09 Sep 2025
Acumen Daily Aviation Brief - 9th September 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
ASL Airlines Ireland Retires Final Boeing 737 Classics
ASL Airlines Ireland, part of ASL Aviation Holdings DAC, has retired its last four Boeing 737 Classic freighters, closing the chapter on decades of operations with the type. The remaining 737-400SF aircraft have now been moved into storage at facilities across Europe, according to Planespotters.net. The retirement underscores the carrier’s transition toward newer, more efficient aircraft as it modernises its fleet to meet evolving operational and environmental demands.
China Airlines Positions Airbus A330-300 to Ireland West Airport
Ireland West Airport welcomed a notable widebody visitor on 26 August 2025 with the arrival of a China Airlines Airbus A330-302, registered B-18302 (MSN 0607). The aircraft, in basic colours, touched down at 09:41 local time after routing Taipei–Bangkok–Vienna–Knock under callsign CAL077, according to Flightradar24. Reported by Knock Airport–Runwayside, the movement highlights the airport’s ongoing role in accommodating positioning and technical flights for international carriers.
Flydubai Takes Delivery of Eighth 737 MAX via Shannon
Flydubai has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its eighth Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered A6-FQL (MSN 61021). The aircraft departed Boeing Field, Seattle, on 21 August at 18:14 under flight number FDB9741 and arrived at Shannon Airport the following morning at 10:20 local time. The stop at Shannon underscores the airport’s continuing importance as a key technical hub for transatlantic ferry flights supporting global fleet deliveries.
Aircraft Update
SE-RSY Embraer 190 c/n 19000725 SAS Link Delivered to Copenhagen 23/08/25 ex B-3236
SAS Link has expanded its fleet with the delivery of an Embraer 190, registered SE-RSY (MSN 19000725). The aircraft, formerly operating as B-3236, arrived in Copenhagen on 23 August 2025. This addition strengthens SAS Link’s regional operations, offering greater flexibility and efficiency on short- to medium-haul routes across Scandinavia and Europe. The move aligns with the carrier’s strategy of optimising capacity with modern, fuel-efficient regional jets.
XA-DUR Airbus A330-202 c/n 1225 Awesome Cargo Ferried to Dresden 09/08/25 for P2F Conversion ex EI-EJJ
Awesome Cargo has positioned an Airbus A330-202, registered XA-DUR (MSN 1225), to Dresden on 9 August 2025 for passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion. Previously operating as EI-EJJ, the aircraft will join the carrier’s expanding freighter fleet once modifications are complete. The conversion marks a key step in Awesome Cargo’s strategy to boost its widebody cargo capacity, supporting growing demand for international freight services.
Global Aviation News
AIP Capital and BeYoke Capital Form Strategic Partnership
AIP Capital and Japan-based BeYoke Capital have announced a strategic partnership to source aircraft and engine investment opportunities for Japanese investors. The collaboration, unveiled on 28 August 2025 across Dublin, Stamford, and Tokyo, combines AIP’s expertise in asset-based finance with BeYoke’s aviation investment platform. The alliance aims to channel new capital into the sector, providing Japanese investors with enhanced access to aviation assets while supporting global fleet financing and growth.
Aleutian Airways Expands Service with New ATR Aircraft to Restore Vital Connectivity Across Alaska
Aleutian Airways has announced a significant expansion of its operations through a partnership with Argentum Airways, a Sterling Airways subsidiary. Leveraging the ATR-600 series aircraft, the collaboration aims to restore and strengthen essential air links across Alaska. With Argentum’s operational expertise and the ATR’s efficiency in challenging regional environments, the move provides a strategic solution to meet Alaska’s growing transportation needs, ensuring reliable connectivity for remote communities and supporting regional development.
Air Côte d’Ivoire Takes Delivery of Its First A330neo
Air Côte d’Ivoire has received its first Airbus A330-900, marking the introduction of widebody aircraft into its fleet. Configured in a four-class layout with First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, the A330neo will enable the carrier to expand beyond its 22 intra-African destinations. The aircraft is set to launch new long-haul routes, starting with Paris before extending to the Middle East and North America. This delivery represents a major milestone in positioning Air Côte d’Ivoire as a growing force in West and Central African aviation.
Argentina’s Paradox: Open Skies vs Union Power
Argentina’s aviation sector faces a stark paradox in 2025: record-breaking passenger growth alongside crippling labour unrest. The conflict runs deeper than pay disputes, reflecting a fundamental clash between advocates of liberalised open skies policies and powerful unions determined to protect their influence over the industry.
