearance facilities.
Acumen’s Take
Shannon’s growing transatlantic role enhances Ireland’s aviation profile beyond Dublin, creating new opportunities for route development and aircraft deployment. For lessors and carriers, this evolution broadens operational flexibility and supports de-risking of congestion-heavy gateways, making Shannon an increasingly attractive node in the North Atlantic aviation corridor.
Stratos Delivers Two A320ceos to Turkish Airlines
Stratos, the Monaco-based aircraft investment specialist and asset manager, has delivered two Airbus A320ceo aircraft on long-term operating lease to Turkish Airlines. This latest transaction builds on a successful delivery of two aircraft last year, reinforcing the ongoing collaboration between Stratos and Türkiye’s national carrier amid sustained fleet expansion.
Acumen’s Take
These placements underscore the enduring demand for mature narrowbodies like the A320ceo, particularly among high-growth carriers seeking operational reliability and cost efficiency. For lessors, Turkish Airlines’ continued fleet growth presents a valuable opportunity for long-term asset utilisation in a region experiencing robust passenger demand recovery.
Tweet Picks
@AviationWeek .@IndiGo6E’s first foray into Western Europe is among the more eye-catching route launches happening in July 2025.
@qatarairways Qatar Airways remains the champion of the skies as Airline of the Year, for a record 9th time. #ParisAirshow #QatarAirways #Skytrax2025.
@skift Japan has outlined plans which will require all incoming tourists to have private health insurance. The move aims to curb a growing problem: foreign visitors receiving medical treatment and leaving the country without paying.
@skift Thailand is expanding its focus beyond traditional holidaymakers. Its latest campaign targets a growing niche: digital nomads. “The digital nomad and remote worker segment is of great importance in Thailand’s tourism strategy.”
Video Picks
Dubai Airport Braces for Summer Surge
This video explores how Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, is preparing for an anticipated surge in travellers during the summer season. With enhanced check-in processes, expanded security lanes, and new passenger amenities, the airport is focused on ensuring seamless operations amid record-breaking traffic projections.
Acumen’s Take
DXB’s proactive capacity planning reflects broader global trends, where major hubs are investing in operational resilience ahead of seasonal spikes. For lessors and network planners, such infrastructure readiness signals stronger route reliability and elevated aircraft utilisation potential during high-demand periods.
Modern Airline Retailing Panel at FTE Dublin 2025
This insightful panel discussion from Future Travel Experience (FTE) Dublin 2025 brings together industry leaders to explore how modern retailing strategies are reshaping the airline passenger experience. From personalised ancillary offerings to the integration of dynamic pricing and NDC capabilities, the panel highlights key innovations transforming the traditional airline-commercial model.
Acumen’s Take
As airlines evolve from seat sellers to digital retailers, the ability to personalise and monetise beyond the ticket becomes a strategic differentiator. For lessors and asset managers, understanding these shifts is crucial—fleet decisions will increasingly align with product flexibility, cabin configurations, and technology integration that support next-gen retail models.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas Talks Strategy on PIF News Network
In this interview with PIF News Network, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas shares insights into the Saudi start-up’s ambitious strategy, fleet development plans, and its role in supporting Vision 2030. Douglas highlights how Riyadh Air aims to set new benchmarks in service, digital innovation, and sustainability as it positions itself as a premier global carrier based in the Kingdom’s capital.
Acumen’s Take
Riyadh Air’s emergence marks a pivotal shift in the Middle Eastern aviation landscape, with Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a major hub alongside regional giants. For lessors, OEMs, and asset managers, the carrier’s aggressive growth trajectory presents both partnership potential and competitive realignment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing global aviation markets.