Air Lease Corporation Enters into Merger Agreement with Sumitomo, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo and Brookfield
Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) has announced a landmark merger agreement to be acquired by a newly formed Dublin-based holding company. The consortium, comprising Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds, and Brookfield, will purchase Air Lease at $65.00 per share in cash. The deal values the company at approximately $7.4 billion, or $28.2 billion including assumed debt and obligations. This transaction underscores Ireland’s central role in global aircraft leasing and marks a significant consolidation move within the industry, combining leading lessors and investors under one strategic platform.
Boeing Closes Last 737 MAX Shadow Factory
Boeing has officially closed its 737 MAX shadow factory in Moses Lake, Washington, marking the end of a significant chapter in the aircraft’s troubled history. The site was established during the 20-month grounding of the MAX following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, when Boeing continued production and ultimately stored up to 450 aircraft awaiting recertification. At its peak, around 250 of these aircraft were maintained and updated at Moses Lake. The final aircraft has now departed the facility, closing out a six-year process that highlights both the scale of Boeing’s recovery efforts and the lasting impact of the grounding on its production system.
Condor and JetBlue Expand Partnership with TrueBlue Loyalty Integration
Condor and JetBlue have deepened their long-standing partnership by integrating JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty programme into selected Condor flights, including key transatlantic routes. The enhancement allows TrueBlue members to earn and redeem points when flying with Condor, increasing value and choice for frequent travellers. The integration also strengthens connectivity: Condor customers gain seamless access to JetBlue’s extensive U.S., Caribbean, and Central American network via hubs in New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), while JetBlue passengers enjoy expanded options across Condor’s European destinations. This move underscores the airlines’ shared focus on convenience and loyalty-driven growth.
Copa Considers Dropping Max 10 Orders in Favour of Max 8 and 9s
Copa Airlines is re-evaluating its Boeing 737 MAX fleet strategy, with CEO Pedro Heilbron suggesting the carrier may forgo converting its 15 options for the larger MAX 10. Heilbron highlighted the airline’s satisfaction with its current balance of MAX 8s and MAX 9s, which he noted provide the right mix of efficiency and flexibility for Copa’s route network. While no final decision has been made, the comments indicate a potential shift in focus away from the yet-to-be-certified MAX 10 toward proven models better aligned with the Panamanian carrier’s operational needs.
Irish Aviation News
Joe Gill: A Seismic Aircraft Leasing Transaction Rooted in Ireland
The acquisition of Air Lease Corporation (ALC) by a consortium led by Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital has been described by analyst Joe Gill as a landmark moment for both the global leasing industry and Ireland’s aviation sector. ALC, founded in 2010 by industry pioneer Steven Udvar-Hazy, has grown to a fleet of 575 aircraft with 275 more on order. Gill emphasised that this “seismic” transaction not only reshapes the global lessor landscape but also reinforces Ireland’s central role in aircraft leasing, underlining the country’s strategic importance in a consolidating and highly competitive market.
Kerry Airport CEO John Mulhern Steps Down After Six-Year Term
John Mulhern has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Kerry Airport Ireland following a six-year tenure marked by significant progress. Under his leadership, the airport saw major infrastructure improvements and an expansion of its destination offering, positioning 2025 as one of its strongest operational years. Mulhern leaves behind a legacy of transformation, crediting the airport’s dedicated team for helping establish Kerry Airport as a vital regional gateway with growing connectivity and resilience.
Korean Plans for Direct Flight from Seoul to Dublin Could Boost Export Market Diversification
Korean Air is expected to pursue a new direct service between Seoul and Dublin, a development that would provide a significant boost to Ireland’s efforts to diversify export markets. Backed by the Korean government as part of the airline’s wider expansion strategy, the route would enhance connectivity between Ireland and one of Asia’s largest economies. Such a link could strengthen trade, tourism, and investment flows, aligning with the Irish Government’s strategy to broaden international market access beyond traditional partners.
Macedonian Government Rejects Ryanair’s “Impossible Demands”
Talks between Ryanair and the Macedonian government have collapsed, with officials branding the airline’s entry conditions as “impossible.” Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said Ryanair wanted exclusive use of both Skopje and Ohrid airports and demanded 35-minute turnaround times, a requirement that would necessitate hiring hundreds of additional staff.
New Aer Lingus Flights Drive Surge in Irish Visitors to Malta
Malta has emerged as a top destination for Irish travellers in the first half of 2025, with new Aer Lingus services fuelling a sharp rise in demand. According to the Malta Tourism Authority, 41,945 visitors from Ireland travelled to Malta between January and June, representing a 77% increase compared with the same period in 2024, when 23,593 visitors were recorded. The strong growth underlines the impact of expanded connectivity on travel trends, highlighting Malta’s growing appeal as a leisure destination for Irish holidaymakers.
Northern Ireland’s Airports Record Passenger Decline in Q2 2025
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s latest figures show a dip in performance across Northern Ireland’s three airports: Belfast International, Belfast City, and City of Derry during Q2 2025. Passenger traffic fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024, and 1.2% below 2019 levels. This marks a reversal of Q1’s positive trend, when all three airports had recorded growth against both 2024 and pre-pandemic benchmarks, raising concerns about the region’s air connectivity momentum mid-year.
Ryanair Sees Strong Loads on Girona–Sarajevo Route
Ryanair has reported solid performance on its new Girona–Sarajevo service, which launched on 31 March 2025. July saw a notable uptick, with 3,087 passengers carried and a cabin load factor of 90.7%. Across the first four months of operations, the route has handled 13,391 travellers, averaging an occupancy rate of 80.5%. The figures highlight growing demand and operational momentum on the carrier’s latest addition to its European network.
Saudi Tourism Authority UK & Ireland Roadshow 2025
The Saudi Tourism Authority brought its 2025 UK & Ireland Roadshow to Dublin, showcasing the Kingdom’s expanding tourism offering to Irish travel professionals. The event featured leading Saudi partners highlighting new destinations, cultural experiences, and investment in infrastructure designed to attract international visitors. The roadshow emphasised Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a premier global tourism hub, with Ireland playing a key role in building awareness and strengthening travel trade partnerships.
Statement by the Chairman and CEO of Aena, Maurici Lucena, on the announcement by Ryanair
Aena Chairman and CEO Maurici Lucena has delivered a strong rebuke of Ryanair, contrasting the airline’s operational excellence with what he described as a “dishonest” communications policy. Lucena criticised Ryanair’s tactics of cutting flights, demanding resignations of political leaders, and calling for changes in laws to its advantage, arguing that the airline seeks to bend democratic decision-making to corporate interests. He emphasised that such behaviour undermines the “general interest” that governments are meant to protect.
Tweet Picks
@eoghancorry Ryanair August passengers numbers a record 21m, up 2.4pc on 2024 and 40.9pc on pre pandemic. Rolling annual up 6pc to 203.6m, growth would have been higher but for Boeing delays on last of 737-8 aircraft on order. Load factor an industry leading 96pc, same as July, up 2pc on 2024.
@FutureFlightAIN Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has acquired an electric aircraft charger from Beta Technologies, marking the company’s first charger sale in Canada.
@jonostrower NEWS (via TAC/Intel our upcoming service from @theaircurrent ): FAA has granted Boeing and the 777-9 clearance to begin Type Inspection Authorization phase 2D tests, which will focus on community noise eval in Montana. Phase 3 still a ways off, but progress continues for the 777X.
@LeehamNews Ortberg becomes more cautious about 737 MAX production ramp timing.
Video Picks
Etihad Airways CEO on its New Routes and Expansion Plans
In this interview, Etihad Airways’ CEO outlines the carrier’s ambitious growth strategy, focusing on new route launches and expanding global connectivity. The discussion highlights Etihad’s efforts to strengthen its position in key markets, enhance its fleet efficiency, and invest in customer service innovation. The CEO also underscores how the airline is aligning its network expansion with broader sustainability goals, ensuring future growth is both competitive and responsible.
Frontier Adds Flights from Charlotte to Detroit, South Florida
This video covers Frontier Airlines’ latest network expansion, adding flights from Charlotte to Detroit and key destinations in South Florida. The move is part of the carrier’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in major U.S. markets while targeting high-demand leisure routes. The discussion highlights Frontier’s low-cost positioning, competitive fares, and the airline’s ambition to capture more passengers in both business and holiday segments.
How Flying Direct from Salt Lake Can Cost You More Than a Connecting Flight
This video explores the surprising reality that flying nonstop from Salt Lake City can often be more expensive than booking a connecting flight to the same destination. It examines the factors driving these pricing differences, including airline competition, hub dynamics, and demand patterns. The feature provides valuable insights into how travellers can save money by comparing flight options, even if that means adding a stop along the way.
Acumen’s Take
This edition reflects the aviation sector’s dual momentum of consolidation and expansion. On one hand, major mergers and acquisitions are reshaping leasing and finance, reinforcing Ireland’s role as a global hub. On the other, airlines worldwide continue to adapt their fleets, networks, and partnerships to balance efficiency with growth opportunities. Regional markets remain dynamic, with both challenges and opportunities in connectivity, labour, and policy. Overall, the industry shows resilience and adaptability, with sustainability, innovation, and strategic alignment driving its future direction.
